Left-hand pattern · Lullaby boat
Dive-and-rise stairs
A drop to the low root, then quick steps up in a rocking feel. Musicians call it walk-up 8-1-2-3 (6/8).
Want to mix it with other hands?
How Dive-and-rise stairs goes
One bar over a C chord: a row for each key, a column for each step, the finger on each note. Over another chord, move the same shape to its root.
Walk-up: Step by step up into the next chord.
Songs with Dive-and-rise stairs
Each one opens with this pattern in its player.
Often comes next
The patterns songs move to after Dive-and-rise stairs, from verse to chorus.
More walks & steps
All patternsQuestions about Dive-and-rise stairs
What is Dive-and-rise stairs on piano?
A drop to the low root, then quick steps up in a rocking feel. Musicians call it walk-up 8-1-2-3 (6/8), one of the walk-up patterns: step by step up into the next chord.
How do I play walk-up 8-1-2-3 (6/8) with the left hand?
Over C major it is C4 (1), then C3 (5), then D3 (4), then E3 (3); the number after each note is the finger (1 is the thumb). Over any other chord, move the same shape to that chord's root.
What songs use Dive-and-rise stairs?
It is heard in 31 songs of the library, such as I Won’t Give Up, Kerry Dance (arr. Phillip Keveren), Hopelessly Devoted To You, If Only You Would Listen.
Is Dive-and-rise stairs easy?
It is a medium pattern, in 6/8, usually around 90 beats a minute.