Hammering bass
The same note hammered on every quick beat, dipping only at the end. One of the broken chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need G (little finger, 5) and C (index finger, 2).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 1&, 2, 2&, 3, 3& and 4, then G on 4&.
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 Hammering bass on piano?
The same note hammered on every quick beat, dipping only at the end. Chord tones one at a time, within an octave. Musicians call it broken chord 8-8.
Is Hammering bass 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 Hammering bass?
Applause by Lady Gaga, Like A Virgin by Madonna and Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan use Hammering bass. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.