What key is "Hound Dog" in?

"Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "Hound Dog" 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 "Hound Dog" 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.

What chords are used in "Hound Dog"?

This arrangement of "Hound Dog" uses 7 chords: C, C6, Db7, F, F7, G, G7.

How long does it take to learn "Hound Dog" on piano?

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

What other songs by Elvis Presley can I play here?

Try "C'MON EVERYBODY", "A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION", "BURNING LOVE". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

You ain’t noth in’ but a (C)hound dog,

cry cry in’ all the time.

You ain’t noth in’ but a (F)hound dog,

cry in’ all the (C)time.

Well, you ain’t (G7)nev er caught a rab bit, and you (F7)ain’t no friend of mine.

Well, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a lie.

Yeah, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a (C)lie.

Yeah, you ain’t (G7)nev er caught a rab bit and you (F7)ain’t no friend of mine.

You ain’t noth in’ but a hound dog,

cry in’ all the time.

You ain’t noth in’ but a (F7)hound dog,

cry in’ all the (C)time.

Well, you ain’t (G7)nev er caught a rab bit and you (F7)ain’t no friend of mine.

Well, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a lie.

Yeah, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a (C)lie.

Well, you ain’t (G7)nev er caught a rab bit and you (F7)ain’t no friend of mine.

Well, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a lie.

Yeah, they said you was high class.

Well, that was just a (C)lie.

Well, you ain’t (G7)nev er caught a rab bit and you (F7)ain’t no friend of mine.

You ain’t noth in’ but a (C)hound dog,

cry cry in’ all the time.

You ain’t noth in’ but a (F7)hound dog,

cry in’ all the (C)time.

Well, you ain’t (G)nev er caught a rab bit; you (CN.C.)ain’t no friend of mine.

Hound Dog by Elvis Presley

15 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “Hound Dog”

What key is "Hound Dog" in?: "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Hound Dog" 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 "Hound Dog" 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.
What chords are used in "Hound Dog"?: This arrangement of "Hound Dog" uses 7 chords: C, C6, Db7, F, F7, G, G7.
How long does it take to learn "Hound Dog" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Elvis Presley can I play here?: Try "C'MON EVERYBODY", "A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION", "BURNING LOVE". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.