Lingering chords

Two chords, then a late one after beat 3 that hangs in the air. One of the syncopated chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in COh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your right hand over a C chord. You need G (thumb, 1), C (middle finger, 3) and E (little finger, 5).

  2. Count and play

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

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: D, G and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Lingering chords on piano?

Two chords, then a late one after beat 3 that hangs in the air. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 3&.

Is Lingering 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 Lingering chords?

Rebel Yell by Billy Idol, Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder and Ordinary Pain by Stevie Wonder use Lingering chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.