Skipping-stone pulse
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone 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 "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, 2& and 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 Skipping-stone pulse on piano?
One strong note, then two bounces on the “ands”, like a stone 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, 1, 2&, 3&.
Is Skipping-stone pulse 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 Skipping-stone pulse?
Uncover by Zara Larsson, Happy by Pharrell Williams and See You Again by Wiz Khalifa use Skipping-stone pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.