Proud Mary — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Proud Mary uses the chords C, F, G in the key of C. The progression follows a I–IV–V pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Rock · 1969 · Beginner

Proud Mary

by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Key of C 120 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of C · Progression: I–IV–V

C
chord 1
F
chord 2
G
chord 3
Chord Loop
C — F — G — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
C
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
3
Genre
Rock

Practice Tips for Proud Mary

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the C→F transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Proud Mary (1969) is a beginner-level rock song that uses 3 chords: C, F, G in the key of C. The chord progression is I–IV–V.

Chord Breakdown

  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • F — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Proud Mary

"Proud Mary" 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 C, F, G creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Proud Mary as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Proud Mary, 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)

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Hotel California
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Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival?

Proud Mary uses the chords C, F, G in the key of C.

The progression follows a I–IV–V pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Proud Mary in?

Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival is in the key of C.

The primary chords are C, F, G.

What is the tempo of Proud Mary?

Proud Mary is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Proud Mary use?

Proud Mary 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 C chord on guitar?

C is the main chord in Proud Mary.

For C major: 3rd fret 5th string (A), 2nd fret 4th string (D), 1st fret 2nd string (B). Don't play 6th string.

Can I play Proud Mary on piano?

Yes! Proud Mary sounds great on piano.

Play the chords C, F, 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 Proud Mary beginner-friendly?

Yes! Proud Mary is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 3 main chords (C, F, G), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Proud Mary?

The main progression in Proud Mary is C – F – G (Roman numeral: I–IV–V).

This 3-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Proud Mary to a different key?

Yes! Proud Mary is in C.

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 Proud Mary?

Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a Rock song from 1969.

Its 3-chord progression (C, F, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.