Hop-skip heartbeat
Three steps, then a quick hop that skips right over beat 4. 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 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 2, 3, 3& 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 Hop-skip heartbeat on piano?
Three steps, then a quick hop that skips right over beat 4. 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, 3, 3&, 4&.
Is Hop-skip 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 Hop-skip heartbeat?
One Call Away by Charlie Puth, Bring Me To Life by Evanescence and Call It What You Want by Taylor Swift use Hop-skip heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.