The Complete Guide to Piano Arpeggios
Learn to play and practice arpeggios with our simplified, practical approach
What are piano arpeggios, and why are they important?
Arpeggios are an essential technique in piano playing that involve playing the notes of a chord individually, one after the other, rather than all at once. In other words, an arpeggio is a broken chord. When played on the piano, arpeggios can add a sense of movement, fluidity, and richness to a piece of music. Arpeggios can be played in a variety of patterns, such as ascending or descending, and can be used in a wide range of musical styles, from classical to jazz to pop.
Learning to play arpeggios is an important skill for any pianist, as it provides a vital familiarity with some of the most common patterns seen in music, and also helps to build finger dexterity, hand coordination, and overall musicianship.
VIDEO: Introduction to piano arpeggios
How piano arpeggios are constructed
At their core, arpeggios are chords, and even though they are played as a sequence of notes that can span a large distance on the piano, it’s important to visualize them as single chords.
Piano arpeggios in the 12 major keys
First, we’ll cover arpeggios in all the major keys on the piano.
Piano arpeggios in the 12 minor keys
Now we’ll cover the minor key arpeggios.
Arpeggios are an essential component of piano technique, and practicing and playing them can bring numerous benefits to pianists of all levels.
First and foremost, arpeggios are great for developing finger dexterity, hand coordination, and overall technical proficiency on the piano. Consistent practice of arpeggios can help you build strength, agility, and precision in your playing, which can be applied to many other aspects of piano technique.
In addition to improving technique, arpeggios can also improve your understanding of music theory and harmony. By playing arpeggios, you’ll start to hear and feel the relationship between the notes of a chord, as well as the tension and resolution that occurs when chords are played in succession. This understanding can be applied to pieces of music, and make you better at recognizing chord progressions and harmonic patterns.
Moreover, fluid and controlled arpeggios add a sense of movement, fluidity, and richness to your playing. There are countless arpeggio patterns and variations to explore, from simple triads to complex seventh chords and other combinations. Overall, studying arpeggios gives you a chance to truly expand your technical toolbox, understand what you’re playing on a deeper level, and refine your skills as a musician.