Pony-trot pulse
Quick trotting notes, then a jump over beat 3 to its “and”. 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 &" (say "and" for &). Play low C on 1 and 1&, then high C on 2, then low C on 2& and 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 and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Pony-trot pulse on piano?
Quick trotting notes, then a jump over beat 3 to its “and”. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 1&, 2, 2&, 3&, 4.
Is Pony-trot pulse hard to play?
It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your left hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.
Which songs use Pony-trot pulse?
Boss Of Me by They Might Be Giants, Here I Am by Bryan Adams and Beautiful by Akon featuring Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall use Pony-trot pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.