Peekaboo chords
A chord on 2, then two surprises popping up between the beats. One of the syncopated chord patterns.
How to play it
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).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play E, G and C together on 2, 3& and 4&.
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 Peekaboo chords on piano?
A chord on 2, then two surprises popping up between the beats. Right-hand chords with off-beat pushes. Musicians call it syncopated chords, 2, 3&, 4&.
Is Peekaboo chords 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 Peekaboo chords?
Stay With Me by Sam Smith, Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker and One Way Or Another by Blondie use Peekaboo chords. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.