Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American rock band that formed in 1959, originally from El Cerrito, California. The band’s lineup consisted of John Fogerty (lead vocals, lead guitar), his brother Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums).
Their music features a tight rhythm, melodic guitar riffs, and Fogerty’s unique vocals. CCR’s hits include “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” and “Proud Mary.” Their success peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s, establishing them as one of the most influential bands of all time.
John Fogerty, in particular, went on to have a highly successful solo career after the band disbanded in 1972. The band’s distinctive blend of Americana rock remains a resonant presence among fans worldwide.
About the song
“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in 1969, is an iconic hit. The song tells the story of a person reflecting on life along the river with the famous chorus “Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.” Its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody capture themes of travel and change, making it an anthem of the era.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | January 1969 |
| Album | Bayou Country |
| Writers | John Fogerty |
| Producers | John Fogerty, Saul Zaentz |
Proud Mary Chords and Lyrics
Here are the bullet points for the chords used in the song based on the image you provided:
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C: Played with fingers 1, 2, and 3 on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets.
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A: Played with fingers 1, 2, and 3 on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets.
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G: Played with fingers 1, 2, and 3 on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets.
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F: Played with fingers 2, 3, and 4 on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th frets.
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F6: Played with fingers 2 and 3 on the 2nd and 3rd frets.
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D: Played with fingers 1, 2, and 3 on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets.
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Bm: Played with fingers 2, 3, and 4 on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th frets.
Strumming Pattern
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U)
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D = Downstroke
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U = Upstroke
How to Play
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Downstroke (D): Hit the strings in a downward motion, making sure to let the chords ring out clearly.
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Upstroke (U): After the downstroke, strum back up lightly.
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The pattern follows a basic rhythmic structure with emphasis on the downstrokes.
Lyrics and Chords
Tuning: E A D G B E
Key: D
Capo: No capo
[Intro]
C A | C A |
C A G F | F F6 F D |
D | D |
[Verse 1]
D
Left a good job in the city, workin’ for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’, worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been
A Bm
Big wheel keep on turnin’, Proud Mary keep on burnin’
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
[Verse 2]
D
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis, pumped a lot of pane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city, ’til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
A Bm
Big wheel keep on turnin’, Proud Mary keep on burnin’
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
[Instrumental]
C A | C A |
C A G F | F F6 F D |
D | D |
[Solo]
D | D | D | D |
D | D | D | D |
A | A | Bm | Bm |
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
[Instrumental]
C A | C A |
C A G F | F F6 F D |
D | D |
[Verse 3]
D
If you come down to the river, bet you’re gonna find some people who live
D
You don’t have to worry, cause you have no money, people on the river are happy to give
A Bm
Big wheel a-keep on turnin’, Proud Mary keep on burnin’,
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
D
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river (fade out)
Video Tutorial
Follow this easy guitar tutorial to learn the chords, strumming pattern, and rhythm needed to play “Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival” smoothly and confidently.
Helpful Tips for Playing “Proud Mary”
Mastering the rhythm and chord transitions will help you capture the iconic sound of this classic song.
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Strumming Pattern: Use the Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern for a consistent rhythm.
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Tempo: The song has a moderate tempo, so try to keep a steady beat. You can use a metronome to help with this.
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Feel the Groove: The song has a rolling feel to it, so try to emphasize the downstrokes and ensure your strumming hand remains relaxed.
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Practice Chord Transitions: Focus on smooth transitions between D, A, and Bm, especially as these chords appear often in the song.
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Emphasize the Downstrokes: Give extra emphasis to the first downstroke of each measure for a more powerful feel.
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Keep it Simple: The song is straightforward, so don’t overthink it. Focus on the rhythm and timing, and the rest will fall into place.
Wrapping Up: Proud Mary’s Timeless Appeal
That signature guitar intro, those simple chords, and that unforgettable story about working for the man – “Proud Mary” has it all.
Born on the bayou of American rock, this CCR classic remains a campfire favorite and a first-time guitarist’s dream song. The easy chord progression lets anyone join in, while the lyrics tell a story we can all relate to – breaking free and finding joy on life’s journey.
Got the chords down? Ready to belt out those verses? “Proud Mary” isn’t just a song – it’s a musical friend that never gets old.
What’s your favorite part to play or sing? Share below! And if you’re hungry for more classic rock staples, check out our other lyric and chord guides to keep your musical journey rolling on the river.
Kate Matthews is a multi-instrumentalist with over 10 years of experience playing and teaching various instruments, including guitar, piano, and drums. Her love for music began at a young age, and she now shares her passion by helping others learn to play instruments. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, Kate’s expert advice helps musicians of all levels develop their skills and find joy in playing music.
