noun
arpeggio
ahr-PEJ-ee-oh
Arpeggio (noun) means the notes of a chord played one after another instead of all at once, often starting with the lowest note and rising. Example: “The pianist opened the piece with a rippling arpeggio.”
noun
1
music The notes of a chord played one after another instead of all at once, often starting with the lowest note and rising.
"The pianist opened the piece with a rippling arpeggio."
"She practiced her C major arpeggios every morning."
"The guitarist played the chord as an arpeggio to soften the sound."
How to use arpeggio
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chord played one note at a time instead of all together.
When to use it
It is a standard music term used by players and teachers.
Memory tip
Remember that the word comes from a harp-playing verb, since harpists often play chords this way.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
play an arpeggio
piano arpeggios
practice arpeggios
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The pianist opened the piece with a rippling _____.
Etymology
English borrowed arpeggio from Italian. The Italian word comes from arpeggiare, meaning "to play a harp".
Synonyms
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broken chord
Rhymes for arpeggio
See all rhymes for arpeggio →Frequently asked questions
What is an arpeggio in music?
An arpeggio is a chord whose notes are played one at a time rather than together. Often the player starts low and climbs upward.
What is the plural of arpeggio?
The plural is arpeggios or arpeggi.
How do you pronounce arpeggio?
It is pronounced ahr-PEJ-ee-oh, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the meaning of arpeggio?
"arpeggio" (noun) means the notes of a chord played one after another instead of all at once, often starting with the lowest note and rising.
