“Ring of Fire,” a timeless hit by Johnny Cash, is instantly recognizable and a fantastic song to add to your guitar repertoire. Its catchy melody and straightforward chord progression make it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels, particularly beginners looking to expand their chord knowledge. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Ring of Fire,” providing you with everything you need to start playing this iconic track.
Understanding the Chords in “Ring of Fire”
The beauty of “Ring of Fire” lies in its simplicity. The song primarily uses three chords: G major (G), C major (C), and D7 (D dominant 7th). These are fundamental chords that are often among the first learned by guitar players.
Let’s briefly look at how to play each of these chords:
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G Major (G): Place your middle finger on the 6th string (E string), 3rd fret. Place your index finger on the 5th string (A string), 2nd fret. Place your ring finger on the 1st string (high E string), 3rd fret. Strum all six strings.
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C Major (C): Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string), 2nd fret. Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string), 1st fret. Place your ring finger on the 5th string (A string), 3rd fret. Strum from the 5th string down.
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D Dominant 7th (D7): Place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string), 2nd fret. Place your middle finger on the 1st string (high E string), 2nd fret. Place your ring finger on the 2nd string (B string), 3rd fret. Strum from the 4th string down.
These chord shapes are essential building blocks for countless songs, making “Ring of Fire” not just a fun song to learn but also a valuable exercise in chord transitions and basic guitar skills.
“Ring of Fire” Chord Progression: Section by Section
Now, let’s break down the song structure and the chord progression for each part. The original song intro features a distinctive mariachi-style trumpet riff, but we’ll focus on the guitar chords that underpin the song.
Intro
The intro establishes the song’s rhythm and feel. It uses a simple progression:
G C (2/4 time signature) G G G D7 (2/4 time signature) G G
In standard 4/4 time, this would be:
G | C G | G D7 | G
Count: 1 2 & 3 4 & | 1 2 & 3 4 & | 1 2 & 3 4 & | 1 2 & 3 4 &
This intro progression is repeated throughout the interlude sections as well, creating a familiar and grounding musical phrase within the song.
Verse 1
The verses tell the story of love as a powerful and consuming “burning thing.” The chord progression remains consistent throughout all verses:
G | G C | G C (2/4) G Love is a burning thing,
G G | G D7 | G D7 (2/4) G G and it makes a fiery ring
G | G C | G C (2/4) G G bound by wild desires
G D7 (2/4) G G I fell into a ring of fire.
Again, written in standard 4/4 time for easier understanding:
G | G C | G C G | G G D7 | G D7 G | G | G C | G C G | G D7 | G
Notice the (2/4) time signatures in the original notation. This indicates a slight rhythmic variation, but for learning purposes, you can maintain a consistent 4/4 strumming pattern and simply hold the G chords slightly longer where indicated.
Chorus
The chorus is the emotional core of the song, expressing the intensity of falling into this “ring of fire.” The chord progression shifts slightly here, introducing the C chord more prominently:
D7 D7 C G I fell into a burning ring of fire,
D7 D7 C G I went down, down, down, and the flames went higher.
G G And it burns, burns, burns.
| G D7 | G . The ring of fire. | G D7 | G G . The ring of fire.
In 4/4 time:
D7 | D7 C G | D7 | D7 C G | G | G | G D7 | G | G D7 | G
The chorus uses the D7 and C chords more extensively before resolving back to the G chord, creating a dynamic and memorable section.
Verse 2
Verse 2 continues the theme of love, describing its sweet taste and the feeling of falling deeply. The chord progression is identical to Verse 1:
G | G C | G C (2/4) G The taste of love is sweet
G G | G D7 | G D7 (2/4) G G when hearts like ours meet.
G C (2/4) G G C (2/4) G G I fell for you like a child,
G | G D7 | G G oh, but the fire went wild.
Outro
The outro fades out with a repetition of the “And it burns, burns, burns… The ring of fire” phrase, using a simplified chord progression:
G G And it burns, burns, burns.
| G D7 | G . The ring of fire.
| G D7 | G . The ring of fire.
| G D7 | G G . The ring of fire.
In 4/4 time:
G | G | G D7 | G | G D7 | G | G D7 | G
This outro provides a gentle and fading conclusion to the song.
Strumming Pattern and Playing Tips
For “Ring of Fire,” a simple strumming pattern works effectively, especially for beginners. A basic down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time will capture the song’s rhythm.
- Down strum on beats 1 and 2.
- Up strum on the “and” of beat 2.
- Down strum on beat 3.
- Up strum on the “and” of beat 3.
- Down strum on beat 4.
Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and smooth transitions between chords. Practice changing chords cleanly and efficiently. Start slowly and gradually increase your tempo as you become more comfortable.
Another tip for playing “Ring of Fire” is to listen to Johnny Cash’s recording closely. Pay attention to the tempo, the feel, and the slight variations in his performance. Trying to emulate his style can add authenticity to your playing.
[Insert image of acoustic guitar here]
The Legacy of “Ring of Fire”
“Ring of Fire” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cornerstone of country music and a testament to Johnny Cash’s iconic status. Released in 1963, the song was co-written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore. It quickly became one of Cash’s signature songs, crossing over into pop charts and solidifying his place in music history.
Learning to play “Ring of Fire” on guitar connects you to this rich musical heritage. It’s a song that resonates across generations and continues to be enjoyed by music lovers worldwide.
[Insert image of Johnny Cash performing here]
Conclusion
“Ring of Fire” is an excellent choice for guitarists looking for a fun, recognizable, and relatively easy song to learn. With just three basic chords – G, C, and D7 – you can master the chord progression and start playing this classic hit. Practice the chord changes, work on your strumming, and soon you’ll be able to play “Ring of Fire” and impress your friends and family with your guitar skills. Keep practicing and enjoy the process of learning this timeless Johnny Cash anthem!
