Beginner Guitar Lesson: How to Play "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by CCR
Welcome to this easy beginner guitar lesson on the iconic song “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)! Whether you're a new guitarist looking for your first song to learn or someone revisiting the classics, this song is perfect. Not only is it simple to play, but it also comes with a rich history that makes it even more enjoyable.
In this lesson, we will break down the chords, strumming pattern, and the overall structure of the song. Plus, we’ll take a brief look at the history behind this timeless tune. So, grab your guitar and let's get started!
A Brief History of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by CCR
Released in 1970 as part of the album Pendulum, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" is one of the most beloved songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Written by John Fogerty, the song’s haunting melody and simple yet powerful lyrics have made it a classic of the rock genre.
What many don’t know is that the song is believed to be about the turmoil within the band. By 1970, tensions were rising between the band members, and Fogerty’s brother, Tom, left the band shortly before the song was recorded. While the song's lyrics are often interpreted as reflecting a sense of personal or emotional storm, they could also hint at the band’s inner conflicts. The song was released during a time when Fogerty was feeling disillusioned, both personally and professionally, which gave it an added layer of depth.
Now, let’s dive into the guitar lesson and learn how to play it!
Chords You’ll Need to Know
For this beginner lesson, you’ll only need to learn a few basic chords. The song is played in the key of C, and the chords used are:
C Major (C)
G Major (G)
A Minor (Am)
F Major (F)
How to Play Each Chord:
C Major (C)
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string).
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
Strum from the 5th string down to the 1st string.
G Major (G)
Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (E string).
Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string).
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
Place your pinky on the 3rd fret of the 1st string (high E string).
Strum all six strings.
A Minor (Am)
Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string).
Strum from the 5th string down.
F Major (F)
This chord can be tricky for beginners, but don’t worry, there’s an easier version!
For the simplified version:
Place your index finger across all strings on the 1st fret (barring the strings).
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string).
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string).
Place your pinky on the 3rd fret of the 4th string (D string).
Strum all six strings.
If you’re having difficulty with the F chord, you can try using a simpler version by just playing the top four strings, skipping the low E string and using a lighter touch with your index finger.
Song Structure and Chord Progression
The song follows a pretty simple structure. It starts with an intro, followed by verses and a chorus. The basic chord progression is the same throughout the verses and the chorus, making it easy to memorize.
Verse Progression:
The chord progression for the verses is as follows:
C – G – Am – F
Repeat this progression for each verse. You’ll notice it’s the same throughout the entire song!
Chorus Progression:
The chord progression for the chorus is also:
C – G – Am – F
You’ll play this sequence when you reach the chorus section, keeping the strumming pattern consistent with the verses.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is relatively simple and perfect for beginners. It’s a down, down, up, up, down, up pattern (D, D, U, U, D, U).
D stands for a down strum.
U stands for an up strum.
So, you’ll strum each chord with this pattern as you go through the verses and the chorus. Practice this slowly at first, then gradually speed it up as you get more comfortable.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’ve got the chords and strumming pattern down, let’s walk through the first verse to give you a feel for how everything fits together:
C – “Someone told me long ago”
G – “There’s a calm before the storm”
Am – “I know, it’s been comin’ for some time”
F – “When it’s over, so they say”
Repeat the progression for the rest of the verse, and when you hit the chorus, follow the same chord progression:
C – G – Am – F (same for every chorus).
With a little practice, you’ll be playing this classic hit in no time!
Tips for Beginners
Start Slow: It’s always a good idea to start slow and focus on getting the chord transitions smooth before speeding up.
Practice Regularly: Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
Focus on Timing: Pay attention to the rhythm and make sure your strumming matches the song's pace.
Don’t Rush the Chords: Take your time switching between C, G, Am, and F. The more you practice, the easier it will become!
Conclusion
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by CCR is a fantastic song for beginners to learn on the guitar. With its straightforward chord progressions and easy strumming pattern, it’s the perfect addition to any beginner’s repertoire. Not only will you enjoy playing a timeless classic, but you’ll also get a sense of the rich history behind the song and the band that made it legendary.
So, keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to play this hit with ease. Happy strumming!
Want more beginner guitar lessons? Check out our other lessons for more classic songs and tips for improving your playing skills!