Pop stabs
Chord stabs in the 3-3-2 pop rhythm. 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& 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 Pop stabs on piano?
Chord stabs in the 3-3-2 pop rhythm. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, tresillo 3-3-2.
Is Pop stabs 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 Pop stabs?
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, Cool For The Summer by Demi Lovato and Talking Body by Tove Lo use Pop stabs. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.