This House of the Rising Sun guitar lesson will teach you one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. The Animals’ haunting 1964 version turned this traditional folk ballad into a worldwide hit, and it’s become a rite of passage for guitarists everywhere. What makes this song so special to play is the beautiful arpeggiated pattern that creates that mysterious, almost hypnotic sound. The chord progression is relatively simple, but the fingerpicking technique and timing will challenge intermediate players while still being approachable for determined beginners.
Song Story & Context
While “House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk song with roots going back centuries, The Animals transformed it into something entirely new in 1964. The band was recording at De Lane Lea Studios in London when they decided to slow down the tempo and add that distinctive arpeggiated guitar pattern. Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals combined with Hilton Valentine’s intricate guitar work created a version that spent three weeks at number one in the UK and reached number one in the US as well.
What’s fascinating is that the song was recorded in just one take. The band had been playing it live for months, so when they got into the studio, they nailed it immediately. That raw, live energy you hear on the recording is completely authentic. The guitar tone came from Valentine’s Gretsch Country Gentleman through a Vox AC30, creating that rich, full sound that’s become synonymous with the song.
What You’ll Learn
- Classic Am-C-D-F-Am-E-Am chord progression
- Fingerpicking arpeggiation technique
- How to maintain steady timing while picking individual strings
- Smooth chord transitions with minimal finger movement
- Building dynamics throughout the song
- Creating that vintage folk-rock guitar tone
Chord Progression Breakdown
The main progression follows Am-C-D-F-Am-E-Am, and it repeats throughout the entire song. Let’s break down each chord and the best fingerings to use.
Start with A minor using your first finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. This leaves your third finger free to easily transition to the next chord. For the C major, use your first finger on the 1st fret B string, second finger on the 2nd fret D string, and third finger on the 3rd fret A string.
The D major chord requires your first finger on the 2nd fret G string, second finger on the 2nd fret high E string, and third finger on the 3rd fret B string. Many players struggle with the transition from C to D, so practice moving just your fingers while keeping your hand position steady.
F major is often the trickiest chord in this progression. You can use the full barre version, but for this song, try the easier version with your first finger on the 1st fret high E and B strings, second finger on the 2nd fret G string, and third finger on the 3rd fret D string. Skip the low E and A strings entirely.
The E major chord uses your first finger on the 1st fret G string, second finger on the 2nd fret A string, and third finger on the 2nd fret D string. This chord adds the tension that makes the resolution back to A minor so satisfying.
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm
The signature sound of this song comes from the arpeggiated pattern, not traditional strumming. You’ll pick individual strings in a specific order rather than strumming all the strings at once. The basic pattern is bass note, then the higher strings in sequence.
For each chord, start by playing the root note (the lowest note of the chord) with your thumb or pick, then pick the other chord tones individually. The timing is crucial here. Count “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6” for each measure, with each number representing one picked note. Practice this counting out loud until it becomes automatic.
Start slowly with a metronome set around 60-70 BPM. The original recording is much faster, but you need to build up the muscle memory first. Focus on clean, clear notes rather than speed. The beauty of this song lies in the clarity of each individual note, not in rushing through the progression.
Your picking hand technique matters a lot here. If you’re using a pick, hold it lightly and use small, controlled movements. If you’re fingerpicking, use your thumb for the bass notes and your index, middle, and ring fingers for the higher strings.
Tips for Playing This Song
Keep your fretting hand relaxed. Tension is the enemy of smooth chord changes. Your fingers should press just hard enough to get clean notes, but your hand and wrist should stay loose. If you feel tension building up, stop and shake out your hands.
Practice the chord changes without the picking pattern first. Get comfortable moving between Am-C-D-F-Am-E-Am using simple downstrokes before you add the complexity of the arpeggiated pattern. This builds the foundation for everything else.
Watch your timing on the F chord. Most players rush through this chord because it’s the hardest one. Force yourself to give it the same amount of time as the others. Use a metronome and count out loud if necessary.
Don’t worry about playing along with the original recording right away. The Animals’ version is quite fast and has a lot of subtle variations. Focus on getting the basic pattern clean and steady at a slower tempo. Speed will come naturally with practice.
This song has been a favorite among guitarists for nearly 60 years because it combines simple chords with a sophisticated technique. Take your time with it, and don’t get frustrated if the fingerpicking feels awkward at first. Practice along with the video lesson, and soon you’ll have this classic under your fingers.