Chords and arpeggios in sheet music

Example of chord in sheet music

In sheet music, the chords are represented as follows:

chords in sheet music

In this example, the notes G, B and D (if considered in the Treble clef) will be played together.

Differentiation between chords and arpeggios in sheet music

When the chord is accompanied by this symbol:

arpeggio in sheet music

You must play one note at a time, as this symbol represents the “arpeggio“. Since the staff is read from bottom to top, the first note you will have to play on this arpeggio is the G note, then B and then D. Although they do not have the legato sign, you should play these notes tightly together.

Go to: How to sight read

Back to: Sheet music guide