"Smoke on the Water" is a classic rock song that is perfect for beginners because it only uses a few basic chords. The song is played in the key of G major and uses the chords G, D, Em, and C. The main riff is based on a simple alternating bass pattern between G and D.
Here are the chords and strumming pattern for "Smoke on the Water":
Chords:
* G (320003)
* D (xx0232)
* Em (022000)
* C (x32010)
Strumming Pattern:
* Down, down, up, down
The song starts with the riff played twice, followed by the G chord. The verse is then played using the chords G, D, Em, and C. The chorus is played using the same chords, but with a faster strumming pattern.
Verse 1:
G D
We all came out to Montreux
Em C
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
G D
To make records with a mobile
Em C
We didn't have much time
Chorus:
G D
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
Em C
Smoke on the water
Verse 2:
G D
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Em C
Were at the best place around
G D
But some stupid with a flare gun
Em C
Burned the place to the ground
Chorus:
G D
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
Em C
Smoke on the water
Bridge:
G D
Some say the end is extremely near
Em C
Some say we got nothing to fear
G D
Some say the sky will fall
Em C
But I wanna see it with my own eyes
Chorus:
G D
Smoke on the water, fire in the sky
Em C
Smoke on the water