What key is "Satin Doll" in?

"Satin Doll" by Duke Ellington is in the key of C with a tempo of 128 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Satin Doll" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "Satin Doll" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

How long does it take to learn "Satin Doll" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Duke Ellington can I play here?

Try "Prelude To A Kiss", "Beale Street Blues", "Caravan". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

(Dm)Cig a rette (G7)hold er which (G7)wigs me.

(Em7)O ver her (A7)shoul der she (A7)digs me.

Out cat tin’, that sat in (C)doll.

(Dm)Ba by, shall (G7)we go out (G7)skip pin’?

(Em)Care ful, a (A7)mi go, you’re (A7)flip pin’.

Speaks Lat in, that sat in (C)doll.

She’s (Gm7)no bod y’s (C7)fool, so I’m (Gm7)play ing it (C7)cool as can (F)be.

I’ll (Am7)give it a (D7)whirl, but I (Am7)ain’t for no (D7)girl catch ing me.

Switch e roo ney.

(Dm)Tel e phone (G7)num bers, well, (G7)you know.

(Em)Do ing my (A7)rhum bas, with (A7)u no, and that ’n’ my sat in (C)doll.