Sleepy heartbeat
One long note, then a soft double tap in the second half. 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, 3 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 Sleepy heartbeat on piano?
One long note, then a soft double tap in the second half. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 3, 3&.
Is Sleepy heartbeat 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 Sleepy heartbeat?
Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson, It's Not Too Late by Demi Lovato and Eyes Of The World by Grateful Dead use Sleepy heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.