The Ultimate Tap Playlist:
10 Must-Have Tracks for Your Routine
From classic rhythms to modern grooves, fuel your practice with these tempo-defining tracks.
Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)
Benny Goodman
The holy grail of swing. Gene Krupa's iconic drum solo is a masterclass in building tension and release. Perfect for practicing explosive breaks, sustained riffs, and learning the art of musical conversation. This track demands authority from your taps.
I Got Rhythm
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella's impeccable phrasing over this Gershwin standard is a playground for syncopation. The cheerful, steady tempo is ideal for working on clarity, speed, and layering complex patterns over a familiar harmonic structure. A pure joy to dance to.
Moondance
Van Morrison
A smooth, lyrical groove that shifts the focus from blistering speed to nuanced tone and feel. The Latin-tinged jazz waltz feel is perfect for practicing smooth slides, heel work, and crafting melodies with your feet that complement the song's romantic vibe.
Take Five
Dave Brubeck Quartet
Master the unusual. The iconic 5/4 time signature will rewire your rhythmic brain, pushing you out of a 4/4 comfort zone. Essential for developing advanced coordination, odd-meter phrasing, and a cool, composed stage presence.
Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Pure, unadulterated groove. This modern funk anthem is all about sharp, staccato hits, tight pauses, and infectious energy. Use it to drill precision, work on your "punch," and fuse street-style attitude with traditional tap vocabulary.
Fever
Peggy Lee
Less is more. Over this sparse, sultry arrangement, every tap becomes a deliberate statement. Perfect for practicing control, dynamics (from a whisper to a slap), and using space as a rhythmic element. It teaches restraint and sensuality.
Seven Nation Army
The White Stripes (Glitch Mob Remix)
A relentless, driving bass line transformed by electronic beats. This remix offers a powerful, industrial canvas for creating heavy, percussive rhythms. Ideal for developing stamina, power, and exploring the fusion of tap with electronic music textures.
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Sophisticated swing at its finest. Ellington's rich harmonies and elegant phrasing require equally elegant footwork. Use this for practicing musical interpretation, accenting horn lines, and dancing with a mature, sophisticated flair.
Bad Guy
Billie Eilish
A lesson in minimalism and sub-bass. The spacious, hip-hop influenced production highlights irregular accents and a laid-back swagger. Challenge yourself to find the groove in the negative space and create rhythms that feel modern and sly.
Jumpin' at the Woodside
Count Basie
A high-velocity finale. Basie's breakneck tempo is the ultimate test for clean, fast technique and endurance. It’s a thrilling rush—conquer this, and you can conquer anything. The pure, unrelenting joy of swing in its fastest form.
Your Rhythm, Your Rules
This playlist is a starting point—a toolbox of feels, tempos, and eras. The true magic happens when you make these tracks your own. Slow them down, speed them up, isolate sections, and improvise over them. Let the classics teach you discipline, and let the modern tracks inspire innovation. The most important track is always the one that makes you want to move.
Now, put on your shoes, press play, and find your beat.
#FindYourGroove #TapLife #RhythmIsEverything
