Freeze-tag chords

Chord, chord-and, then freeze for the rest of the bar. One of the syncopated chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in CBeat It by Michael Jackson

How to play it

  1. 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).

  2. Count and play

    Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play E, G and C together on 1, 2 and 2& and hold it.

  3. 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 Freeze-tag chords on piano?

Chord, chord-and, then freeze for the rest of the bar. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 2&.

Is Freeze-tag 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 Freeze-tag chords?

Beat It by Michael Jackson, I'm Still Standing by Elton John and Undone - The Sweater Song by Weezer use Freeze-tag chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.