Alberti bass

Definition

Alberti bass is a type of accompaniment pattern commonly used in classical music, where the notes of a chord are played in a broken or arpeggiated fashion, usually in the order of lowest, highest, middle, highest.

Related terms

Walking bass: A bass line that moves stepwise and creates a sense of forward motion.

Arpeggio: Playing the notes of a chord individually instead of simultaneously.

Accompaniment: Musical parts that support or complement the main melody.