Mastering the Rhythms- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing ‘Dance Monkey’ on Drums

How to Play “Dance Monkey” on Drums

Drumming is an exciting and rewarding musical skill that can bring joy and expression to anyone. One popular song that drummers often try to play is “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I. This catchy tune has a lively rhythm that is fun to play on drums. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of playing “Dance Monkey” on drums, helping you to add this catchy hit to your drumming repertoire.

Understanding the Song Structure

Before diving into the drum parts, it’s important to understand the structure of the song. “Dance Monkey” follows a simple structure with verses, a pre-chorus, a chorus, and a bridge. The verses are usually quieter and slower, while the chorus is where the energy picks up. By knowing the structure, you can focus on the right drum parts at the right time.

Drum Set Layout

To play “Dance Monkey” on drums, you will need a standard drum set, which includes a snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat, toms, and a cymbal. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the drum set and the names of each drum, as this will help you understand the following drum parts.

Verse Drum Parts

The verse parts of “Dance Monkey” are generally slower and more laid-back. You can start by playing a simple 8th note pattern on the hi-hat, which will serve as the backbone of the rhythm. To add some texture, you can include ghost notes on the snare drum and ride cymbal. Here’s a basic pattern:

– Hi-hat: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 (8th notes)
– Snare Drum: 2 4 (ghost notes)
– Ride Cymbal: 1 3 5 7 (quarter notes)

Pre-Chorus Drum Parts

As the song transitions into the pre-chorus, the rhythm becomes more upbeat. To capture this energy, you can switch to a more active hi-hat pattern, such as 16th notes. Here’s an example:

– Hi-hat: 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a (16th notes)
– Snare Drum: 2 4 (ghost notes)
– Ride Cymbal: 1 3 5 7 (quarter notes)

Chorus Drum Parts

The chorus is where the song really picks up. To emphasize the catchy melody, you can play a syncopated hi-hat pattern and add some tom fills. Here’s an example:

– Hi-hat: 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a (16th notes)
– Snare Drum: 2 4 (ghost notes)
– Ride Cymbal: 1 3 5 7 (quarter notes)
– Tom Fill: 1 2 3 4 (8th notes)

Bridge Drum Parts

The bridge of “Dance Monkey” features a slightly different rhythm. You can play a more rhythmic hi-hat pattern and add some double bass drum hits to create a driving feel. Here’s an example:

– Hi-hat: 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 (8th notes)
– Snare Drum: 2 4 (ghost notes)
– Bass Drum: 1 3 5 7 (quarter notes)
– Ride Cymbal: 1 3 5 7 (quarter notes)

Practicing and Improving

Once you’ve learned the basic drum parts for “Dance Monkey,” it’s important to practice regularly to improve your technique and timing. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song and try to express the energy and mood of the tune through your drumming. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fills and variations to make the song your own.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Dance Monkey” on drums like a pro. Happy drumming!