1. Tunefox.com
    2. ›
  2. Mandolin songs
    3. ›
  3. House of the Rising Sun
Back

Mandolin tablatures for House of the Rising Sun

The Animals

Recomended level: Intermediate

A Rock n' Roll classic! Most people associate this song with the band "The Animals" from the 1960's, but it's actually much older than that. This is a Folk Song though and through. Neither the origins of the melody or lyrics can be pinpointed. It's definitely been done a lot in both the rock and folk worlds. Here we have a few different versions that honor both and sound great on the mandolin.



If you aren't familiar with the Tremolo technique, you need to be. It's a quintessential mandolin sound and it's needed to play two of the arrangements for this song. Check out our learning path Tremolo 101 to get the basics down. After that come back here and check out the Tremolo arrangement. It stays close to the melody and in first position. The Double Stops arrangement also uses tremolo, but it adds in double stops, and moves up the neck some. The double stops here make some really cool chordal sounds, and there's some great licks available too.



If you are familiar with the rock n' roll recording by "The Animals", then you'll recognize the iconic guitar line we've adapted for the mandolin in the Arpeggio arrangement. This one sounds amazing and has some licks to give you even more variety.

  • Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Tremolo

    Tremolo

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Am
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    A simple representation of this classic Rock melody with added tremolo and some great licks.

    Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Tremolo
    Learn
  • Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Double Stops

    Double Stops

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Am
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    This arrangement flows nicely from the lower frets and up the neck. It uses double stops and tremolo to create a full, interesting, and compelling sound. The licks are a bit fancier ...

    Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Double Stops
    Learn
  • Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Arpeggio

    Arpeggio

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Am
    • Tempo
      80 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    This arrangement mimics the classic arpeggiated guitar line as heard in the classic recording by "The Animals". There's some great licks available in the switcher. Make sure to check...

    Mandolin House of the Rising Sun Arpeggio
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to learning 'House of the Rising Sun' with the bluegrass mandolin. Our learning resource offers tablatures situated in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Styles, offering a stepping stone process to build your skills. Whether you're a novice just starting out or a seasoned player looking to refine your technique, this guide offers step by step instruction for all levels.


Practice Tips:

1. Utilize Tunefox Features:
Make the most of the Tunefox platform by harnessing the power of features like the Lick Switcher. This tool adds new lick vocabulary and allows for variations of the song by changing the licks for individual measures. Tap the measure to unlock the different licks hidden within, thereby expanding your knowledge and interpretation of the tune.


2. Customize Difficulty Level:
With the Arrange slider, you can easily customize the difficulty level. Sliding it to the left simplifies the arrangement by removing many "fill-in" notes, revealing a core arrangement on the tablature. Sliding to the right adds extra notes to elaborate the arrangement and uncover the full beauty of the song.


3. Use the Tempo Slider:
The tempo slider is a handy tool for practicing this song. Alter the tempo according to your comfort, start slow, and gradually increase the pace as you gain familiarity and confidence with the tablature.


4. Play Along with Backing Tracks:
Few things enhance learning like the fun of playing along with real-sounding backing tracks. Playing along familiarizes you with the rhythm, aiding you in preparing for your next jam session. Additionally, you can select measures and repeatedly practice them with the 'Speed Up' function. This tool gradually escalates the tempo and helps you smoothly progress to higher speeds.

House of the Rising Sun lyrics

There is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God I know I'm one


My mother was a tailor
She sewed my new blue jeans
My father was a gamblin' man
Down in New Orleans

Now the only thing a gambler needs
Is a suitcase and trunk
And the only time he's satisfied
Is when he's all drunk

Oh mother tell your children
Not to do what I have done
Spend your lives in sin and misery
In the House of the Rising Sun

Well, I got one foot on the platform
The other foot on the train
I'm goin' back to New Orleans

To wear that ball and chain
Well, there is a house in New Orleans
They call the Rising Sun
And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy
And God I know I'm one