Ghost riders in the sky
View chords used in this chart
Em G
An old cowpoke went riding out one dark and windy day
Em
Upon a ridge he rested as he went upon his way
Em (C/E) (A/E) (C/E)
When all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw
C (Am) Em
coming through the ragged sky, and up a cloudy draw
Em G
Their brands were still on fire and their hot breath he could feel
Em
Their horns were black and shiny and their hooves were made of steel
Em (C/E) (A/E) (C/E)
A bolt of fear went through him as they rumbled through the sky
C (Am) Em
Then he saw the riders coming hard, and he heard their mournful cry
CHORUS
G Em (D)
Yippe-ai-ay, yippee-ai-oh
C (Am) Em
Ghost riders in the sky
Em G
As the riders loped on by him, he heard one call his name
Em
If you want to save your soul from hell, a riding on this range
Em (C/E) (A/E) (C/E)
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
C (Am) Em
Trying to catch the devil's herd, across these endless skies
**********************************************************************
\ | /
\|/________
---O--- \
/|\________ \ ____________
/ | \ \ \/ |
\ A BAR J |
\____________|_
ANDREW D. LOWRY
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
alowry@silver.ucs.indiana.edu
How to play Ghost riders in the sky
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Em. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.