Brass-band march
A bold open chord, then a low note: oom-pah like a marching band. One of the left-hand chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low G (little finger, 5), C (index finger, 2) and high G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C and high G together on 1, then low G on 2, then C and high G together on 3, then low G on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low D, G and high D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Brass-band march on piano?
A bold open chord, then a low note: oom-pah like a marching band. Left-hand chords or power fifths in rhythm. Musicians call it lh power fifths (2/4).
Is Brass-band march hard to play?
It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your left hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.
Which songs use Brass-band march?
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend by Marilyn Monroe, It's A Privilege To Pee by Urinetown (Musical) and Not While I'm Around by Jamie Cullum use Brass-band march. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.