Hopscotch bells

A high bell note, a chord, a skipped beat, and one more chord. One of the block chord patterns.

Chords: C, G, Am, F
Practice in CMidnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips

How to play it

  1. Find the notes

    Put your right hand over a C chord. You need E (thumb, 1), G (index finger, 2) and C (little finger, 5).

  2. Count and play

    Count 1, 2, 3, 4. Play C on 1, then E and G together on 2 and 4.

  3. Move it with the chords

    When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: B, D and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.

Songs that use it

Questions

What is Hopscotch bells on piano?

A high bell note, a chord, a skipped beat, and one more chord. Right-hand chords struck together on the beat. Musicians call it note + chords, 1, 2, 4.

Is Hopscotch bells hard to play?

It is a beginner pattern. Play it with your right hand alone at 60% speed until it feels steady, then add the other hand.

Which songs use Hopscotch bells?

Midnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Longest Time by Billy Joel and Honey Don't by The Beatles use Hopscotch bells. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.