Pirate-stomp chords

Three even chords that cut across the rocking bar, bold like pirates. One of the block chord patterns.

Chords: Am, F, C, G

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

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

  2. Count and play

    Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6. Play E and G together on 1, 3 and 5.

  3. Move it with the chords

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

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Pirate-stomp chords on piano?

Three even chords that cut across the rocking bar, bold like pirates. Right-hand chords struck together on the beat. Musicians call it block chords, 1, 1.3, 2.2 (6/8).

Is Pirate-stomp 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 Pirate-stomp chords?

Mercy On Me by Christina Aguilera, Fall Away by The Fray and Halfcrazy by Musiq use Pirate-stomp chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.