Hiccup heartbeat
A tiny hiccup just before beat 3, then a push on the “and”. 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, then high C on 2, then low C on 2a 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 Hiccup heartbeat on piano?
A tiny hiccup just before beat 3, then a push on the “and”. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 2, 2a, 3&, 4.
Is Hiccup heartbeat 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 Hiccup heartbeat?
Fight Song by Rachel Platten, Wouldn't Change A Thing by Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas and Great Is The Lord by Michael W. Smith use Hiccup heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.