“Ripple” by the Grateful Dead, from their seminal album American Beauty, is a timeless classic beloved by guitarists and music fans alike. Its gentle melody and thoughtful lyrics make it a perfect song for acoustic guitar. If you’re looking to learn how to play “Ripple” on guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides you with the guitar tab to get you started.
Chords for Ripple
Here are the chords you’ll need to play “Ripple”. The song primarily uses G, C, D, and Am chords, making it accessible for intermediate guitar players.
G C
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
G
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
C
Would you hear my voice come thru the music?
G D C G
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken;
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care.
Let there be songs to fill the air.
Am D G C
Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed,
A7 D
Nor wind to blow.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again.
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go, no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
You who choose to lead must follow,
But if you fall, you fall alone.
If you should stand, then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.
La da da da da,
La da da da da,
Da da da da, da da, da da da da da.
La da da da,
La da da da da,
La da da da, La da da da da.“Ripple” Intro Guitar Tab
The intro to “Ripple” is instantly recognizable and beautifully sets the tone for the song. Here’s the guitar tab for the intro section:
(^) Slide Up () Slide Down (h) Hammer On (p) Pull Off (b) Bend
E------------------3-------------------------0--------------
B------------------0-------------0-----0-----1--------------
G------------------0-------0--0-----2-----0--0--------------
D-----------0------0-------------------------2--------------
A--2--2--3---------2-------------------------3--------------
E--------------3---3-------------------------3--------------
E----------0------------------------------3-----------------
B----------1------------------------------0-----------------
G-------0--0--0h2--0-----------0----------0-----------------
D--0h2-----2----------2---0h2-----0h2--0--0-----------------
A----------3------------------------------2-----------------
E----------3------------------------------3-----------------
E------------------3-------------------------0--------------
B------------------0-------------0-----0--1--1--------------
G------------------0-------0--0-----2--------0--------------
D-----------0------0-------------------------2--------------
A--2-2-2-3---------2-------------------------3--------------
E--------------3---3-------------------------3--------------
E------3--------2----------------3--------------------------
B------0--0--1--3----------------0--------------------------
G--0h2-0--------2-------0--0--2--0--------------------------
D------0--------0----2-----------0--------------------------
A------2-------------------------2--------------------------
E------3-------------------------3--------------------------This tab provides a foundation for learning the intro. Pay attention to the hammer-ons (h) and slides (^) to capture the nuances of the original recording. Experiment with strumming patterns and fingerpicking styles to find what sounds best to you. “Ripple” is often played with a gentle fingerpicking approach, but strumming can also work beautifully.
Learning “Ripple” on guitar is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. With these chords and tabs, you’re well on your way to playing this Grateful Dead classic. Practice slowly and focus on clean chord changes and finger placement. Enjoy playing!
