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Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D
Johnny Cash’s country classic with its distinctive mariachi-style horn line. Three chords and a driving rhythm create one of country music’s most recognizable songs.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: Add a boom-chicka rhythm: bass note on beats 1 and 3, strum on 2 and 4. This is the classic Johnny Cash train-beat style.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the three chords
You need G, C, and D. Simple major chords that give the song its bright, major-key sound.
2
Get the boom-chicka rhythm
Johnny Cash songs use a distinctive bass-strum pattern. Hit the bass note, then strum the upper strings. Alternate for the train-beat feel.
3
Learn the form
Verse: G-C-G. Chorus: G-D-G-C-G. The chord changes are slow and predictable.
4
Channel the Man in Black
Play with authority and keep your rhythm rock-solid. Cash’s music is all about the groove being absolutely steady.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
G C G
Love is a burning thing
C G
And it makes a fiery ring
G C G
Bound by wild desire
C G
I fell into a ring of fire
Chorus
D C G
I fell in to a burning ring of fire
D C G
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
G
And it burns, burns, burns
C G D G
The ring of fire, the ring of fire
Practice tip: Practice the boom-chicka pattern on just the G chord for 5 minutes. Get it so steady you could walk to it. That rhythm IS this song.