Waltz stairs down
Three notes step down to the root, one per waltz beat. 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. Play E on 1, then D on 2, then C on 3.
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
Questions
What is Waltz stairs down on piano?
Three notes step down to the root, one per waltz beat. A stepwise bass line falling, often a line cliché. Musicians call it walk-down 3-2-1 (3/4).
Is Waltz stairs down 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 stairs down?
Jupiter by Gustav Holst, Amazing Grace by Traditional American Melody and Amazing Grace by Traditional use Waltz stairs down. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.