The River – Guitar and Harmonica Lesson
Musical Instruments and Recording Setup
The Hohner Special 20 has been my harmonica of choice for a long time. They are just easy to play, easy to bend and sound great. They are excellent harmonicas for someone just starting out but are also played by pros in all types of venues worldwide.
From Hohner, “The Special 20 is the go-to harp for harmonica players of any style, including blues, country, folk, or rock. The Special 20 delivers the coveted Marine Band sound and offers the benefits of its plastic comb: it doesn’t absorb moisture so it won’t swell, shrink, or crack; it lasts longer and is more airtight than wood combs that can become swollen, twisted, and warped; airtight construction provides increased responsiveness; plastic provides comfort and it’s smoother on the lips, preventing chafing”.
I made my first harmonica holder out of an old wire coat hanger. It wasn’t beautiful but it worked and put me on the road to earning my McGyver certificate at an early age.
For me now, a comfortable and properly fitting harmonica holder is a must for hands free harmonica playing. This Hohner Harmonica Holder works great for me.
Another harmonica holder that you may want to try that has gotten great reviews is the
Lee Oskar Harmonica Holder. You can also check out other harmonica holders on my George’s Harp Shop page.
Takamine G Fxc Eg260c Acoustic-Electric Guitar Gloss Black
In The River video, I am playing my Takamine EG Series Acoustic – Electric Guitar very similar to the picture to the left.
I’ve had this guitar for the past 10 years. I had heard alot of good things about Takamine guitars and had tried a couple which I really liked so when I needed an affordable stage setup, I bought the guitar, hard-shell case, fender deluxe 90 amp, and an assortment of accessories for under a thousand bucks.
I like the rounded profile that is narrow at the waist and broad behind the bridge. This creates a soundboard with balanced frequency response – deep bass, clear treble, and a sweet, round midrange that projects well.
It includes 3-band graphic EQ and built-in tuner which is really handy.
From Takamine, “Built to Takamine designs in some of the most modern guitar shops in the world, G-series instruments are priced for every budget. The G-series guitar is every bit Takamine, from its acoustic performance to the latest in pickup and preamp design. These guitars are crafted from the finest handpicked tonewoods, hand-crafted by expert luthiers, all providing players with unmatched excellence and surprising affordability”
I know I’ve enjoyed every minute of mine
Video Editing
I used CyberLink PowerDirector for editing the video. It works great for synching audio and video as well as adding text and transitions between scenes. And it’s fast, so you get quality videos without alot of time spent.
From PCMag.com, 12/27/2010, “CyberLink’s PowerDirector has all the speed and all the advanced features an enthusiast video editor could want. As the first consumer video editing software to support 64-bit Windows, PowerDirector is taking a lead in the field. PCMag.com, December 7, 2010”.
Guitar Chords, Lyrics, and Harmonica Tabs
INTRO
Em G D Cadd9
-6 -7 7 8 -8 7 -6
Am G C
8 -8 7 -8 -6
VERSE 1
Em G D Cadd9
I come from down in the valley, where mister when you’re young
Em G C G
They bring you up to do like your daddy done
C G G/F# Em
Me and Mary we met in high school, when she was just seventeen
Am G C
We’d ride out of that valley down to where the fields were green
CHORUS
Em C D G
We’d go down to the river, And into the river we’d dive
Em C D Cadd9
Oh down to the river we’d ride
VERSE 2
Em G D Cadd9
Then I got Mary pregnant, And man that was all she wrote
Em G C G
And for my nineteenth birthday I got a union card and a wedding coat
C G G/F# Em
We went down to the courthouse, And the judge put it all to rest
Am G C
No wedding day smiles no walk down in the aisle, No flowers no wedding dress
CHORUS
Em C D G
That night we went down to the river, And into the river we’d dive
Em C D Cadd9
On down to the river we did ride
HARMONICA SOLO AND VERSE CHORDS
Em G D Cadd9
-6 -6 -7 7 8 -8 7 -6
Em G C G
8 8 9 9 8 9 -10 -10 -10 9 9
C G G/F# Em
-10 9 -10 -10 10 8 -8 7 -6
Am G C
8 -8 7 -8 7 -6 6 7 -7 -6
CHORUS
Em C D G
We’d go down to the river, And into the river we’d dive
Em C D Cadd9
Oh down to the river we’d ride
Em G
But I remember us riding in my brother’s car
D C
Her body tan and wet down at the reservoir
Em G
At night on them banks I’d lie awake
C G
And pull her close just to feel each breath she’d take
C G G/F# Em
Now those memories come back to haunt me, They haunt me like a curse
Am G C
Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true, Or is it something worse that sends me
CHORUS
Em C D G
Down to the river though I know the river is dry,
Em C D C
That sends me down to the river tonight
Em C D G Em C D Cadd9
Down to the river, My baby and I, Oh down the river we’d ride
Em C D G Em C D Cadd9
oh oh oh oh oh oh
Video Transcript
The River The Lesson
Hey, George here. Welcome to this video where I show you how to play The River by Bruce Springsteen on guitar and harmonica.
So, the version we’re going to do here, we’ll stick close to the studio version.
There are basically 3 parts to the song. We have the intro. We have the verse and the progression for the verse is the same as the harmonica solo in the middle. We have 4 verses with choruses.
For the intro, start with Em to G to D to C. This is also played as C add 9. This adds D which is the 3rd fret, 2nd string.
Then we walk down to Am, then to G, then C or C add 9.
Let’s go through that. I’ll add the harmonica and we’ll take it slow.
For the strumming pattern, on the album, it’s arpegiated, it’s picked but I’m just going to keep it simple I’m just playing on the beat. Let’s run that a few times so you can play along.
Now, let’s go through the verses which is also the same progression as the harmonica solo so let’s just do the same thing as I did for the intro. I’ll play the chords slowly and put the harmonica tabs up here while we do it.
Let’s see if we can make this happen. So, this is the harmonica solo, same chords as the verse and this comes in after 2 verses and choruses.
Okay, so the last thing left to do would be the chords for the chorus. Em C D G Em C D C(add9).
Okay, so that’s all the chords, all the patterns. You have the intro, verses, choruses, harmonica solo and that should be everything you need to put that all together.
I’ll put the tabs, the lyrics, the chords, and stuff on the website, http://www.georgegoodman.com so you can find that there as well.
Thanks for watching the video. I hope you enjoyed it and got something out of it. If you know someone who would benefit from it, please send it along. Leave a message. I love to get your comments. Sign up for free lessons in your inbox at http://www.georgegoodman.com.
Have a great day. Cheers. Peace
I only just picked up a guitar an u got me playing Bruce already .. Thanx
man
I did the harmonica notes to Bb (tenor sax) if anyone wanted it:
Intro: F# F# G# A C# B A F# C# B A B F#
Vers:F# F# G# A C# B A F# C# C# E E C# E F#
F# F# E E F# E F# F# A A C# C# B A F# C# B
A B A F# E A G# F#.
so good George!
To go down to the river
My baby and l…
I rememder…
Storia comune a tanti
Brilliant thank you
Can you please do a tutorial for the river with harmonica in c?
thanks sir
I can’t even get one hole on my harp -_- it’s getting frustrating
thanks for all the lesson you do George hope you keep them coming…happy
new year!
Great video! Any chance of an atlantic city tutorial? Or at least the
strumming pattern, can’t find it anywhere and I’m stuck!
Harmonica like a boss
THANKS – GREAT.
Hello.Bravo from France. I have just to buy and Harmonica now.
thank you!!
George, I’m with Marco- would love to see you do a tutorial on The Promised Land. 🙂
Great Tutorial! (Request: Thunder Road)
Dear George,
Just Incredible that I found your video regarding Springsteen’s song ‘The River’ on YouTube as
well as your this website.
Some questions for you; Can you please give me the make and model of the respective Harmonica
that you’ll play in this video ‘The River’.
I suppose that one would be the best choice for this song?
Furthermore, the harmonica tabs on this page. In order to play this with harmonica – Is it enough and
or do I need anything else.
Kind Regards from Finland 🙂
Hohner Special 20 in the key of G with the tabs on the page should match the studio version of the song.
Thanks so much for checking it out and leaving a comment.
Much appreciated.
Cheers, George
Sorry i meant D not Dm for the harp
The original harp part was recorded in Dm making the guitar part Am. Although over the years its been played in nearly every key there is. Bruce only plays straight harp
Hey George, can I ask mate… is this harmonica a “G” harmonica? Or something else?
I try to play it on a G it s sounds bad.
For harmonica can you make sure Promised Land is in G and Thunder Road is C because I only have those 2 keys I have hahaha :$. I think that’s the keys they’re played in anyway though I could be wrong.
Hey Maurice. Thanks for the kind words. More Springsteen on the way.
Cheers, George
George you are a very talented musician and this video was OUTSTANDING thank you, being able to see you do it helps much more than just looking up the tabs and chords and trying to play like that. I am a huge fan of Bruce so I was wondering if you could add The Promised Land and Thunder Road by Springsteen onto your website with the harmonica tabs and guitar chords on the side in the same format you used for The River. This would be very much appreciated. Thanks again, you rock 🙂
George, I can’t thank you enough for posting all of these songs with guitar and harmonica. Its really fantastic as I’m in a band and literally ten of your songs are on our set list that we play regularly. I’ve just found your site, but I’ll start learning the harmonica parts of the songs (starting with Can’t Always Get What You Want…) and will try a few out at our next practice and then if they pass the band then play them at our next gig. I’m American but live in Singapore and play classic rock with a band here that is called MidLifeCrisis. Can’t thank you enough for all the time you’ve put into this work and posting it all for free. Thanks! Alex
Hey Alex. Awesome. That’s what I like to hear.
Singapore sounds exciting. I checked out your site – looks fabulous.
Let me know if you need any soundtracks to your videos.
Cheers, George
Thanks Edison.
My favourite song rendered most Beautifully!!
Hi Sam. First off, playing Cadd9 is optional. It sounds great with a straight C major. In order to play Cadd9, play the normal C chord and then put your fourth finger on the third fret, second string. That’ll do it. Let me know how that works out for you.
Cheers, George
Hey George,
I can’t figure out how to do the first c add 9? Tried so many variations and it doesn’t sound right! Can you help me out?
Hi Marco. Thanks Man. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
I’ve just found this video….AMAZING….it’s a great class!! Thanks for sharing it. I will try it hard with my guitar and my new harmonica….cheers from Spain.
Right on, you’re welcome. And I know a great place to get that harmonica too.
Cheers, George
Thanks For The Video! really good tutorial.
don’t know how to play the Harmonica though,but i really wanna learn, maybe i’ll buy one one day! Cheers From Sweden! 🙂
Alright, I am using a Hohner Special 20 which is a major diatonic harmonica in the key of G. Hope that helps.
Cheers, George
Hi, love your video. I want to start to learn harmonica but i don’t know anything to that ! What kind of harmonica do you use in that video ? (I mean, not the brand but the “type” or i don’t know how you call that) thanks so much for your vid ! Greetings from Belgium !
Right on Norway. Cheers back at you.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for the comment
Thank you very very much! this is my first song on harmonica and i love it! I seriously cant thank you enough! Awesome totourial, cheers from Norway! 🙂
Not really. The very first note is E which is a blow on the 5 hole on a C harp. You can bend this a little by overblowing but not similarly to how it’s done on the recording. There also isn’t an F# on a c harmonica but it is part of the melody.
You can play this with a D harmonica as well as the G harmonica I’m using but not really with a C harmonica.
Thanks for the question.
That’s good. You’re welcome. Cheers.
Very good tutorial!Thanx
Sharp pains in the abdomen or some slight spotting may be indicative of ovulation
Is there any way i can play it with a harmonica tuned in c
Hey thanks very much.
This is awesome man! Cheers!
George, your Good man!
The Boss Rocks
Hello. Congratulations from France. Very good job. The boss is the best, isn’t he? Bye
Thanks
Well done. Awesome!!!
That’s good. That’s what I’m hoping for.
Happy harping.
Thank you so much for this.The way you presented the information is just right.I just gotta go practice my bendy notes on the harmonica now. Cheers
Thanks man!:) I think i put sometimes video when i sing and play guitar. Im 13yrs old american footballer from finnish and i love the boss:) and your music:D
I’m not sure what you are asking. If you want to play with a C harmonica then you would need to capo on the 5th fret. Hope that helps
@Jorgeeeeeee12 Nah it’s in G
@josephfiennes14 When I show the tabs in the video, the numbers either have a ‘-‘ sign in front of them or not. The ‘-‘ means to draw. Otherwise, blow. A couple tips on breathing – the lungs and diaphragm are the bellows. You want to breathe from down below. You also don’t want to blow into the harmonica as much as you want to blow through it. The full harmonica tabs are on my website. The link is below the video above. Good luck. Let me know how it goes. Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] @josephfiennes14 When I show the tabs in the video, the numbers either have a ‘-‘ sign in front of them or not. The ‘-‘ means to draw. Otherwise, blow.
A couple tips on breathing – the lungs and diaphragm are the bellows. You want to breathe from down below. You also don’t want to blow into the harmonica as much as you want to blow through it.
The full harmonica tabs are on my website. The link is below the video above.
Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
Cheers, George
ok so im completely new to harmonica – like this is my first ever song XD but i really cant work out the breathing, any help – sorry :/ but other than that the tutorial is brilliant!
[..YouTube..] ok so im completely new to harmonica – like this is my first ever song XD but i really cant work out the breathing, any help – sorry :/ but other than that the tutorial is brilliant!
[..YouTube..] You’re great! Thanks very very much George!
[..YouTube..] You’re great! Thanks very very much George!
@longmankakao Good cold German beers sounds great. You’re on. I’m glad you liked the videos and the style of teaching. I’m trying to make things clear and easy to understand. Anyways, lots more on the way. Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] @longmankakao Good cold German beers sounds great. You’re on.
I’m glad you liked the videos and the style of teaching.
I’m trying to make things clear and easy to understand.
Anyways, lots more on the way.
Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] @longmankakao Good cold German beers sounds great. You’re on.
I’m glad you liked the videos and the style of teaching.
I’m trying to make things clear and easy to understand.
Anyways, lots more on the way.
Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] Hi George,
thanks for the very good explanation. It’s a very good style to teach. I like it very much.
When you ever come to germany, please give me an info and we’ll go out for some good cold german beers. (and i will pay :-))
[..YouTube..] Hi George,
thanks for the very good explanation. It’s a very good style to teach. I like it very much.
When you ever come to germany, please give me an info and we’ll go out for some good cold german beers. (and i will pay :-))
@rhinohockenberry I’ve been really happy with my Takamine. It’s an EG541SC so it’s a level below the EF series. I know a few people that own Takamines and haven’t heard a bad word from any of them. Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] @rhinohockenberry I’ve been really happy with my Takamine. It’s an EG541SC so it’s a level below the EF series. I know a few people that own Takamines and haven’t heard a bad word from any of them.
Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] @rhinohockenberry I’ve been really happy with my Takamine. It’s an EG541SC so it’s a level below the EF series. I know a few people that own Takamines and haven’t heard a bad word from any of them.
Cheers, George
[..YouTube..] hows that takamine play… i might get the EF341SC
[..YouTube..] hows that takamine play… i might get the EF341SC
Thanks george. Really enjoying your music, very helpful and entertaining.
[..YouTube..] Thanks george. Really enjoying your music, very helpful and entertaining.
[..YouTube..] Thanks george. Really enjoying your music, very helpful and entertaining.
@jacque123ish Oh yeah. It’s is the best Hawaii shirt I’ve ever seen
[..YouTube..] @jacque123ish Oh yeah. It’s is the best Hawaii shirt I’ve ever seen
[..YouTube..] @jacque123ish Oh yeah. It’s is the best Hawaii shirt I’ve ever seen
awesome shirt
[..YouTube..] awesome shirt
[..YouTube..] awesome shirt
[..YouTube..] @DjBescul You’re very welcome.
[..YouTube..] @askequipmentsales Right on Roland. Never too many musicians out there. Keep practicing and keep an eye out for some harmonica lesson videos that I’m putting together. Cheers
[..YouTube..] Thank you.
[..YouTube..] @GeorgeGoodmanDotCom Thankss, awsome playing by the way
[..YouTube..] @boberfet6789 If you want to play this with a c harmonica, put a capo on the 5th fret and play it like I show it. You’ll now be playing in the key of c.
Hope that helps
[..YouTube..] @boberfet6789 If you want to play this with a c harmonica, put a capo on the 5th fret and play it like I show it. You’ll now be playing in the key of c.
Hope that helps
[..YouTube..] how can i play this on a C harp??
[..YouTube..] how can i play this on a C harp??
[..YouTube..] Awesome playing George. I have just started with the Harp and this is so informative. Struggling with the bend though. I bought a set of 7 Hohner Blues Band Harmonicas. G appears to be the most popular so far. Heart of Gold is is with a G as well. I think I need a bigger harp to get those single notes. -6 sounds so haunting but combine -6-5 or -6-7 together and it’s terrible. Love your work George and thank you from Australia. Roland
[..YouTube..] thanks man!!!
[..YouTube..] thanks man!!!
[..YouTube..] @covbossfan Thanks Man. First, if you want to play along with the original or the video, you need to have a harmonica in the key of G. The tabs are in the video and can also be found on my website. This song is a good example of playing single notes and bending. You need to get your pucker down to where you only sound through a single hole at a time. Bending requires changing the direction of airflow as well as the shape of inside your mouth. It’s a bit of a subjective thing.
[..YouTube..] great vid bud, I’d love 2 be able 2 play the harmonica 2 this, could you give me any tips 2 help my harmonica playing?, cheers from England bud
@GeorgeGoodmanDotCom Yep, I see what you mean. Thanks a lot.
[..YouTube..] @GeorgeGoodmanDotCom Yep, I see what you mean. Thanks a lot.
@F14BigAl A C harp doesn’t work with these chords. It’s close, but you need the F# that is not in the key of C. If you want to play in the key of C and use a C harp, then you would need to put a capo on the 5th fret and then play it like I’m showing. I hope that makes sense. Good luck and thanks.
[..YouTube..] @F14BigAl A C harp doesn’t work with these chords. It’s close, but you need the F# that is not in the key of C. If you want to play in the key of C and use a C harp, then you would need to put a capo on the 5th fret and then play it like I’m showing. I hope that makes sense. Good luck and thanks.
[..YouTube..] @F14BigAl A C harp doesn’t work with these chords. It’s close, but you need the F# that is not in the key of C. If you want to play in the key of C and use a C harp, then you would need to put a capo on the 5th fret and then play it like I’m showing. I hope that makes sense. Good luck and thanks.
[..YouTube..] Nice work! If I have a C harp will it still work?!
[..YouTube..] @btwclassic You’re very welcome. Thank you. Cheers
[..YouTube..] Great video! Very generous of you to share this knowledge.
[..YouTube..] @lewiswetzel I am playing a hohner special 20 in the key of G.
[..YouTube..] @lewiswetzel I am playing a hohner special 20 in the key of G.
thanks for the video! but could tell me what kind of harp are you using? is it tuned in G? thanks a lot!
[..YouTube..] thanks for the video! but could tell me what kind of harp are you using? is it tuned in G?
thanks a lot!
[..YouTube..] thanks for the video! but could tell me what kind of harp are you using? is it tuned in G?
thanks a lot!
[..YouTube..] Good one George….I don’t know this song, but I’m going to learn it, now…A great melancholy feel that appeals to me….Keep up the good work!