Blues

Deep River Blues Chords

Doc Watson Intermediate Key of E 2 Chords 1 min read Updated Jul 2026

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Guitar

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Ukulele

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Piano

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Banjo

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Mandolin

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.

Etap to play

B7tap to play

Key

E

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

E · B7

Deep River Blues Chords – Harmonica

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Two chords

E and B7. Simple harmonically, but the fingerpicking is the challenge.

2

Fingerpicking pattern

Alternating bass with Travis picking. Thumb alternates between bass strings while fingers pick melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

E

Let it rain, let it pour,

B7

Let it rain a whole lot more,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

E

Let the rain drive right on,

B7

Let the waves sweep along,

E

‘Cause I got them deep river blues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Deep River Blues"?

You need 2 Intermediate-friendly chords: E and B7.

Is "Deep River Blues" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated Intermediate and uses only 2 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Deep River Blues" in?

It is in the key of E.

Who wrote "Deep River Blues"?

It was written by Doc Watson.