Wobbly chords

Two off-balance chords on the “ands”, then a firm landing on 4. One of the syncopated chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in COrdinary People by John Legend

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your right hand over a C chord. You need C (thumb, 1), E (middle finger, 3) and G (little finger, 5).

  2. Count and play

    Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play C, E and G together on 1, 2&, 3& and 4.

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: G, B and D. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Wobbly chords on piano?

Two off-balance chords on the “ands”, then a firm landing on 4. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 1, 2&, 3&, 4.

Is Wobbly 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 Wobbly chords?

Ordinary People by John Legend, The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy and The Night Before by The Beatles use Wobbly chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.