Wait-a-beat chords
Silence on beat 1, then chords on 2, 3 and 4, leaving room for the bass. One of the block 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. Play E, G and C together on 2, 3 and 4.
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 Wait-a-beat chords on piano?
Silence on beat 1, then chords on 2, 3 and 4, leaving room for the bass. Right-hand chords struck together on the beat. Musicians call it block chords, 2, 3, 4.
Is Wait-a-beat 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 Wait-a-beat chords?
Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson, You Are My Destiny by Paul Anka and Thank You For The Music by ABBA use Wait-a-beat chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.