“House of the Rising Sun” is a classic folk song that has captured the hearts of many.
With some basic chords and practice, you can learn to play this iconic tune on guitar.
This song is popular not just because of its rich history but also due to its emotional lyrics and memorable melody.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this guide will help you master this beautiful piece.
To start, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the chords used in the song.
The main chords are Am, C, D, F, and E. Once you have these down, you can easily follow along with the progression throughout the verses.
Playing along with recordings will also enhance your timing and strumming skills, making your rendition closer to what you hear from The Animals and other artists.
If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends with a stunning guitar performance, “House of the Rising Sun” is your chance.
With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll find yourself strumming this timeless track in no time.
Basics of Guitar Playing
Getting started with guitar playing involves understanding your instrument and how to use it.
This includes tuning your guitar, knowing about different playing techniques, and familiarizing yourself with the chords you’ll need.
Understanding Your Guitar
Your guitar is made up of several parts: the body, neck, strings, and frets.
If you’re using an acoustic guitar, the body is hollow, which helps produce sound.
Take time to get to know the strings—there are six in total, and they’re numbered from the thinnest (1st string) to the thickest (6th string).
When you press down on the strings against the frets, you create different notes and chords.
For “House of the Rising Sun,” you’ll mainly use the chords Am, C, D, F, and E. Each chord has a unique shape that you’ll need to memorize.
Practice switching between them smoothly.
Tuning Your Guitar
Before you start playing, ensure your guitar is in tune.
The standard tuning for each string from the 6th to the 1st is E, A, D, G, B, and E. You can use a tuner, a tuning app, or even another instrument to help.
Make sure each string plays the correct pitch, as a well-tuned guitar will sound much better.
If you’re new, start by eliminating any buzzing sound you hear when you press the strings.
Regular tuning keeps your guitar sounding great, making it easier to learn songs like “House of the Rising Sun.” Don’t forget that different songs may sometimes require alternate tunings!
Fingerpicking vs. Strumming
You can play your guitar using two main techniques: fingerpicking and strumming.
Strumming involves sweeping your pick or fingers across the strings to produce chords quickly.
It works well for rhythm and adds dynamics to your playing.
Fingerpicking, on the other hand, allows for more intricate melodies and can create a softer, more delicate sound.
This technique is great for songs like “House of the Rising Sun,” as it can enhance the emotional feel.
To start fingerpicking, practice using your thumb and fingers to pluck the strings individually.
You can use a flatpick for strumming, while fingerpicking gives you a more personal touch.
Exploring both techniques will improve your overall playing style and help you find what feels best for you!
Learning ‘House of the Rising Sun’
When you’re ready to tackle “House of the Rising Sun,” you’ll want to focus on the chord progression, the picking pattern, and how the melody flows with the chords.
Understanding these key elements will help you play the song smoothly and confidently.
Chord Progression & Structure
The chord progression for “House of the Rising Sun” is simple yet effective.
It generally follows the pattern: Am – C – D – F – Am – E – Am – E.
- Verse Structure: Each verse uses the same chords, making it easy to memorize.
- Transitions: Practice switching between these chords. The F bar chord might be tricky, so spend some extra time on it.
You can write out the chords above the lyrics to keep track while singing.
The song has a laid-back feel, so remember to keep a steady tempo of around 75 BPM.
This helps keep everything in rhythm.
Picking Pattern & Rhythm
The classic picking pattern really gives the song its character.
You can use a simple fingerstyle approach, picking the bass note followed by the higher strings.
Try this pattern for each chord:
- Bass note (root of the chord)
- 3rd string
- 2nd string
- 1st string
- Repeat the sequence.
This pattern creates a flowing sound.
The rhythm is in 6/8 time, so you’ll be counting in groups of six.
Focus on keeping that rhythm steady as you go.
Melody and Chords
Now let’s look at how the melody interacts with the chords.
The melody mostly uses the notes within each chord.
It’s helpful to follow along with the lyrics to see how they fit over the chords.
Start with the first line of the lyrics and play the chords simultaneously.
As you sing, try to highlight the melody notes.
Here’s a basic tip: when you play Am, the melody will often emphasize the A note.
As you progress, link the melody to the chords and lyrics.
This will help you capture the essence of the song, making it feel complete and rich.
Playing Along with the Song
Playing along with “House of the Rising Sun” is a great way to improve your guitar skills.
You’ll get a feel for the music while practicing timing and chord changes.
Let’s look at two key steps to make your practice sessions effective.
Mastering the Tempo
To play along with the song, you need to nail the tempo.
This classic tune has a flowing feel, and it’s often played in 6/8 time.
Start by listening to the original track several times.
Focus on the beat and try to tap your foot to it.
Once you’re comfortable, practice playing the chords at a slower speed.
Gradually increase your pace to match the song.
Using a metronome can help you keep a steady beat.
Set it to a slower tempo at first, then speed it up as you become more confident.
Be patient; mastering the tempo may take some time, but it’s worth it.
Practice with Video Tutorials
Video tutorials are fantastic resources for beginners.
They provide step-by-step lessons that make learning easier.
Look for a guitar lesson that breaks down the song into manageable parts.
Follow along by playing the chords while watching the teacher’s hand movements.
This way, you can see how to position your fingers correctly.
Many tutorials also explain strumming patterns, which are crucial for capturing the song’s vibe.
Try practicing with several different tutorials to find the one that resonates with you.
Each teacher may have tips that can enhance your learning experience.
Playing along will boost your confidence, making the song even more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about playing “House of the Rising Sun” on guitar.
Here are some specific answers to help you get started and improve your skills.
What chords are used in ‘House of the Rising Sun’ for beginner guitarists?
The song mainly uses five chords: Am, C, D, F, and E. The F chord can be a bit tricky for beginners, but there are easier ways to play it, like using a simple version.
This makes it more accessible while you learn.
Can you show the fingerstyle technique for ‘House of the Rising Sun’?
Fingerstyle for this song typically involves plucking strings individually.
You might start with your thumb on the bass notes and use your index and middle fingers for higher strings.
This gives the song a smooth flow and a nice sound.
Where can I find a guitar tab PDF for ‘House of the Rising Sun’?
You can find a guitar tab PDF on various guitar tutorial websites.
Many sites offer free downloads that show the chords and melody.
Just search for “House of the Rising Sun guitar tab PDF” and you’ll find plenty of options.
Is ‘House of the Rising Sun’ considered an easy song for new guitar players?
This song can be both easy and a bit challenging.
The chord progression is simple, but the F chord might require some practice.
If you stick with it, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
What’s the best way to learn ‘House of the Rising Sun’ on an electric guitar?
If you’re using an electric guitar, focus on clear notes and practice the chord transitions.
You can also experiment with using effects like reverb for a fuller sound.
Watching video lessons can also guide you through the process.
Can ‘House of the Rising Sun’ be played with just easy chords?
Yes, you can simplify the song using easy open chords.
Many beginners choose to play without the barre F chord, using a simpler version instead.
This makes it easier to enjoy the song while you learn.