How to Play Hound Dog by Elvis on Ukulele 🐾
Get ready to swivel those hips and shake, rattle, and roll - today, we’re breaking down how to play one of rock 'n’ roll’s most iconic tunes: ‘Hound Dog’ by the King himself, Elvis Presley. It’s fast, it’s fun and YES, it sounds fantastic on the ukulele!
What Makes ‘Hound Dog’ So Iconic?
First things first - Hound Dog isn't just a song. It's a slice of music history.
Originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton and made a mega-hit by Elvis in 1956, this track helped shape the sound of early rock 'n' roll. It’s raw, it’s rebellious, and it’s rooted in the 12-bar blues, which makes it perfect for uke players lookin’ to get groovy.
The 12-Bar Blues Breakdown (Ukulele Style)
Let’s get started with some of that 12-bar blues magic.
We’re playing in the key of C, which means your chords are:
• C7
• F7
• G7
Throw in C and F …..
Now let’s lay out the 12-bar structure:
C7| C7 | C7 | C7
F7 | F7 | C7 | C7
G7 | F7 | C7 | C7
And that’s it! You’ve got the bones of the song right there, ready to be brought to life with your four stringed friend.
Lyrics + Chords (Sing it Loud!)
Here’s a short snippet from our full version to get you started. Play the chords where you see them:
[C]You ain't nothin' but a [C]hound dog,
Cryin' all the time, [C7]
You ain't nothin' but a [F]hound dog, [F7]
Cryin' all the [C]time
Well you ain't [G7]never caught a rabbit
And you [F]ain't no [F7]friend of [C]mine
Keep looping through the progression and lyrics - you’ll be shaking like Elvis in no time.
Strumming Like The King
Elvis didn’t just sing - he swung. And so should you! For a classic rockabilly feel, try out these simple strumming patterns:
1. The Shuffle Strum - A popular, beginner-friendly blues pattern.
D-DU-UDU (Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up)
2. Mute Strumming - When your happy with the shuffle strum, try the full Blues ‘Down-Up Mute’ Groove
(Down-Up - Mute - Down-Up - Mute - Down)
It’s all about that laid-back groove, baby. Don’t rush - let it simmer 😊
It’s Time to Rock, Watch the Video and Play Along!
So, you’ve got the chords, practised the strumming groove and you’re in fine voice (at least for singing in the shower).
It’s time to put everything you’ve learned into practice by watching the video and playing along Elvis style.
Step 1 - Download our full song sheet for ‘Hound Dog’ by Elvis Presley
Step 2 - Watch the video, play along and take yourself back to 1956!
🎶 Top Tips
Add Attitude - This song is all about sass. Make that uke bark a little.
Learn from The King - Wiggle your leg, curl that lip, and give the crowd a show!
Jam with Friends - This one’s a crowd-pleaser.
That’s a Wrap
So there you have it - your all-access pass to playing ‘Hound Dog’ on the ukulele. Whether you're playing on a beach, a porch swing, or just for your dog (who, let’s face it, might be the real star), this song is guaranteed to get tails wagging and feet tapping!
Until next time, uke warriors - stay unanimous and …
Happy Strumming 😊
