Down by the Riverside guitar chords
Three chords and a swinging beat. A favourite first singalong.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A spiritual with an upbeat, driving rhythm built from three easy chords. It shows how a steady strum can carry a whole song.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
x means do not play that string, 0 means play it open. Tap any shape on the page to hear it.
Play along
Press play. The track counts you in, clicks the beat and lights up the chord you should be holding. Drop the tempo while you are learning and raise it once you can get through without stopping.
Chord order
| Verse | G | G | G | G | C | C | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | G | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU DU DU
D is a down-strum and U is an up-strum. If the pattern feels like too much at first, play one down-strum per bar until the chord changes are comfortable, then add the rest.
How to learn it
- Learn G, C and D until each rings clearly.
- Play D DU DU DU on G, keeping the same strum for each change.
- Move to C and D with the same strum.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the strum steady through every change.
Tips that matter
- Keep it driving. The song should feel pushed forward, so do not let the strum drag.
- Count out loud. Four counts per bar keep the changes in place.
Questions about Down by the Riverside
What chords are in Down by the Riverside?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Down by the Riverside in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Easy.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 100 beats per minute. Start slower while you learn the changes, then raise the tempo in small steps once you can play through without stopping.
Is Down by the Riverside free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional spiritual, published in 1918 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.