Cradle chords
A chord, a rock to beat two, a soft pickup back: like a cradle. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need C (thumb, 1), E (middle finger, 3) and G (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6. Play C, E and G together on 1, 4 and 6.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, B and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Cradle chords on piano?
A chord, a rock to beat two, a soft pickup back: like a cradle. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 2.3 (6/8).
Is Cradle 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 Cradle chords?
Last Kiss by Taylor Swift, Here In Your Presence by New Life Worship and Even If by MercyMe use Cradle chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.