SNEAKY TRICK of John Fogerty ... and it’s SIMPLE! (Learn in 5 minutes)

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[@larrypower8659]

“Pieces of chords” is what Keith Richards and Brian Jones called them. They realized that their blues heroes rarely ever played full chords, especially barre chords. Keith and Brian rarely played the same things at the same time. Their sound was what they termed “guitar weaving.” Worked out ok, didn’t it?

[@MarkZabel]

Yep. Worked well. Ronnie and Keith do that exceptionally well too. Some picked that up from blues, some from R&B, some from jazz, and some from country. The idea of playing "pieces of chords", "partial chords", "partials" or whatever is very powerful and far, far better than always banging out 5 or 6 note airspace-gobbling monsters. I also think the formal "doublestops" or "dyads/diads" is less helpful. They're pieces of chords. That's the most useful way of thinking about them.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Fogerty is special in every way.

[@briandonovan5687]

Love John Fogerty guitar playing. A raw style that just fills any song

[@MarkZabel]

No doubt.

[@RjBenjamin353]

So very true!

[@rylieriley]

I love John Fogerty's playing and his style. He really is an excellent guitar player.

[@MarkZabel]

Some people, mostly guitarists who are into the technical side of playing, don't think much of his playing. I believe they're wrong. Not to mention that his technique is perfectly okay.

[@msherer260]

Does not matter simple or hard the fact is John Fogerty MORE than most came up with all the guitar parts that fit perfect with the melodies of his songs.

[@johntrickett7729]

It doesn't need to be complicated but cool sounding.

[@yesterdayproductions1019]

Correct.

[@Newfoundmike]

Less is more

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Fogerty taught me two things on guitar and vocals…”Keep it simple and know your style.” His ‘Bad Moon” performance with Paisley was a great performance to learn from. Fogerty stuck to his style and Brad adapted to the song with his own feel. Great solos to learn btw…

[@dalexfilms]

The red dots alone are worth the "Like"; thanks for making it easy.

[@MarkZabel]

You bet. Thanks for the like!

[@sporkcrx]

Love CCR and really like how you show the red dots on the fret board like that. Great stuff

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful and you liked the diagrams. (They're tough to do, but I think they really can help.)

[@ScottyPLane]

@@MarkZabel I have never seen the red dot thing. I'm going to practice using it and see if it works for me. I always recommend guitar players practice using CCR material. The rhythm playing is so clean and diverse. Plus the lead guitar work is doable for most players. CCR/J.Fogerty is not only great music, but it's also a great tool for musicians. Proud Mary is in my top 10 American-made songs.

[@kashesan]

Love John Fogerty. Very underrated. As is Richard Thompson-genius.

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, yes on Richard Thompson too. Great singer, writer, player. Under-appreciated. I learned a ton from him.

[@zancraft7865]

And playing a Squire, great job.

[@worksbydandeprez]

I saw CCR on their last tour, when they were a trio and Fogerty was an amazing showman. He played rhythm and lead and his solos were melodic and driving. One never got tired of hearing him solo, which can't be said for some of the "better" players.

[@MarkZabel]

Fantastic!

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

Russ Freeman (founder, songwriter, and guitarist/frontman of The Rippingtons) is a friend of mine. He praises Fogerty highly as well, saying that he is consistently impressed at Fogerty's musicality. I have always been a fan of CCR myself, and the long version of "I Heard It through the Grapevine" is my favorite rock recording, bar none. This past year was the first time that I actually saw Fogerty perform in person, at the Hollywood Bowl. Scratch that one off my bucket list!

[@MarkZabel]

Man, I've got to see him live as well. Missed him a while ago in Las Vegas.

[@almcclung2783]

I've seen literally dozens of shows at Red Rocks, as I have lived in Colorado for the past 50 years, it's a venue that adds another element to anyone that plays here. Have seen everything from Charlie Daniels to Celtic Woman to Rush, but I have always wanted to see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, it seems like it would be great as well!!!

[@carraror]

Great content in just 5 minutes, Mark! You managed to cram 3 of my all time heroes, CCR, Jimi, Beatles in one short video!

[@ssrsglh05]

His solo on “ I Put A Spell On You” is a great lesson on string bending. Also check out “ It Came Out of the Sky”for great chording. Used to play those two and “Born on the Bayou” in a covers band. Some fun!

[@lordofthemound3890]

The solos on “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” hell, ALL of them, are killer. They’re the type that if you play those songs, you HAVE to play what Fogerty played, or something’s missing. He’s very much like George Harrison in this respect. Imagine playing a different solo to “A Hard Day’s Night.” If you played anything other than what George played, it would sound ridiculous.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@lordofthemound3890 "Born On the Bayou" has all these 'masters' going pffft, that's easy ... but Fogerty designed that solo in a really un-obvious way.

[@airdog1829]

One of those players with his own very distinctive tone and one you recognise straight away. Very clever rhythm player and leads clearly influenced by Scotty Moore and James Burton.

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

My Uncle John also was very influenced by Steve Cropper

[@airdog1829]

@@jefffogertymusic2023 Ah, one of the greats!

[@jimmy5634]

I discovered a lot of this on my own. Double stops will go a long way in fills, riffs or even solos. They are especially effective in creating non-boring, melodic passages. They all have their foundation in complete chords.

[@darvinclement8404]

Saw him open for Jimmy Buffett about 8 years ago. He and his band were amazing! He pulled out a super strat for a number and flat out shredded. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome!

[@michaelmendillo7513]

He deserves to be in the top 10 of all time in my opinion!!! Great player indeed ! 😎✌️✝️💕

[@craig7350]

Ramble Tamble is the song that I heard that changed my idea that a guitar was either for rhythm or lead.

[@PipeCat1965]

Yes, JC Fogerty is an absolutely underrated guitarist. I have picked up a lot from him myself. Great share.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Anne6621]

John has been my 3rd biggest influence on my guitar playing , George , Keith then John and then Scotty , his playing on Grapevine just totally knocked me out and oddly critics trashed it

[@MarkZabel]

John's great!

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Critics, feh!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Which critics? That is one the finest 'fusion' solos ever conceived- his funky/Motown/blues improvisation was musically superb.

[@Anne6621]

@@Deliquescentinsight you must be young , the critics trashed his solo on Grapevine

[@Anne6621]

@@MarkZabel beyond great

[@tomg6284]

Love how you put the notes on the neck. That is cool. Thanks

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you like it!

[@gotguitargetlessons5996]

Yes Fogarty is very underrated.... That long song “heard it thru the Grapevine” in fact had tons of guitar. Thank you for showing the people how to play these beloved tunes.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!!

[@steveshannon7441]

A great lesson - thanks for sharing - Lodi is one of my favourite CCR songs - along with Have You Ever Seen the Rain - "If I only had a dollar for every song I've sung - Every time I've had to play while people sat there drunk" = what a fantastic verse and how many Bar Bands must have thought that at times !!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! I agree it's a great song. Somehow very authentic and melancholy without being over-the-top. Restrained emotion. The whole song works for me.

[@buddhamus]

This was a great lesson. John Fogerty is a big influence on me and I love CCR (especially their first album) Thank you for this lesson. I'll be sure to check out your other CCR lesson as well.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I was taking a listen to 'Walk on Water' recently, man that arrangement and twin rhythm guitar is incredible, psychedelic/swampy/dark, you could make a movie from the ideas in that song!

[@robiandolo]

Mark, I like the dots showing the actual notes you're playing. Very easy to reproduce what you're playing.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad it helps. Thanks for the feedback.

[@pkoven]

I love your videos. the oral explanation is clear and simple, and your graphics get the point across perfectly. you demystify things which really aren't that complicated once you've explained it.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!!

[@robtoc]

Great lesson Mark! Love me some Fogerty and CCR....love the red dots!!! well done sir!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you! Glad you like them!

[@yrulooknatme]

I love how John tuned down and played! Tom would be in standard. And that voice oh my God.!

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, great.

[@User47892]

Much love and thanks for the lessons from Australia mark!!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching 1/2 way around the globe!

[@ArmandoDelgado90]

John Fogerty is my number 1.

[@MarkZabel]

good choice! Seriously, he knew how to craft great parts and songs.

[@rustysguitar1]

Simple is good! I love those double stops. Great lesson Mark. Thanks man 🤛

[@MarkZabel]

Right on! Hey Rusty, love your channel. You're always rocking it! Would love to collaborate on something sometime!

[@rustysguitar1]

@@MarkZabel Thank you Mark! I enjoy your channel. You’re a great player and teacher! I know we love a lot of the same music (from back in the day). A colab would be great 👍 Good to hear from you Mark and let’s make a plan in the near future! Later, bro 😎

[@dougbennett7881]

Would love to see a collaboration between the two of you! Looking forward to seeing it.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Absolutely spot on concerning John Fogerty's guitar skills, his precision was also countered by an over-driven creative flair as heard on his live playing, he really dragged every ounce of tone from his 'Kustom' Harmonic Clipper! His organic, driving rhythm actually gave CCR that characteristic sound that you hear and immediately recognize no matter how noisy the room.

[@MarkZabel]

Well said!

[@gustavvader2207]

Couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks!

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Excellent lesson Mark. Thanks for playing some CCR ❤🖤🦋🖤

[@MarkZabel]

Any time! I love CCR!

[@cuellar23]

Fantastic lesson! Thank for taking the time.

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for listening!

[@senseiruss]

Fantastic video, Mark - and right on the money about Fogerty! I always have felt the same about John's playing and his talent for both lead and "rhythm/lead/melody" playing. And Lodi has been one of my favorite examples (among many) of his strength as a well-rounded guitarist. He certainly can play awesome distortion-based leads (as good as anyone in rock, IMHO, although different from many), but his gift for chord melodies is truly brilliant and, as you say, a great way to learn and develop as a guitar player. Thanks for this video - it's satisfying to hear you speak about and show us this!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much! Glad you agree on JF. He doesn't get enough credit.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Thanks for slowing it all down so we can dig it more. You have a talent for teaching and a gracefull enthusiasm which makes learning fun!

[@MarkZabel]

I appreciate that!

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

@@MarkZabel You deserve a million 👍

[@glenbateman5960]

Fogerty could make a nice living just teaching what "serve the song" means for a guitar player. One of the best, deeply underrated players in Rock history.

[@MarkZabel]

You got that right!

[@robhead22]

Beautiful lesson. Thank you!

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for listening!

[@timemerson2691]

Thanks Mark. I really like the graphics you use. Easy to see what you’re saying without fingers in the way. Much appreciated

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much!

[@slamakathecaliforniakid]

John Fogerty has been in my top 10 guitarists. Sometimes he is forgotten however he is definitely there. He is one of the most completely well rounded guitarists you’ll hear. Alvin Lee is also an honorable mention on the list of completely well rounded guitarists These guys can/could solo fast, play first guitar and play rhythm with the best of each category. They did all this while belting out lead vocals 🎸🔥

[@LA610]

what a great lesson...never knew....love the diagrams

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@lfader]

Sweet hitchhiker & up around the bend have such a lead guitarist edge and he's pulling the vocals- just amazing how a kid listening to that you want to do that Ramble Tamble🌟 Fogerty's so cool 😎

[@MarkZabel]

Yep!

[@charlieisamonster]

Great lesson. You explained that beautifully. Many thanks.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@toddhaines5245]

Every guitarist has something to give and something to take. Each bends the musicality to their own flavour. Thus is your taste will lead you to the groove..

[@raymonddobos8896]

Great moves!

[@ChrisTidestrom]

LOVE this breakdown! I have long considered JCF a songwriting, or lick-writing genius due to the deceptively "simple" little riffs that everybody instantly recognize. Genius. Your straightforward breakdown without going into slooooooowdow territory, but stays within the intermediate territory is awesome. THANK YOU for that!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Chris!

[@jasonharrod8370]

Triple threat: Guitar, vocals, songwriting. Fogerty is one of the greats, imo.

[@Baci302]

Excellent lesson. That CCR concert at The Royal Albert Hall is highly recommended. The band really cooks.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@peterm3964]

Love your work . Clear and to the point . Thanks

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@allent208-kf4hv]

Thanks for this and your time!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@marton349]

The man has the best voice in American rock.

[@autocrow]

Great playing of "Don't Let Me Down". Learning songs really helps me to understand these concepts. I need to learn more CCR. CCR is an awesome band.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Learning CCR is very instructive.

[@douglasalan5783]

I’ve always loved Fogerty’s guitar playing. CCR was on the soundtrack of my youth. Thanks for deconstructing it 🙏

[@MarkZabel]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasd9237]

👍👍 nice breakdown. Thank you for posting this ☺️

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Very good tips on using triad shapes in a position

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Morten_Nielsen1979]

Very helpful video. Thanks man!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@congamike1]

Great guitar. Great playing. Great video. Thanks!

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@mediamogul6643]

Great stuff, charmingly presented in just 5 minutes, by a tutor confident enough in his ability to know he doesn't need a big bucks guitar in order to inspire - more than just music lessons here!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@marlonbgbg4611]

Mark thank you so much for this lesson. Lots of great information to dissect. Keep well, regards from London UK.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@44scoots]

Great video Mark!!!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@JBDay28]

Saw John back in September. He is a sensational guitar player. Been on my top list a while. ❤

[@marybethhempel9101]

Nice!! Thank you much Mark! 🙏💕😄

[@MarkZabel]

Any time!

[@sonexdeluxe]

I watched that same special. Very cool to actually see them play live...even on tv.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, the whole 2nd half is the concert. Good call from the people who put it together.

[@LewWhite10]

John Fogerty is a huge influence on me also. The Bayou blues of Tony Joe White is possibly where John received the style of his riffs, the old raw voice in his singing, and his lyrical approach. Musicians borrow a great deal from each other. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and John Fogerty were the wheels of rock & roll for many of us.

[@MarkZabel]

John F is so, so good to learn from. Fairly easy (I said "fairly"!) and clear and so tasteful. I'm excited to see him this coming June!

[@junkppchong9422]

Thanks for the wonderful lesson. A light bulb moment in chord melody for me, more creative than single note guitar solo.👍👍👍

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@briandonovan5687]

I really love how u teach. I've been struggling forever w guitar. I would love one day to be able to play fluently. Ur video are great for someone like me, someone that can play but just cant figure it out lol

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks man!!

[@bobjeaniejoey]

Awesome! Love John Fogerty! I love your technique(s) of showing the fingering. Excellent.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@bobjeaniejoey]

@@MarkZabel I saw you mention the toughness in showing the fingerings on another comment. I hope your process can become easier for you. It really is super.

[@michaelcrenshaw4387]

He is one of my favorite guitarists. His version of "I Put a Spell on You" is great.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, absolutely. So many others too. A personal favorite is "Cotton Fields", the old Lead Belly song.

[@steveperry1344]

i always thought of jay hawkins but the ccr version is great and more people got to hear it.

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

Great video, Mark!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks brother!

[@WesFanMan]

Great idea with the graphics. Thanks!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@lotusladdie9132]

I was at that Albert Hall gig! And boy were they loud - as well as brilliant.

[@MarkZabel]

Wow, how cool!

[@lucasolari3756]

I L.O.V.E. Fogerty music and I wish he was my father! he's a great guitarist, you can realize at his concerts!!! thanks for this useful lesson, I hope in other videos about ''Fogerty tricks''!

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you so much!

[@johndooley7812]

Superb as always. Thank you Mark Z.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks John!

[@robertrodriguez7047]

Wow thank you i love learn about John Fogerty and his guitar on CCR a wonderful band. Gracias desde Venezuela

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@ST-xg3gy]

Very interesting and useful!

[@MarkZabel]

Glad to hear that!

[@brucesstreet8204]

Favorite song by favorite player - thanks Mark. Fogerty is way underated.

[@MarkZabel]

Totally agree. Great player. Great musician and writer.

[@pickersgrip]

Great lesson!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@jaelge]

Fogerty could be counted on to pull off a tasteful, short-and-sweet solo. Like George Harrison, his guitar work always served the song. Even though I wasn´t a huge CCR fan, I never changed the dial when they came on. John´s songs had some great hooks that could hold your attention and make you want to listen to the end. Much respect for Mr. Fogerty and you as well Mr. Zabel.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, he always served the song. Never showy. Just like George Harrison. It's one of the prime reasons the music still stands up so well.

[@willmartoni4970]

Wow!!! This is really a sneaky trick!!! And so simple. Thanks.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you liked it!

[@cew1821]

That’s a gem right there. Thanks a million Mark. Great teaching and a cool style

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@cew1821]

Any chance you could break down what you did in The Beatles style? That was a pretty cool note to finish on 😊

[@slownoman]

I had the honor to see Creedence from the very beginning- Berkeley, early '67. They played free at noon on the Cal campus (as did Steve Miller and Carlos Santana when they were both named "blues bands") But of all of 'em, the cornerstone rock voice is John Fogerty. Their immortal Fortunate Son was our anthem when serving in the military during Vietnam, late '60's/early '70's/.

[@MarkZabel]

So cool you got to see them at the beginning!

[@Sensmitter]

Simple and effective and very good sounding.Thank you.

[@MarkZabel]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching!

[@superhepu]

Thx of this. John was first guitarhero for me and as You know he also knew blues- and countryroots well. And infulence of that in his music is strong. Greetings from Finland

[@MarkZabel]

Greetings from the USA! Yes, he played the Lead Belly songs and old-timey songs too. Cotton Fields, Midnight Special. Just great!

[@stevesmusiccorner9105]

Thanks for giving John props! First guitar tabl book i ever bought.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ndefinitely]

I got a Bullet Strat like that first year built in Indonesia. Now I got something to practice on it !

[@MarkZabel]

Cool!

[@jasongray2431]

Good stuff! Simple yet effective.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video. God bless.

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you!

[@daleschimpf]

Been working on Lodi recently so thanks for the tips! Makes sense.

[@MarkZabel]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@charlesjaphe]

Great lesson

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@nfgmusic]

This was awesome! I can’t wait to try it when I get home, I’m rejoining a band I was in for 10 years that I lead sang in, now I’ll be playing guitar while lead sing and I’m not that great on guitar while singing. Wish me luck Mark!

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! Best of luck!!

[@gerdhermannwinkelhaus9879]

Nice to see you.

[@MarkZabel]

Hey! Thanks for watching!

[@msmith7462]

Just picked up a Squier Toronado - a quick setup and it's a solid guitar. That someone of your caliber plays a Squier validates my decision, thank you.

[@MarkZabel]

Sure thing. Squier makes some good guitars.

[@nick39]

Mark.. you’re the best brother!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@captainchaos3053]

Cool guitar. Thanks for the informal but interesting lesson. Nice clear info

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@leftoverking]

great tip, thanks!

[@MarkZabel]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Man, that last bit is the business! I'd give a small section of my right earlobe to be able to play that run.

[@listairgin]

Good one! Thank you! 🌠🌅🌌👍🏻

[@MarkZabel]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@raymondmoore2707]

Man’s a freaking legend

[@debradoner2676]

Mr Mark Zabel you're my favorite teacher ! wow vous êtes mon professeur attitré ! thanks a lot...

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you so much! I'm honored.