Arpeggios and Broken Chords

Introduction

An arpeggio is a chord whose notes are played one at a time instead of simultaneously. Broken chords are similar patterns that outline harmony in a flowing, melodic way. These techniques are essential for piano accompaniment, creating texture, and building finger dexterity.

What Is an Arpeggio?

An arpeggio breaks a chord into its individual notes, played in sequence (usually ascending and then descending).

Basic Arpeggio Pattern

For a C major chord:
- Ascending: C-E-G-C-E-G-C…
- Descending: C-G-E-C-G-E-C…

Arpeggio Intervals

• Major arpeggio: Root - Major 3rd - Perfect 5th (C-E-G)
• Minor arpeggio: Root - Minor 3rd - Perfect 5th (C-Eb-G)
• Dominant 7th arpeggio: Root - Major 3rd - Perfect 5th - Minor 7th (C-E-G-Bb)

Broken Chord Patterns

Alberti Bass

The Alberti bass is one of the most common broken chord patterns:
- Pattern: Bottom - Top - Middle - Top
- Example in C major: C-G-E-G-C-G-E-G
- Named after composer Domenico Alberti, it creates a flowing accompaniment texture.
- Found in thousands of classical pieces, including Mozart’s piano sonatas.

Upward Broken

Bottom - Middle - Top: C-E-G-C-E-G
- Creates a sense of rising, building energy.

Downward Broken

Top - Middle - Bottom: C-G-E-C-G-E
- Creates a sense of falling, settling energy.

Alternating

Bottom - Top - Middle - Top - Bottom - Middle
- Creates a wave-like motion, very fluid and natural.

Technique for Arpeggios

Thumb-Under

The thumb must pass under the fingers to extend the arpeggio across multiple octaves:
1. Play C (1) - E (2) - G (3)
2. Tuck thumb under to C (1)
3. Continue: E (2) - G (3) - C (4) or (5)

Finger-Over

For descending arpeggios, fingers cross over the thumb:
1. Play C (5) - G (4) - E (3) - C (1)
2. Cross finger 3 or 4 over to G
3. Continue: E (3) - C (2) - G (1)…

Wrist Movement

The wrist should move fluidly with the arpeggio, guiding the hand across the keyboard. Avoid locking the wrist or forcing the thumb under — the motion should be natural.

Practical Exercise

1. Play C major arpeggio, 2 octaves, hands separate.
2. Play C minor arpeggio, 2 octaves.
3. Play Alberti bass in C major: C-G-E-G x8.
4. Play upward broken chords in all 12 major keys.
5. Combine: play a melody with the right hand while the left hand plays Alberti bass.

Conclusion

Arpeggios and broken chords are the fabric of piano accompaniment. They transform static chords into flowing music. Master these patterns, and you can accompany any melody with beauty and fluidity.