Cake by the Ocean Guitar Chords — DNCE

About This Song

Cake by the Ocean by DNCE (2015) is an infectious pop-rock song built on four chords — Em, Bm, Am, and C — in E Minor. The Bm chord is the most challenging shape: it's a barre chord at the 2nd fret. If you're still building barre chord strength, try the simplified Bm (xx4432) as a starting point. The chord progression flows Em–Bm–Am–C throughout the intro, verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, with only minor structural variations — making this one of the most consistent intermediate songs to learn. The song has a complete structure: intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, solo, bridge, and outro — great for learning full-song guitar arrangements. A popular choice at JBX Music guitar lessons in Mumbai.

How to Play Cake by the Ocean on Guitar

Chords Used

EmBmAmC

Strumming Pattern

D DU UDU

Intro

EM/BM/AM/C

Verse

EM/BM
AM/C/EM/BM  — 2 TIMES
AM/C/EM/BM/AM/C

Pre-Chorus

EM/BM/AM/C  — 3 TIMES
EM/BM/AM

Chorus

EM/BM/AM
C/EM/BM/AM  — 2 TIMES
C/EM/BM/AM/C  — REPEAT ALL

Solo

EM/BM/AM/C

Bridge

EM/BM/AM/C/EM/BM

Outro

EM/BM/AM/C/EM
BM/AM/C  — 2 TIMES
BM/AM/C

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords are in Cake by the Ocean? +

Cake by the Ocean uses 4 chords: Em, Bm, Am, and C — in E Minor throughout the whole song.

Is Cake by the Ocean hard on guitar? +

It is intermediate level. The Bm barre chord is the main challenge. The chord progression is consistent, making the song easier to memorise.

What key is Cake by the Ocean in? +

Cake by the Ocean by DNCE is in the key of E Minor.

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