Mitski - I Bet on Losing Dogs

How to play Mitski - I Bet on Losing Dogs by Mitski on guitar

This song is worth learning because it has a simple, emotional loop that lets you focus on feel more than flash. At about 120 BPM, it should sit in a steady, reflective groove, and the repeating progression gives you a clear path to lock in the mood. You can make it sound strong even as a beginner by keeping your changes calm and even.

Most of the shapes here are barre shapes, so your fretting hand will need to stay relaxed and accurate. The open shapes are easier to grab, but the harder part is moving cleanly into the barre shapes without losing time. Watch the shift between C#m, Dm, and F#m in the opening progression - that is the change to get smooth first.

Start by practicing the opening progression slowly until each change feels automatic. Then loop the same four chords with a steady pulse, making sure every shape rings clearly before you speed up. Once that feels solid, bring it closer to full tempo and keep your focus on even timing rather than force.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.