Rock

Bad Moon Rising Chords

Creedence Clearwater Revival Beginner Key of D 3 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Guitar

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Ukulele

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Piano

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Banjo

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Mandolin

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Dtap to play

Atap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · A · G

Bad Moon Rising Chords – Harmonica

A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic that sounds complex but uses just three chords. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make this an energizing song to play.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↑↓↑↓↑

123456

Tip: This song is faster than it seems. Start at half speed and gradually build up. The constant down-up strumming drives the energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need D, A, and G. That is it — three major chords in a repeating pattern.

2

Nail the fast strum

The strumming is constant eighth notes: down-up-down-up. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed. Tension is your enemy at this tempo.

3

Learn the progression

Verse: D-A-G-D. Chorus: G-D-A-G-D. The changes come quickly at full speed, so drill them slowly first.

4

Add energy

This song is all about attitude. Strum hard, sing loud, and lean into the rhythm. It should feel urgent and driving.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

D A G D

I see the bad moon a-rising

D A G D

I see trouble on the way

D A G D

I see earthquakes and lightnin’

D A G D

I see bad times today

Chorus

G

Don’t go around tonight

D

Well it’s bound to take your life

A G D

There’s a bad moon on the rise

Verse 2

D A G D

I hear hurricanes a-blowing

D A G D

I know the end is coming soon

D A G D

I fear rivers over-flowing

D A G D

I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Practice tip: Use a metronome. Start at 80 BPM and increase by 5 BPM each day until you reach the full tempo of about 170 BPM. Speed is built gradually, not forced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Bad Moon Rising"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: D, A and G.

Is "Bad Moon Rising" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Bad Moon Rising" in?

It is in the key of D.

Who wrote "Bad Moon Rising"?

It was written by Creedence Clearwater Revival.