Tug-of-war chords
Four even chords stretched across a rocking bar: a gentle push and pull. 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
Listen first, then copy the rhythm slowly. The notes go E, G and C together, E, G and C together, E, G and C together, E, G and C together.
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 Tug-of-war chords on piano?
Four even chords stretched across a rocking bar: a gentle push and pull. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 1+, 2, 2+ (6/8).
Is Tug-of-war 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 Tug-of-war chords?
Keep Your Mind Wide Open by AnnaSophia Robb, The Only Exception by Hayley Williams and Nothingman by Pearl Jam use Tug-of-war chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.