Upside-down pulse
Every note lands between the beats, so it bounces like reggae. 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&, 3& 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 Upside-down pulse on piano?
Every note lands between the beats, so it bounces like reggae. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, offbeats (&s).
Is Upside-down pulse 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 Upside-down pulse?
Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Car by Tom Eyen and Dive by Steven Curtis Chapman use Upside-down pulse. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.