Pieces › Playing pop

The 3-3-2 pop rhythm

The groove that makes chords dance

Count eight eighth notes per measure: “1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8.” Play on 1, 4 and 7: two dotted quarter notes and a quarter note. This off-kilter rhythm (the “tresillo”) is everywhere in today’s pop.

Here you play it on A minor – F – C – G: the same chords, in a more melancholy order.

Heard in: Shape of You, Despacito, Cheap Thrills (the rhythm) · Zombie, Apologize (the progression)

Tips

• Count the eighth notes out loud: “ONE two three FOUR five six SEVEN eight.”

The rhythm on one chord

Dotted quarter, dotted quarter, quarter, on a C chord.

A minor – F – C – G

The same rhythm on the progression. The computer’s bass follows your rhythm.