Learn the chords and rhythm for Up Around the Bend — one of CCR’s most recognizable songs. John Fogerty’s approach to this tune is deceptively simple: three chords, all down-strokes, with a two-string technique that creates that driving rhythm CCR is famous for.
This lesson covers the full song structure including verse, chorus, and transitions. For the separate lesson on that tricky slide intro riff, see Up Around The Bend Intro.
The Chords You Need
Up Around The Bend is in the key of D and uses a classic I-IV-V progression: D, G, and A. Here are the basic open chord shapes:
The verse alternates between D and A, while the chorus runs G-D-A. But here’s where it gets interesting — Fogerty doesn’t play full chords for most of the song.
The Two-String Technique
What makes this song unique is Fogerty’s two-string chord approach in the verses. Instead of full chords, you’re playing just two strings — the root and perfect fifth — and adding the major sixth with your pinkie on beats 2 and 4.
For the D chord, play the 5th and 4th strings together. That’s your root (D on the 5th string) and the perfect fifth. Add your pinkie two frets above the fifth to hit the major sixth on beats 2 and 4.
The picking pattern goes: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. On beat 1, you’re on the root and fifth. On beat 2, lay down the major sixth. Back to root and fifth on beat 3, major sixth again on beat 4.
The A chord uses the exact same fingering pattern — just shift to the 6th and 5th strings. Root on the 6th string, perfect fifth on the 5th, major sixth with your pinkie.
You can skip the major sixth if you want, just playing the root and fifth. It’ll work, but you lose some of that characteristic CCR flavor.
The Strumming Pattern
All down-strokes. No exceptions. You could try a down-up pattern, but it doesn’t feel the same — the all-downstrokes approach gives it that driving, percussive feel Fogerty is known for.
The song is also slightly muted. Keep your palm resting lightly on the strings near the bridge to get that tight, controlled sound.
Song Structure
Verse: D and A using the two-string technique. The shuffle pattern you’re learning here shows up in countless songs, so it’s worth getting down solid.
Chorus: G-D-A progression. You can play these as open chords or bar chords — either works. If you’re using bar chords, play them at the 10th fret (D), 5th fret (G), and 5th fret (A). Power chords work too if you want to simplify.
Transition: When you go from the chorus back to the verse, build on that last A chord with a fill. Don’t just stop — add some movement to bring it back around.
Common Mistakes
- Using alternating down-up strokes instead of all downs — it changes the whole feel
- Not muting enough — if you let the strings ring out too much, you lose that tight CCR sound
- Rushing the major sixth — make sure you’re landing that pinkie cleanly on beats 2 and 4
Why This Song Works
John Fogerty’s economical approach — using just two strings instead of full chords, all down-strokes, slight muting — creates more impact than more complicated playing would. The shuffle rhythm pattern you’re learning here is everywhere in rock and blues. Get it down on this song and you’ll recognize it in dozens of others.
If you liked this, check out Bad Moon Rising — another CCR classic that’s great for building your chord vocabulary. This is a perfect easy guitar song to add to your repertoire, and you’ll find plenty more in my collection of easy songs to learn on guitar.
