Galloping heartbeat
Ta-DUM, ta-DUM: quick pickups into beats 2 and 4, like hooves. 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 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 1a, 2, 3, 3a and 4.
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 Galloping heartbeat on piano?
Ta-DUM, ta-DUM: quick pickups into beats 2 and 4, like hooves. 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, 3, 3a, 4.
Is Galloping 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 Galloping heartbeat?
You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson, Wavin' Flag by K'naan and Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart by Alicia Keys use Galloping heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.