Waltz stairs up
Three notes step up, one per beat, leading into the next chord. 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 C on 1, then D on 2, then E 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 up on piano?
Three notes step up, one per beat, leading into the next chord. A stepwise bass line rising into the next chord. Musicians call it walk-up 1-2-3 (3/4).
Is Waltz stairs up 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 up?
Blackbird by The Beatles, Why Me? (Why Me, Lord?) by Kris Kristofferson and Little Brass Band by William Gillock use Waltz stairs up. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.