Piano scales

Scales source and guide for musicians

Piano arpeggios

Arpeggios offering both a way to explore harmony and develop finger dexterity. Unlike block chords, which are played with all notes simultaneously, arpeggios are played sequentially, creating a flowing effect.

For the arpeggio technique, the notes of a chord are broken up and played one at a time, typically in ascending or descending order. C major arpeggio, for example, consists of the notes C, E, G, and C (one octave higher). But you aren’t limited to a certain span of keys, of course, since arpeggios can be played over the whole keyboard. You can enrich the outcome by experiment with different rhythmic patterns and articulations.

Piano arpeggio tool

This interactive arpeggio reference and learning tool is designed to help you find the arpeggios you need. The virtual piano highlights the correct notes for each arpeggio, allowing you to see their placement across the keyboard. Although the tool only presents two octaves – you would probably not prefer an 88 key keyboard with very the tiny notes (especially if you are using a mobile!), the patterns are the same regardless of the position on the keyboard.

You can choose from a wide range of arpeggios, including major, minor, diminished and augmented chords. Select different root notes to explore all 12 keys. Vary between left and right hand is also a great idea.

Why learn arpeggios?

Mastering arpeggios is one way to accomplish fluency on the instrument. It bridges the gap between theory and practice and allowing you to improve hand independence and technical control as well as strengthen finger agility for faster, smoother playing.

By practicing arpeggios, you can by time starting to create beautiful, flowing sound in your music.