Red River Valley - Michael Martin Murphey | Song Tabs

Red River Valley Michael Martin Murphey

About the Song
Red River Valley is a classic American folk song recorded by many artists, including Michael Martin Murphey. Its slow tempo and simple chord structure make it ideal for beginner guitarists.

Chords & Transitions
This version uses the following chords: G, D, D7, G7, C. These are all open-position chords and commonly used in folk songs, which is great for beginners. Practice switching between G and D/D7, as well as between G7 and C, since these are the most frequent transitions.

Strumming Pattern
The song works well with a gentle, steady strumming pattern. Beginners can use a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-U-D-U) for each measure. For a more traditional feel, you might try just downstrokes or a basic boom-chick pattern (bass note, then full chord).

Tips for Playing

Take the intro slowly to get used to the changes, especially between G7 and C.
Use your ring finger as a pivot when moving between G and C.
When switching to D7, keep your hand relaxed and fingers close to the fretboard for quick placement.
Try humming or singing softly while strumming to keep your rhythm steady.

Summary
With its gentle pace and common chords, Red River Valley is perfect for building confidence in chord changes and strumming. Practice slowly and enjoy the timeless melody!

Intro

G D G G D⁷ G G⁷ C

C D⁷ D G G D G

Verse 1

From this valley they sayD you areG going

I will miss your bright eyes and sweetD⁷ smile

TheyG say you areG⁷ taking the sunC shine

That hasD brightened ourD⁷ pathway aG while

Chorus

Come and sit by my sideD if youG love me

Do not hasten to bid me aD⁷ dieu

But reG member theG⁷ Red RiverC Valley

And theD cowboy thatD⁷ loves you soG true

Instrumental

G G D⁷ G G G D⁷ G G⁷ C C D⁷ D⁷ G G D G

Verse 2

I've been thinking a longD time myG darling

Of those sweet words you never wouldD⁷ say

Now aG las, all myG⁷ fond hopes haveC vanished

For theyD⁷ say you areD going aG wayG D G

Chorus

Come and sit by my sideD if youG love me

Do not hasten to bid me aD⁷ dieu

But reG member theG⁷ Red RiverC Valley

And theD cowboy thatD⁷ loves you soG true

Verse 3

Do you think of the valD ley you'reG leaving

And how lonely and dreary it willD⁷ be

Do youG think of theG⁷ kind hearts you're breakC ing

And theD⁷ pain you areD causing toG meG D G

Chorus

Come and sit by my sideD if youG love me

Do not hasten to bid me aD⁷ dieu

But reG member theG⁷ Red RiverC Valley

And theD cowboy thatD⁷ loves you soG true

Outro

G D⁷ D⁷ G G D G G

Song Tabs

Other songs by Michael Martin Murphey

Other songs by Michael Martin Murphey