Chattering waltz
After the first beat, quick chords and notes chatter to the end of the bar. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
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).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 &" (say "and" for &). Play C and E together on 1 and 2, then G on 2&, then C and E together on 3, then G on 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 Chattering waltz on piano?
After the first beat, quick chords and notes chatter to the end of the bar. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 2&, 3, 3& (3/4).
Is Chattering waltz 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 Chattering waltz?
Lucille by Kenny Rogers, Be Thou My Vision by Eden's Bridge and Dear John by Taylor Swift use Chattering waltz. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.