Waltz climb
Three notes up the chord, one per beat: a gentle waltz climb. One of the broken chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need C (little finger, 5), E (middle finger, 3) and G (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count 1, 2, 3. Play C on 1, then E on 2, then G on 3.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, B and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Waltz climb on piano?
Three notes up the chord, one per beat: a gentle waltz climb. Chord tones one at a time, within an octave. Musicians call it broken chord 1-3-5 (3/4).
Is Waltz climb 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 Waltz climb?
February Song by Josh Groban, Married Life by Michael Giacchino and Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op.9, No.2 by Frederic Chopin use Waltz climb. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.