“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a timeless song loved by generations. Its catchy rhythm and sing-along chorus make it a favorite for guitar players of all levels. If you’re looking to learn the Guitar Chords To Proud Mary, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down the chords and song structure so you can start playing this classic hit today.
Simple Chords for a Powerful Song
The beauty of “Proud Mary” for guitarists lies in its relatively simple chord progression. The song primarily uses open chords, making it accessible for beginners while still sounding fantastic. Here’s a breakdown of the chords you’ll need to know:
- C Major (C)
- A Major (A)
- G Major (G)
- F Major (F)
- D Major (D)
- B minor (Bm)
While the Bm chord might be slightly challenging for absolute beginners, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. For those just starting out, you can even simplify the Bm to a Bm7 or even substitute it with a D major in some instances, though the Bm adds a characteristic flavor to the song.
Song Structure and Chord Progression
“Proud Mary” follows a classic verse-chorus structure, with a distinctive intro and instrumental sections. Let’s break down the chord progression for each part:
Intro Strum:
The song opens with a catchy intro riff that’s easy to strum along to. Here are the chords for the intro:
|C A |C A |C A G F | F F D D | D DThis intro pattern is repeated several times throughout the song, providing a familiar and driving rhythm.
Verse:
The verses of “Proud Mary” tell a story of leaving behind city life for the simpler pleasures of the river. The chord progression for the verse is consistent throughout the song:
**D D D D** Left a good job in the city, workin for the man every night and day
**D D D D** and I never lost one minute of sleepin', worryin' 'bout the way things might
**A A Bm Bm** have been. Big wheel a-keep on turnin' Proud Mary keep on burnin',
**D D D D** Roll - in', rollin', rollin' on the river.Notice the change to A and Bm chords leading into the iconic line “Big wheel a-keep on turnin'”. This chord change creates a dynamic lift and anticipation.
Instrumental Verse:
Following the second verse, there’s an instrumental break that uses the verse chord progression, allowing for improvisation or simply strumming along to the rhythm.
**Verse Instrumental: D D D D D D D D A A Bm Bm D D D D** roll - in, rollin, rollin on the river.Outro Verse:
The final verse repeats the same chord progression as the previous verses, bringing the song to a satisfying close.
**Verse: D D D D** If you come down to the river, bet you're gonna find some people who live,
**D D D** you don't have to worry, cause you have no money, people on the river are
**D A A Bm Bm** happy to give. Big wheel keep on turnin, Proud Mary keep on burnin,
**D D D D** roll - in, rollin, rollin on the river. **D D D D** roll - in, rollin, rollin on the river. **D D D D** roll - in, rollin, rollin on the river. **D D D D (hold)** roll - in, rollin, rollin on the river.The song concludes by repeating the “rollin’ on the river” line, fading out with a final held D chord.
Strumming Pattern for “Proud Mary”
While the chords are straightforward, the strumming pattern is crucial to capturing the feel of “Proud Mary.” A common and effective strumming pattern for this song is:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down, Up
Experiment with this pattern and listen to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm. You can also simplify it to just down strums on each beat if you are just starting out and gradually incorporate the up strums as you get more comfortable.
Tips for Playing “Proud Mary”
- Listen to the original: The best way to learn the feel of “Proud Mary” is to listen to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s version repeatedly. Pay attention to the rhythm, dynamics, and overall groove.
- Start slow: When learning the chords and strumming pattern, begin at a slow tempo. Gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key to playing the song fluidly. Practice moving between D, A, Bm, C, G, and F chords.
- Use a metronome: A metronome can help you develop a steady rhythm and improve your timing.
- Sing along: Singing while you play can help you internalize the rhythm and phrasing of the song.
“Proud Mary” is a fantastic song to add to your guitar repertoire. Its simple yet powerful chord progression and iconic melody make it a crowd-pleaser and a joy to play. With a little practice using these guitar chords, you’ll be rolling on the river in no time!
