Meaning of Broken Chord in Music
A broken chord is a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played individually in a progressive rising or descending order, rather than being played simultaneously. It is also referred to as a melodicized chord. Broken chords are often used to create a flowing or rippling effect in music. Unlike arpeggios, which are represented by a single chord preceded by a vertical wavy-like character, broken chords are written as a sequence of separate notes that clearly outline a chord.
For example, consider the guitar introduction to the Beatles' song "I Feel Fine." Although often characterized as an "arpeggiated riff," it is actually a well-defined sequence of broken chords falling predictably through a secondary progression.
In musical notation, a very rapid arpeggiated chord may be written with a wavy vertical line in front of the chord. Typically, these are read as being played from the lowest to highest note, although composers may specify a high to low sequence by adding an arrow pointing down.
To summarize, a broken chord is a sequence of separate notes that clearly outline a chord, played individually in a progressive rising or descending order.
A chord in which the notes are not played simultaneously but rather they are played successively. Also called arpeggio.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [Italian] arpeggio
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