Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
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Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · D · C · Em
Fortunate Son Chords – Harmonica
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s protest-rock classic with driving energy. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Rock Driving Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Play this one with aggressive downstrokes for that raw rock energy. Keep the tempo upbeat and driving throughout.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Chorus
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Verse 2
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Chorus
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Verse 3
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Chorus
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G
Practice tip: This is a perfect beginner song — just three chords (G, C, D) throughout. Focus on keeping a tight, punchy rhythm to capture the song’s protest energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Fortunate Son"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, C and Em.
Is "Fortunate Son" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Fortunate Son" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Fortunate Son"?
It was written by John Fogerty, and released in 1969.