Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media generate customized arpeggios. An exemplary method includes providing a storage medium, including a database storing data corresponding to an arpeggio pattern to be played by a virtual instrument. The method further includes receiving a plurality of user inputs that enable a user to select a desired set of musical notes (e.g. a chord) other than the notes (e.g. chord) used to create the arpeggio stored in the database, without having to re-enter the note sequence. The method then includes creating the desired arpeggio for the selected set of notes by applying the stored arpeggio data from the database to the entered notes, and playing the created desired arpeggio