River by Joni Mitchell
Key: G · 103 BPM · 3/4
River by Joni Mitchell is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-V progression — classic resolving progression (1-4-5): G-C-Am. At 103 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time.
The progression
This song follows the I-IV-V progression (Classic resolving progression (1-4-5)) in G major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.
Play it in other keys
| Capo | Shape key | Chords to play |
|---|---|---|
| No capo | G | G-C-Am |
| Capo 3 | E | E-A-F#m |
| Capo 5 | D | D-G-Em |
| Capo 7 | C | C-F-Dm |
Chord chart
- 0:00 C
- 0:05 Am7
- 0:09 F
- 0:14 G
- 0:19 C
- 0:28 Am
- 0:33 G
- 0:37 C
- 0:46 Am
- 0:51 G
- 0:56 F
- 0:58 G
- 1:00 C
- 1:04 Am
- 1:05 Dm
- 1:09 C
- 1:12 G
- 1:14 F
- 1:21 C
- 1:26 Am
- 1:30 G
- 1:35 C
- 1:44 Am
- 1:49 G
- 1:53 C
- 2:02 Am
- 2:07 G
- 2:12 F
- 2:14 G
- 2:16 C
- 2:20 Em
- 2:21 Dm
- 2:24 G
- 2:28 Dm
- 2:30 C
- 2:32 G
- 2:35 F
- 2:42 C
- 2:46 Am
- 2:50 G
- 2:55 C
- 3:04 Am
- 3:09 G
- 3:27 F
- 3:36 Dm
Frequently asked questions
What key is River in?
River is in G major.
What chords does River use?
The core of River cycles through G, C, Am (3 chords).
What is the tempo of River?
River runs at 103 BPM in 3/4 time.
What chord progression does River use?
River follows the I-IV-V progression. It's a classic resolving progression (1-4-5).
What capo should I use for River?
No capo needed — G major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.