melodic notes logo

Play the Melody!

This page shows the main melody notes – not chords!
Each note must be played individually.

Choose your notation style:

A B C DO RE MI Sa Re Ga 1 2 3

Notes colors and UPPERCASE/lowercase help show octaves and pitch.

Smoke on the Water


"Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple is a legendary rock song written in the key of G minor. Released in 1972 as part of their album "Machine Head," it quickly became one of the band's most iconic tracks. The composition is credited to all members of Deep Purple, namely Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. The song's inspiration came from a real-life incident in Montreux, Switzerland, where the band witnessed a fire at the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert. This incident is also referenced in the famous opening guitar riff, which has since become instantly recognizable. The melody is characterized by its repetitive yet captivating guitar riff, complemented by powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section, making it a staple in the rock music genre.

Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple - 1972

g a# C
g a# C# C
g a# C
a# g

G G G F D F D
We all came out to Montreux
C a# C a# C a# g
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
F F D F D F D G a#
To make records with a mobile
D C a# C a# C a# g
We didn't have much time
G G G F D F D
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
C a# C a# C a# g
Were at the best place around
F F D F D F D G a#
But some stupid with a flare gun
D C a# C a# C a# g
Burned the place to the ground

E D C D# C
Smoke on the water
g a# g a# g f g
A fire in the sky
E D C D# C
Smoke on the water

g a# C
g a# C# C
g a# C
a# g

G G G F D F D
They burned down the gambling house
C a# C a# C a# g
It died with an awful sound
F F D F D F D G a#
Uh , Funky Claude was running in and out
D C a# C a# C a# g
Pulling kids on the ground
G G G F D F D
When it all was over
C a# C a# C a# g
We had to find another place
F F D F D F D G a#
But Swiss time was running out
D C a# C a# C a# g
It seemed that we would lose the race

E D C D# C
Smoke on the water
g a# g a# g f g
A fire in the sky
E D C D# C
Smoke on the water

g a# C
g a# C# C
g a# C
a# g

G G G F D F D
We ended up at the Grand Hotel
C a# C a# C a# g
It was empty , cold , and bare
F F D F D F D G a#
But with the Rolling truck Stones thing just outside
D C a# C a# C a# g
Making our music there
G G G F D F D
With a few red lights , a few old beds
C a# C a# C a# g
We make a place to sweat
F F D F D F D G a#
No matter what we get out of this
D C a# C a# C a# g
Ha , I know , I know we'll never forget

E D C D# C
Smoke on the water
g a# g a# g f g
A fire in the sky
E D C D# C
Smoke on the water