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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · Am · F · G · Em · Dm
Moon River Chords – Harmonica
Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s Oscar-winning classic from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.
Gentle Waltz (3/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Play in 3/4 waltz time. This song should feel like a gentle river flowing — smooth, unhurried, and dreamlike.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – Am – F – C
F – C – Dm – E7
Am – C7 – F – Bb7
Am – Dm – G – C
Verse 2
C – Am – F – C
F – C – Dm – E7
Am – Am/G – F – Bb7
Am – Dm (×2)
Am – Dm – G – C
Verse 3 (Repeat)
C – Am – F – C
F – C – Dm – E7
Am – C7 – F – Bb7
Am – Dm – G – C
Outro
C – Am – F – C
F – C – Dm – E7
Am – Am/G – F – Bb7
Am – Dm (×2)
Am – Dm – G – C
Practice tip: The C-Am-F-C opening is beautiful in 3/4 time. The Bb7 chord adds jazzy color — try x1213x for a compact voicing. Count “1-2-3” throughout and emphasize beat 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Moon River"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G, Em and Dm.
Is "Moon River" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Moon River" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Moon River"?
It was written by Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, and released in 1961.