Why John Fogerty is STILL THE BEST - I'll Prove It to You

[@richwiz2]

John Fogerty is an American treasure; make no mistake about it. Great voice, great guitar, original ideas and all-American.

[@MarkZabel]

Absolutely!

[@lucasolari3756]

EXACTLY: an American treasure!!!

[@commanderthorkilj.amundsen3426]

Fogarty helped define rock of his particular era as much as anyone. Classic stuff. It’s too bad he was so contentious, proprietary, and like Henley and Frey, couldn’t find a way to get along with the lesser mortals in his band. Still, he’s a guitarist to really study….

[@lucasolari3756]

@@commanderthorkilj.amundsen3426 sure, and his son is a great guitarist too!!!

[@jonbryant2406]

Too bad he's a prima Donna and greedy!

[@blitztim6416]

Got to see him a several years ago along with some young people who barely knew who he was at a festival. We were all blown away, and they even recognized some of his songs. ‘Oh? This is his song?’

[@rempelrt]

One of my best memories with my Mom was seeing John Forgery on his 69 tour we were in row six, what a show!!! I will never forget it.

[@MarkZabel]

Wow! Super-cool!

[@nobeoddy1664]

@rempelrt - far out! i remember you and your mon. i sat right behind you.

[@Redlinesixtynine]

Up around the Bend, has always been my favorite..what an intro!

[@MarkZabel]

So good!

[@37BopCity]

Great video tribute to one of my heroes, as a lifelong John Fogerty fan since I was a teenager in the '60s and I first started buying Creedence records. I've followed John's life and career ever since. We all know about the painful decades of his life that he had to endure over control of his music. But the dark days are over, he has a wonderful wife and family, he has his songs back, and John Fogerty is on top of the mountain where he permanently belongs. He's one of the greatest songwriters of all time, a great guitarist and a truly gifted creative genius beloved by his fans all around the world. He's the only man to ever have one of his songs inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. For me John Fogerty's music comes out of that great era when the MUSIC came first ---- not the technology like today.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@satyadasgumbyji8956]

As a 53 yro retired pro musician with Nashville pedigree who's been blessed to sit at the feet & look into the eyes of the likes of Dylan, Cohen, James Brown & many other Legends, i was never a big CCR fan. But about 20 years ago i caught Fogerty opening for Willie Nelson & he blew me away! It wasnt the music for me. It was the fact that ive never seen somebody so happy just to play his songs. He'd played 75% of his set a million times, yet he acted like it was the very first & would be the very last time he would ever get the chance to play his songs for people. He was just a little kid who's dream had come true!😅 It was amazing to behold. Rock On, John! 🤘🌎❤️

[@gergemall]

Great to hear he’s doing well

[@MarkZabel]

That's how he was the other night. Still doing it at 79 with all the gusto he can give.

[@petemccarry2326]

For many years, he refused to play his old songs, because the money went to Saul Zaentz.

[@lucasolari3756]

it would be great if you could tell us a bit about your experiences as a professional musician! i too am 53 years old and had a dream of learning to play the guitar well... unfortunately i had to resign myself to my limitations...

[@satyadasgumbyji8956]

@@lucasolari3756 Well, friend, I'd love to tell my story but I lived 10 lifetimes by the time I was 30. Every time I get started here i have erase!😅 But my story is exactly about transcending limitations. I got nerve damage in my chord fingers & ptsd from shell-shocked Vietnam vet turned drill-seargent dad. Started out cause 9th grade friend took guitar lessons & could play every Metallica song including solos so wanted to do high school talent show. Asked me to "sing". Now for backstory: I was blessed to have my sister take me to see Alice Cooper at Tennessee State Fair '81 when I was 10. My 3rd rock show was Ozzy Diary tour, one month to day after Rhoads died. But Brad Gillis is a Beast! I was also blessed to see many greats at a young age, including James Brown, as can wildly be seen on here if look up "Charlie Daniels James Brown Volunteer Jam". I was 11. I later, after having become a fan I was back in Nashville in '96 & heard he was playing the legendary Ryman Auditorium/Mother Church of Country Music home of original Grand Ole Opry. A real church, like in The Blues Brothers!🤘😎 I couldn't find any of my rock friends to go. Just figured I'd get a cheap $20. When I asked for 1 ticket the guy said was my lucky day. They had to fill a seat up front & wound up front-row-center! Anyway, concerts were magical, other-worldy. At the time I was pretty much a pro bmx freestyler, before X-Games. Free Haro bikes, Vision Street Wear, etc. One day when I was 15 in '86 a kid moved in up the street & built a half-pipe, something extremely rare to see in the South. He was a skater into Punk/Hardcore/Thrash & turned me on to the tiny Nashville Underground music & skate scene. That's when I saw kids doing it themselves. If want to see what it was like, check out "F.U.C.T. Infectious World" 7:45 version. The scene also included the likes of Todd Milsap (rip), Ronnie's son, Shelton Williams (Hank III), & Freak😅 Hollywood film-maker Harmony Korine. All of us had to be at at least one of those shows as there was literally nothing else to do. Vid says '90 when starts but that was later promo. Can see stamp '87. Seattle had nothing on us!😅 ....Friend, maybe I can add more, or any😅, of what you were asking about later. Too tired & figured since mentioned those vids might as well leave you/y'all with another for music lovers. I worked with Billy Cox for a minute about 20 yrs ago, best friend Jimi Hendrix & bass player for Band of Gypsys & re-formed Experience. Funny story but too long. There's an excellent interview on here, Musician's Hall Of Fame/Billy Cox "Little Known Facts About Hendrix"(?) that tells Jimi's little known 5 year training in Nashville. Also "Jimi Hendrix Night Train '65". His 1st TV appearance on old black Nashville TV show that was inspiration for "Soul Train". Sorry, Luca, gotta get off here. Maybe more later.... Rock on!

[@StephenGangi]

Fogerty's playing was always SO under-rated.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@MarkZabel NOT the band!

[@djizzah]

not sure about that, ccr and johns playing took that band to the same giddy heights as the beatles

[@DMSProduktions]

@@djizzah Well if you frame it in THOSE terms...

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

The underrated pandemic continues!!

[@hughmann1118]

You have very eloquently expressed what I have always felt about John Fogerty. A living legend and such an inspiration to us guitarists. Well done sir.

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, thank you!

[@pkoven]

i was thinking the same thing. Mark, a great clip, like all your others. i think an important takeaway from this is that creating riffs from the chords yields very memorable riffs. the Beatles did the same thing [ticket to ride, paperback writer, and many others] and it's not discussed enough.

[@CD_Character]

I've been a CCR and Fogerty fan since I first heard Suzie Q on a transistor radio in '68. I watch anything CCR related that you do.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@waldoparsnip1025]

I know ! Me too ! I had a little red Sears ' Silvertone with ONE earjack , and if the wind was blowing just right , I could pick up WLS Chicago or " King Biscuit " Flower hour out of New York . I had a rough childhood and that little radio was like a friend , I wish I still had it , the music got me through . 'Have a good one .

[@DMSProduktions]

Fogerty is a guitarist's guitarist, while still playing for the audience, as you stated. Saw him back in '98, front row, Melbourne Tennis Centre! 1 of the BEST shows I'd ever seen!

[@denisechetty4019]

So many great riffs! John Fogerty is such an amazing musician and composer🙏🎸.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt!

[@taylordw]

Underrated as a songwriter in a generation that included Lennon-McCartney, Jagger-Richards, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Carol King, & Neil Diamond, but he earned rung on the ladder

[@iamharnam]

Love the plaid - thought it was a bathrobe 🙏🏼 thanks for the licks🎸

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks ... bathrobe? Are my clothes getting that loose?

[@binderfan436]

He definitely rocks out more than I thought he would at his shows.. Like you said, John and his son can flat tear it up live.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt!

[@johnw4659]

Whenever I'm driving and a CCR song comes I still find myself thinking - jeeez, this is an amazing song. Thanks for highlighting his talents with these good tips.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@eugenejennings2432]

👌👌👌👌🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘🦘🍷

[@garethgoodchild2643]

My favourite is his rendition of I put a spell on you. I can listen all day.

[@MarkZabel]

Excellent!

[@davidblair4558]

I watch a lot of guitar tutorials and with out of doubt…you are the absolute best

[@MarkZabel]

Wow! Thank you!

[@Ripprock1]

He always perked my ears up when he came out with something. Had to learn what he was coming out with.

[@barryhouchin5347]

Great video Mark, Thank you! John played Knoxville Tennessee many many years ago, & as a lifelong fan, it was such a treat to see him that evening. I also came away with a guitar pick he tossed to me about halfway through the concert. Will never forget it.

[@MarkZabel]

Very cool. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@alastairmurray9539]

Thanks Mark, Fantastic!! I used to turn up EVERYTHING Creedance on our Juke Box back in the early 70's, Mum and Dad had a huge restaurant and I knew where the key was to the Juke Box and where the select and over-ride switches were!! Creedance got the play (and volume) I believed they deserved..... Have never seen JF live (I live in Australia, England and Israel) but have DVD's, LP's and cassettes... Shalom, keep safe and well!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope he tours Australia soon!

[@mkrj2576]

Thanks. Fogerty is my favorite guitarist!

[@MarkZabel]

You're so welcome. Rock on!

[@danielbass1234]

My First Concert I went to was in Seattle,Age 15, C C R. Great Concert !! Played drums back then and learned some great drum licks from CCR . At 67 Still love listening and playing their music !!

[@garysimon2966]

1969. I was 8. Heard Green River on the radio. My 1st 45 purchase. Great drum beat and guitar.

[@MarkZabel]

Rock on!

[@JohnA000]

I started playing CCR in my 2nd rock band when they were topping the charts back in the 60's and 70's. Always loved them.

[@RossWright-jy9mf]

Saw him at the old Waldorf in SF, he had just gotten the rights to his songs back,think he was happy?

[@JohnA000]

@@RossWright-jy9mf 😄

[@BengtLofqvist]

Thank you for this presentation, i,m 71 today and i,ve been listen to CCR and John Fogerty since the Album Cosmo's Factory was released in 1970 and i still do once and awhile. Fogerty has a sound and a voice that is really his own. Every note is just where it should be. He did a tour in Sweden after the release of Blue moon Swamp in 1997 i had the privilege to watch him and his great band play in a small town Karlskoga 30 miles from where i live, it was the first time and it was great. I really like the song Walking in a Hurricane from that Album and Sinister purpose from Green River album, i mentioned them because they are not played that much on the air during the years.

[@ricklatouch2263]

Saw the Celebration show last night in NH - great show. Saw John for the 1st time on Saturday night/Sunday morning at Woodstock in 1969 - great show!

[@MikePonsAmerica1st]

Fogerty has a very unique sound. One more reason why he was one of the best. He has his own sound. Mark, great job on your unique style of presentation.

[@MarkZabel]

Many thanks!

[@MikePonsAmerica1st]

@@MarkZabel excellent channel sir

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I heard him sing recently. His voice sounds fresh. The guy has still got it.

[@almorris171]

I was stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island back in '70 and '71. CCR was always on the radio. We used to visit a dance club in Bellingham Washington called the Iron Bull. They had a cover band that did pretty much all CCR. Great simple dance music with a beat. Hearing some of his songs takes me back. The guy is a master at turning basic licks and chords into great music.

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt. Thanks for sharing that story.

[@davidp7833]

This video was fantastic. I love ccr and I love all of those songs, but my favorite is Porterville. I just love that song so much.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks David!

[@tomacosta85]

Great lesson. Timeless! Love swamp rock. The old man still brings it.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@emkay9508]

Mark I think your my favorite guitar guru to listen to right now. I just really dig what you are communicating. Thanks alot. You've taught me alot. 🙂👍

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, thanks!

[@Paladin70]

CCR was my first concert in 1970, John solo is my favorite artist all time and I’ve been fortunate to see him many times. People who only know him from CCR have missed out on some stellar music because in my opinion he’s done his finest work on his own.

[@markregan5882]

Yes! Saw him with ZZ Top in Canandaigua, NY a few years ago...

[@MarkZabel]

Cool! George Thorogood was fine, but man ... ZZ Top. Would've been great! BTW, that's where I saw him - at CMAC in Canandaigua.

[@miraclesmusic]

Amazing classic riffs

[@tomdaoust]

Great demo. I played CCR way back when it was on my AM radio. He added a bit of country to my rock and roll palate. Thank you for a great demo.

[@tbyrde53]

He's the best, to the point that when I play gigs my following insist I play Green River, Keep on Chooglin and my own personal favorite Born on the Bayou, I never get tired of playing it!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Me neither. Never tire of those.

[@simoneric8183]

Hi Mark ! Thank you very much for this vidéo. We musicians (and non-musicians too I guess) are spoilt people and enjoy everything you do. Like with this John Fogerty choice you dish out. Difficult to find a better guitarist/composer since thé Electric guitar was born... He doesn't loose his time with shreddings or any other "see-me-look-at-me-I'm-the--best-on-this-planet-type-of-thing" : He knows where the essential is and simply plays the right notes at the right time and just nails it ! And the result is great songs that give us PURE JOY that we listen again and again...

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I totally agree with your assessment of John Fogerty's playing (and singing and writing).

[@lrh411]

Saw him about 12 years ago, the guitar in Old Man Down the Road just blew me away. Unbelievable tone and playing.

[@MarkZabel]

Same thing this time around. He totally rocked with his son on OMDtR!

[@robertwjtaylor]

Nice lesson and I agree and love John Fogerty and his guitar work!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Robert!

[@Transterra55]

The keyword for John Fogerty is memorable… Memorable guitar parts, chord progressions, lyrics, and singing… that’s why so many of his songs are classics.

[@MarkZabel]

Exactly so.

[@wolfunplugged]

thanks for analyzing and showing that! these licks work so well and produce instant ccr-happiness. I wasn't aware that john was also such a force in the arrangement. because his voice alone is outstanding and is/was one of the best rock voices ever, me thinks.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Simple, but so effective!

[@MarkZabel]

Exactly!

[@BrewerbandTX]

Nice job on this. Nailed the tone as well. John is such a complete guitarist.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@bloozedaddy]

It's what I learned to play to in 1971. His signature riffs are what I always termed as "accessible". They only thing that throws off new players is he had his Les Paul tuned down a full step so if you didn't know that some of the tunes won't get you "that sound" if you try to play them in standard tuning. Fogerty was such a great writer as well...never wrote a bridge...two (maybe 3) verses ..chorus...solo ...say what you gotta say and get out🤘😎

[@melodymaker135]

Well, the occasional bridge… Gonna get it to the rafters Watch me now … but a really good one!

[@mickeytee6533]

I was kinda floored after watching the Netflix doco where they played the Albert Hall in England... I never knew about the alternate tunings he used... also super impressed by the 'odd' blues bars that were 'kinda' 12 bars... but his subtle fills in weird places... brilliant!!!... Born on the Bayou and Green River were both "kick arse"... and I can't say enough about the often 'over-looked' backing by his brother... being able to play the same groove for 16 or 32 bars, is a sublime skill... respect.

[@pkoven]

alternative tunings by Fogarty? he often tuned a whole step down, but i don't know of any alternative tunings. could you please give me the link about alternative tunings?

[@mickeytee6533]

@@pkoven You're correct... 'Tuned Down' is more accurate... but for the sake of my point, I said 'alternate tuning'... apologies. I only saw it for the very 1st time on the Netflix doco where John was playing 'Cowboy Chords' in 1st position, where his brother and bass player where playing in seemingly different keys... hence... "alternate tuning"... I didn't mean dropped D or open G or any of that shit... 😂

[@gageprice1456]

I already loved your content, but to find out john is also one of your favorites increased my respect for you even more!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!!!

[@danlamay7035]

I was going to get another Strat. for probably my last guitar. (I'm 66) Buy now maybe I'll grab something with p-90s. Love to sing and play Credence..

[@thehaughtcorner]

If you want Creedence tone, don't get P-90s.

[@Swamprockdaily]

I’m young, (only 13), and I found CCR 2 years ago, but 50 years later, it’s still amazing

[@MarkZabel]

Rock on!

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a wonderful weekend mark ❤😊

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you! You too!

[@da324]

He's one of the bests singers too.

[@MarkZabel]

For sure.

[@darda2449]

Ah, we think alike! The one, the only John Fogerty, who continues to have so much to teach us! As a boy, I can remember a friend and I performed "Down on the corner" and "Proud Mary" by CCR and "Love me two times" by the Doors at a school talent show. Can't remember what else. We both loved CCR. I'll admit I was the Doors fan. What a strange mixed up song selection, I remember that much! We were lousy! However It was not that, but the second song that nearly got us expelled. We should have stuck with a solid CCR set, and we would have been heroic, if not talented!

[@MarkZabel]

Love that trip through memory brother!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Good vid. Fogarty was a master of the catchy riff/guitar hook. And as simple as it might seem, that Around the Bend riff can be a bit tricky to get consistantly super clean since it requires accurate string skipping with the picking hand.

[@MarkZabel]

Absolutely!

[@davidmckenzie420]

One of my favorite musicians. And I LOVE Green River...

[@rickclark4714]

Great musicality. JF and Mike Campbell are the best for it.

[@MarkZabel]

Oh yes, Mike Campbell. Another great one.

[@baritony8763]

Saw him at Musikfest in Bethlehem PA. I new my brother-in-law's taste and took him and he said it was his fav concert ever. Not taking credit, that goes to JF. Such good songwriting.

[@lenno9372]

5 years and so many hit songs, John Fogherty is probably one of the greatest music writers out there!

[@IsaacFilikitonga-g7k]

Honestly, can you please do a video on CCR's hidden gem song, effigy. I've been trying to learn it for years, and I still dont quite get it. The solo is so interesting, the chords give off this Hey Joe Jimi hendrix vibe, very psychedelic mind of vibe. There's an ascending part towards the end of the solo that is so grungy, i feel kurt Cobain was maybey influenced by it, sounds so punk. Consider doing a lesson on the song please 🙏

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@michaelmendillo7513]

It always amazed me how effortlessly he plays, and just perfect !!!! A really amazing man ! 😎🎸🎸🎶🤗🐋💕🐋

[@MarkZabel]

Yes indeed!

[@KountryCuz1]

Wow I Seen him live in the 70s at Out Door Coucert at Ga Airforce Base it was Great all Day Event !

[@MarkZabel]

Cool!

[@senseiruss]

Mark - thanks for this excellent video and for demonstrating such perfect examples of the points you made about John's amazing talents for guitar and music. I couldn't agree more - I'm a big fan of John and his music. He could also jam out very well for extended "solos" no doubt, but the simple elements you showcased are so on-point and key to what makes him not only great, but so unique his music so timeless!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ericmackenzie123]

You have everything down pat! Well done.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@jimilee4609]

Very Nice Job Mark 👍 Your really a good player ! and sounded just like John you got the riffs for sure 😊

[@MarkZabel]

Rock on!

[@djizzah]

fogerty very popular here in australia, born on the bayou a huge hit here

[@GaryBook]

He was a great songwriter as well. I love “Have you ever seen the Rain” and of course “Proud Mary” as well.

[@MarkZabel]

Too many to list!

[@janmiedema891]

@John Fogerty, he and CCR made it work and combined all styles ( R&R, R&B, soul, rock, blues ) into a single package which appealed to a lot of listeners and fans, I really do not know anybody who dislikes this music. Finally fair justice that John has the rights back to his own songs😊

[@MarkZabel]

He certainly seems happy!

[@mostestgreatest]

Just saw him on Wednesday night and he was fantastic!

[@chrisspencer5042]

A friend of mine who’s been a Nashville studio guitarist for years got a call from him and wanted a country style guitar lesson.

[@MarkZabel]

Very interesting!

[@calescapee9642]

I'd pack up my 325 Rickenbacker and Vox ac15 and go Jam with him right now if I had the Chance. I'm 60 years old . My first Creedence album was Willy and the Poor Boys I found on the curb with a ton of other records I found back in 1977.

[@MarkZabel]

Great sidewalk find. Totally appropriate too!

[@mrsmokeydog7830]

Back in the 60's in the San Francisco Bay Area a lot of the Bands were indulging quite heavily in Drugs and Alcohol. Not John Fogerty he got high on creating the music and got high on the energy from the crowd. And here he is later in life still looking great and healthy and still playing music like he did in the old days. I guess all those Hip people back in the day who criticized him for being so straight and not going off the deep end like the rest of them . Well guess what John was right and the majority of them are long gone. "Rock on John".

[@MarkZabel]

Interesting!

[@t4texastom587]

MrSmokyDog Back when I was in high school, in 1971, our school would provide us with "Weekly Readers", and in this one particular issue it featured Creedence Clearwater Revival, with an interview of John Fogerty. In the middle of the interview, Fogerty said that he did not partake in drugs, and that it was the music itself that made him feel good. I always remembered that article and especially what John Fogerty said about drugs and the drug life, and I know to this day that his words and statements influenced me to stay away from drugs. I still have that "Weekly Reader" in my CCR music collection. I would like to think John Fogerty's words and quiet, humble lifestyle and demeanor, not to mention his awesome guitar playing and genius songwriting ability had a lifelong influence on many.🎸🎶🎸

[@chris-4566]

Ask music fans what Status Quo’s biggest hit was and they’ll probably say “Rocking all over the world”. I joined a band in the UK 20 years ago and the singer gave me the “Premonition” album to learn. It was a real awakening for me. John Fogarty’s songs are so immediately singable and original. Other guitarists can get over complicated with busy guitar riffs but John Fogarty finds easy to play yet highly original riffs. I think his voice is still in good order also, unlike many of his contemporaries.

[@MusicMotivator]

Great analysis Mark!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@RocknRollkat]

Excellent presentation, thank you ! Bill P.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@RocknRollkat]

@@MarkZabel My pleasure !

[@stevencurrie1540]

As a younger version of myself my father ran restaurants and I remember at all of those restaurants was juice boxes Yeah to the younger ones they were a machine that you would put money in to play music and CCR was the most played music

[@MarkZabel]

Cool!

[@ardeet]

Ok, definitely worth watching till the end 👍 Thanks.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bobsonofstan4985]

I will always remember how boring and dull the Gratefull Dead were at Woodstock. Practically everybody was asleep and then CCR! As soon as those first notes of Born on a Bayou played I could feel the energy in the crowd and my excitment to hear that song and the entire set that night made Woodstock for me. Loved CCR before that and never stopped. Of course JF was the number one reason for that affection

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks for sharing that. John was upset they didn't play better, but it's good to get another perspective!

[@guitarshapedpizza]

He's had his songs back for quite awhile and he's was tapping since the 80's

[@guitarshapedpizza]

And yes John is the greatest maybe after Chuck Berry for opening guitar hooks and sounds that seem simple but are complex. John Mayer may be the modern version of what Fogerty introduced.

[@mortalflower1]

Fully agree with you; well put!

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

Good stuff as always. I saw somewhere that Fogerty played Bad Moon Rising in a different key (tuned to open B maybe?) that gave it that sound. Makes me wonder how often he tuned to different keys and how it might simplify fingerings.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@jhandle4196]

EVH didn't invent "tapping." He just used it more than most guitarists.

[@nobeoddy1664]

jhandle - tapping was first used by Herman's Hermits guitarist Derek Leckenby on "henry the 8th".

[@iangillon6981]

Rocking all over the world. :)

[@jimc6687]

It's such a shame that infighting (literally between brothers) and greed and misguided philosophies plus frivolous lawsuits split up CCR much, much too soon and probably denied us even more of their great music! Great brief lesson here, M.Z. One can certainly tell you're a huge Fogerty and CCR fan!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Jim C. Yes, it's a pity CCR down. JF seems happy now

[@lamper2]

I've heard him in an interview explain his "Swamp Chord" but I still don't understand the fingering. Even he said he doesn't know what it's called-some kind of D chord with a couple added notes i think. anyone know this? Here i found it! and STILL don't understand it "That riff and chord shape in 'Bayou' opened up a lot of poosibilities for me," Fogerty points out "I could jump around that E7 voicing and throw in my 'mystery chord.' I don't even know what it is...it's my swamp chord. I flatten my ring finger on the 5th and 4th strings and flatten my pinky down on the 3rd and 2nd strings at the 7th fret. I see it as part of a D chord added to the E7 (E9sus4), and keep the 1st and 6th string open." He added, "I've used that chord for years; it's like a signature for me. It's all through 'Bayou' - especially the way I do it now. I play it like a little horn part that answers my singing." It's a typical rhythm pattern from "Born on the Bayou," in which Fogerty uses the E7 and the E9sus4 "mystery chord." "I originally played "Bayou" on a Rickenbacker 325, the little three-quarter-sized hollowbody John Lennon model. At the time I did'nt think I was able to play a 'man's guitar,' "laughs Fogerty. "I realized early thet I had small hands and therefore should play a short-scale guitar. It became a crutch because it was so much easier to bend strings and finger chords on that small neck.

[@Bob.Silverstein]

Nice one, Mark :) I knew you were gonna play Lodi when you said chords and lead combo. I also like his tone. Not many bands in the rock genre use that sound. At least not ones that attained his success. In terms of tone and style, Rick Miller from Southern Culture On The Skids is another great one who comes to mind with influences surely including Fogerty, as well as surf and rockabilly.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Bob! Good to hear from you. I'll check out Southern Culture on the Skids!

[@Bob.Silverstein]

@@MarkZabel i recommend their earlier records - a good first listen would be Dirt Track Date :)

[@bernadinopalmero568]

Thanks from Stuttgart/Germanby

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for listening!

[@magiaytransformacionsivila5455]

EXCELENTE VIDEO MUCHAS GRACIAS.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@strato4925]

danke, perfect !

[@johnh6532]

Hi Mark. You had a video up recently where you were playing Born on the Bayou on that sweet looking P90 Les Paul. But I can't find it. Did you take it down?

[@MarkZabel]

I unlisted it to avoid getting a strike to the account.

[@johnh6532]

@@MarkZabel Got it. Thanks for the reply.

[@johnh6532]

@@MarkZabel Would you be willing to put it back up briefly so I an download it?

[@JoeM390]

Suzie Q was way ahead of its time!

[@Alfredo-fd3rd]

I really love this song. Could you possibly show the chords for this tab and go along with all of them thank you brother

[@MarkZabel]

I'm not sure which song you're talking about, but I cover something very much like Born in the Bayou in my member site. (Can't really do it on KZbin, as it would instantly be demonetized.)

[@sgg6927]

John wasn't a flashy guitarist but his licks were tasty

[@t4texastom587]

As all R E A L Creedence Clearwater Revival fans know, CCR's very first album came out in 1968 and did quite well, on the strength of the radio (AM AND FM) airplay of "Suzie Q", but from 1969 through 1971 Creedence Clearwater Revival was the top selling and Number One rock band in the world.... and on radio and jukeboxes all around the globe John Fogerty had, besides Elvis Presley, THE most recognized voice in rocknroll.🎸

[@catsofsherman1316]

That's a great tone you have there. What kind of Les Paul is that? CCR is a masterclass in how great tone and feel can make the most basic riffs, chords, and licks jump out of the speakers in a very distinctive way.

[@MarkZabel]

It's a Sire Larry Carlton ... L7 I think is the model.

[@vwwilson8625]

I agree, John had some of the best riffs and melodies just like Lennon, Harrison and Paul and a lot of those musicians from that era, could do, it's easier to make up those riffs and tunes if you got a rhythm guitar, drums and bass track playing in the background which is what John Lennon also said because you can hear the melodies amongst them.

[@MarkZabel]

Cool!

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

John used existing licks from Blues & Country and put them to a Rock beat - why didn’t I think of that ?

[@glendoggett9670]

Put me in coach! I’m ready to play!

[@DavidGriffin-zz5bs]

That guitar you’re playing is the best playing LP style guitar for about $700 I’m looking for the Larry Carlton 335 Sire

[@MarkZabel]

I'm about 80% into it. Looks great, the pickups are very good, good weight, the neck carve is good. But man, the fretwork is weak. It seriously needs a leveling so it'll play better. I otherwise love it.

[@arlenroth8373]

Fogey is the best, and he told me he's been learning from my videos for 35 years!!

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, how cool is that? Do you still have your "flaming Tele"? Love your work too brother!

[@staceycarras3815]

Am I wrong or does Lodi modulate up half way through the song ?

[@MarkZabel]

It does modulate.

[@MagicCowboy49]

Fun stuff

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

One thing that I think is cool is on Bad Moon Rising there has been a joke for decades, probably due to poor stereo qualities, that when he sings "There's a bad moon on the rise", it sounds like he's saying "There's a bathroom in the right". He acknowledges that and has fun with it by actually singing it on the last verse sometimes.

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, it's cool he can take a joke. As you say, it's been happening for decades.

[@lebe220]

The song is about the war in Vietnam, like many of his songs