“Campfire songs” evoke images of sing-alongs around crackling fires, filled with familiar tunes and simple guitar chords. But the essence of a campfire song transcends location. Whether you’re indoors or out, these songs are about shared musical experiences. “House of the Rising Sun” perfectly embodies this spirit – a timeless melody with a rich history and accessible guitar chords.
This song is a cautionary tale set in New Orleans, famously popularized by The Animals’ rock rendition in 1964. However, its roots run much deeper, stretching back to early 20th-century folk and even older European traditions. While the core melody remained fairly consistent, the guitar chords have evolved over time. Early recordings, such as Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster’s 1933 “Rising Sun Blues” and Woody Guthrie’s 1941 version, showcase Appalachian folk and blues influences. Notable interpretations also include Josh White’s somber solo performance and Ronnie Gilbert’s jazzy arrangement with The Weavers.
For this lesson, we’ll focus on a simple arrangement using open and first position chords: Am, C with a G bass note (C/G), D with an F# bass note (D/F#), and F (barre chord). This sequence creates a descending bass line (A, G, F#, F) adding depth to the progression. We’ll also use basic open C and E chords.
The song is in 6/8 time, characterized by six eighth notes per measure, counted as “One, two, three, four, five, six.” If you’re new to this time signature, listening to the song while playing along is the best way to grasp its feel. You can use a flatpick, as demonstrated in the initial measures, incorporating both strums and single notes for variety. Alternatively, simple strumming or a basic fingerpicking pattern are equally effective – choose what suits your playing style best.
“House of the Rising Sun” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of musical history. Learning these guitar chords allows you to connect with a tradition spanning generations and musical genres. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, adding this classic to your repertoire is a rewarding endeavor. Explore different versions, experiment with strumming patterns, and make this timeless song your own.
This exploration of “House of the Rising Sun” guitar chords provides a foundation for understanding and playing this iconic song. With its simple chord structure and rich history, it’s a perfect addition to any guitarist’s songbook.
