SkooveLearn PianoDownload on the App Store
Install Now

Tutorial: how to play “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I on the piano

Man following a piano tutorial

Video tutorial

Learn to play piano classics like this step by step. Start a free trial today!

Introduction

“Dance Monkey” by Tones And I has taken the music world by storm since its release in 2019. Tones And I, an Australian singer-songwriter whose real name is Toni Watson, skyrocketed to fame with this global hit. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo have made it a favorite for listeners of all ages.

Featuring a catchy chord progression of F#m – D – A – E, “Dance Monkey” stands out for its energetic and playful lyrics that resonate with audiences worldwide. The song showcases Tones And I’s unique vocal style and creativity, setting her apart as a versatile artist in the pop music scene.

The piano skill level required to play “Dance Monkey” is considered mid-level. The song’s repetitive left-hand octave pattern and syncopated right-hand melody present a fun challenge for intermediate players looking to enhance their rhythmic abilities. Practicing hand coordination and dynamic control will be beneficial for any learner aiming to master this popular piece.

Start your musical journey
  • Fall in love with the music - Learn your favorite songs, at a level suitable for you.
  • Enjoy interactive piano lessons - Explore courses covering music theory, technique chords & more.
  • Get real-time feedback - Skoove's feedback tells you what went well and what needs practice.

Book a trial lessonNo credit card details required

Chords charts

The chords for “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I are:

Piano Chord F_-Minor
Piano Chord D-Major
Piano Chord A-Major
Piano Chord E-Major

Lesson plan

Step 1: listen to the song

Listen to the song “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I a couple of times to get a sense of its overall structure and nuances.

Step 2: practice the “Dance Monkey” chords

Take a look at the chord charts and practice playing those chords. Make sure that you’re paying attention to your hand positioning.

Step 3: try the tune in the right hand

Try playing the melody in the right hand only initially and get accustomed to it.

Step 4: learn the left hand accompaniment

Now take a look at the accompaniment in the left hand and get more familiar with that part.

Step 5: play both hands together

Once you’ve learned the song for both hands separately, you can try playing hands together. It’s helpful to start slowly and then increase tempo as you get more accustomed to playing both parts simultaneously. You can use the metronome in the Skoove app to help with this.

Interesting facts

1. “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I holds the record for the longest-running number-one song on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia, staying at the top spot for an incredible 24 consecutive weeks.

2. The song was a massive international success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden.

3. Tones And I, whose real name is Toni Watson, wrote “Dance Monkey” in just half an hour while staying in Byron Bay, Australia. The song’s quick creation turned out to be a stroke of genius, leading to worldwide acclaim for the artist.

4. In addition to its commercial success, “Dance Monkey” has received critical acclaim and has won several prestigious awards, including the coveted ARIA Award for Song of the Year in 2019.

5. The infectious and memorable hook of “Dance Monkey”, coupled with Tones And I’s unique vocal style and energetic performance, has solidified the song’s place as a modern pop anthem loved by audiences of all ages.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial for “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I, you would have mastered playing the song’s chord progression in F# minor which consists of F#m, D, A, and E major chords. They would have also learned about the song’s energetic and catchy feel, typical of its upbeat tempo and infectious melody. Additionally, they would have honed their skills in playing the song with a mid-level difficulty, integrating the repetitive left-hand octave pattern and syncopated right-hand melody.

For those who enjoy playing modern pop hits and want to expand their repertoire, exploring more piano lessons can further enhance their musical abilities and enjoyment. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each new song learned adds to your musical growth and satisfaction.

Take the next step in your musical journey today by signing up for more piano lessons. Enhance your skills, expand your repertoire, and enjoy the benefits of playing your favorite songs with confidence and proficiency.

FAQs for “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I

The chord progression of “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I in the key of F# minor is F#m – D – A – E.

The tempo of the song “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I has not been specified.

The time signature of “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I has not been specified.

“Dance Monkey” by Tones And I is played in the key of F# minor.

The difficulty level of playing “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I on the piano is categorized as Mid.

The song “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I features a repetitive left-hand octave pattern and syncopated right-hand melody.

Start free trial

 

Generated by AI with Verified Data Sources

This piano tutorial has been produced using an innovative AI process where we integrate data from respected sources like GetSongbpm API, the YouTube API, OpenAI API, and Perplexity API. Our approach carefully combines these resources to create structured, user-friendly piano learning content.”

Share this article

Share this article

Don’t leave empty-handed

Get a 7 day trial of Skoove Premium piano lessons