Offbeat skank
Chords only on the “and”: reggae and swing. 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&, 2&, 3& 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 Offbeat skank on piano?
Chords only on the “and”: reggae and swing. Chords only on the off-beats: skank and swing comping. Musicians call it offbeat chords, offbeats (&s).
Is Offbeat skank 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 Offbeat skank?
Beauty And A Beat by Justin Bieber, Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jingle Bells by Glee Cast use Offbeat skank. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.