Good Riddance easy guitar chords for beginners
A familiar beginner song for moving between G, C, D, and Em cleanly.
Quick answer
Good Riddance can be practiced as a beginner guitar song with G, C, D, Em. Start with one slow strum per chord, then add the Picked or slow down-up rhythm after the chord changes are steady.
- Chords: G, C, D, Em
- Progression: G - C - D - Em
- Practice goal: build up toward about 95 BPM
Before you play it
Good Riddance works best as a beginner song when you treat the chord loop as the lesson. Mute the strings, count the progression once, then play one slow downstroke per chord before adding the full strum.
Do not use speed as the test. The test is whether the next chord lands without stopping your strumming hand.
How to practice Good Riddance on guitar
1. Say the chords first
Read the progression out loud before you play. The goal is to know what comes next before your hand has to move.
2. Use one slow strum
Play one downstroke per beat until every chord rings clearly. Speed is the last thing to add.
3. Add the rhythm
Once the changes feel steady, try the strum pattern and keep the hand moving through each switch.
Chord shapes used in this song
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Common questions
Is Good Riddance easy on guitar?
Good Riddance is beginner-friendly if you already know G, C, D, Em and slow the rhythm down before playing at song speed.
What chords do I need for Good Riddance?
Use these beginner chord shapes: G, C, D, Em.