Michael Row The Boat Ashore – Folk Guitar Tutorial
This “Michael Row The Boat Ashore” guitar chord chart and web page will guide you through this classic song. We will cover the easy strumming version of this song, an easy 5 chord song on guitar.
This song uses 5 basic chord shapes: C, F, G, Em. We’re using the easy way to play F on guitar. Below you will find Michael Row The Boat Ashore chords and lyrics, which will guide you through this song from start to finish.
Guitar Chords:
Strumming Pattern:
This song uses the most common strumming pattern. Remember to “miss” the strings on beat 3 (doing a downstroke that does NOT make contact) and it’ll help you feel the pattern and stay in rhythm more easily.
How To Practice Songs
Just want to see the chords & lyrics? Scroll down a bit more — BUT I encourage you to do this first – it’ll improve your success rate.
Jumping straight into playing a song can be frustrating, even after learning the chords and strumming pattern. That’s why I recommend this step: use downstrokes while counting the beats. This ensures accurate timing and smooth chord changes—then simply add the strumming pattern, and you’re all set!
d = downstroke
C C F C
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
Em Dm C G G
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d To summarize:
- Learn the chords
- Practice them with downstrokes only & count through the song
- Learn the strumming pattern
- Play the song!
Michael Row The Boat Ashore Guitar Chord Chart
C F C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
River Jordan is chilly and cold, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Chills the body but not the soul, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
River is deep and the river is wide, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Milk and honey on the other side, Hallelu-u-jah
C F C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Em Dm C G C
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelu-u-jah
Want a downloadable “Michael Row The Boat Ashore Chord Chart PDF”?
Who sings Michael Row The Boat Ashore?
Over the years, “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” has been performed and recorded by numerous artists across different genres. Some of the most notable versions include:
1. The Highwaymen (1960)
- This folk group’s version became the most famous, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Their rendition is often associated with the 1960s folk revival.
2. Pete Seeger
- The folk legend frequently performed the song, emphasizing its roots as a spiritual and using it as a symbol of civil rights and social justice.
3. Harry Belafonte
- Known for his contributions to popularizing folk and calypso music, Belafonte recorded a soulful version of the song, highlighting its spiritual depth.
4. Odetta
- The influential folk and blues singer gave a powerful, gospel-inspired interpretation of the song, emphasizing its connection to African-American spirituals.
5. Peter, Paul and Mary
- Although they didn’t release it as a hit single, the iconic folk trio often performed the song during their live sets in the 1960s.
6. Bobby Darin
- Darin’s version added a pop sensibility to the traditional folk tune, bringing it to a broader audience.
7. The Seekers
- The Australian folk-pop group recorded a version that showcases their signature harmonies.
8. Trini Lopez
- Lopez gave it a Latin folk twist, blending traditional folk with his upbeat, rhythmic style.
