Skip to main content
Rock · 1969 · Beginner

Bad Moon Rising

by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key of D180 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of D · Progression: I–V–IV

D
chord 1
A
chord 2
G
chord 3
Chord Loop
D — A — G — ...
Key
D
Tempo
180 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Rock

🎵 Practice Tips for Bad Moon Rising

  • →Start at 90 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the D→A transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 180 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Bad Moon Rising (1969) is a beginner-level rock song that uses 3 chords: D, A, G in the key of D. The chord progression is I–V–IV.

Chord Breakdown

  • D — major chord, bright and stable
  • A — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Bad Moon Rising

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (released 1969) is one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded. Its 3-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of D, A, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Bad Moon Rising as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Bad Moon Rising, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
A – F#m – D – E
Beginner
A · 76 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 180 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival — FAQ

What chords are in Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival?
Bad Moon Rising uses the chords D, A, G in the key of D. The progression follows a I–V–IV pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Bad Moon Rising in?
Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival is in the key of D. The primary chords are D, A, G.
What is the tempo of Bad Moon Rising?
Bad Moon Rising is played at approximately 180 BPM. This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 180 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Bad Moon Rising use?
Bad Moon Rising is typically in 4/4 time. A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.
How do I play D chord on guitar?
D is the main chord in Bad Moon Rising. See our chord library for the D chord diagram with exact fingering.
Can I play Bad Moon Rising on piano?
Yes! Bad Moon Rising sounds great on piano. Play the chords D, A, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.
Is Bad Moon Rising beginner-friendly?
Yes! Bad Moon Rising is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 3 main chords (D, A, G), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Bad Moon Rising?
The main progression in Bad Moon Rising is D – A – G (Roman numeral: I–V–IV). This 3-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Bad Moon Rising to a different key?
Yes! Bad Moon Rising is in D. To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.
What genre is Bad Moon Rising?
Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a Rock song from 1969. Its 3-chord progression (D, A, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.