Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites uses the chords Fm, Db, Ab, Eb in the key of Fm. The progression follows a i–VI–III–VII pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

Electronic · 2010 · Advanced

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

by Skrillex
Key of Fm 120 BPM Advanced

Chord Sheet

Key of Fm · Progression: i–VI–III–VII

Fm
chord 1
Db
chord 2
Ab
chord 3
Eb
chord 4
Chord Loop
Fm — Db — Ab — Eb — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Fm
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Electronic

Practice Tips for Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Fm→Db transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (2010) is a advanced-level electronic song that uses 4 chords: Fm, Db, Ab, Eb in the key of Fm. The chord progression is i–VI–III–VII.

Chord Breakdown

  • Fm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Db — major chord, bright and stable
  • Ab — major chord, bright and stable
  • Eb — major chord, bright and stable

About Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

"Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" by Skrillex (released 2010) is one of the most recognizable electronic songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Fm, Db, Ab creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Viva La Vida
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Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
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Ab · 138 BPM
Bohemian Rhapsody
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Bb – Gm – Cm – F – Eb
Advanced
Bb · 72 BPM
A Thousand Years
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Bb – F – Gm – Eb
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Bb · 45 BPM
Smells Like Teen Spirit
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F – Bb – Ab – Db
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F · 116 BPM
Clocks
Coldplay
Eb – Bb – Fm
Intermediate
Eb · 131 BPM
Fix You
Coldplay
Eb – Bb – Cm – Ab
Beginner
Eb · 71 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites uses the chords Fm, Db, Ab, Eb in the key of Fm.

The progression follows a i–VI–III–VII pattern. This is a advanced-level song.

What key is Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites in?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex is in the key of Fm.

The primary chords are Fm, Db, Ab.

What is the tempo of Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites use?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play Fm chord on guitar?

Fm is the main chord in Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.

See our chord library for the Fm chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites on piano?

Yes! Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Fm, Db, Ab, Eb in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a advanced-level arrangement.

Is Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites beginner-friendly?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is rated Advanced difficulty.

This song demands significant experience with barre chords and complex patterns.

What is the chord progression in Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites?

The main progression in Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is Fm – Db – Ab – Eb (Roman numeral: i–VI–III–VII).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites to a different key?

Yes! Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites is in Fm.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites?

Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex is a Electronic song from 2010.

Its 4-chord progression (Fm, Db, Ab, Eb) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.