If you’re a budding guitarist eager to expand your repertoire, mastering the House of the Rising Sun guitar chords is a rewarding endeavor. This timeless folk song, popularized by The Animals in the 1960s, offers a haunting melody and a straightforward chord progression, making it an ideal piece for beginners. In this guide, we’ll delve into the chords, strumming patterns, and techniques to help you play this classic tune with confidence.
The Chord Progression
The version by The Animals is typically played in the key of A minor. Here’s the chord progression used throughout the song:
Verse Chords:
Each chord is played for one measure, creating a melancholic and flowing rhythm that complements the song’s narrative.
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Chord Diagrams
For those unfamiliar with the chords, here are the standard finger positions:
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A minor (Am): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
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C major (C): Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
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D major (D): Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, and middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
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F major (F): Barre all strings on the 1st fret with your index finger, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, and pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string.
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E major (E): Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index finger on the 1st fret of the G string.
Note: If you’re struggling with the F major barre chord, you can use an F major 7 (Fmaj7) as an easier alternative.
Strumming Pattern
The song is traditionally played using an arpeggiated picking pattern, which involves plucking individual strings in a sequence rather than strumming all strings simultaneously. This technique adds to the song’s haunting ambiance.
Basic Picking Pattern:
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Bass: Play the root note of the chord.
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3rd: Play the G string.
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2nd: Play the B string.
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1st: Play the high E string.
This pattern repeats for each chord, creating a flowing and melodic accompaniment.
Tips for Beginners
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Start Slow: Begin by practicing the chord transitions slowly to ensure accuracy.
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Use a Metronome: This will help you maintain a consistent tempo as you practice.
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Focus on Clean Transitions: Ensure each chord rings out clearly before moving to the next.
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Practice the Picking Pattern Separately: Before combining it with chord changes, get comfortable with the picking sequence.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Rushing Through Chord Changes: Take your time to ensure each chord is played cleanly.
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Neglecting the Picking Pattern: The arpeggiated style is crucial to the song’s feel; don’t default to strumming.
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Ignoring Dynamics: Pay attention to the song’s emotional arc; vary your playing intensity to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play this song using a capo?
Yes, placing a capo on the 2nd fret and using the same chord shapes will transpose the song to the key of B minor, which may suit some vocal ranges better.
Is this song suitable for absolute beginners?
While the chords are relatively simple, the picking pattern may pose a challenge. With dedicated practice, beginners can certainly master it.
Are there other versions of this song?
Absolutely. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez have their renditions, each with slight variations in arrangement and lyrics.
Mastering the House of the Rising Sun guitar chords is a rite of passage for many guitarists. Its haunting melody and straightforward progression make it both accessible and emotionally resonant. By focusing on clean chord transitions and mastering the picking pattern, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a compelling rendition of this classic tune.