Pumping chords
A chord on every eighth note, driving the song forward. One of the block chord patterns.
How to play it
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).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play G, C and E together on every count.
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 Pumping chords on piano?
A chord on every eighth note, driving the song forward. Right-hand chords on every 8th note. Musicians call it pumping 8th chords.
Is Pumping chords hard to play?
It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your right hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.
Which songs use Pumping chords?
All Too Well by Taylor Swift, Heartless by Kanye West and Iridescent by Linkin Park use Pumping chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.