Giant steps
A full chord on every beat, low and heavy, like a giant walking. One of the left-hand chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5), G (index finger, 2) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play low C, G and high C together on 1, then G and high C together on 2, 3 and 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G, D and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Giant steps on piano?
A full chord on every beat, low and heavy, like a giant walking. Left-hand chords or power fifths in rhythm. Musicians call it lh chords.
Is Giant steps 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 Giant steps?
Just The Two Of Us by Grover Washington Jr. feat. Bill Withers, Uncle Albert/admiral Halsey by Paul McCartney & Wings and A Horse With No Name by America use Giant steps. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.