Somersault chords
Evenly spaced chords roll across the beats, then flip into the next bar. One of the syncopated 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 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a" (say "and" for &). Play G, C and E together on 1, 1a, 2&, 3e, 4 and 4&.
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 Somersault chords on piano?
Evenly spaced chords roll across the beats, then flip into the next bar. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 1a, 2&, 3e, 4, 4&.
Is Somersault 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 Somersault chords?
We Found Love by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris, Don't Wanna Know by Maroon 5 and 80 Millionen by Max Giesinger use Somersault chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.