Catch-up chords

Two chords, a late one after beat 3, then a dash to catch up. One of the syncopated chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in CTry by P!nk

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, 2, 3&, 4 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 Catch-up chords on piano?

Two chords, a late one after beat 3, then a dash to catch up. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 3&, 4, 4&.

Is Catch-up 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 Catch-up chords?

Favorite Song Of All by Phillips, Craig & Dean, Try by P!nk and It's A Long Way To The Top by AC/DC use Catch-up chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.