Lingering footsteps

Two steps, then one late note after beat 3 that hangs in the air. One of the root note patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in CThe Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your left hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (little finger, 5).

  2. Count and play

    Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 2 and 3&.

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Lingering footsteps on piano?

Two steps, then one late note after beat 3 that hangs in the air. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 2, 3&.

Is Lingering footsteps 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 Lingering footsteps?

One by Harry Nilsson, Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran and Something So Strong by Crowded House use Lingering footsteps. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.