Chugging-train pulse
Chugs along in quick even notes, then takes one tiny breath at the end. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 1&, 2, 2&, 3, 3& and 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Chugging-train pulse on piano?
Chugs along in quick even notes, then takes one tiny breath at the end. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 1&, 2, 2&, 3, 3&, 4.
Is Chugging-train pulse hard to play?
It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your left hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.
Which songs use Chugging-train pulse?
Cherry Bomb by The Runaways, Blue Monday by Fats Domino and For Whom The Bell Tolls by Bee Gees use Chugging-train pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.