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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Guitar
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Ukulele
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Piano
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Banjo
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Mandolin
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D
Ring of Fire Chords – Harmonica
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.
Chords used: G, C, D · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner · More 3-chord 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.
Chords & Structure
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
G – C – G
C – G
G – C – G
C – G
Chorus
D – C – G (×2)
G
C – G – D – G
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Ring of Fire"?
You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.
Is "Ring of Fire" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Ring of Fire" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Ring of Fire"?
It was written by Johnny Cash.