Arpeggios and chords

What is a chord?

A chord is when three or more musical notes are played at the same time (simultaneously). Using the above piano widget (click once on the widget's piano key first), try playing:

Z-C-B representing "do-mi-sol" on the widget (by simultaneously pressing these 3-keys on your computer keyboard). This is the C-Major chord.

All the music we listened to comprised of musical chords.

What is an arpeggio?

An arpeggio is also known as a 'broken chord'. It is when notes within a chord are played in rapid succession or, in sequence one after the other. Using the widget and the same chords previously, try this:

Z-C-B but this time press the keyboard keys one at a time, as fast as you can.

Here's a real life example of modern music with an arpeggio using the guitar.



Notice the repeating guitar notes being played from the start of the song.

On another note, the song is really beautiful with its atmospheric guitar texture, which builds and builds to a climax.