Understanding arpeggios and Alberti bass
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use triadic harmony to add arpeggios and an alberti bass to a ground bass pattern.
Key learning points
- Arpeggios and Alberti bass patterns are a variation on the triad chord.
- Arpeggios and Alberti bass patterns can be used to add interest to an existing chord sequence and ground bass.
- The Alberti bass has a distinctive, specific pattern.
- Playing arpeggios and an Alberti bass and added one or both to a ground bass pattern.
Keywords
Arpeggio - A group of notes from a chord played one after the other, either ascending or descending
Alberti bass - A group of notes rom a chord played in a specific pattern of lowest note, highest note, middle note, highest note
Octave - an interval of eight notes, e.g. a C and the next C (higher or lower) are an octave apart
Common misconception
An Alberti bass is the notes of the triad played in any order.
An Alberti bass has a specfic, distinctive pattern which uses the lowest note, highest note, middle note, highest note of the triad in that order.
Teacher tip
Alberti bass and arpeggios are used to encourage development of ideas. Pupils can use other rhythms and patterns to extend their pattern but should be encouraged to use a consistent pattern for each chord. Pupils could also play the pattern in the right hand and the ground bass in the left.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
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