Folk, Pop

River Chords

Joni Mitchell Intermediate Key of C 5 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Guitar

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Ukulele

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Piano

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Banjo

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Mandolin

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Key

C

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

C · Am · F · G · Dm

River Chords – Harmonica

Joni Mitchell’s poignant holiday song about longing and regret. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.

Chords used: C, Am, F, G, Dm · Key: C · Difficulty: Intermediate

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a light fingerpicking pattern on the verses to match the original’s piano feel, and switch to the strum pattern for the choruses.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

C

G

Am

Em – F

C

G

Chorus

F

C

G

Am – Em

F

C

F – C

G – Am

F

C

Verse 2

C

G

Am

Em

F

C

G

Chorus

F

C

G

Am – Em

F

C

F – C

G – Am

F

C

Verse 3

C

G

Am

Em

F

C

Chorus

F

C

G

Am – Em

F

C

F – C

G – Am

F

C

Bridge

F

C

Outro

C

G

Am – Em

F – C

F

C

F

C

Practice tip: Work on the descending bass line within the C chord (C, G/B, Am, G) during the verses to capture the song’s melancholic, flowing feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "River"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: C, Am, F, G and Dm.

Is "River" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "River" in?

It is in the key of C.

Who wrote "River"?

It was written by Joni Mitchell, and released in 1971.