Woodpecker taps
A chord, then a high note tapping again and again like a woodpecker. 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), C (middle finger, 3) and E (little finger, 5).
Count and play
Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" (say "and" for &). Play G and C together on 1, then E on 2&, 3, 3&, 4 and 4&.
Move it with the chords
When the chord changes to G, the same rhythm moves to the notes of G: D, G and B. Play it slowly over the chord loop above, at 60% speed first, then faster.
Songs that use it
Questions
What is Woodpecker taps on piano?
A chord, then a high note tapping again and again like a woodpecker. The right hand alternating two chord tones. Musicians call it chord + repeated upper 3rd.
Is Woodpecker 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 Woodpecker taps?
Mud On The Tires by Brad Paisley uses Woodpecker taps. The songs on this page all use it in the right hand, the most played first.