Two-Step Comping Pattern #1

First in a series of definitive sixteen-bar country piano two-step comping patterns…

Study-Practice Notes

Form: The most common country song form: 16 bars long, where each 16 bar chorus is divided into two 8 bar phrases, and where each 8 bar phrase is typically sub-divided into two 4 bar phrases.
Pattern Recognition: Chord root on beat 1 & chord 5 on beat 2 in your left hand, triads “strummed” on the up-beats (1&) and (2&).
Rhythm: Think, count, and feel this in “cut time”, two beats per measure: 1-&-2-&-1-&-2-&-etc.
Performance: Imagine that your left hand is the bass player and your right hand is the rhythm guitar. Relax into a deep, unhurried groove that makes people want to dance the two step!
Feedback: Don’t forget to record yourself. Does the recording sound like what you intended to play?
Technique: There is never any need to attack the keys. Feel and keep the time in your arms, not your fingers.
Extensions: Using your knowledge of chord theory, play this pattern all keys you want to master (Suggested keys, those preferred by guitar players, are C, G, D, A, E).