Rock hop
Low, high, a quick double, then high again: a hopping rock bass. One of the root note patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your left hand over a C chord. You need low C (little finger, 5) and high C (thumb, 1).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play low C on 1, then high C on 2, then low C on 2& and 3, then high C on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: low G and high G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Rock hop on piano?
Low, high, a quick double, then high again: a hopping rock bass. The root alone in a fixed rhythm, octave jumps optional. The piano version of a kick-drum pattern. Musicians call it root bass, 1, 2, 2&, 3, 4.
Is Rock hop hard to play?
It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your left hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.
Which songs use Rock hop?
Bloody Mary by Lady Gaga, As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys and Rather Be by Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne use Rock hop. The songs on this page all use it in the left hand, the most played first.