How to Play "Deep River Blues" the Easy Way (Doc Watson acoustic fingerstyle)

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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

[@jayzhou104]

its a difficult song to nail down the docs version! great simplified version and keeping the same groove!

[@danbgt]

Excellent video. There are those of us amateur guitar players that don’t care anything about reproducing the exact original version of songs. For me, this is a hobby. I started playing guitar after I retired. I play for my own enjoyment. I really appreciate these videos that have simplified ways to play certain songs and styles. Thank you!

[@USNAVDC]

Always in the Coal Fields of Appalachia, we always said.....It's not how good you play, it's how good you feel! Thank God for Music!

[@emmgeevideo]

Love me some Doc Watson. I'm eager to try the "easy way" because I'm no Doc Watson. Thanks!

[@USNAVDC]

You really have some nice lessons!

[@larrykrakow8927]

Thank you

[@DavidSmith-cm9rq]

Doc perfect never to much Doc. you should cover Harvest Moon Neil Young.

[@chloe_capybara]

💅💅