Lazy seesaw
A low note, a higher one, a gap, then the higher one again. One of the root and fifth patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5) and G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1, then G on 2 and 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Lazy seesaw on piano?
A low note, a higher one, a gap, then the higher one again. Root and fifth alternating: country, folk and march bass. Musicians call it root-fifth 1-5-5.
Is Lazy seesaw 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 Lazy seesaw?
How Far I'll Go by Alessia Cara, Best Of You by Foo Fighters and Mistletoe by Justin Bieber use Lazy seesaw. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.