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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Guitar
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Ukulele
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Piano
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Banjo
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Mandolin
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Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · Am · D · G
Riders on the Storm Chords – Harmonica
The Doors’ atmospheric epic blending rock, jazz, and psychedelia. Intermediate difficulty in the key of E.
Loose Rock Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a clean, slightly delayed electric guitar tone and let the chords ring out to create the stormy, spacious atmosphere.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
G#m – F#m
E – B
E
Verse 2
E (×2)
G#m
F#m
E – B
G#m – F#m
E – B
Chorus
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
Verse 3
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
G#m – F#m
Chorus
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
Bridge / Outro
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
E (×2)
G#m
F#m
E
B
E (×2)
G#m – F#m
E – B
E
Practice tip: Master the simple E, G#m, F#m, B progression first, then focus on the loose, hypnotic timing and Ray Manzarek’s iconic electric piano melody in your head as you play to capture the song’s mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Riders on the Storm"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, Am, D and G.
Is "Riders on the Storm" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Riders on the Storm" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "Riders on the Storm"?
It was written by The Doors, and released in 1971.