Stairs down
Four notes stepping down, one per beat, into the next chord. One of the walking bass patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need G (ring finger, 4), A (middle finger, 3), B (index finger, 2) and C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1, then B on 2, then A on 3, then G on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: D, E, F♯ and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Stairs down on piano?
Four notes stepping down, one per beat, into the next chord. A stepwise bass line falling, often a line cliché. Musicians call it walk-down 8-7-6-5.
Is Stairs down 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 Stairs down?
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands by African-American Spiritual, The Last Month Of The Year (What Month Was Jesus Born In?) by Vera Hall and The Mighty Mouse Theme (Here I Come To Save The Day) by Marshall Barer use Stairs down. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.