How to Play House of the Rising Sun on Guitar

You’ve heard it countless times. The haunting melody of “House of the Rising Sun” fills the air, a song so iconic that it’s almost impossible not to be drawn in. You want to play it. Not just play it, but master it on the guitar—bring out that richness, the emotion, and the flow that makes it so legendary. But where do you start? Let’s break it down, step by step, so that by the end of this, you’ll not only know how to play it—you’ll own it.

Starting with the Chords

Before diving into the intricacies of fingerpicking or strumming, let’s lay down the foundation—the chords. “House of the Rising Sun” is primarily a folk-blues song, and it employs a simple yet effective set of chords. The most common version, played by The Animals, uses the following chord progression:

Am - C - D - F - Am - E - Am

If you’re just starting with guitar, you’ll need to get familiar with these chords. Here’s a breakdown:

• Am (A minor): The melancholic heart of the song.
• C major: Adds a hopeful but fleeting warmth.
• D major: Sharpens the mood, offering contrast.
• F major: Deepens the tension.
• E major: Resolves but leaves room for more.

These are mostly basic chords, though F major can be tricky for beginners because it often requires a barre chord, which is challenging at first. Barre chords require strength and finger positioning that might take time to develop.

The Rhythm and Timing

Next up, you have to get the timing down. This song is played in 6/8 time, meaning that there are 6 beats per measure, and it has a flowing, waltz-like rhythm. Each chord is played for one measure. The rhythm is steady, but what makes it special is the fingerpicking.

Fingerpicking vs. Strumming

There’s a debate among guitar players—should you strum or fingerpick this song? In most cases, to capture the authentic feel of “House of the Rising Sun,” you’ll want to fingerpick.

The fingerpicking pattern most closely associated with this song involves playing arpeggios. In simpler terms, you pluck each string individually rather than strumming them all together. This allows the melody to flow more organically and gives that haunting, rolling feel.

For each chord, you’ll follow a basic ascending and descending pattern on the strings:

1. Pluck the root note (the lowest note of the chord).
2. Then move up to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings.
3. Come back down in the reverse order, adding some variation based on feel.

With practice, you’ll notice that fingerpicking not only sounds better for this song but also gives you greater control over dynamics, helping you emphasize certain notes and make the song your own.

Practice Makes Perfect: The Song Structure

The structure of “House of the Rising Sun” is repetitive but powerful. Understanding the verse structure will help you stay on track. Here’s how a basic version of the song flows:

1. Intro: Play the chord progression once through with fingerpicking.
2. Verse: Each verse consists of two lines of lyrics, and the chord progression repeats throughout each verse.
3. Solo/Instrumental: After a few verses, you can throw in a guitar solo (if you're feeling adventurous) or just play through the chords and let the melody carry itself.
4. Outro: The outro is simply the chord progression played one last time, often with a slower or more dramatic fingerpicking style.

Add Personal Flavor: Variations and Improvisation

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to experiment. What separates a great guitar player from a good one is the ability to add personal touches. Don’t be afraid to try out different picking patterns, add small slides or hammer-ons, or even change up the chord voicings to give the song a unique twist. Make it yours.

If you’re feeling bold, try substituting certain chords for a more jazzy or bluesy vibe. For example, instead of playing a straightforward D major, throw in a D7 to give it a bluesy edge. The same goes for other chords—experiment with minor 7ths or major 7ths to bring out new colors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No journey to mastering a song is without its hurdles. Let’s troubleshoot some of the most common issues:

1. Chord Transitions Are Slow: Practice moving from one chord to another without strumming. Just focus on finger placement and do it repeatedly until it’s smooth.
2. Fingerpicking Sounds Messy: Start slowly and work with a metronome. It’s crucial to be patient—your speed will naturally increase as you gain muscle memory.
3. Barre Chords Are Tough: Barre chords, like F major, require practice. Strengthen your index finger by working on the barre itself—hold the barre and strum just to make sure all the strings ring out clearly.

Advanced Techniques: Taking It to the Next Level

Once you feel comfortable with the basic version, there are several advanced techniques you can apply to really make this song shine.

• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Try adding some flair by incorporating hammer-ons or pull-offs between certain notes. For example, on the Am chord, you can hammer on the 2nd fret of the 4th string to give it a bit more texture.
• Slides: Use slides to transition between chords, especially when moving from Am to C or D. This will give the progression a more fluid, connected feel.
• Harmonics: For an ethereal effect, you can add some natural harmonics at the 12th fret during the instrumental sections or the outro.

Why This Song?

So, why “House of the Rising Sun”? What makes it worth the effort? Besides being one of the most recognizable songs in the guitar world, it has a timeless quality that speaks to players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner just learning your first chords or an experienced guitarist looking to add a classic to your repertoire, “House of the Rising Sun” offers endless opportunities for expression.

Beyond that, it’s a song that connects emotionally. Playing it on the guitar feels like telling a story—one filled with tension, release, and deep resonance. Every strum, every picked note feels like it matters.

Building Muscle Memory: Practice Tips

To really nail this song, you’ll need to practice consistently. Here are some strategies:

• Focus on small sections: Instead of trying to play the entire song through each time, break it down into sections and perfect each part before moving on.
• Use a metronome: Timing is everything, especially in a song like this where the rhythm plays such a big role. Start slow, then gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
• Record yourself: Listening back to recordings of yourself playing can be incredibly helpful for spotting mistakes or areas for improvement.

The Final Piece: Playing with Feeling

Ultimately, playing “House of the Rising Sun” isn’t just about hitting the right notes or following the correct fingerpicking pattern. It’s about feeling the music. Each chord progression tells a story of its own. When you play, don’t just focus on getting the mechanics right—focus on how it feels. Let the emotion of the song guide you.

It’s that depth, that connection with the music, that will leave both you and your listeners mesmerized.