Sliding twins
Two notes together step down beat by beat, like a hymn closing. One of the left-hand chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5), D (ring finger, 4), E (middle finger, 3), F (index finger, 2) and G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3. Play E and G together on 1, then D and F together on 2, then C and E together on 3.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, A, B, C and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Sliding twins on piano?
Two notes together step down beat by beat, like a hymn closing. Left-hand chords or power fifths in rhythm. Musicians call it lh power fifths (3/4).
Is Sliding twins 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 Sliding twins?
Scarborough Fair by Traditional English Ballad, Hickory Wind by Gram Parsons and Asleep In The Light by Keith Green use Sliding twins. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.