Lub-dub chords
Two quick chords, a pause, two quick chords: just like a heartbeat. 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, 1&, 3 and 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 Lub-dub chords on piano?
Two quick chords, a pause, two quick chords: just like a heartbeat. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 1&, 3, 3&.
Is Lub-dub 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 Lub-dub chords?
It's My Life by Bon Jovi, Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka and Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt use Lub-dub chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.