Telegraph taps
One note tapping like a telegraph, then slipping a step down. One of the ostinato patterns.
How to play it
Find the notes
Put your right hand over a C chord. You need B (thumb, 1) and C (middle finger, 3).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play B and C together on 1, then C on 1&, 2, 2& and 3, then B and B together on 4.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: F♯ and G. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Telegraph taps on piano?
One note tapping like a telegraph, then slipping a step down. The right hand alternating two chord tones. Musicians call it repeated octave → 7th.
Is Telegraph taps 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 Telegraph taps?
Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man, My Victory by Crowder and Song To The King by Natalie Grant use Telegraph taps. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.