Late-start stairs up
Waits a beat, then three steps up into the next chord. One of the walking bass patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need E (middle finger, 3), F (index finger, 2) and F♯ (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play E on 2, then F on 3, then F♯ on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: B, C and D♭. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
None of the songs here use Late-start stairs up as their main pattern yet.
Questions
What is Late-start stairs up on piano?
Waits a beat, then three steps up into the next chord. A stepwise bass line rising into the next chord. Musicians call it walk-up 3-4-5.
Is Late-start stairs up 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 Late-start stairs up?
None of the songs here use it in the left hand as their main pattern yet. You can still hear it and practice it from this page.