Lilting climb
Three notes climbing in a long-short swing, then a pause to ring. One of the broken chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5), G (index finger, 2) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6. Play low C on 1, then G on 3, then high C on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G, D and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Lilting climb on piano?
Three notes climbing in a long-short swing, then a pause to ring. Chord tones one at a time, within an octave. Musicians call it broken chord 1-5-8 (6/8).
Is Lilting climb 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 Lilting climb?
From Here To The Moon And Back by Dolly Parton, Beauty And The Beast by Stevie Nicks and Jesus, What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship use Lilting climb. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.