Bouncy-ball chords

One chord, then chords bouncing on every “and”, like a ball. One of the syncopated chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in CAfrica by Toto

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your right hand over a C chord. You need G (thumb, 1), C (middle finger, 3) and E (little finger, 5).

  2. Count and play

    Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play G, C and E together on 1, 1&, 2&, 3& and 4&.

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: D, G and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Bouncy-ball chords on piano?

One chord, then chords bouncing on every “and”, like a ball. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 1&, 2&, 3&, 4&.

Is Bouncy-ball chords hard to play?

It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your right hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.

Which songs use Bouncy-ball chords?

Jumper by Third Eye Blind, Only You by The Platters and The Bitch Is Back by Elton John use Bouncy-ball chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.