Bouncy bells
A high bell note, then chords bouncing on every “and”. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need E (thumb, 1), G (index finger, 2) and C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on 1, then E and G together on 1&, 2&, 3& and 4&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: B, D and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Bouncy bells on piano?
A high bell note, then chords bouncing on every “and”. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it note + chords, 1, 1&, 2&, 3&, 4&.
Is Bouncy bells 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 bells?
Hey There Delilah by Plain White Ts, Life In A Northern Town by The Dream Academy and Streets Of Bakersfield by Dwight Yoakam & Buck Owens use Bouncy bells. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.