Hound Dog by Elvis Presley is played in the key of C at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1950s. It uses 3 chords — C F G — arranged in the I-IV-V progression.
About the I-IV-V progression
The I-IV-V progression uses the three primary chords of the key — nothing else. It's the harmonic foundation of blues, folk, country, and early rock and roll. Learning to switch between these three chords fluently in every key is a fundamental milestone for beginner guitarists.
Playing in the key of C
C major is the theoretical home key of Western music: all natural notes, no sharps or flats. On guitar, C, Am, Em, F, and G are the working chords. The one wrinkle is F, which as the IV chord requires either a barre or a partial shape — the first "difficult" chord most beginners meet.
Related songs
More songs in the key of C
More songs using the I-IV-V progression
Learn to play Hound Dog by Elvis Presley on guitar. It sits in the key of C and uses the I-IV-V progression with the chords C F G.