The ULTIMATE Ring Of Fire Chords & Guitar Lesson

A famous songwriter named Harlan Howard once said, “All you need is three chords and the truth". 

Below is a perfect example of this idea.

It’s a song about June Carter’s haunting love for Johnny Cash… while he was still married. 

Below, I’m going to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind it. I’m also going to show you ways of playing it in what I call “Carter Style”, plus an electric version a la Luther Perkins.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Ring Of Fire” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Ring Of Fire?

"Ring Of Fire" was originally written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore. It was inspired by June’s burning attraction to Johnny Cash while he was still married. She started by writing down the line, "Love is like a burning ring of fire."

Now, the first recording of this tune was actually done by Anita Carter, June's sister, in 1962. It was titled “(Love’s) Ring of Fire” and her voice sounds incredible on it:

But there was a problem. This traditional country arrangement failed to chart. Cash heard Anita's version and had the idea of adding “Mexican horns" to the arrangement. He told June, “If it’s not a hit in six months, I’m cutting it my way.” 

Sure enough, on March 25th, 1963, Cash gathered up a band and recorded his mariachi-style version at Columbia Studio B in Nashville. Don Law was the producer, and the sound was quite unusual for Nashville. Cash’s low baritone voice and then the punchy horns turned June's inner turmoil into an almost celebratory, gospel‑like anthem, which crossed over from country into pop.

This gave the record an instant hook.

The Cash version sold a million copies in its first year. 

Now, you may be wondering… 

What is the tuning for Ring Of Fire?

The tuning for "Ring Of Fire" as recorded by Johnny Cash is standard tuning. Standard tuning is spelled: E, A, D, G, B, and E.  

Here are the strings:

• E (6th string, lowest pitch)
• A (5th string)
• D (4th string)
• G (3rd string)
• B (2nd string)
• E (1st string, highest pitch) 

However, there are some live videos online where Cash is using a capo on the 1st fret. This would then change the notes to read:

• F (6th string, lowest pitch)
• Bb (5th string)
• Eb (4th string)
• Ab (3rd string)
• C (2nd string)
• F (1st string, highest pitch)

So, depending upon which version you are playing with, you may have to make these adjustments. 

All right! 

Now that you know the tuning for “Ring Of Fire”, let’s next talk about…

Ring Of Fire Chords

To play “Ring Of Fire”, as recorded by Johnny Cash, you only need to know 3 chords they are G, C, and D. Let’s take a look at a few ways these shapes can be played on the fretboard. 

G is played in a folk style, using all 6 strings like this:

C is played from the 5th string down like so:

Finally, D is played from the 4th string down like this:

These 3 chords are known as the I, IV, and V chords in the key of G major. (More on that below.)

If you’ve struggled to understand the fretboard for RHYTHM and LEAD guitar, and want to discover the easiest and fastest way. Then get your hands on my free Fretboard Guide PDF right here now:  

Is Ring Of Fire hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “Ring Of Fire” on guitar is going to require an intermediate skill level. There are only 3 chords, however the timing and strumming can be tricky. There are quick chord changes, and also the iconic mariachi horn riffs to learn as well. So, take your time with this one.

What key is Ring Of Fire in?

“Ring Of Fire,” as recorded by Johnny Cash, is in the key of G major. The primary scale is the G major scale, which is built using the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#. Here’s a quick look at how the chords relate in the key:

G

Notes: G, B, D

Function: This is the I chord (tonic) in the key of G major – the “home base.” It gives you a strong sense of resolution and stability. Most songs in G will feel complete when they land on this chord.

C

Notes: C, E, G

Function: This is the IV chord (subdominant) in G major. It creates contrast and a sense of openness. Often used to lead into the V chord (D) or to resolve back to the tonic (G). 

D

Notes: D, F♯, A

Function: This is the V chord (dominant) in G major. It creates tension that wants to resolve back to the tonic (G). The F♯ (the leading tone in G major) gives the V chord a strong pull toward home.

That’s it! Just the I, IV, and V the whole way through.

What is the strumming pattern for Ring Of Fire?

The main underlying feel for “Ring Of Fire” is a country two-beat. For strumming, you can use 8th notes. In 4/4 time, 8th notes divide each beat into two equal parts, creating a steady rhythm like this:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

The numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) represent the main beats in the measure, while the "&" represents the offbeats that add energy and momentum.

When counted out loud, it sounds like:

"One-and, Two-and, Three-and, Four-and."

I like to strum this in a Carter style, playing a simple bass-note strum like this:

Ring Of Fire Electric Guitar Lesson

Luther Perkins was one of Johnny Cash's most famous guitarists. He played the electric guitar part on Cash’s version of "Ring of Fire". Here’s a quick look at how to play in this style:

Perkins uses a lot of muting and plays in this style on countless Johnny Cash tracks. 

Conclusion

There ya have it!

Those are some insider tips on the guitar style behind the legendary song “Ring Of Fire”. 

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard for lead and rhythm, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide here right now: 

Jon MacLennan