That tricky slide riff at the start of Up Around The Bend has puzzled guitarists for years — but it’s actually not that hard once you see how John Fogerty does it. This lesson breaks down the D-to-A intro that makes this CCR classic instantly recognizable.
The intro is built on just two chord shapes: D and A, played as triads with a signature slide. You’ll use a half-bar technique with one finger instead of grabbing full chords. For the separate lesson on the song’s rhythm and chords, see Up Around The Bend Guitar Chords.
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Understanding the Chord Shapes
These aren’t open chords — they’re triads (three-note chords) that come from the F major bar chord shape. For the D position, bar the first and second strings at the 10th fret with your first finger, then add your second finger on the third string, 11th fret. That’s your D major triad.
If the half-bar feels awkward, you can use two separate fingers on the first and second strings instead. The half-bar gives you a cleaner sound, but either way works.
The A position uses the same fingering pattern, just shifted: bar the first and second strings at the 5th fret, second finger on the third string, 6th fret.
The Slide Technique
Start with an open D string, then slide up with your third finger on the third string. The slide distance is “random” — at least two frets. For the D position, start around the 9th fret and slide up to the 11th. Strike the open D, then slide up and lay down your bar in one smooth motion.
The picking pattern goes: 1st string, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd — with a down, down, up, down, up, down stroke pattern.
Play two D sequences, then move to the A. Kill all the strings before switching to keep things clean — don’t let the D ring out when you move to the A bass note. Same slide technique for the A: start around the 4th fret on the third string and slide to the 6th, then lay down your bar.
The full sequence: two Ds, one A, back to D.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is letting the D chord ring when you switch to the A position. You need to completely mute those strings before hitting the open A bass note — that’s what gives it the percussive, rhythmic feel Fogerty is known for.
Other trouble spots: sliding too fast or too slow (throw off the rhythm), not getting the bar down cleanly after the slide (causes buzzing), and rushing the picking pattern. Take it slow and get the slide-plus-bar motion coordinated before you speed it up.
Why This Riff Works
John Fogerty is a fabulous guitar player — economical, rhythmic, and always in the pocket. The sliding triads create movement and tension that resolves when you land on the chord, while the percussive dead-string technique between changes gives it that driving CCR swamp-rock feel. If you want to see Fogerty absolutely kick ass on guitar, check out the Premonition DVD.
Note: The original recording might sound slightly out of pitch due to the recording process at the time. You’re not crazy if it sounds a bit off when you play along.
