Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Guitar
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Ukulele
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
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Dmtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Piano
Amtap to play
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Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Banjo
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Mandolin
Amtap to play
Ctap to play
Ftap to play
Dmtap to play
Key
A
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Am · C · F · Dm
Ghost Riders in the Sky Chords – Harmonica
The classic Western cowboy ballad about a ghostly cattle drive. Beginner difficulty in the key of Am.
Western Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Play with a steady, haunting feel. This is a spooky cowboy campfire song — let the minor key chords create that eerie atmosphere.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Am – C
Am – E
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Chorus
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Verse 2
Am – C
Am – E
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Chorus
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Verse 3
Am – C
Am – E
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Chorus
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Verse 4
Am – C
Am – E
Am – C
Dm – Am – E
Chorus
Am – C
Dm – Am (×2)
Dm – Am – E – Am
Practice tip: The Am-C-Dm-E progression creates a dark, cinematic feel. Practice the Dm to Am transition smoothly — it’s the climax of each verse. A great campfire song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Ghost Riders in the Sky"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: Am, C, F and Dm.
Is "Ghost Riders in the Sky" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of A, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Ghost Riders in the Sky" in?
It is in the key of A.
Who wrote "Ghost Riders in the Sky"?
It was written by Stan Jones, and released in 1949.