Pieces › In the spirit of the hits

The ’50s in 12/8

C – A minor – F – G, in triplets

The I – vi – IV – V progression powered the golden age of doo-wop and slow dances. Here it’s played in 12/8: four beats, each split into three eighth notes, which gives that swaying “da-da-da” feel.

First one chord per beat, then the chords rolled out in triplets.

Heard in: Stand by Me, Earth Angel, Every Breath You Take, Perfect (Ed Sheeran)

Tips

• Count “1-2-3, 2-2-3, 3-2-3, 4-2-3”: lean a little on the first note of each group.

One chord per beat

Four dotted quarter notes per measure. The computer plays the bass.

Triplets with both hands

Right hand: the chord’s three notes in eighth notes. Left hand: two bass notes per measure.