C
G
D
Em
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
 Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" is an uplifting rock anthem first released in 2002. The original features a driving rhythm and a band arrangement, but it adapts well to solo acoustic guitar, making it accessible for beginners.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, G, D, and Em. These are beginner-friendly and commonly used in many songs.
Verses and choruses alternate mainly between C and G, making transitions straightforward. The bridge and instrumental sections introduce D and Em, adding variety but still keeping chord shapes simple.
Strumming Pattern
A steady down-up strumming pattern works well throughout. Try: down, down-up, up-down-up (D-DU-UDU), keeping a moderate tempo to match the song's uplifting feel.
Strum lightly during verses for dynamics, then play more energetically in the chorus and bridge to lift the song.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Practice moving smoothly between C and G, as these changes occur frequently. For G to C, keep your ring finger anchored on the 3rd fret (B string for C, high E for G) to minimize movement.
When you reach the bridge and see D and Em, take your time with the transitions, as they happen quickly. Practice the D-G-C sequence slowly before playing up to speed.
Final Advice
Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the song's energy and rhythm. Focus on keeping your strumming hand moving, even if you miss a chord—momentum is key. Enjoy the uplifting spirit as you play!
Verse 1
C Can't see nothin' inG front of me.C Can't see nothin' comingG up behind.
C I make my way through thisG darkness.C I can't feel nothing but thisG chain that binds me.
Verse 2C Lost track of howG far I've gone.C How far I've gone howG high I've climbed.
C On my back's a sixtyG pound stone.C On my shoulder a halfG mile of line.
ChorusC Come on up for theG rising.C Come on up lay yourG hands in mine.
C Come on up for theG rising.C Come on up for theG rising tonight.
Verse 3C Left the house thisG morning.C Bells ringin'G filled the air.
C I was wearin' the cross of myG calling.C On wheels of fire I comeG rollin' down here.
ChorusC Come on up for theG rising.C Come on up lay yourG hands in mine.
C Come on up for theG rising.C Come on up for theG rising tonight.
BridgeD Li li liG li-li-li-C li-li. Li liD li-li liG li-li-li-liC li.
Li liD Li li liG li-li-li-C li-li. Li liD li-li liG li-li-li-liEm li.
InstrumentalC G D Em C G D
Bridge 2The spirits above and beEm hind me.C Faces gone black eyes,G burnin'D bright.
May their precious bloodEm bind me, Lord asC I stand before yourG fieryD light.
OutroD Li li liG li-li-li-C li-li. Li liD li-li liG li-li-li-liC li.
Li liD Li li liG li-li-li-C li-li. Li liD li-li liG li-li-li-liC li.