This week’s 3 Chord Club features three songs from flat-picking master Doc Watson’s first album released in 1964.

Each Friday we choose three songs from a specific artist, label or genre of music that we’ll learn by ear. All the songs will contain three chords or less (with the exception of Bonus Chord songs)! You’ll find links to the lyrics but not the chords. That’s where your ears come in. Since you know the song has only one to three chords, try to figure out the changes, or chord progression by ear while watching the YouTube video. Here’s a hint, most of the time the chords will be the I-IV & V or V7 chords. In the Key of C, that’s C-F-G or G7. Remember, the sound examples may be in various keys. As an added bonus, try to figure out the key of the recording. If you can’t figure out the original key of a song or songs refer to the Extra Credit Hints at the bottom of the post.

Nashville Blues (lyrics)
(Hint: Blues)

Sitting On Top Of The World (lyrics)
(Hint: I-IV-I-V7-I)

Deep River Blues (lyrics)
(Hint: Bonus Chord: I Diminished)

Extra Credit Hints
Nashville Blues: Key B (Chords: B-E-F#7)
Sitting On Top Of The World: Key Eb (Chords: Eb-Ab-Bb7)
Deep River Blues: Key E (Chords: E-E7-Edim-A7-B7)