How to Play Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo – Beginner‑Intermediate Guitar Tutorial

Want to nail the punchy, 1990s-inspired guitar sound of Olivia Rodrigo’s 'Good 4 U'? There’s something about that gritty pop-punk riff and driving chord progression that grabs beginners and seasoned teens alike. The trouble? Most tutorials chop the lesson into either just the riff or just the chords. Some crank up the complexity so high even intermediate players hit a wall.

This is the song that made millions want to grab an electric, crank the amp, and bash out an energetic chorus. The trick is getting the feel, not just the notes. Here’s the lowdown: This tutorial breaks down the whole package—main riff, full chord progression, and insider tips—for players ready to sound authentic but keep it manageable. Prerequisites are simple: an electric or acoustic guitar, a pick, and the appetite to learn a pop classic the right way.

What You Need to Play 'Good 4 U' on Guitar

Olivia Rodrigo’s 'Good 4 U' is a guitar-driven pop-punk anthem that doesn’t hide behind effects or backing tracks. The energy’s all in your hands—if you’ve got the right gear and skills. Here’s exactly what helps most players channel that tight, aggressive sound.

Choosing Your Guitar and Gear

Electric guitars light up the song’s pop-punk edge. Models like the Fender Strat, Ibanez RG, or any solidbody with single coils or high-output humbuckers work well. Still, acoustic guitarists shouldn’t feel left out—practice works just fine unplugged, even if the punch differs.

Dial in these amp settings for an authentic vibe:

• Gain around 4 or 5 for crunch—don’t overdo it
• Bass at 4, Mids at 6, Treble at 7 for clarity and cut
• Reverb off or just a touch for air

A medium pick (around .73mm to 1mm) helps grip those power chords. Plug into a practice amp (like a Boss Katana or Fender Champion), tune up (standard tuning, EADGBE), and you’re set for the main riff and chords.

Essential Skills Before You Start

• Palm Muting: Rest the side of your picking hand near the bridge, creating a tight, percussive attack.
• Power Chords: Rooted on the 6th and 5th strings, these chords shape the riff and chorus drive. Try E or A-shape forms.
• Basic Chord Changes: D, A, E, and F#m are song essentials—open or barre forms both work.
• Rhythm Practice: Lock in a steady eighth-note groove, keeping the tempo around 84 BPM.

Feel and rhythmic interpretation matter more than strict accuracy. According to Jacob Restituto, “Don’t just follow the pattern—make it groove.” That approach builds authenticity even at the beginner stage.

Good 4 U Guitar Tutorial: Main Riff Step-by-Step

The main riff is the song’s hook—a throwback to late ’90s pop-punk with real attitude. Nail this, and you’re halfway to sounding like the record. Here’s exactly how to break it down for any beginner or intermediate guitarist.

Learning the Main Riff (Tab and Audio)

Let’s start with the riff that opens the track and anchors the verses. It’s based on sharp, staccato power chords and palm-muted single notes. Most versions sit in A major, with F# as the root for the driving groove. Here’s the riff in standard tuning (no capo needed):

e|----------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------|
D|---7-7-7---4-4-4---2-2-2----------|
A|---7-7-7---4-4-4---2-2-2---4-2----|
E|---5-5-5---2-2-2---0-0-0---2-0----|

This pattern uses A5, F#5, and E power chord shapes before resolving. Here’s how to play it:

• Use your index finger for the F# note on the low E (2nd fret), ring and pinky for power chord shapes
• Palm mute the lower strings for punchy attack (light touch near bridge)
• Pick direction: downstrokes for power, alternate if you want more speed

It pays to listen—Jacob Restituto’s tutorial suggests looping the original track to internalize the groove. Remember, the riff’s not about speed, it’s about matching the song’s powerful, snappy feel.

Rhythm and Feel: Getting the Pop-Punk Edge

Pop-punk riffing lives by its rhythm. Two tricks make it work:

• Strong Downstrokes: Anchor downstrokes for each chord, adding aggression
• Bass-Root Emphasis: Let the root note ring slightly longer before shifting—just like on the record

Palm muting is non-negotiable. Restituto’s popular YouTube breakdown shows palm placement right on the bridge, using just enough pressure to dampen the strings without choking tone. Try setting a metronome to 84 BPM, then practice one measure at a time, slowly building speed.

Section-based learning works. Focus on these riff sections before moving forward:

• Intro/Main Riff
• Verse Riff (same shape, different rhythm)
• Pre-Chorus/Bridge variations

Progressive mastery leads to confidence once you start plugging in the chords.

Playing the Chords for 'Good 4 U' (Beginner and Intermediate Options)

Next up: The song’s full chord progression—verse, chorus, bridge, and how to juggle open, barre, and power chord options so every level gets a comfortable fit. Here’s what actually works in practice.

Chord Progression Breakdown (with Diagrams)

The song mainly uses these chords, easy to grab for most players:

• D major
• A major
• E major
• F# minor (F#m)

For learners not ready for F#m barre, swap in F#m7 (open) or use a capo at the 2nd fret to play Em shapes. Intermediate players can add C# minor and B barre chords in the bridge, though the chorus sticks to familiar ground. Here are basic chord diagrams:

• D: xx0232
• A: x02220
• E: 022100
• F#m: 244222 (barre, or try 200220 for F#m7)
• C#m: x46654 (optional; for the bridge if you want the authentic cut)
• B: x24442 (barre chord; intermediate)

The main progression:

Verse/Chorus: D   A   E   F#m (repeat)

Andy Guitar’s structured video lesson covers both open and power chord shapes for the entire tune, so try it both ways. Swapping in power chords—like D5 (x577xx), A5 (577xxx), E5 (022xxx), and F#5 (244xxx)—brings out a real pop-punk crunch.

Strumming Patterns and Dynamics

Here’s the typical strum pattern: ↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑ (down, down, up, up, down, up). It mimics the record’s energetic pulse. Use muted downstrokes for verses, and let chords ring open during choruses. Intensity varies by section:

• Verses: Tight, palm-muted, short strums for attitude
• Choruses: Open and loud—let each chord breathe
• Bridge: Try dynamics—start soft, build up, then return to punchy

Smooth transitions between chords matter more than speed. Try anchoring your index finger during shape switches, and practice drifting back and forth slowly until the move feels automatic. The goal: reliability over flash.

Putting It All Together: Song Structure and Practice Tips

This is where it all clicks. You’ve learned the main riff, the core chords, and the essential rhythm. The last step is blending these skills with the song’s structure and building a practice flow that actually sticks.

Section-by-Section Playthrough

• Intro: Main riff with A5, F#5, and E5, palm muted and aggressive
• Verse: Riff repeats; add in chord stabs as you improve
• Chorus: D, A, E, F#m (power or open shapes), bigger strums, open sound
• Bridge: For adventurous players, use barre chords for C#m and B
• Outro: Cycle chorus progression, fade intensity as the ending approaches

Some players break up learning into these song sections, then connect them once each feels comfortable. GuitarX’s complete chord chart also lays out the progression by section—including key changes and every transition. Practice each section at half speed if needed, then ramp up with a metronome or backing track.

Practice Tips for Mastery

• Use a metronome set around 84 BPM to keep time steady
• Loop tricky sections before moving on—don’t try to learn the whole song in one go
• Set one finger as an “anchor” during chord changes for reliability
• Mix in rest breaks—frustration is natural, short pauses actually help muscle memory
• After learning parts separately, play along with the track for flow and confidence

Turns out, incremental practice by song section (riff first, then chords, then full playthrough) gets the best results, especially for beginners. Regular small wins keep motivation high.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Learning 'Good 4 U'

Every beginner bumps into snags learning a riff-heavy, chord-driven song like 'Good 4 U.' A few tweaks smooth out most of the common headaches, whether it’s muting, buzzing, or sore fingers.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Buzzy or Muted Notes: Press firmly just behind each fret, keep your thumb positioned mid-neck, and check string clearance. If notes choke out, lighten the palm mute or shift closer to the bridge.
• Clunky Chord Changes: Practice moving between two shapes at a time. Use the "anchor finger" concept—keep one finger locked on a shared string, then slide the rest into place.
• Riff Clarity: Slow riffs down, focus on single notes, and use lighter pick attack. The trick is clarity, not speed.
• Hand Fatigue or Soreness: Keep wrist relaxed, take frequent breaks, and shake out tension. Warm up with simple scales before launching into practice.

Adapting Chord Voicings for Comfort

Struggling with barre chords or big stretches? Try these alternatives:

• F#m7 (200220) instead of barre F#m (244222)
• Use a capo at 2nd fret and play Em-shaped chords for a softer sound
• Power chords (only root and fifth notes) work anywhere comfort is an issue

Tonal preference and hand size both matter, so switch it up until playability matches style. The goal: keep the fun, not the frustration.

Conclusion

'Good 4 U' isn’t just a viral pop hit—it’s a modern rite of passage for guitarists who want to bridge catchy riffing and solid rhythm playing. Start with the iconic riff, lock in the verse and chorus chords, and focus on rhythmic feel for that true pop-punk punch. Take your time, break the song into parts, and plug in some attitude along with the action.

You don’t have to play it perfectly first try; the song rewards raw energy and personal flair. Experiment with voicings, switch up your practice routine, and soon you’ll find your own take on Olivia Rodrigo’s signature sound. Try it now—your next level of guitar playing starts with just one riff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What chords are used in Good 4 U?

The main chords for 'Good 4 U' are D, A, E, and F#m. For the bridge, intermediate players may also use C#m and B barre chords. Open, barre, and power chord options work, depending on comfort and sound preference.

Q How do you play the riff in Good 4 U?

To play the 'Good 4 U' riff, use A5, F#5, and E5 power chord shapes on the lowest three strings. Palm mute near the bridge, emphasize strong downstrokes, and focus on rhythm for an authentic pop-punk edge.

Q Is Good 4 U easy to play on guitar?

Yes, 'Good 4 U' is approachable for beginners using open or power chord shapes and straightforward rhythm. The riff and progression can be simplified, making it suitable for players just starting out on electric or acoustic guitar.

Q What strumming pattern should you use for Good 4 U?

The standard strumming pattern for 'Good 4 U' is down, down, up, up, down, up (↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑). Palm muting during verses and open strumming in choruses helps capture the song’s dynamic feel.