Alberti bass

Definition

Broken chords played by the left hand outlining harmonies whilst the right hand plays the melody. Classical composers such as Haydn and Mozart used this technique extensively in their piano music. The chord notes are usually played in the order: low - high - middle - high.

Chord with alberti bass

Example

See the left hand playing an Alberti bass pattern at the start of this very famous Mozart Sonata.

This Disney song relies heavily on Alberti bass patterns.

Related concepts

• Chord (N3 & N3 Tech)
• Broken chord (N4 & N4 Tech)