Arpeggio

Typically these are read as to be played from the lowest to highest note, though composers may specify a high to low sequence by adding an arrow pointing down.

Arpeggios are also used to help create rhythmic interest, or as melodic ornamentation in the lead or accompaniment.

Along with scales, arpeggios are a form of basic technical exercise that students use to develop intonation and technique.

In early video game music, arpeggios were often the only way to play a chord since sound hardware usually had a very limited number of oscillators, or voices.

A prominent example was the music of games and demos on Commodore 64's SID chip, which only had three oscillators (see also Chiptune).