Waltzing clock
One note ticking six times per waltz bar, light and even. One of the ostinato patterns.
Chords: F, B♭, F, C
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. It plays one note, C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 &" (say "and" for &). Play C on every count.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Waltzing clock on piano?
One note ticking six times per waltz bar, light and even. One right-hand note repeated as a pulse. Musicians call it repeated-note pulse (3/4).
Is Waltzing clock 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 Waltzing clock?
The Last Ship by Sting uses Waltzing clock. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.