Doorbell ding-dong

Two high, two low, in a lazy push rhythm: ding-ding, dong-dong. One of the broken chord patterns.

Chords: Am, F, C, G
Practice in CLove Me Do by The Beatles

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your left hand over a C chord. You need G (little finger, 5) and C (index finger, 2).

  2. Count and play

    Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1 and 2&, then G 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: D and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Doorbell ding-dong on piano?

Two high, two low, in a lazy push rhythm: ding-ding, dong-dong. Chord tones one at a time, within an octave. Musicians call it broken chord 8-8-5-5.

Is Doorbell ding-dong 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 Doorbell ding-dong?

I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton, Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison and Love Me Do by The Beatles use Doorbell ding-dong. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.