Lazy stairs down
A long root, then two steps down on beats 3 and 4. One of the walking bass patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need A (ring finger, 4), B (middle finger, 3) and C (index finger, 2).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1 and hold it, then B on 3, then A on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: E, F♯ and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Lazy stairs down on piano?
A long root, then two steps down on beats 3 and 4. A stepwise bass line falling, often a line cliché. Musicians call it walk-down 8-7-6.
Is Lazy stairs down 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 stairs down?
Daddy Sang Bass by Johnny Cash uses Lazy stairs down. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.