Have you ever wondered how musicians create those flowing, cascading sounds in music? This article will explore arpeggios, a simple yet powerful technique that can transform your compositions.
What is an Arpeggio?
An arpeggio is a chord played one note at a time. Instead of playing all notes simultaneously, you spread them out in sequence, creating a distinctive sound.
Often called “broken chords,” arpeggios let musicians explore chord structures in detail. By playing each note separately, you can highlight specific qualities of a chord and add movement to your music.
How to Play an Arpeggio
Playing an arpeggio might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Let’s break it down into 3 easy steps:
- Choose your chord: Pick any chord you like — a simple triad, a jazzy seventh chord, or even something more complex with extended notes.
- Identify the notes: Figure out which notes make up your chosen chord. A simple way to achieve this is to input your chord into Hookpad and press “Guides.” You’ll see a visual representation of the chord structure.
- Play it out: Find these notes on your instrument and play them one at a time, in any order you prefer.
Let’s use I (in the Key of C Major). Once you’ve located C, E, and G on your instrument, try playing each note individually in different sequences. Congratulations — you’re playing an arpeggio! 👏
Tip: Try experimenting with different rhythms and orders to create unique melodic patterns within your arpeggio. This can add depth and interest to your playing.
Practical Applications of Arpeggios
Arpeggios are useful musical tools that can enhance your compositions. Think of them like melodic versions of chords that allow you to:
- Add texture to chord progressions
- Create melodies
- Develop solos
In the following sections, we’ll look at how to use arpeggios on guitar and piano. You’ll learn techniques to improve your accompaniment and solo performances.
Arpeggios on Guitar
You’ve likely played arpeggios on your guitar without realizing it. Let’s explore a simple example:
If you’ve played a iii chord in open position, you can easily transform it into an arpeggio. Simply pluck each string individually from lowest to highest (E, G, and B). Use your thumb for the bass strings and your fingers for the treble strings. This technique turns a basic chord into a flowing, melodic arpeggio.
Arpeggios in Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”
This technique isn’t just for beginners. In fact, it’s the foundation of one of the most iconic intros in rock history. Remember the haunting opening of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters?” James Hetfield uses this exact arpeggio technique to create a memorable and emotionally charged intro.
Arpeggios in Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”
The iconic intro to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” also showcases how arpeggios can create unforgettable melodies. Notice here how arpeggios form the foundation of an entire musical phrase.
In this particular intro, the entire melody comes from the notes of the chords. It’s remarkable how you can create a beautiful melody by simply playing the notes from a chord progression in the “right” order.
Let’s break down why this arpeggio-based melody is so effective:
- Chord-based melody: The entire melody is derived from the notes of the underlying chords. It’s clear that arpeggios can create very compelling melodies.
- Focus on high notes: The melody emphasizes the highest notes of each arpeggio, creating a sense of progression and movement that brings the listeners on a journey.
- Rich chord structures: Using seventh chords and non-standard bass notes adds depth and variety to the sound.
Creating an interesting and rich melody with arpeggios of basic triads on guitar can take some exploration, so it’s worth spending time experimenting with new sounds. This will quickly elevate both solo playing and compositions.
Tip: In Hookpad, drag and drop chords, then use “Guides” to visualize notes and create smooth arpeggios from your chords!
Arpeggios in “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
Arpeggios aren’t limited to rock music. They’re also prevalent in pop, as demonstrated in the intro of “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur.
This intro showcases two interesting arpeggio techniques:
- Tonic arpeggio repetition: The motif, based on the tonic chord (B♭) arpeggio, repeats over different chords in the progression. This creates tension as some notes become dissonant against the changing chords.
- Adaptive final note: The last note of each motif changes to match the current chord’s arpeggio. In the final motif, all notes shift to fit the VImaj⁷ arpeggio.
This technique is a simple yet effective approach you can try in your own music.
Arpeggios in Guitar Solos
Arpeggios can be tricky to use in solos due to their limited number of notes. Here are some practical tips to make your arpeggio-based solos more interesting:
- Mix arpeggios with scales: Alternate between stable arpeggio notes (in the chord) and unstable scale notes (outside the chord) for added variety.
- Use clever techniques: To create a solo using only arpeggios, try these approaches demonstrated in Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” solo:
- Play arpeggios over chords, like power chords
- Vary the rhythm and length of your motifs
- Change the starting note of your arpeggios (e.g., fifth, third, or tonic)
- Mix it up by playing two arpeggios in one measure
Arpeggios on Piano
Arpeggios are a staple in piano playing, and you’ve likely used them without realizing it.
Here’s how arpeggios are commonly applied on piano:
- Left hand: As accompaniment to right-hand melodies
- Right hand: While the left-hand plays chords or bass, complementing other instruments
Arpeggios in Adele’s “Someone Like You”
Let’s examine a practical example: Adele’s “Someone Like You.” This song effectively uses right-hand arpeggios:
In this song, the arpeggio serves as an accompaniment to the vocals. Here’s how it’s structured:
- First chord: Plays notes in order from tonic to fifth and back
- Second chord: Starts the arpeggio from the third instead of the tonic
- Third chord: Omits the third, playing only the tonic and fifth for variety
- Fourth chord: Includes the third but omits the fifth
This example demonstrates two key techniques to make arpeggios more interesting:
- Vary the starting note of your arpeggio
- Skip specific notes and reintroduce them later (or vice versa)
Arpeggios in Coldplay’s “Clocks”
Coldplay’s “Clocks” provides another example of arpeggios in piano accompaniment. In this song, the arpeggio takes center stage.
Arpeggios in Piano Soloing
When it comes to creating piano solos using arpeggios, many of the techniques we discussed for guitar soloing apply here as well. Let’s explore how to effectively incorporate arpeggios into your piano solos.
A common approach is to alternate between arpeggios and scales. This technique adds variety to your solo and prevents the sound from becoming stale. Remember, while arpeggios are usually consonant with the background chord, varying your rhythm and playing style can keep things interesting – much like we saw in the Metallica solo example.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with arpeggios in your solos. Even if you’re using broken chords briefly, they can add a unique flavor to your playing. As long as you’re playing only the notes of the chord — regardless of the order — you’re technically playing an arpeggio.
Let’s look at a great example of arpeggio use in melody creation: the intro to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.”
The intro consists of two distinct motifs, functioning as a musical question and answer:
- The first motif is a straightforward arpeggio of the underlying chord. It starts from the third, uses all three notes of the arpeggio, and spans an octave. Interestingly, Elton John adds tension by using a note outside the arpeggio for the final note, creating a sense of incompleteness.
- The second motif uses only arpeggio notes but avoids the tonic. This subtle variation creates a stronger sense of closure, thanks to the absence of dissonant notes relative to the chord.
Simple and genius!
If you’re interested in more advanced arpeggio techniques for piano soloing, consider exploring “runs.” A run is a quick melodic phrase you can incorporate into your solos. Many piano runs are based on arpeggios, offering a way to add speed and flair to your playing.
There are numerous online resources available to help you master these techniques. This YouTube tutorial covers various piano runs and riffs, including arpeggio-based runs (check out the second example in the video).
Remember, practice and experimentation are key to effective arpeggio use in piano soloing. Start with these techniques, but don’t be afraid to develop your own unique style as you become more comfortable.
Summary
Arpeggios are versatile tools that can enhance your instrumental accompaniment and help you create engaging intros, riffs, and solos. They’re essential for any musician looking to expand their musical repertoire.
To deepen your understanding of arpeggios, try analyzing the music you love. The TheoryTab database (one of Hooktheory’s free resources with over 50,000 song analyses) can help you visualize chords and notes in your favorite songs, making it easier to spot arpeggio patterns.
Tip: When exploring song analyses in the TheoryTab database, turn on the “Guides” option to see the underlying notes in each chord.
We hope this guide has been helpful. Keep practicing and experimenting with arpeggios!
