Rock

House of the Rising Sun Chords

The Animals Intermediate Key of Am 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Guitar

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Ftap to play

Etap to play

Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Ukulele

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Ftap to play

Etap to play

Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Piano

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Ftap to play

Etap to play

Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Banjo

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Ftap to play

Etap to play

Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Mandolin

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.

Amtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Ftap to play

Etap to play

Key

Am

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

Am · C · D · F · E

House of the Rising Sun Chords – Harmonica

One of the most famous arpeggiated songs in rock history. A perfect introduction to fingerpicking and arpeggios.

Arpeggio Pattern (6/8 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Fingerpick this song instead of strumming. Play each chord as a broken arpeggio: bass note, then three ascending strings. Count in 6/8 time.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: Am · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: None — the open chords match the recording.

Playing tip: The full F barre is the hardest part — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build strength.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

Am C D F Am

There is a house in New Orleans,

C E

They call the Rising Sun.

Am C D F

And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,

Am E Am

And God I know I’m one.

Verse 2

Am C D F Am

My mother was a tailor,

C E

She sewed my new blue jeans.

Am C D F Am

My father was a gamblin’ man

E Am

Down in New Orleans.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This song uses 5 chords in the key of Am: Am C D F E. Get each shape clean on its own first.

2

Practice the changes

Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Tip: The F barre chord is the tricky one — use Fmaj7 (skip the low E and A strings) while you build finger strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "House of the Rising Sun"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: Am, C, D, F and E.

Is "House of the Rising Sun" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of Am, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "House of the Rising Sun" in?

It is in the key of Am.

Who wrote "House of the Rising Sun"?

It was written by The Animals.