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 G B7
Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way
Em
When all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw
C Am Em
Aplowin' through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw
G Em C
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o
Am Em
Ghost riders in the sky
Em G
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
Em G B7
Their horns wuz black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel;
Em
A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sk,
C Am Em
For he saw the riders comin' hard and he heard their mournful cry
G Em C
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o
Am Em
Ghost riders in the sky.
Em
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred
G
Their shirts all soaked with sweat
Em G B7
They're ridin' hard to catch that herd, but they ain't caught 'em yet
Em
They've got to ride forever in that range up in the sky,
C Am Em
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o, ghost riders in the sky
Em G
As the riders loped on by him, he heard one call his name
Em G B7
"If you want to save your soul from hell a' ridin' on our range
Em
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
C Am Em
Atryin' to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies.
G Em C
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o
Am Em
Ghost riders in the sky
C Am G
Ghost riders in the sky
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.