Nick Drake – River Man
Learn how to play Nick Drake – River Man note-for-note on guitar.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Barre chords: No
Thumb over chords: Yes
Playing Style: Fingerpicked
Tuning: Standard
A typically unconventional piece of fingerpicking and an unusual time signature.
The complete song lesson contains lesson and performance play thru videos, full tabs and chords and lyrics sheet. You’ll receive a link to download the lesson which will download as a zip file of 164 Mb containing all the lesson content.
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You’ll receive at least two videos per song, one lesson and one performance-standard play-through. You’ll receive the chords/lyrics and guitar tabs as PDF files.
The videos are mp4 format and should play on PC’s, Macs and most mobile devices.
They will download as Zip files. If you don’t have a Zip program on your PC you’ll need to install one to open the file.
If you want to download to an iPad or iPhone you’ll need an app to do so, please read here to know more about it.
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Derek Rocha says
Dear Jerry,
Although I am aware that the course in guitar playing is tutorial based for music: enthusiasts like me. I would like to let you know of an inspiration, that has occurred for me in watching your series at Jerry’s Guitar Bar; online. Is it something that you have already been thinking or otherwise useful to you? I wonder if you have time to add the occasional, documentary; or video if the work; of the artists that appear in your series. You, may need permission from the copyright holders of the artists.🙏😎🍌
Eric says
Hi Jerry, thank you so much for all the work you have put into the site. It helped me tackle some challenging Paul Simon playing and seeing Nick’s work here makes me smile. There is an artist similar to Nick you may be familiar with who’s music I think merits at least one or two lessons in my opinion; Bridget St. John wrote some beautiful fingerstyle folk parts for the songs on her first album, Ask Me No Questions. I believe it was released the same year as Nick’s first record, in 1969.
There are two songs in particular I’d like to learn and would be happy to pay for both.
One is called “I Like To Be With You In The Sun” and the other is the title track for the album, “Ask Me No Questions”. Both are really captivating and utilize a similar style of picking. Any chance of taking those requests?
Either way, thanks for all the hard work, the lessons are great.
Eric
Michael Gorman says
Thanks so very much Jerry, you are a gentleman. I have rediscovered this song recently and the dissonance is simply brilliant, your lesson is the very best I have seen.
Jerry says
Thanks Michael Glad you’re enjoying it. It is an amazing song for sure.
dan says
thanks for this jerry, dont forget people learning this that nick often does what sounds like using his right fingers to mute his pinch of the 4 strings making it slightly more percussive, he doesnt start this until after he changes to the second chord with the vocals coming in so its masked more beneath the vocal and strings. not a criticism just thought id say it as i dont think it was mentioned in the video!
Eric says
I Jerry you are such a great musician , I just came across you on YOU TUBE , and I will certainly be sending a donate as soon as I learn a song or two. Thanking You so much for the free downloads. Eric.
Barry says
Hi Jerry, your download worked just fine.
You have put so much hard work and good detail into your lesson which has made learning to play this piece a great pleasure.
Many thanks, Barry
Abhinav B. says
Thankyou So very much Jerry for making this download free! Your tutorial is really very helpful! Nick is one of my favourite artists! Thanks again.
marc says
Dear Jerry,
Thanks so much for making River Man a free download.
You’re spoiling us :-)
Cung-Sang says
Hi Jerry,
Thanks a lot for this free lesson on this beautiful song !
Cung-Sang
Mal says
Hi Jerry, many thanks for the free downloads, I promise you I will buy a few songs in the next week or two. Kind Regards. Mal
Mick Griffiths says
Thanks a million for this lesson Jerry. It’s the first time I’ve used your tutorials – very helpful and it has already improved my playing. I played Riverman at a live gig two days ago with my friend Fiona singing and another Fiona playing viola. Beautiful. I’ll be buying more.
Jerry says
Wish I could have heard you guys playing it. Thanks Mick.
anshu says
My God!This is totally awesome.thanks a lot for the download link.
Now i can learn easy.:) :)
Kevin says
Offering up River Man as a freebie is as gracious as it gets!!
Eternal thanks Jerry, and I bought Day is Done and Pink Moon as well!
Keep up the great work, and thanks again!
Kevin
Jerry says
Hope you enjoy it Kevin. Thanks for picking up a couple of the other as well. I haven’t forgotten Classical gas. I will get to it.
Mike Elford says
Hi Jerry, I could not download The River Man for some reason. Recently got into Nick drake and plan to purchase the lessons, Mike
Jerry says
Hi Mike,
I’m not sure what the problem is. It does work. Could be an over-sensitive anti-virus setting? Email me and I should be able to hook you up.