Dawdling chords
Two chords, then a lazy late one after beat 3 that catches up on 4. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need E (thumb, 1), G (index finger, 2) and C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play E, G and C together on 1, 2, 3& and 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: B, D and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Dawdling chords on piano?
Two chords, then a lazy late one after beat 3 that catches up on 4. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 3&, 4.
Is Dawdling 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 Dawdling chords?
Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood, Get Back Up Again by Anna Kendrick and Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits use Dawdling chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.