"At The Hop" is a classic rock and roll song from the late 1950s, known for its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm. The original is lively, making it a fun choice for beginner guitarists to practice chord changes and energetic strumming.
Chords and Progression
The entire song uses open chords: G, G7, C, D, and Em.
These are standard beginner chords and appear in straightforward progressions.
Practice the transition between G and G7:
G7 is a simple variation of G; just shift your fingers as needed, keeping your hand relaxed.
Switching between C and D:
Take it slow at first, ensuring clean sound for each chord.
Strumming Pattern
A basic down-up rock and roll strumming pattern fits well:
Try: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D, D-U, U-D-U) for each bar.
- Keep your strumming hand moving steadily.
- Accent the downbeats for energy.
- If you find it tricky, start with simple down strums and add up-strums as you get comfortable.
Tips for Beginners
Count the beats:
Most lines are one bar per chord—listen to the original for timing.
Play along with the recording:
This helps with rhythm and chord changes.
Enjoy it:
This song is about having fun! Don't worry about perfection.
Practice regularly and you'll capture the upbeat spirit of "At The Hop."
IntroG G G G G G G G
G G G G G G G G
Verse 1Bah, bah, bah, bah.Em Bah, bah, bah, bah.C Bah, bah, bah, bah.
D Bah, bah, bah, bah. At theG hop.
Verse 2Well you canG rock it you can roll it do the stomp and even stroll it at the hop.G7
When theC record starts a spinnin' you chalypso when you chicken at theG hop.
Do theD dance sensation that isC sweepin' the nation at theG hop.
ChorusLet's go to theG hop. Let's go to the hop([G7]oh baby).C Let's go to the hop(oh baby).
G Let's go to the hop.D Come,C on,G let's go to the hop.
Verse 3Well you canG swing it you can groove it you can really start to move it at the hop.G7
Where theC jockey is the smoothest and the music is the coolest at theG hop.
All theD cats and chicks canC get their kicks at theG hop. Let's go!
ChorusLet's go to theG hop. Let's go to the hop([G7]oh baby).C Let's go to the hop(oh baby).
G Let's go to the hop.D Come,C on,G let's go to the hop. Let's go!
InstrumentalG G G7 C G D C G
Verse 4Well you canG rock it you can roll it do the stomp and even stroll it at the hop.G7
When theC record starts a spinnin' you chalypso when you chicken at theG hop.
Do theD dance sensation that isC sweepin' the nation at theG hop.
Verse 5Youuuuu canG swing it you can groove it you can really start to move it at the hop.G7
Where theC jockey is the smoothest and the music is the coolest at theG hop.
All theD cats and chicks canC get their kicks at theG hop. Let's go!
ChorusLet's go to theG hop. Let's go to the hop([G7]oh baby).C Let's go to the hop(oh baby).
G Let's go to the hop.D Bah,C bah,G let's go to the hop.
OutroBah, bah, bah, bah.Em Bah, bah, bah, bah.C Bah, bah, bah, bah.
D Bah, bah, bah, bah. At theG hop.