Fluttering heartbeat
A quick flutter before beat 2, then a push before beat 3. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a" (say "and" for &). Play low C on 1 and 1a, then high C on 2, then low C on 2& and 3&, then high C on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Fluttering heartbeat on piano?
A quick flutter before beat 2, then a push before beat 3. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 1a, 2, 2&, 3&, 4.
Is Fluttering heartbeat 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 Fluttering heartbeat?
Baby by Justin Bieber, Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega and Healer by Kari Jobe use Fluttering heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.