Wake-and-run chords
One long chord, then three quick ones running 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 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 1, 3&, 4 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 Wake-and-run chords on piano?
One long chord, then three quick ones running into the next bar. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 3&, 4, 4&.
Is Wake-and-run 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 Wake-and-run chords?
It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday by Boyz II Men, Team by Lorde and Hound Dog by Elvis Presley use Wake-and-run chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.