Gospel-clap chords
Skips beat 1, then soulful chords that bounce off the “ands”. 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), F (index finger, 2), B♭ (middle finger, 3), B (ring finger, 4) and C (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play E, B and C together on 2 and 3, then F, B♭ and C together on 3&, then E, B♭ and C together on 4&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: B, C, F, F♯ and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Gospel-clap chords on piano?
Skips beat 1, then soulful chords that bounce off the “ands”. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 2, 3, 3&, 4&.
Is Gospel-clap 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 Gospel-clap chords?
We Rock by Camp Rock (Movie), As by Stevie Wonder and Greased Lightnin' by John Travolta use Gospel-clap chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.