Smoke on the Water Chords

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Guitar

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Ukulele

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Piano

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Banjo

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Mandolin

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.

G5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
C5tap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G5 · Bb5 · C5

Smoke on the Water Chords – Harmonica

The most famous guitar riff in history. Deep Purple’s rock anthem is usually the first thing every guitarist learns. Three power chords and pure attitude.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
12345

Tip: The main riff uses single notes on the D and G strings, not chords. Play 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5-3-0. That is the riff that launched a million guitarists.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide


1
Learn the riff
The iconic riff uses just two strings. It is the first thing most guitarists learn, and for good reason — it sounds awesome immediately.

2
Learn the three power chords
You need G5, Bb5, and C5. Power chords use just two fingers and sound massive.

3
Get the rhythm
The verse uses the riff, the chorus uses power chords strummed with attitude. Keep the rhythm driving and aggressive.

4
Rock out
Turn up the volume, play the riff, and feel like a rock star. This song is pure energy and attitude.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

 
G5
We all came out to Montreux
Bb5 C5
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G5
To make records with a mobile
Bb5 C5
We didn’t have much time
 

Chorus

 
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
G5 Bb5 C5
A fire in the sky
G5 Bb5 C5
Smoke on the water
 

Practice tip: The riff comes first. Play it 100 times until it is in your muscle memory. Then add the verse chords. The riff IS this song — everything else is built around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Smoke on the Water"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G5, Bb5 and C5.

Is "Smoke on the Water" 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 "Smoke on the Water" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Smoke on the Water"?

It was written by Deep Purple.