Arpeggio Lines in Piano Music

by Michelle
(Spokane, WA)

What are the differences in the arpeggios with squiggley lines next to them? Some go all the way up both signatures and others only one hand. Are there different ways to do each?

ANSWER

Hi, Michelle--

The arpeggio markings that continuously through both staves indicate that you arpeggiate the chord from the bottom note to the top note with the left hand playing first and then the right
hand.

The lines that go through one staff, then break and through the other staff indicate to play both hands at the same time--lowest note to highest note.

For more information about arpeggios, please visit our Absolutely Free Piano Lessons.

Best Wishes,
Lynne