Double island chords
The island rhythm squeezed in twice per bar: quick and dancy. 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 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a" (say "and" for &). Play E, G and C together on 1, 1a, 2&, 3, 3a 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 Double island chords on piano?
The island rhythm squeezed in twice per bar: quick and dancy. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 1a, 2&, 3, 3a, 4&.
Is Double island 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 Double island chords?
What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction, Gangnam Style by PSY and Let Me Love You by DJ Snake featuring Justin Bieber use Double island chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.