First Steps with Doc Watson's "Deep River Blues"

Lesson #529 • Dec 1, 2023

Howdy, friends! Today we’re looking at Deep River Blues by Doc Watson, a terrifically fun acoustic fingerstyle classic. Instead of racing to show you exactly how Doc Watson plays it (which I’d consider fairly difficult), this lesson is more of a getting started guide for this song. It’ll walk you through the necessary chords, picking, and strumming skills needed – but in a step-by-step manner.

In total, I’ll teach three different arrangements inspired by Watson’s version: a very simple version, a semi-simple version, and then a “full” version which starts to capture some of Doc Watson magic, without being quite as difficult to play. No matter your skill level, this will ensure you’re able to have fun with this treasure of a song. Let’s get to it!

0:00 Lesson Summary
2:17 Chord Progression
3:06 Chord Shapes
6:21 Version 1 of 3: Simple
7:58 Version 2 of 3: Moderate
11:55 Version 3 of 3: Full
16:50 Final Tips & Farewell

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Lesson Discussion

Slow Playthrough Videos

The following videos are available to members of Song Notes Premium. If you’re not a member, learn more about the many perks of Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those of you who are members — thanks for your support! It makes these lessons possible.

Playthrough 1 of 3: Most Simple

Playthrough 2 of 3: Semi-Simple

Playthrough 3 of 3: Full Arrangement

This is what I show in the opening of my main video lesson. It’s still simplified compared to Doc Watson’s version, but is what I’d consider a fully realized & fun-to-play training-wheels version.

Additional Strumming Practice

To accompany my main lesson, here’s an extended look into some of the strumming techniques that will help when learning this song. The focus here is showing how you can add occasional syncopated up-strums (on the thinnest 1-2 strings only) which go a long way in adding bluesy flavor & spice to things.

Whether you’re playing with or without a pick, these tips will be helpful across various songs. The tabs I show in this video are included in the two-page PDF guide I made for this lesson.

Other Recommendations

Doc Watson Playing Deep River Blues

This video is a treasure! It begins with a spoken introduction from Ralph Rinzler of the Smithsonian (0:00), followed by Doc explaining how he originally worked out this arrangement (1:37). Then, Doc plays the full song (3:32).

Other Teachers Teaching Deep River Blues

Here’s a few suggested tutorials I’ve come across. Every teacher approaches things their own way, which can a good thing! There’s many more if you look around YouTube. But again, if you struggle to keep up with any of these – I suggest you start by simplifying things! Which is what I show in my main lesson. Good luck!

Doc Watson’s Version of Summertime

If you’re interested in more Doc-inspired lessons, check out my previous tutorial teaching Summertime. This is modeled on the Billy Strings & Marcus King cover of the song, though I believe they are almost certainly playing it in the style of Doc Watson. My main video tutorial is below – and check out my Summertime lesson page for additional videos & resources for this song.

Browse Related Lessons

Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!

Donate

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Interactive fretboard map! See the patterns behind every scale in any key.

View

Capo Captain

An easy way to calculate key & chord combinations, for any capo location!

View

Key Master

See and hear the notes, chords, scales used in each of the most common keys.

View

Blank Tabs

Free PDF templates to download, print, and write out your own guitar tabs!

View

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!

Recent Lessons

July 24, 2024

Must-Know Strumming Patterns in 6/8 Time

Learn how to strum any song in 6/8 time! Here's a collection of 8 must-know strumming patterns in that time signature, from beginning to advanced.
July 13, 2024

"Wondering Why" by Red Clay Strays

Let's learn how to play this easy-going, Southern-Rock hit! Plenty of strumming & rhythm tips, including a capo'd acoustic version if you want to avoid barre chords.
July 8, 2024

Viewing Notes in a Certain Area of the Fretboard

In my FretMonster web tool, you can now adjust the visible range of frets where notes appear. Great for less distraction while practicing. Check out this video tour!
June 21, 2024

"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits

A mega-lesson for this classic song! Learn a strummed version, how to incorporate the melody notes, and two ways to play it fingerstyle.
June 14, 2024

"Have a Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt

Learn how to play Hiatt's 1987 classic! Just like his live performances, I'll teach it using capo 5 and the Key of C chord family.
June 6, 2023

"And It's Still Alright" by Nathaniel Rateliff

Learn Nathaniel Rateliff's amazingly powerful song from 2020! I include a few different strumming & riff options to make sure you're covered.
June 1, 2024

Introduction to Reggae Strumming & Rhythm

Let's dive into playing reggae on the guitar! I'll walk you through the basics, from off-beat accents to muted strums — with a few fun song exercises included.
May 20, 2024

What Types of Play-Along Covers are Most Helpful?

Most of my song lessons feature backing tracks or play-along covers — and I'd love your feedback about which aspect of these is most helpful!
May 10, 2024

"Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell

Let's dive into Glen Campbell's all-time classic from 1968, originally written by Jimmy Webb. I teach this with capo 5th fret, using easier-to-manage Key of C chords.
May 1, 2024

Tour of My New "KeyMaster" Web Tool

My new interactive web tool lets you see and hear the notes, chords, and common progressions in all of the most common keys. Super helpful!
April 24, 2024

13 Must-Know Riffs with Droning Strings

A handy roundup of all the songs I've taught that use droning strings... with a quick breakdown of each riff!
April 18, 2024

"Moonshadow" by Cat Stevens

Learn how to play Cat Stevens' 1971 classic! I include campfire-friendly chords and strumming, and a step-by-step breakdown of the intro fingerstyle riff.

First Steps with Doc Watson's "Deep River Blues"

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Lesson Discussion