Clip-clop waltz
A two-note chord and a single note trade places in quick waltz steps. One of the left-hand chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5), E (middle finger, 3) and G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 &" (say "and" for &). Play C and E together on 1, then G on 1&, then C and E together on 2, then G on 2&, then C and E together on 3, then G on 3&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, B and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Clip-clop waltz on piano?
A two-note chord and a single note trade places in quick waltz steps. Left-hand chords or power fifths in rhythm. Musicians call it lh triads (3/4).
Is Clip-clop waltz 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 Clip-clop waltz?
Dead Things (From The Hours) by Philip Glass uses Clip-clop waltz. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.