Arpeggios and Chord Tones

Summary

Arpeggios and chord tones describe the individual notes that make up a chord. Rather than treating chords as static shapes, this guide focuses on understanding how harmony is built from single notes and how those notes create direction, stability, and movement in music. These ideas apply directly to bass lines, melodies, and guitar parts across many styles.

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Arpeggios and Chord Tones

What Chord Tones Are

Chord tones are the notes that define a chord. These typically include the root, third, and fifth, with additional tones added depending on the harmony. When played one at a time, these notes outline the chord without needing to strum or play all notes simultaneously.

What Arpeggios Are

An arpeggio is the act of playing chord tones individually instead of together. Arpeggios allow harmony to be expressed melodically and are a primary way bass players and guitarists navigate chord progressions with clarity.

Hearing Harmony Through Notes

Arpeggios help train the ear to recognize harmony as motion rather than shape. Each chord tone has a function and emotional weight. Learning to hear how these notes relate to the underlying chord improves note choice and phrasing.

Application on Bass and Guitar

On bass, chord tones define harmony and guide transitions between chords. On guitar, arpeggios clarify harmonic movement and create melodic lines within rhythm parts or lead playing. In both cases, the goal is understanding function, not memorizing patterns.

Supplemental Learning

The following resource reinforces chord tone awareness and arpeggio construction in a clear, beginner-friendly format.

musictheory.net – Chords