Dog Days Are Over — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Dog Days Are Over uses the chords D, A, Bm, G in the key of D. The progression follows a I–V–vi–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Alternative · 2009 · Beginner

Dog Days Are Over

by Florence + the Machine
Key of D 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of D · Progression: I–V–vi–IV

D
chord 1
A
chord 2
Bm
chord 3
G
chord 4
Chord Loop
D — A — Bm — 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 Dog Days Are Over

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the D→A 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 Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine

Dog Days Are Over (2009) is a beginner-level alternative song that uses 4 chords: D, A, Bm, G in the key of D. The chord progression is I–V–vi–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • Bm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Dog Days Are Over

"Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + the Machine (released 2009) 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, A, Bm creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Dog Days Are Over as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Dog Days Are Over, 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
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
A – F#m – D – E
Beginner
A · 76 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
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

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine — FAQ

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

What chords are in Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine?

Dog Days Are Over uses the chords D, A, Bm, G in the key of D.

The progression follows a I–V–vi–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Dog Days Are Over in?

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine is in the key of D.

The primary chords are D, A, Bm.

What is the tempo of Dog Days Are Over?

Dog Days Are Over 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 Dog Days Are Over use?

Dog Days Are Over 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 Dog Days Are Over.

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

Can I play Dog Days Are Over on piano?

Yes! Dog Days Are Over sounds great on piano.

Play the chords D, A, Bm, 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 Dog Days Are Over beginner-friendly?

Yes! Dog Days Are Over is rated Beginner difficulty.

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

What is the chord progression in Dog Days Are Over?

The main progression in Dog Days Are Over is D – A – Bm – G (Roman numeral: I–V–vi–IV).

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

Can I transpose Dog Days Are Over to a different key?

Yes! Dog Days Are Over 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 Dog Days Are Over?

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine is a Alternative song from 2009.

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