Rowing-boat pulse
Six even low notes per bar, rolling along like oars on water. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6. Play C on every count.
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 Rowing-boat pulse on piano?
Six even low notes per bar, rolling along like oars on water. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 6/8 8ths.
Is Rowing-boat 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 Rowing-boat pulse?
I've Been This Way Before by Neil Diamond, Even If by MercyMe and Keep Your Mind Wide Open by AnnaSophia Robb use Rowing-boat pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.