Which term describes notes of a chord played in sequence rather than simultaneously?

Which term describes notes of a chord played in sequence rather than simultaneously?

• A. Arpeggiation
• B. Ostinato
• C. Ground bass
• D. Blocked chords

Answer: (A)

Arpeggiation describes notes of a chord played in sequence rather than simultaneously. This creates a rolling, harp-like effect as the chord tones are sounded one after the other, usually from bottom to top (and sometimes in reverse). In notation, you might see a wavy arpeggio sign before the chord to indicate this spread. This differs from an ostinato, which is a repeating rhythmic or melodic figure; a ground bass, which is a repeating bass line; and blocked chords, where all the notes of the chord are struck at the same time.

Arpeggiation describes notes of a chord played in sequence rather than simultaneously. This creates a rolling, harp-like effect as the chord tones are sounded one after the other, usually from bottom to top (and sometimes in reverse). In notation, you might see a wavy arpeggio sign before the chord to indicate this spread.

This differs from an ostinato, which is a repeating rhythmic or melodic figure; a ground bass, which is a repeating bass line; and blocked chords, where all the notes of the chord are struck at the same time.