What is an arpeggio?
Q: What is an arpeggio?
A: An arpeggio is a group of notes in a chord which are played one after the other, instead of all at the same time.
Q: Where does the word "arpeggio" come from?
A: The word arpeggio comes from the Italian word arpeggiare, which means "to play on a harp".
Q: Are there different kinds of arpeggios?
A: Yes, there are many different kinds of arpeggios. They can be played as part of music examinations for piano and string instruments.
Q: What is an "arpeggiated chord"?
A: An "arpeggiated chord" means a chord which is "spread". This means that the notes do not start exactly at the same time. It is sometimes called arpeggiato or rolled chord.
Q: How is an arpeggiated chord written?
A: An arpeggiated chord is written with a wiggly line going from top to bottom in front of the chord. It usually goes from lowest to highest note but occasionally composers may ask for them to be played from top to bottom, shown by adding an arrow pointing down.
Q: How can guitarists and banjo players use arpegios?
A: Guitarists sometimes play arpegios instead of strumming, and banjo players often use them as well.
Q: Is Bach's Prelude in C made up of many different Arpegios?
A: Yes, Bach's Prelude in C (Bach C Major Prelude Werckmeister) consists mostly of different Arpegios.
