Walking roots
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. 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. Play low C on 1 and 2, then high C on 3 and 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 Walking roots on piano?
One low note on every beat, steady as walking feet. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, quarters.
Is Walking roots 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 Walking roots?
My Moon My Man by Feist, Let It Be by The Beatles and Darkside by Alan Walker use Walking roots. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.