Tick-tick-boom pulse
Two quick low notes and a high one, twice: ta-ta-DUM, ta-ta-DUM. 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 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play low C on 1 and 1&, then high C on 2, then low C on 3 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 Tick-tick-boom pulse on piano?
Two quick low notes and a high one, twice: ta-ta-DUM, ta-ta-DUM. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 8ths 1-2, 3-4.
Is Tick-tick-boom pulse hard to play?
It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your left hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.
Which songs use Tick-tick-boom pulse?
I Don't Want To Be by Gavin DeGraw, We Will Rock You by Queen and Another Believer by Rufus Wainwright use Tick-tick-boom pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.