Swampy Midnight Special Chords & Guitar Lesson

I’m a sucker for 3 things in a song:

1) Lyrics about trains

2) Swampy guitar parts

3) THE BLUES

Below I want to share with you some insider guitar tips on a classic song that’s got all 3.

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Midnight Special” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Midnight Special?

“Midnight Special” is a traditional American folk song that goes back for generations. 

Its origins are deeply rooted in the oral traditions. However, the song's earliest documented lyrics appeared in 1905 as noted by sociologist Howard Odum. 

But, these lines were common in many other African-American songs of that era and didn't specifically reference a train or light. The first printed reference to "Midnight Special" as a song was in a 1923 issue of Adventure magazine. 

The "Midnight Special" refers to a passenger train, and in the song, its light symbolizes hope and freedom. Prisoners believed that if the train's light shone on them, it was a sign of impending release or good fortune.  

The first commercial recording of the “Midnight Special” was in 1926 by Dave "Pistol Pete" Cutrell, titled "Pistol Pete's Midnight Special."  

In 1927, Sam Collins recorded "The Midnight Special Blues," introducing the character "Little Nora" into the narrative. 

In 1934, Huddie William "Lead Belly" Ledbetter recorded a version at Angola Prison for folklorists John and Alan Lomax. While the Lomaxes initially credited Lead Belly as the song's author, it was later understood that he adapted existing versions, adding verses about a 1923 Houston jailbreak. 

"Midnight Special" has been covered by a ton of artists across various genres. 

The song's enduring popularity led to its selection as the theme for the NBC late-night music program The Midnight Special, performed by Johnny Rivers. 

Below, I’m going to focus on the version as recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival.  

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s version of “Midnight Special” is one of the most famous and puts an interesting twist on this traditional folk tune. They recorded it at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, in 1969. It was released in 1970 on their album Willy and the Poor Boys. 

It’s a perfect example of how to blend swamp rock with folk blues. They electrified the song, turning it from a prison ballad to a Southern rock anthem. 

Now, you may be wondering…

What is the tuning for Midnight Special?

The tuning for "Midnight Special", as recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, is D standard. This means we have to tune each string of the guitar down a whole step. D standard tuning is spelled: D, G, C, F, A, and D. 

Here are the strings:

• D (6th string, lowest pitch)
• G (5th string)
• C (4th string)
• F (3rd string)
• A (2nd string)
• D (1st string, highest pitch) 

All right!  

Now that you know the tuning for “Midnight Special”, let’s next talk about…

Midnight Special Chords

To play “Midnight Special”, you’ll only need to know 3 main chords they are E7, A7, and B7. They are all dominant seven chords, however, they can be played as basic triads as well. Fogerty mixes it up throughout the recording. Sometimes playing just straight A or A7. Or, E/E7. 

Adding in the 7ths will immediately get you a more bluesy sound. Let’s take a look at a few ways these chords can be played on the fretboard: 

E7 is played using all 6th strings like this:

A7 is played from the 5th string down like so:

Finally, we have B7, which uses all 6 strings like this:

If you’ve struggled to understand the fretboard for RHYTHM and LEAD guitar. and want to discover the easiest and fastest way. Then get your hands on my free Fretboard Guide PDF right here now:  

Is Midnight Special hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “Midnight Special” on guitar requires an intermediate guitar skill level. There are only 3 chords. However, the tricky part is getting the feel right, and being able to transition between the different grooves throughout. So, take your time with this one.

What key is Midnight Special in?

“Midnight Special,” as recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, is in the key of D major concert pitch. However, since the guitar is tuned down one full step, it is played in E major on guitar. The primary (guitar) scale for the song is the E major scale, which uses the notes: E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D#.

Here’s a quick look at how all the chords relate in the key of E major:

​​E7

Notes: E, G♯, B, D

Function: This is the I7 chord in E blues.

In a strict major key, you’d expect the I chord to be a major triad (E major).

But in the blues, we often make all the chords dominant 7ths – even the tonic. This creates a bluesy, gritty sound.

A7

Notes: A, C♯, E, G

Function: This is the IV7 chord in E blues.

A7 is the subdominant in the key of E.

The G natural (♭7 of A) is outside the key of E major (which has a G♯), but that’s totally normal in blues. The IV7 gives a sweet tension and often leads back to the I7, or up to the V7.

B7

Notes: B, D♯, F♯, A

Function: This is the V7 chord in E blues.

It’s the dominant chord and creates a strong pull back to the tonic (E7).

The B7 often shows up at the end of the 12-bar blues form to turn things around — either to end or loop back to the top. It contains the leading tone (D♯) which makes the resolution to E feel really satisfying.

So that’s the theory. Next, let’s look at…

What is the strumming pattern for Midnight Special?

The main underlying groove for “Midnight Special” is a swampy 8th-note rock feel. In 4/4 time, 8th notes divide each beat into two equal parts, creating a forward-moving rhythm like this:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

The numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) represent the main beats in the measure, while the "&" represents the offbeats that add energy and momentum.

When counted out loud, it sounds like: 

"One-and, Two-and, Three-and, Four-and."

However, later in the tune, the rhythm starts to swing. Swing 8th notes divide each beat into a long-short pattern, giving the rhythm a laid-back, shuffle feel common in blues and jazz.

Instead of being played evenly like "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &", swing 8ths feel more like this:

"1 a 2 a 3 a 4 a"

The first 8th of each pair is longer, and the second is shorter, almost like a triplet feel (imagine the rhythm: "tri-pl-et, tri-pl-et..." but play only the first and third notes).

Here’s an example of a “Midnight Special” swinging strumming pattern:

Conclusion

There you have it!

A classic old traditional tune every guitarist should know.  

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide here right now: 

Jon MacLennan