Clockwork chords
Four quick, even chords per short bar, ticking like clockwork. 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 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play G, C and E together on every count.
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 Clockwork chords on piano?
Four quick, even chords per short bar, ticking like clockwork. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 2/4 8ths.
Is Clockwork chords 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 Clockwork chords?
Ordinary by Train, I Am...i Said by Neil Diamond and You're A Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan use Clockwork chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.