Knock-and-peek
The same note knocks five times, then peeks one step higher. One of the ostinato patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need G (thumb, 1) and A (index finger, 2).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play G on 1, 1&, 2, 2& and 3, then A on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: D and E. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Knock-and-peek on piano?
The same note knocks five times, then peeks one step higher. The right hand alternating two chord tones. Musicians call it repeated 5th → 6th.
Is Knock-and-peek hard to play?
It is an intermediate pattern. Learn it with your right hand alone at 60% speed first, then play it over a chord loop.
Which songs use Knock-and-peek?
I Love Rock 'N Roll by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Mickey by Toni Basil and Blame It On The Girls by Mika use Knock-and-peek. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.