rolled chord

[/roʊld kɔːrd/]
nounpl: rolled chords
acorde arpejado
1. A chord in which the notes are played sequentially from bottom to top (or top to bottom) in quick succession rather than simultaneously, creating a harp-like effect
The pianist used a rolled chord to add elegance to the opening passage.
O pianista usou um acorde arpejado para adicionar elegância à passagem de abertura.
2. In guitar and harp playing, a technique where strings are plucked in rapid succession to create a flowing, cascading sound
The harpist's fingers glided across the strings in a beautiful rolled chord.
Os dedos da arpista deslizaram pelas cordas em um lindo acorde arpejado.
Rolled chords are fundamental in classical piano technique, especially in Romantic era compositions. In Brazil, this technique is taught extensively in conservatories and is prominent in both erudite (classical) and popular music, particularly in choro and samba arrangements. The term 'acorde arpejado' is universally understood among Brazilian musicians.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
arpeggioarpeggiated chordbroken chordspreading
Antonyms / Antônimos
block chordclosed chordsimultaneous chord

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acorde arpejado
Most common translation used in Brazilian music education and practice
São Paulo
acorde arpejado
Standard usage in conservatories and music schools
Rio de Janeiro
acorde arpejado
Common in classical and popular music contexts
Portugal
acorde arpejado
Same terminology used in Portuguese conservatories

Related Words

arpeggioharp effectbroken chordchordtremologlissando

Related Idioms & Phrases

to roll a chord
rolled chord effect
harp-like rolled chord
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