Engine 8ths
The lowest note on every eighth: the engine of rock. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on every count.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Engine 8ths on piano?
The lowest note on every eighth: the engine of rock. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 8ths.
Is Engine 8ths 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 Engine 8ths?
Yellow by Coldplay, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson and Love Story by Taylor Swift use Engine 8ths. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.