Music Term
What is an arpeggio?
Definition
An arpeggio is the playing of the notes of a chord in succession rather than simultaneously -- a broken chord played one note at a time, ascending or descending.
Arpeggio in music -- explained
The word derives from the Italian arpa (harp) -- reflecting the harp's natural tendency to play notes in sequence rather than simultaneously. An arpeggio takes a chord (three or more notes) and spreads it across time: instead of striking all three notes of a C major chord at once, the player plays C, E, G in sequence (ascending arpeggio) or G, E, C (descending). Arpeggios are used to add movement and texture to harmonic support, to create melodic interest from chord shapes, and as a technical exercise to develop dexterity. In electronic music, arpeggiators (hardware and software devices) automatically cycle through a chord's notes in patterns at rhythmic intervals -- a staple sound in synth-pop and new wave. Guitar picking patterns that arpeggiate chord shapes are a fundamental technique in folk, classical, and fingerstyle playing. Bass players often arpeggiate chords to create melodic bass lines from harmonic foundations.
Notable examples of an arpeggio
Clocks -- Coldplay
The piano introduction is an arpeggio of a Bb major chord that runs throughout the song as an ostinato.
Stairway to Heaven -- Led Zeppelin
The opening acoustic guitar figure arpeggiated a complex chord sequence, introducing one of rock's most recognisable introductions.
Mad World -- Tears for Fears
The synth arpeggiator figure cycling through the chord sequence is the song's defining textural element.
Related music terms
Frequently asked questions
- What is an arpeggio in music?
- An arpeggio is the playing of the notes of a chord in succession rather than simultaneously -- a broken chord played one note at a time, ascending or descending.
- What is an example of an arpeggio?
- A well-known example is Clocks by Coldplay: The piano introduction is an arpeggio of a Bb major chord that runs throughout the song as an ostinato.
- How is an arpeggio used in music?
- The word derives from the Italian arpa (harp) -- reflecting the harp's natural tendency to play notes in sequence rather than simultaneously. An arpeggio takes a chord (three or more notes) and spreads it across time: instead of striking all three notes of a C major chord at once, the player plays C, E, G in sequence (ascending arpeggio) or G, E, C (descending).
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