Dive-and-rise stairs
A drop to the low root, then quick steps up in a rocking feel. One of the walking bass patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5), D (ring finger, 4), E (middle finger, 3) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6. Play high C on 1, then low C on 4, then D on 5, then E on 6.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G, A, B and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
None of the songs here use Dive-and-rise stairs as their main pattern yet.
Questions
What is Dive-and-rise stairs on piano?
A drop to the low root, then quick steps up in a rocking feel. A stepwise bass line rising into the next chord. Musicians call it walk-up 8-1-2-3 (6/8).
Is Dive-and-rise stairs 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 Dive-and-rise 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.