Lapping waves
A low note, then a high pair rocking like small waves in a waltz. One of the left-hand arpeggio patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5), G (index finger, 2) and E (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, then G on 1&, then E on 2, then G on 2&, then E on 3, then G on 3&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, D and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Lapping waves on piano?
A low note, then a high pair rocking like small waves in a waltz. An arpeggio spanning a 10th: the classic ballad left hand. Musicians call it open arpeggio 1-5-10-5-10-5 (3/4).
Is Lapping waves 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 Lapping waves?
Happy Xmas by John Lennon, Annie's Song by John Denver and It's All In The Game by Tommy Edwards use Lapping waves. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.