Arpeggio
An arpeggio plays the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously, creating a melodic pattern from harmonic material. In EDM, arpeggiators generate driving 16th-note patterns and hypnotic leads. Syncing the arpeggiator rate to BPM creates locked, rhythmically coherent movement that drives the groove.
Arpeggios transform static chords into rhythmic, melodic sequences. A C major chord (C-E-G) arpeggiated upward in 16th notes at 128 BPM becomes a driving rhythmic pattern that simultaneously defines the harmony and adds movement.
Arpeggiator parameters: - Rate: How fast notes cycle (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 notes—always sync to BPM). - Direction: Up, down, up/down (ping-pong), or random for different feel. - Octave range: Spanning 1–4 octaves creates a more dynamic pattern. - Gate: Note length—short gate creates a staccato pluck feel; long gate creates a more legato, sustained arpeggio.
Arpeggios are central to trance music: the driving 16th-note supersaw arpeggio is a genre signature. In progressive house, longer arpeggio patterns (8-16 notes) create hypnotic, evolving melodies. Avicii frequently used arpeggiated patterns in synths to drive energy during buildups before transitioning to chordal hits in the drop.