• From: Deep Run, NC
  • Registered: 2010-01-29
  • Posts: 90

Topic: Song doesn't sound right

I downloaded the Johnny Cash song Ring of Fire.  The chords are G, C, D.  I can play those chords well and change between chords well.  Why does the song sound so different when I play it?  I haven't had this happen before.  When I play this song it just doesn't sound at all in Key with the Ring of Fire song.  I even recorded it and I can't believe how far off key it is.  My guitar is in tune.  Could whoever uploaded the Chords for this song have it all wrong?  I listen to it online and it's nothing like what I'm playing.  Any suggestions?

tonyespo / 63 year old NEWBEE

I better learn to play fast, I'm already an old fart.
  • Registered: 2009-11-16
  • Posts: 605

Re: Song doesn't sound right

It's G C etc till the chorus then the D comes in

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Song doesn't sound right

I have played this song many times as I recall it was done in the key of E major because of the alternating bass line being picked the chords in E are E A and B if you hold the E chord and pick the low E string open on 1 then strum the chord (and) the next note is a B (2) played on the A string second fret then strum the chord (and) 3 is the E note again strum the chord (and) pick the B note again on the second fret A string this pattern is what Johnny Cash is noted for 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and or another way to describe it is pick strum pick strum alternating between the 6th string and the 5th string this is a simplified explanation it feels more like I and ah 2 and ah 3 and ah 4 and ah but not till you have the timing right I would watch a video and pay attention to his lead guitar player to see how he alternates the picking smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Song doesn't sound right

Well there you go.  You've got the progression right, but the key is different from the Johnny Cash recorded version.  I thought it might be.  Johnny Cash seemed to like to play in A and E, but not G or D so much.  He did do a number of songs using the D shaped chords with a capo on the second fret (which makes it E and avoids having to finger the evil B).   If you want to play it in E without the Evil B, you can play D for E, G for A, and A for B, but put a capo on the second fret.  It won't sound as deep as the open chords, but it will at least be the same key. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
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  • Registered: 2010-07-07
  • Posts: 1

Re: Song doesn't sound right

lotsa songs have alternate chords... liek alternate fingerings... get a big chord chart and try differint stuff out...