Types of arpeggio signs

There are different types of arpeggio signs to convey the different arpeggiation directions and techniques.

Up arpeggio

A vertical wavy line that indicates chords are to be arpeggiated from the bottom note upwards.

Down arpeggio

A vertical wavy line that indicates chords are to be arpeggiated from the top note downwards.

Non arpeggio

A bracket with straight lines that indicates all notes in the chord are to be played together, not arpeggiated.

Curved arpeggio

A curved line, similar to a slur but vertical, that some composers use to indicate gentle or partial arpeggiation.

You can show both up and down arpeggio signs with one of the following ends in Dorico Elements:

  • Nothing

  • Arrow

  • Swash

Figure 1. Up arpeggio sign with nothing at the end
Figure 2. Up arpeggio sign with an arrow at the end
Figure 3. Up arpeggio sign with a swash at the end