Double-tap drop

The same note twice, long then short, then a drop to a lower note. One of the broken chord patterns.

Chords: Am, F, C, G
Practice in CDon't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

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 hold it.

  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 Double-tap drop on piano?

The same note twice, long then short, then a drop to a lower note. Chord tones one at a time, within an octave. Musicians call it broken chord 8-8-5.

Is Double-tap drop 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 Double-tap drop?

Sing by Carpenters, Funny Girl by Barbra Streisand and Love Me by Elvis Presley use Double-tap drop. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.