Up-and-back stairs
Two steps up, then one step back, gently leading on. One of the walking bass 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) and E (middle finger, 3).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1, then D on 2, then E on 3, then D on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, A and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
None of the songs here use Up-and-back stairs as their main pattern yet.
Questions
What is Up-and-back stairs on piano?
Two steps up, then one step back, gently leading on. A stepwise bass line rising into the next chord. Musicians call it walk-up 1-2-3-2.
Is Up-and-back stairs 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 Up-and-back stairs?
None of the songs here use it in the left hand as their main pattern yet. You can still hear it and practice it from this page.