Somebody That I Used to Know — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Somebody That I Used to Know uses the chords D, Am, C, G in the key of D. The progression follows a I–v–VII–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Alternative · 2011 · Beginner

Somebody That I Used to Know

by Gotye
Key of D 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of D · Progression: I–v–VII–IV

D
chord 1
Am
chord 2
C
chord 3
G
chord 4
Chord Loop
D — Am — C — G — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
D
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Alternative

Practice Tips for Somebody That I Used to Know

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the D→Am transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye

Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) is a beginner-level alternative song that uses 4 chords: D, Am, C, G in the key of D. The chord progression is I–v–VII–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Somebody That I Used to Know

"Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye (released 2011) is one of the most recognizable alternative songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of D, Am, C creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Somebody That I Used to Know as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Somebody That I Used to Know, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
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Stand By Me
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Perfect
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Hallelujah
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C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye?

Somebody That I Used to Know uses the chords D, Am, C, G in the key of D.

The progression follows a I–v–VII–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Somebody That I Used to Know in?

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye is in the key of D.

The primary chords are D, Am, C.

What is the tempo of Somebody That I Used to Know?

Somebody That I Used to Know is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Somebody That I Used to Know use?

Somebody That I Used to Know is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play D chord on guitar?

D is the main chord in Somebody That I Used to Know.

See our chord library for the D chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Somebody That I Used to Know on piano?

Yes! Somebody That I Used to Know sounds great on piano.

Play the chords D, Am, C, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.

Is Somebody That I Used to Know beginner-friendly?

Yes! Somebody That I Used to Know is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (D, Am, C), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Somebody That I Used to Know?

The main progression in Somebody That I Used to Know is D – Am – C – G (Roman numeral: I–v–VII–IV).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Somebody That I Used to Know to a different key?

Yes! Somebody That I Used to Know is in D.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Somebody That I Used to Know?

Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye is a Alternative song from 2011.

Its 4-chord progression (D, Am, C, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.