CCR’s Greatest Guitar Songs
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lessons
If you're a fan of gritty swamp rock riffs, down-to-earth lyrics, and timeless American roots music, this collection of Creedence Clearwater Revival guitar songs is for you.
CCR left an undeniable mark on classic rock history with their raw energy and unmistakable sound — and their songs are just as fun to play as they are to hear.
On this page, you'll find a hand-picked selection of CCR's most iconic tracks arranged for acoustic guitar. Each lesson includes a free preview overview video, chord and rhythm info, and the option to purchase the full breakdown.
Whether you're strumming "Bad Moon Rising" or working your way through the groove of "Born on the Bayou," you'll find authentic rhythm tips and song insights to bring that CCR feel to your playing.
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Creedence Clearwater Revival Guitar Songs”
John Fogerty Guitar Songs
Creedence Clearwater Revival Guitar Songs List
1. Bad Moon Rising
2. Born On The Bayou
3. Down On The Corner
4. Fortunate Son
5. Green River
6. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
7. Lodi
8. Looking Out My Backdoor
9. Proud Mary
10. Up Around The Bend
11. Who'll Stop The Rain
1. Bad Moon Rising
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Bad Moon Rising was
the lead off single from the bands Green River album which was released
in the spring of 1969, four months before the album came out. This
track was also written by John Fogerty.
The song reached #2 in the US and #1 in the UK. The inspiration came to John Fogerty after watching a 1941 film called The Devil And Daniel Webster.
With its irresistible melody and catchy lyrics, this song is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with a root down root up down and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead required with the chords D, A and G.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. Born On The Bayou - Learn To Play On Guitar
Born On The Bayou was a single from the 1968 album Bayou Country.
Surprisingly this song never charted anywhere. The only other single in the 60s and 70s that failed to chart somewhere was their very first single called Poterville.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm you'll require some arpeggio along with a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and down strokes in the picking section. In standard tuning with the chords E7, D, A and E.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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3. Down On The Corner - Learn To Play On Guitar
Down On The Corner was one of two singles from the 1969 album "Willy And The Poor Boys" and was written by John Fogerty.
"Down on the Corner" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969 and reached the top 10 in several countrues.
Chords And Strumming
The three chords here are C, G and G with some lead required in standard tuning. Play a steady up and down shuffle rhythm pattern with some riffs.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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4. Fortunate Son - Learn To Play On Guitar
Fortunate Son was the other single released from the Willy And The Poor Boys album.
This single managed to reach #3 in the US and #2 in Australia but never quite made it to the top. It was also written by John Fogerty. The track is a symbol of protest against the Vietnam War.
The song's distinctive guitar riff was created by John Fogerty to mimic the sound of a military march, adding to its rebellious and anti-establishment tone.
Chords And Strumming
Some lead required with the chords G, F, C and D in standard tuning. The rhythm is mainly down strokes.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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5. Green River - Learn To Play On Guitar
Green River was
without a doubt the bands most successful single release. Bad Moon
Rising, Lodi, Green River and Commotion all came from that record. This
track was also written by John Fogerty.
Green River" reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969 and was a top 10 in several other countries.
The title track of the album, "Green River" is a homage to the Green River, which runs through the band's home state of California. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for the countryside and the joys of simpler times.
Chords And Strumming
Play a down up down up rhythm pattern with some riffs blended in throughout and in standard tuning. E, C and A are the chords.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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6. Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Learn To Play On Guitar
Have You Ever Seen The Rain was the first of two singles released by CCR in 1971 from their Pendulum album. The song was written by John Fogerty
And this song was a huge hit across several countries and did make it to #1 in Canada. In the US, Have You Ever Seen the Rain reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1971.
This is probably one of the first CCR songs most people learn on guitar because it's a simple play and a great tune.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are Em, C, G, D, D/Gb and Em/D in standard tuning. No lead but a few riffs with the down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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7. Lodi - Learn To Play On Guitar
Lodi was released in 1969 as the B-side to "Bad Moon Rising," and tells the tale of a struggling musician who gets stuck playing in a small town that he never meant to stay in.
Written by John Fogerty, the song’s emotional core revolves around dashed dreams and the feeling of being trapped by circumstance — a relatable theme for many artists. With its laid-back rhythm and melancholic tone, Lodi stands out as one of CCR’s most reflective and heartfelt tracks.
Zip file below contains the lesson and chord sheet.
Chords And Strumming
Forgety plays this one in A# and then moves to a C. But for me vocally it's too high to sing so Instead I play this in G and move to an A. The chords here are G, D, C, D/Gb, Em and when the key changes you'll need the additional chords A, E, Gbm and an A/Ab. For rhythm play root up down up and repeat. Some lead required in this number.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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8. Looking Out My Backdoor - Learn To Play On Guitar
Looking Out My Back Door was from their 1970s album Cosmos Factory and managed a #2 spot. This was their only #1 song if you count the Cash Box chart, where it did reach the top.
Chords And Strumming
I play a root down up down up down up rhythm pattern here with some lead required and in standard tuning. For chords I play a D, Bm, G and A and for the key change play a B7, A7, E, Dbm and the A once more.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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9. Proud Mary - Learn To Play On Guitar
Proud Mary was another huge single from CCR in 1969 from their Bayou Country album and was written by John Fogerty.
This one made it to #1 in Austria and was a top 10 across several countries including a #2 in the US and Canada. CCR never had a #1 hit in the United States.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning here with a down up stop up down up stop up rhythm pattern. The chords here are C, A, G, F, D and a Bm with some lead required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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10. Up Around The Bend - Learn To Play On Guitar
Up Around The Bend was
the A-side with the song Run Through The Jungle. The song reached #1 in
Australia and The Netherlands and was a top 10 in several other
countries. The track was written by John Fogerty and
reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.
It was released in 1970 from the Cosmos Factory album.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are D, A, D/Gb and G while playing all down strokes for rhythm. Played in standard tuning with the chords D, A, D/Gb and a G.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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11. Who'll Stop The Rain - Learn To Play On Guitar
Who'll Stop The Rain performed quite well on the charts, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1970.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in G but sung on the high end of G, so because it's out of my range, I'm using a capo 3rd fret and singing on the low end of A#. The chords you'll need are G, D, Em, C, Bm and an Am. There ks no lead but I put a break in this one with the rhythm root up down up and repeat in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Creedence Clearwater Revival made music that still resonates with players and fans alike, and these guitar lessons aim to bring that spirit to your fingertips.
Whether you're jamming solo or playing along with friends, these CCR guitar songs will round out any setlist with punch and personality.
Don’t forget to check out the second page featuring more popular CCR guitar songs if you're hungry for even more classics. From bayou rockers to heartfelt ballads, these tunes remain essential learning material for any guitarist wanting to dig into the roots of rock. Happy strumming!
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