How To Play House of the Rising Sun on Guitar

House of the Rising Sun is an American folk song with its roots in the deep south. While the exact origin and meaning of House of the Rising Sun (or Rising Sun Blues as it can also be called) can be argued, its deep emotion of loss and warning in the lyrics, and its plaintive, minor melody make it a classic. It was a huge hit in the 60’s for the The Animals, and today many instrumentalists and singers learn how to play House of the Rising Sun as it’s become a standard song to be played in jam sessions and at coffee houses.

House of the Rising Sun is an easy guitar song you can learn by using the music below.

How to Play “House of the Rising Sun” on Guitar

  1. Listen to the song in the video above to double hear how it goes. Don’t be put-off by the fast guitar arpeggios. The song sounds great using a standard strumming pattern.
  2. Learn how to play House of the Rising Sun guitar chords. As you can see, the song uses the standard open chords of Am, C, D, F and E. F can be a bit tricky, but we will help you learn it.

    3. Am Guitar ChordC Guitar Chord DiagramD Guitar Chord DiagramF Guitar Chord DigramE Guitar Chord Diagram

  3. The guitar music for House of the Rising shows chords, song lyrics and a tab (guitar tablature) transcription. If you need help learning how to read this special guitar notation, then check out this link for learning how to read guitar tabs.

Play this song with gradually building dynamics. Start with the first verse in a more quiet and solemn tone. Then build the angst in your performance as you get to the end where the singer agonizes over the bad choices and warns other to stay away from the House of the Rising Son.

House of the Rising Sun Guitar TABs

eMedia Guitar MethodLearn How to Play House of the Rising Sun
and Other Easy Guitar Songs

 eMedia Guitar Method is the best-selling  guitar lesson software that includes over 180 guitar lessons written by professional instructor Kevin Garry, Ph.D. It interactive technology lets you easily see the correct notes to play, slow down and loop difficult areas in songs and exercises, and learn chords, strumming, fingerpicking and other skills. Flash cards and videos keep your learning experience engaging, plus you learn over 70 great guitar songs.

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