I just came across an answer in another thread which made me wonder: What is the difference between a broken chord and an arpeggio?
Thanks!

I believe the octave notes sandwich the arpeggio where as the broken chord there is not octave sandwich. Happy

Don't hold me on this...

Here's a picture of an arpeggio



A broken chord is played pretty much as it would be solidly, even if it's an inversion.

However, an arpgeggio can be played all over the place and going back on itself in the process.

A broken chord...CEG, can be played: C...E...G
Or G...C....E or E....G.....C

An arpeggio - the same chord C Major
Can be played:

C.....G.....E.....G or
G....C....G....C.....E....C.....E
(the possibilities are pretty much endless)

In other words, an arpgeggio can be split in different ways and repeated as such.

Whereas a broken chord is just played one note after the other in sucession as it would be as a solid chord.

I think the two terms are used to mean the same thing. Now I've really confused you.

Sorry.


Kathleen

an arpeggio is a broken chord in octaves

a broken chord may or may not be sandwiched betw/ octaves.

If you are refering to the "squigly line" thread, then there really is no difference. Two different names for the same thing, at least according to my music dictionary.

There's no standard definition, but when people talk broken chord they usually mean that the arpeggiation stays within an octave (within a "reachable" chord.)

Thanks again everybody!