Creedence Clearwater Revival, or “CCR,” was a California-born rock band that found its peak success between 1969 and 1971. Because of their popularity, a handful of the band’s songs achieved high accolades, such as being inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, and landing in Rolling Stones’ list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Despite the band’s falling out in 1972, their biggest hits remain staples on Classic Rock Radio playlists to this day. John Fogerty, the band’s singer and primary songwriter, also continues to perform these hits as a solo act.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of CCR’s biggest hits that YOU can learn on guitar using JamPlay’s incredible song-learning system!

“Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay

The leading single from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1969 album, Green River, “Bad Moon Rising” was the band’s second certified Gold song. It hovered at No. 1 on the UK’s Singles charts for three straight weeks, and was one of five CCR tracks to peak at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. John Fogerty reportedly found inspiration to write the song after watching a scene in the movie, The Devil and Daniel Webster.

The instrumentation of “Bad Moon Rising” features an acoustic guitar part, and two electric guitars that are both tuned down a whole step. For the breakdown of this classic hit, check out Mark Brennan‘s full song lesson on JamPlay!

“Down On The Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay

A B-Side of CCR’s other hit single “Fortunate Son,” the song, “Down On The Corner” became an international success upon its release in 1969. While peaking at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, it also peaked at No. 4, 5, and 2 in Canada, New Zealand, and Germany respectively.

This rock classic features a recognizable electric guitar riff that’s mirrored in the bass. Learn all the guitar parts with Mark Brennan in his full JamPlay song lesson!

“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival – Song Lesson – JamPlay

The first of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s tunes to peak at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, “Proud Mary” was another 1969 gold single. Two years later, in 1971, Ike & Tina Turner released a cover of the song that peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100, and won them a GRAMMY Award.

The song is comprised of two main electric guitar parts: one rhythm and one lead. There’s also a classic John Fogerty style solo. For a breakdown of all the parts, follow along with Mark Brennan in his full song lesson on JamPlay!

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