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Running Water

Daniel Johnston verified
Key: C
110 BPM
Standard (E A D G B E)
↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
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🎸 Original Version Easy Chords
Transpose
0
Notation
Capo
Instrument
speed
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Easy Chord Tip: No capo — use open C chord shapes.
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Batas Kuota Harian Tercapai

Alat Workstation Panggung

CHORD DIAGRAMS
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tune Transposed: semitones
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info About This Song

Song Fundamentals
Key C (C Major)
Tempo / BPM 110 BPM (Approx.)
Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)
Time Signature 4/4
Difficulty Level Very Easy
Capo Position No Capo
Chord Count 4 Unique Chords
Genre Alternative
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Strumming Pattern ↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑
Time Signature 4/4
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Running Water by Daniel Johnston is played in the key of C. Arranged in the natural sounding key of C in standard guitar tuning without a capo, 'Running Water' by Daniel Johnston utilizes direct fretboard shapes to project full open-string acoustic warmth and resonance throughout every section. The song relies exclusively on open cowboy chords (C, D, G, Em), letting beginners concentrate on tone clarity, ringing string resonance, and sustain without encountering demanding barre finger fatigue. The primary progression challenge lies in switching between C and D: keep your fingers hovering close to the fretboard rather than flying off between changes. Set your metronome at an initial practice tempo of 79 BPM in 4/4 time to master the '↓ - ↓ ↑ - ↑ ↓ ↑' strumming groove, emphasizing steady downstrokes on beats one and three before accelerating toward the studio speed of 110 BPM.

account_tree Chord Progression Analysis

Harmonic Progression
Progression Pattern (Roman Numerals)
I – II – I – V – I – V
Song chords:
star Primary Chords (Song Foundation)
C D G Em

Chords that repeat most frequently throughout the verse and chorus.

more_horiz Auxiliary / Transition Chords
This song focuses on a minimalist 4-chord foundation.

Used as harmonic transition variations in intro, bridge, or outro.

tune Why Use a Capo?

Capo & Sounding Key
Sounding Key C Acoustic pitch of original recording
No Capo sync_alt Raises the pitch of open strings
Fingering Shape Key C Open chord finger positions

The song is played in its original key of C without a capo.

lightbulb Alternative Capo Positions for This Song:

piano Chord Family C

Diatonic Matrix

This song is built on the key of C. Here are the 7 diatonic chords (Chord Family) that harmonize according to music theory:

I C Tonic
ii Dm Supertonic
iii Em Mediant
IV F Subdominant
V G Dominant
vi Am Submediant
vii° Bdim Leading

speed Difficulty Level: Very Easy

Difficulty Determinants for This Song:
check_circle Uses 4 unique chords throughout the song
check_circle All open position chords, zero barre chords required
dna MUSICAL DNA:
KEY: C • TEMPO: 110 BPM (Approx.) • PROG: I – II – I – V – I – V • DIFF: 1/5 • CAPO: 0

help Easy Chord Guide & FAQ Running Water

FAQ & Tips

quiz How to play the easy chords for Running Water (Daniel Johnston)?

To play the Easy Chords for Running Water, toggle the Easy Chords button above the workstation canvas. This version is designed with beginner-friendly open chords to make transitions easier without barre chords.

quiz What are the basic guitar chords and original key for Running Water?

The original recording key for Running Water by Daniel Johnston is C. You can use the Transpose (+ / -) feature anytime to adjust the pitch to match male or female vocal ranges automatically.

quiz Is audio sync and auto-scroll available for practice?

Yes, ChordGitar.in features touch-free Auto-Scroll with speed control, as well as an integrated player so your tempo and rhythm practice stays precise.

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Running Water - Daniel Johnston

Official Audio

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Listen to official audio for Running Water by Daniel Johnston on streaming platforms:

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