Right-hand pattern · Old-time stride
Polka-hop chords
Chords only on the “ands” in a quick two-beat bar: the “pah” of a polka. Musicians call it offbeat chords on beats 1&, 2& (2/4).
Want to mix it with other hands?
How Polka-hop chords goes
One bar over a C chord: a row for each key, a column for each step, the finger on each note. Over another chord, move the same shape to its root.
Offbeat chords: Chords only on the “and”: reggae and swing. In 4/4 it is played twice a bar.
Songs with Polka-hop chords
Each one opens with this pattern in its player.
Often comes next
The patterns songs move to after Polka-hop chords, from verse to chorus.
More pushing chords
All patternsQuestions about Polka-hop chords
What is Polka-hop chords on piano?
Chords only on the “ands” in a quick two-beat bar: the “pah” of a polka. Musicians call it offbeat chords on beats 1&, 2& (2/4), one of the offbeat chords patterns: chords only on the “and”: reggae and swing.
How do I play offbeat chords · 1& · 2& (2/4) with the right hand?
Over C major it is G4 (1) + C5 (3) + E5 (5), then G4 (1) + C5 (3) + E5 (5), then G4 (1) + C5 (3) + E5 (5), then G4 (1) + C5 (3) + E5 (5); the number after each note is the finger (1 is the thumb). Over any other chord, move the same shape to that chord's root.
What songs use Polka-hop chords?
It is heard in 119 songs of the library, as the main groove of 41 songs, such as Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, The Impossible, Stepsisters' Lament, Alabama Jubilee.
Is Polka-hop chords easy?
It is an easy pattern, in 2/4, usually around 110 beats a minute.