House of the Rising Sun Chords

If you’ve ever picked up a guitar, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the song “House of the Rising Sun.” It’s one of those timeless tunes that continues to inspire players around the world. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve been strumming for a while, learning the House of the Rising Sun chords is a must-do on your musical journey.

In this blog post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about playing this song—from the chords, to strumming patterns, and even some fun facts along the way. Stick with us, and you’ll be playing this classic tune in no time!

Why “House of the Rising Sun” Is Perfect for Beginners

One of the best things about the House of the Rising Sun chords is how straightforward they are.

Many guitar songs use complex chords or fancy tricks, but this one keeps it simple. It uses basic open chords that are often among the first ones beginners learn. But don’t let that fool you—it still sounds rich and full when played correctly.

Plus, the slow tempo gives you plenty of time to switch between chords. If you’re still working on getting your fingers in place, this song is forgiving and lets you practice without pressure.

So, why not start here?

Quick Background on the Song

Before we dive into the chords, let’s take a quick look at the history. “House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song with origins that go back hundreds of years.

The most famous version was recorded by a British rock band called The Animals in 1964. Their haunting, electric-guitar-driven rendition is what brought the song to mainstream fame. That version still gives people chills today!

Some say the song tells the story of a life gone wrong in New Orleans, possibly connected to a gambling house or brothel. Whatever interpretation you prefer, there’s no denying it’s packed with emotion—which makes it perfect for guitar players wanting to add feeling to their music.

The Chords You’ll Need

Let’s get into the good stuff—the actual chords. The version played by The Animals is typically in the key of Am (A minor). The most widely used chord progression includes:

These are all standard open chords. The only one that might give you a bit of trouble is the F chord because it involves a barre (pressing down multiple strings with one finger). But don’t worry—take it slow, and with a bit of practice, you’ll get it down.

Here’s a typical chord progression for the verse:

Am – C – D – F
Am – C – E – E

And here’s the progression for the chorus:

Am – C – D – F
Am – E – Am – E

Once you memorize these shapes and practice switching between them, you’re already well on your way to mastering the House of the Rising Sun chords.

Strumming Pattern or Picking Style?

You’ve got your chords down—now what about how to play them?

The classic version uses an arpeggiated picking style. That means you don’t strum all the strings at once. Instead, you pick them one at a time, following a pattern. This gives the song that rolling, haunting vibe.

Here’s a picking pattern you can try:

Start with the root note (lowest string of the chord)
Pick up the remaining strings from low to high
Think: 6–4–3–2–1 (depending on the chord)

But if fingerpicking feels tricky when you’re just starting out, that’s okay! You can also strum the chords lightly. Use a slow and steady downstroke to keep the mood slow and sad, just like the song calls for.

Tips for Mastering the House of the Rising Sun Chords

Here are a few tips that helped me when I was learning this song. Maybe they’ll help you too:

Practice chord transitions slowly. Don’t rush. It’s better to take your time and make clean changes.
Break the song into sections. Work on one verse, then move on to the next.
Use a metronome. This helps keep your tempo consistent, especially during arpeggios.
Record yourself. Listening back can show you what’s sounding good—and what could use a little work.

Imagine trying to switch chords in the middle of a sentence—it’s just like reading when you’re tired. You stumble a bit at first. But once your fingers know where to go, it starts to feel like second nature.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Everyone faces a few roadblocks when first learning the House of the Rising Sun chords. It’s totally normal!

Having trouble with the F chord? You’re not alone. It was one of the toughest chords for me to learn too. Try playing a simplified version (Fmaj7) until you get used to pressing down multiple strings.

Struggling with fingerpicking? Put down your pick and use your thumb and index fingers to build some muscle memory. Once you’ve got the motions down, you can add your other fingers or go back to a pick.

Remember, every guitar player deals with these little bumps. Don’t compare your progress to others—go at your own pace.

Make It Your Own

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start to add your own flavor. That’s the beauty of a song like this—it’s so versatile.

Try the following:

Experiment with dynamics. Play some parts louder, others softer.
Add simple embellishments. Hammer-ons, slides, or even small fills between chord changes.
Sing along. If you’re feeling brave, add vocals. It’s a great way to build confidence and connect with the music.

One time, I played this song for a family gathering, adding my own spin by speeding it up just a little and jazzing up the final chorus. Everyone loved it!

The House of the Rising Sun chords offer a foundation—but what you build on top is completely up to you.

Fun Facts That Make This Song Even Cooler

Want to impress your friends with some music trivia?

The song’s origins date back to at least the 18th century. That’s over 200 years ago!
It’s one of the first songs to feature the folk-rock sound—a mix of acoustic and electric instruments.
The Animals recorded their hit version in just one take. Crazy, right?
It was one of the earliest songs to use the concept of a full story in the lyrics—kind of like a movie in song form.

Learning these fun tidbits not only gives you context—it also helps you play with more emotion and understanding. Music isn’t just about technique; it’s about storytelling, too.

Final Thoughts: Why This Song Should Be On Your Playlist

If you’re looking for a song that’s easy to learn, rich in history, and full of feeling, the House of the Rising Sun chords are a perfect pick.

It teaches you chord transitions, arpeggios, and emotional storytelling—all wrapped up in one unforgettable melody. Plus, it’s just plain fun to play. There’s a reason why it’s still popular after all these years.

Add it to your repertoire, and you’ll be glad you did.

What’s Next After “House of the Rising Sun”?

So, you’ve got the House of the Rising Sun chords down pat. What now?

You might want to try other folk or classic rock songs that use similar chords and patterns. Here are a few suggestions:

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
“Hotel California” by The Eagles (a bit more advanced)

Each song you learn builds upon the last. Think of it as leveling up in a video game. And the more songs you know, the more fun you’ll have playing for yourself—and maybe even others.

Conclusion: Keep Practicing and Have Fun

Learning guitar isn’t just about code and chords—it’s about expressing yourself.

Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or just looking to expand your song list, starting with the House of the Rising Sun chords is a smart move. The song is simple enough for beginners, yet deep enough to keep you interested for years.

So grab your guitar, tune those strings, and let the music flow. You never know where it might take you.