Shy chords
Waits out beat 1, then a chord on 2 and a little double on 3. 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 2, 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 Shy chords on piano?
Waits out beat 1, then a chord on 2 and a little double on 3. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 2, 3, 3&.
Is Shy 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 Shy chords?
Jolene by Dolly Parton, Day Tripper by The Beatles and I Saw Her Standing There by The Beatles use Shy chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.