The strumming pattern for this one couldn’t be simpler. Since this song is in 6-8 time we have to count it a particular way. 1+a 2+a. The time signature is doing all the work, so rather than play some complex string of down and up strokes, focusing on the dynamics of our playing and emphasizing certain beats is going to not only be simpler to accomplish but create a better end product. This song is perfect for teaching you how to feel 6-8 time and we’re going to take advantage of that by using a strumming pattern that emphasizes this time signature!

House of the Rising Sun Picking Pattern:

The picking pattern is simple in the way that we go up + down. The order of the strings is constant, and all in a row. The challenge arises in picking them with the appropriate speed in order to capture the correct rhythm. Since rhythm is something you need to hear + feel, I have a tutorial below that will walk you through this. Otherwise, these House of the Rising Sun TABs clearly illustrate the picking order.

House of the Rising Sun Guitar Chords:

House of the Rising Sun Guitar Tutorial:

House of the Rising Sun Guitar Chord Chart
By the Animals

[Intro]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E 


[Verse 1]

      Am   C        D          F
There is a house in New Orleans
      Am       C      E        E
They call the "Rising Sun"
         Am       C       D           F
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
    Am     E         
And God, I know, I'm one


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E 

[Verse 2]

   Am     C     D        F
My mother was a tailor 
    Am       C        E       E
She sewed my new blue jeans
   Am     C     D        F
My father was a gambling man
Am      E     
Down in New Orleans.


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E


[Verse 3]

        Am   C       D       F
Now the only thing a gambler needs 
     Am       C     E        E
Is a suitcase and a trunk
        Am   C     D         F
And the only time, he's satisfied, 
   Am        E   
Is when he's on a drunk 


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E


[Solo]

| Am | C | D | F |
| Am | C | E | % |
| Am | C | D | F |
| Am | E |


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E


[Verse 4]

   Am     C          D           F
O, mother, tell your children
       Am      C      E          E
Not to do what I have done 
Am         C        D           F
Spend your lives in sin and misery
       Am       E     
In the House of Rising Sun 


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E 


[Verse 5]

            Am       C      D            F
Well, I got one foot on the platform 
    Am         C      E             E
The other foot on the train
    Am    C       D     F
I'm going back to New Orleans
   Am        E        
To wear that ball and chain 


[Interlude]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E | Am | E 


[Verse 6]

            Am   C        D             F
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
     Am        C      E           E
They call the "Rising Sun"  
         Am       C       D           F
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
    Am     E7     
And God, I know, I'm one


[Interlude*]

 Am | C | D  | F 
 Am | E |


[Ending]

| Am | Dm | Am | Dm | Am | Dm |
| Am | Dm | Am | Dm | Am

Want a downloadable “House of The Rising Sun Chords” pdf?

Who originally sang The house of the rising sun?

“The House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song, so its original author is unknown. The song has been recorded by many artists, but the most well-known version is probably the one by the English rock band The Animals, which was released in 1964. The Animals’ version is a bluesy, rock interpretation of the traditional folk song, and it became a huge hit both in the UK and in the US.

Who has covered the song House of the Rising Sun?

“The House of the Rising Sun” has been covered by many artists in various genres, including folk, blues, rock, and pop. Some of the most notable covers include:

• Bob Dylan (on his debut album in 1962)
• Joan Baez (on her album “Joan Baez in Concert, Part 2” in 1963)
• The Animals (as a single in 1964)
• Nina Simone (on her album “Pastel Blues” in 1965)
• Frijid Pink (their version was a hit in 1970)
• Dolly Parton (on her album “The Bargain Store” in 1975)
• Santa Esmeralda (their disco version was a hit in 1977)
• Muse (performed live and released as a B-side in 2002)
• Five Finger Death Punch (on their album “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 2” in 2013)

Is The house of the rising sun based on a real place?

There is no consensus among historians or folklorists as to whether “The House of the Rising Sun” is based on a real place. The lyrics of the song describe a house in New Orleans that is known as the “Rising Sun,” where many people have ruined their lives. Some people believe that the song is based on a real brothel or gambling house in the French Quarter of New Orleans, which was known as the “Rising Sun” in the 19th century. However, there is little concrete evidence to support this theory, and it is possible that the song is purely fictional.

Another theory is that the song may have originated as an English folk song called “The Unfortunate Rake,” which dates back to the 18th century. This song also tells the story of a young man who ruins his life by visiting a house of ill repute, and it shares some similarities with “The House of the Rising Sun.”

Overall, the origins of “The House of the Rising Sun” are somewhat shrouded in mystery, and it is difficult to say for sure whether it is based on a real place or is purely fictional.

Who wrote the house of the rising sun?

The original author of “The House of the Rising Sun” is unknown, as the song is a traditional folk song that has been passed down through generations of musicians. The song has been recorded and performed by countless artists over the years, and each version may have different lyrics or variations.

That being said, the earliest known recording of the song dates back to 1933, when folklorist Alan Lomax recorded a version by a woman named Georgia Turner in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The song was also recorded by Appalachian musician Clarence “Tom” Ashley in 1934, and by Texas singer and guitarist Lead Belly in 1944.

Over time, the lyrics and melody of “The House of the Rising Sun” evolved and were adapted by various musicians, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and The Animals, who popularized the song with their hit rock version in 1964. Despite its long history and many variations, the original author of the song remains unknown.