Catfish John

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Step 1 / 14Position: 2
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
[Intro]
A A
E|---------------------|---------------------|
B|---------------------|---------------------|
G|---------------------|---------------------|
D|---------------------|---------------------|
A|-------3-4~--3p2-0---|------3-4~---3p2-0---|
E|--5---------------2--|-5----------------2--| (repeat)
[Chorus]
A D
Mama said don't go near that river
A E
Don't be hanging around old Catfish John
A D
But come the morning I'd always be there
A E A
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn
[Verse 1]
D A
Take me back, to another moment
D A
To a time, so long ago
D A
When the sweet, magnolias blossomed
A E A
The cotton fields, were white as snow
[Verse 2]
D A
Catfish John was a river hobo
D A
He lived and died, by the rivers bend
D A
Looking back, I still remember
A E A
I was proud, to be his friend
[Solo]
(verse chords)
[Verse 3]
D A
Born a slave, in the town of Vicksburg
D A
Traded for, a chestnut mare
D A
Lord he never, spoke in anger
A E A
Though his load, was hard to bear
[Chorus]
A D
Mama said don't go near that river
A E
Don't be hanging around old Catfish John
A D
But come the morning I'd always be there
A E A
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn
A E A
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn

Catfish John chords and lyrics

Free chords for Catfish John by Grateful Dead. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Chorus]
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Solo]
(verse chords)
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]

Catfish John Chords by Grateful Dead

Learn how to play Catfish John by Grateful Dead with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Catfish John chords”, “Catfish John guitar chords”, or “Grateful Dead Catfish John chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Catfish John chords and for experienced players who want accurate Catfish John lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, E, B, G, D.

Frequently asked questions about Catfish John

How do I play "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead free?

Yes. The chords for "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Catfish John" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Catfish John" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Catfish John"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Catfish John" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Catfish John" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Catfish John" by Grateful Dead with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Grateful Dead below.

What key is "Catfish John" in?

The chords for "Catfish John" show the original chord names (including A, E, B, G, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.