How to Master the Pop Hit ‘Dance Monkey’ on Your Ukulele- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Play Dance Monkey on Ukulele

If you’re a fan of the catchy tune “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I and you’re looking to strum along on your ukulele, you’ve come to the right place. Learning how to play “Dance Monkey” on ukulele is a fun and rewarding experience that can enhance your appreciation for the song. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate ukulele player, this guide will walk you through the essential chords and strumming patterns to help you play “Dance Monkey” like a pro. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Chords

Before diving into the strumming patterns, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the chords used in “Dance Monkey.” The song primarily uses the following chords:

– C Major
– G Major
– Am
– F Major
– Em

To play these chords, position your fingers on the ukulele strings as follows:

– C Major: Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and your pinky on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
– G Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string, and your pinky on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
– Am: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and your pinky on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
– F Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and your pinky on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
– Em: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string, and your pinky on the 1st fret of the 4th string.

Strumming Patterns

Now that you’ve got the chords down, it’s time to learn the strumming patterns for “Dance Monkey.” The song features a mix of quarter notes, eighth notes, and dotted eighth notes. Here’s a basic strumming pattern you can use:

– C Major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down
– G Major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down
– Am: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down
– F Major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down
– Em: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down

Remember to keep a steady rhythm and experiment with the strumming pattern to find what works best for you.

Putting It All Together

Now that you know the chords and strumming patterns, it’s time to put it all together. Start by playing the chords in the order they appear in the song, and strum according to the pattern you’ve learned. Practice playing the song in sections, gradually working your way through the entire song. As you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming patterns, you’ll be able to play “Dance Monkey” on ukulele with confidence.

Improving Your Skills

Once you’ve mastered the basic version of “Dance Monkey” on ukulele, you can continue to improve your skills by experimenting with different strumming patterns, adding in slides, or incorporating fingerpicking techniques. As you become more proficient, you may even try to transpose the song to a different key or add in a melody line.

In conclusion, learning how to play “Dance Monkey” on ukulele is a fun and rewarding endeavor that can help you connect with the song on a deeper level. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to playing one of the most popular songs of recent years on your beloved ukulele. Happy strumming!