Arpeggio

An arpeggio is a type of broken chord in which the notes that compose a chord are individually sounded in a progressive rising or descending order. The word “arpeggio” comes from the Italian word “arpeggiare,” which means “to play like a harp.”

What Makes an Arpeggio

While chords are played with all notes sounding simultaneously, arpeggios break those same notes into a melodic sequence. This creates a flowing, lyrical sound that’s fundamental to many musical styles.

Key characteristics:

• Uses the same notes as the parent chord
• Notes are played individually, not together
• Can ascend, descend, or use mixed patterns
• Creates melodic movement from harmonic material

Basic Arpeggio Patterns

Guitar Arpeggios

Simple C Major Arpeggio (using open strings):

e|--------0-----------------|
B|------1---1---------------|
G|----0-------0-------------|
D|--2-----------------------|
A|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|

This pattern plays C - E - G - C (the notes of C major chord) in ascending order.

Fingerpicking Pattern:

• Use thumb (T) for bass notes (lower strings)
• Use index (I), middle (M), ring (A) fingers for higher strings
• Common pattern: T-I-M-A for four-note arpeggios

Piano Arpeggios

Right Hand C Major Arpeggio:

• Ascending: C - E - G - C (using fingers 1-2-3-5)
• Descending: C - G - E - C (using fingers 5-3-2-1)

Left Hand C Major Arpeggio:

• Ascending: C - E - G - C (using fingers 5-3-2-1)
• Descending: C - G - E - C (using fingers 1-2-3-5)

Common Arpeggio Types

Major Arpeggios

Built from major chords using root, major third, and perfect fifth:

• C Major: C - E - G
• G Major: G - B - D
• F Major: F - A - C

Minor Arpeggios

Built from minor chords using root, minor third, and perfect fifth:

• A Minor: A - C - E
• E Minor: E - G - B
• D Minor: D - F - A

Seventh Arpeggios

Include the seventh note for more sophisticated sound:

• Cmaj7: C - E - G - B
• Am7: A - C - E - G
• G7: G - B - D - F

Playing Techniques

Guitar

• Alternate picking - Down and up strokes for even tone
• Fingerstyle - Individual finger control for each string
• Sweep picking - Advanced technique for rapid arpeggios
• Legato - Smooth connection between notes

Piano

• Wrist rotation - Gentle circular motion for fluid playing
• Finger independence - Each finger moves clearly and separately
• Pedaling - Use sustain pedal to connect notes smoothly
• Dynamic control - Vary volume for musical expression

Musical Applications

Accompaniment Patterns

Arpeggios create flowing accompaniment behind melodies:

• Waltz style - Bass note on beat 1, arpeggio on beats 2-3
• Ballad style - Gentle, sustained arpeggios throughout

Melodic Development

Transform chord progressions into melodic lines:

• Use arpeggio notes as foundation for improvisation
• Connect different chord arpeggios to create longer phrases

Classical and Fingerstyle

Essential technique in:

• Classical guitar repertoire
• Fingerstyle arrangements of popular songs
• Piano études and technical studies

Practice Strategies

Start Simple

• Begin with major and minor triads only
• Use slow tempo until finger patterns are secure
• Practice ascending and descending separately

Pattern Development

• Learn common fingering patterns that work across multiple chords
• Practice the same arpeggio pattern on different chord types
• Gradually increase tempo while maintaining clean articulation

Musical Context

• Practice arpeggios within actual song progressions
• Combine with chord playing for complete arrangements
• Listen to how professional musicians use arpeggios in different styles

Arpeggios bridge the gap between harmonic and melodic playing, making them essential for developing both technical skill and musical understanding on any instrument.