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Few songwriters have been able to write as many extremely catchy riffs and melodies with very simple ideas as John Fogerty.
You see, so many of the classic CCR tunes are all based around just a few chords and very basic musical concepts. Yet at the same time are so incredibly SATISFYING to play for any level of guitar player.
Look, I’ve studied my share of fancy and complex music. But there’s just something about playing these iconic CCR songs and chord progressions that is just so fun!
And when it comes to timeless anthems, few can match the energetic vibe of "Bad Moon Rising".
So in this guitar lesson, I’m going to break down its catchy rhythm and groove so you can get playing it today.
PLUS this song is actually rooted in the blues. You will see the influence and I will point it out in the guitar part I explain.
The chord progression also uses only the I, IV, and V. Just like what we see in countless blues songs.
So grab your six-string and let's dive in!
Who wrote Bad Moon Rising?
"Bad Moon Rising" was written by John Fogerty, the lead singer, and primary songwriter of the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). The song was released in 1969 as part of CCR's third studio album, titled Green River.
"Green River" was recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California, and it's worth noting that CCR was known for its efficient and relatively quick recording process.
The album was well-received by both critics and fans, and it played a significant role in establishing CCR as one of the most prominent rock bands of their era.
As for credits and accolades, "Bad Moon Rising" has been widely recognized as one of CCR's greatest hits and one of the standout tracks on the "Green River" album.
While it didn't receive specific awards like Grammys or chart-topping positions, it has earned its place in the history of classic rock songs. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless rock classic.
Even blues legend Bo Diddley covered it…
What key is Bad Moon Rising played in?
“Bad Moon Rising” is in the key of D major. The chords used in the song are D, G, and A. In the key of D major, the chords D, G, and A are all closely related and often used together countless times in millions of songs.
Here's how they relate musically:
D Major (D): The D major chord is the tonic or the I chord in the key of D major. It serves as the home base or starting point for the key. It consists of the notes D, F#, and A. This chord has a stable and resolved sound, making it the foundation for many songs in the key of D major.
G Major (G): The G major chord is the IV (fourth) chord in the key of D major. It consists of the notes G, B, and D. The IV chord often provides a sense of movement away from the tonic (D) but still retains a feeling of stability. It's a common choice for chord progressions that create tension and resolution within the key.
A Major (A): The A major chord is the V (fifth) chord in the key of D major. It consists of the notes A, C#, and E. The V chord has a strong sense of tension and is often used to lead back to the tonic chord (D). The resolution from the V (A) to the I (D) chord is a fundamental and satisfying musical progression in D major.
D major (D), G major (G), and A major (A) are the three most essential chords in the key of D major. They are also the three most important chords in a 12 bar blues in the key of D.
Is Bad Moon Rising hard to play on guitar?
“Bad Moon Rising” is not too hard to play. In fact, it’s a great song for beginners to try as it only uses 3 chords. Anyone who can develop some simple chord movements and combine that together with an easy strumming pattern can play this song.
However, to play the bar chord part, and add in all the subtleties of the bluesy shuffle patterns and make it clean is harder.
So wherever you are start there. And then build up the other layers over time. (Kinda like making a cake. Do it in layers.)
Alright now as I said, to play "Bad Moon Rising," you'll need to master three basic chords: D, A, and G.
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