Neil Young - Down by the River: Guitar Chords
Learn to play "Down by the River" on your guitar with our detailed chord guide and lyrics. This page provides everything you need to perform this song on the guitar, including lyrics integrated with chords, chord diagrams, and a key transposer to match your vocal range.
Navigate quickly to the section you need:
- Chords and Lyrics - Jump straight to the song's lyrics and chord overlay.
- Chord Diagrams and Key Transposition - Access chord diagrams and learn how to transpose the key of the song to suit your voice.
Learn Down by the River Guitar Chords and Lyrics by Neil Young
This section will guide you through each part of the song, providing the guitar chords placed directly above the lyrics for easy playing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these elements will help you perform "Down by the River" smoothly on your guitar.
For easier playing, use our Simplify Chords feature to remove difficult chords like barre.
Em7 A Em7 Be on my side, I'll be on your side, baby, A Em7 there is no reason for you to hide. A Em7 It's so hard for me stayin' here all alone A Cmaj7 when you could be takin' me for a ride, Bm Yeah, yeah. Cmaj7 Bm C She could drag me over the rainbow Bm D and send me away. Chorus: G D D A Down by the river, G D D A I shot my baby. G D D A Down by the river, Em7 A Em7 A dead, ooh, shot her dead. You take my hand, I'll take your hand Together we may get away This much madness is too much sorrow It's impossible to make it today (Ooh la la lah la la lala) Yeah, ooh, yeah (Ooh la la lah la la lala) She could drag me over the rainbow (Ooh la la lah la la lala) And send me away, yeah Chorus: Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river Dead, dead, ooh Ooh, shot her dead Shot her dead Be on my side, I'll be on your side There is no reason for you to hide It's so hard for me staying here all alone When you could be taking me for a ride (Ooh la la lah la la lala) Ooh, yeah (Ooh la la lah la la lala) She could drag me over the rainbow (Ooh la la lah la la lala) And send me away, yeah Chorus: Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river Down by the river I shot my baby Down by the river You can simplify chords by removing barre | TransposeReset Font SizeReset Guitar Chord DiagramsA  C  Cm  Cmaj7  Cmaj  D  Em  Em7  G  Bm  Here you can see detailed diagrams for each guitar chord used in the song. Utilize our key transposer to adjust the chords to a key that better fits your singing range. Simply select the desired key, and the chords throughout this page will update automatically, ensuring you can play and sing comfortably. |
If you are also interested in learning how to play "Down by the River" on the ukulele, check out the chords on our sister site: Ukulele Chords for "Down by the River" by Neil Young.