Sneaky heartbeat
One strong note, then two sneaky ones hiding between the beats. 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 4&.
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 Sneaky heartbeat on piano?
One strong note, then two sneaky ones hiding between the beats. 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&, 4&.
Is Sneaky 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 Sneaky heartbeat?
Stuck On You by Lionel Richie, Must Be Nice by Lyfe Jennings and Maneater by Nelly Furtado use Sneaky heartbeat. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.