arpeggio

/ɑrˌpɛdʒiˈoʊ/

Other forms: arpeggios

An arpeggio is a series of increasing or decreasing notes played one after another, rather than all together as a chord. When musicians are first learning an instrument, they often practice arpeggios.

String instruments commonly play arpeggios, especially violins and violas. You can also play an arpeggio on a banjo, bass guitar, or a keyboard instrument like a piano. It's also possible to sing an arpeggio, emphasizing each individual note. The word is Italian, from arpeggiare, "to play upon the harp," and ultimately from arpa, or "harp."

Definitions of arpeggio

1. noun

   a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously
   type of:

   chord

   a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together