When it comes to horse racing, guitar strings are not the first thing that comes to mind, right? But hear me out. Horse racing fans would agree that this sport isn’t just about racing. It’s more about the overall vibe, history, and tradition, and all of that is not possible without music.
So, music holds a special place in horse racing history, especially at big horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. This means that there are plenty of songs that can be played on a guitar.
In fact, many of these songs are actually fantastic to learn on guitar. Why? Well, they span genres from folk to soft rock to classic Americana, which means that the chords are accessible, simple, and perfect for beginners.
Imagine getting together with your friends who are also die-hard horse racing fans, and as you discuss how to bet on horse racing, you introduce a guitar solo inspired by a horse racing song. It will get everyone in the mood instantly, the bets will probably have a higher success rate, and everyone will be in their handicapping zone, trying to identify the next winner.
So, if you are a guitar player that also happens to be a horse racing fan, and you want to impress your friends at the next race-day watch party, here are the top horse racing songs to learn.
“My Old Kentucky Home” The Obvious Start
Even though this song has nothing to do with horse racing, meaning that the lyrics aren’t about thoroughbred horses running down the track, but over the years, it has become an essential part of the Kentucky Derby tradition. Even if you are not a die-hard horse racing fan, you probably heard this song playing at the Run for the Roses every year since at least the 1920s.
We are talking about Stephen Foster's classic, which usually plays as the horses walk to the starting gate, and thousands of fans sing along. Now imagine a Kentucky Derby watch party with your friends at home, and you take out the guitar and play this song before the race. It kind of sets the mood right, don’t you agree?
On guitar, it’s a gentle, melancholic piece in a major key with lots of room for expressive playing. We are talking about slow arpeggios, simple chord changes (even beginners can learn), and emotional vocal melody.
This song is a great teaching piece for players who are still practicing fingerpicking because the song structure gives you plenty of room to let individual strings shine.
“Run for the Roses”
We are sticking to the Kentucky Derby and one of the classics that has been stuck around as an unofficial Derby anthem ever since the 1980s.
Dan Fogelberg’s Run for the Roses has reached No.18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it is one of the most popular songs in the horse racing industry.
But what makes it special is the fact that this song sounds perfect on a guitar. Its combination of rich harmonies and story-driven melody makes it a great pick for acoustic players. On top of that, you can play it straight with basic open chords, or dive into more advanced versions with hammer-ons and pull-offs just to mimic the vocal lines. It all comes down to your skill set.
Lastly, this song is perfect if you are still working on your dynamics.
“Camptown Races” - Folk Choice
If we go back to the 19th century, we can find Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races,” which is a song that captures the feel of an old-school racing festival. Yep, it originally has a folk melody, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t sound good on a guitar.
It has a clear and straightforward chord structure, with simple strumming patterns that even beginners can make sound good from the get-go.
The song might not have as rich a history in horse racing as the other ones we covered, but it is a great song to entertain a group and to show off your guitar skills to your friends.
Songs That Mention Horse Racing (but Work Great on Guitar)
If you want songs that are specifically inspired by horse racing, don’t worry, there are plenty to choose from.
Let’s start with “The Race Is On” by George Jones. This song compares the ups and downs of love to a horse race. It’s a classic country song that you and your friends never heard about.
Or “The Ballad of Thunder Gulch” by Chris de Burgh, which celebrates a Derby winner and has a folk-rock vibe that’s fun to interpret on acoustic or electric guitar.
Yes, these may be less popular songs, but they are fun and centered around horse racing, which is perfect to get you in the right mood.
How to Bring These Songs Alive on Guitar
To bring these songs alive, you have to focus on more than just memorizing chord charts. We are talking about capturing the spirit of the song and connecting to horse-racing fans.
Take the slow build of “Run for the Roses,” it is exactly the same as the anticipation before the gates open. So, don’t try to learn the chords, but make sure you feel the energy and the stories behind these songs.
Most of the songs we mentioned are adaptable and can be played in many different ways. Beginners can start with basic chords and simple rhythm patterns, and intermediate guitarists can add embellishments, alternate tunings, and fingerstyle techniques to make the song even more unique.
So, first learn the chords, understand the impact of the song on horse racing culture, try to tune in with the story, and then add your own flavor. Trust me, your friends will be impressed, even though these songs are actually beginner friendly.
