Arpeggiation

Arpeggiation is the technique of playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously. An arpeggio is the chord formed by sounding its notes in succession; arpeggiation refers to the act or process of performing such figures. The term comes from the Italian arpeggio, from arpa meaning “harp,” reflecting the harp-like roll across strings.

Notated music often indicates arpeggiation with a vertical wavy line preceding the chord. The line typically suggests playing the notes quickly from the lowest to the highest pitch, but direction and speed can vary according to context or explicit markings such as arpeggiando or arpegg. The effect can be a rapid spread of a chord or a more pronounced rolled-chord gesture depending on tempo and style.

Arpeggiation is used across many instruments and genres. On piano, it creates a rolled chord effect in the accompaniment or in accompaniment figures. On guitar, arpeggio patterns are common in many styles, executed by plucking strings in sequence rather than strumming. Harp and string players exploit arpeggiation naturally, while composers use it to introduce motion within harmony, connect chords, or enrich texture. It can function as a melodic device when notes of a chord outline a line.

In music theory, arpeggiation contrasts with playing all chord tones simultaneously. Related terms include arpeggio (the fragment sounded) and broken chord (a broader family of figures based on sequential notes).