Stumbling footsteps
Steady steps with one tiny stumble right before beat 3. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a" (say "and" for &). Play low C on 1, then high C on 2, then low C on 2a and 3, then high C on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Stumbling footsteps on piano?
Steady steps with one tiny stumble right before beat 3. 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, 2a, 3, 4.
Is Stumbling footsteps 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 Stumbling footsteps?
Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode, Talking To The Moon by Bruno Mars and Well Done by The Afters use Stumbling footsteps. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.