Climb-and-wait stairs

Up two steps, then wait on the top step for the next chord. One of the walking bass patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5), D (ring finger, 4) and E (middle finger, 3).

  2. Count and play

    Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1, then D on 2, then E on 3 and 4.

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, A and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

None of the songs here use Climb-and-wait stairs as their main pattern yet.

Questions

What is Climb-and-wait stairs on piano?

Up two steps, then wait on the top step for the next chord. A stepwise bass line rising into the next chord. Musicians call it walk-up 1-2-3-3.

Is Climb-and-wait stairs 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 Climb-and-wait stairs?

None of the songs here use it in the left hand as their main pattern yet. You can still hear it and practice it from this page.