Slow-dance chords
Four slow chords per bar under a swaying fifties ballad. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need C (thumb, 1), E (middle finger, 3) and G (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count the eighth notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Play C, E and G together on 1, 4, 7 and 10.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: 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 Slow-dance chords on piano?
Four slow chords per bar under a swaying fifties ballad. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2, 3, 4 (12/8).
Is Slow-dance 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 Slow-dance chords?
Murder By Numbers by The Police, Wake Up Alone by Amy Winehouse and Sugaree by Grateful Dead use Slow-dance chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.