Pausing footsteps
Three even steps, then a quiet beat to breathe. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play low C on 1 and 2, then high C on 3 and hold it.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Pausing footsteps on piano?
Three even steps, then a quiet beat to breathe. 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 Pausing 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 Pausing footsteps?
Beat It by Michael Jackson, Sign Of The Times by Harry Styles and Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra use Pausing footsteps. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.