Bubble pop

A note leaps up to a higher one and back, popping like bubbles. One of the ostinato patterns.

Chords: Am, F, C, G

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

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

  2. Count and play

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

  3. Move it with the chords

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

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Bubble pop on piano?

A note leaps up to a higher one and back, popping like bubbles. The right hand alternating two chord tones. Musicians call it two-note ostinato 3-8.

Is Bubble pop hard to play?

It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your right hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.

Which songs use Bubble pop?

Mr. Brightside by The Killers uses Bubble pop. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.