Other arrangements of River
Pick a learning view.
It’s (Dm)com in’ on (C)Christ mas, they’re (Dm)cut ting down (C)trees.
They’re (Dm)put ting up rein deer and sing in’ (Dm)songs of joy and peace.
Oh, I (Am)wish I had a riv (Em7)er
I could skate a way on.
But (Dm)it don’t snow here, it (Dm)stays pret ty green.
I’m gon na (Dm)make a lot ta mon ey then I’m gon na quit (Dm)this cra
zy scene.
I wish I had a riv (Em7)er
I could skate (G)a way on.
I (F)wish I had a riv er so long
I would teach my feet to
fly.
Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way
on.
I made my ba by cry.
He (Dm)tried hard to (C)me you know, he (Dm)put me at
And he (Dm)loved me so naugh ty made me (Dm)weak in the (C)knees.
Oh, I wish I had (Am)a riv
But (Dm)I’m so hard hand le, I’m (Dm)sel fish and I’m (C)sad.
Now I’ve gone and (Dm)lost the best ba by that I ev er Oh, I wish had a riv
I (F)wish I had a riv er so long
I would teach my feet to
fly.
Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way on.
I made my ba by cry.
He
Oh, I wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way on.
I made my ba by (C)say good bye.
It’s (Dm)com ing on (C)Christ mas, they’re (Dm)cut ting down (C)trees.
They’re (Dm)put ting up rein deer, sing ing songs of joy (C)and peace.
I wish I had a riv er
I could skate
a way
on.
River — Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)
Classic piano notation for "River" by Joni Mitchell as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in C — sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 100 BPM. Click any note to jump there.
Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (C) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.
Try other practice modes:
About “River”
- Is the engraved accompaniment score for "River" suitable for a pianist?
- Yes — both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key C, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
- What key is the piano accompaniment for "River" by Joni Mitchell in?
- The backing track is in C at 100 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
- Can I sing over "River" with this accompaniment?
- Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
- Is this a karaoke version of "River"?
- Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "River", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
- Can I use "River" as a backing track for my instrument?
- Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
- Can I download the accompaniment for "River"?
- Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
- Who wrote "River"?
- "River" was originally performed by Joni Mitchell. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
- What other backing tracks by Joni Mitchell are available?
- Other accompaniments by Joni Mitchell: "Blue", "Both Sides Now". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
- What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
- Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode — both hands, classic piano notation, key of C, real chord symbols — but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "River" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
- Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
- Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
- Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
- Yes — treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.
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