As a passionate guitarist and Olivia Rodrigo fan, I’ve discovered her music offers an incredible learning experience for beginners. Her songs strike a perfect balance between emotional depth and technical simplicity, making them ideal for aspiring musicians.
Each track from the SOUR album provides unique opportunities to develop guitar skills while connecting with raw, authentic storytelling. From gentle ballads to punk-inspired anthems, Rodrigo’s music covers diverse styles that help guitarists build confidence through accessible chord progressions and relatable rhythms.
Whether you’re practicing chord transitions, exploring strumming patterns, or expressing complex emotions through music, these ten songs will transform your guitar journey from intimidating to inspiring.
Easiest Olivia Rodrigo Songs to Play on Guitar
1. hope ur ok
“hope ur ok” is a gentle track from Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR album, perfect for beginners. With its simple chords—C, A minor, G, and F (or F7)—and an easy strumming pattern (down up down up down up down up down down up), it’s a joy to play.
I find its slow tempo ideal for practicing transitions and strumming fluency. The song’s emotional lyrics resonate deeply, offering a reflective close to the album while addressing themes like acceptance and hope.
It’s a rewarding piece for beginners to connect with musically and emotionally.
2. enough for you
‘enough for you’ Guitar Chords
Sometimes the simplest songs are the most moving, and this one proves it. With heartfelt lyrics about self-worth and heartbreak, it’s as rewarding to play as it is to listen to.
The chords – G, E minor, and C – repeat throughout, making it beginner-friendly while helping you focus on dynamics and emotional expression. No capo needed—just bring your guitar and all the feels!
It’s a raw and personal piece written by Olivia Rodrigo on her bedroom floor, which reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. 1 step forward, 3 steps back
‘1 step forward, 3 steps back’ Guitar Chords
Playing “1 step forward, 3 steps back” feels intimate and expressive. The song uses just three chords—C, E minor, and F (simplified)—making it great for beginners.
I enjoy experimenting with the quiet strumming pattern in the verses and adding intensity during the chorus for dramatic effect.
Its lyrics capture the emotional turbulence of relationships, and the interpolation of Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day” adds depth. This track is a perfect choice for players exploring emotional dynamics and rhythm.
4. drivers license
‘drivers license’ Guitar Chords
Olivia Rodrigo’s most listened song “drivers license” offers beginner guitarists a powerful entry into expressive playing. With capo on the 3rd fret and just three simple chords—lazy G, E minor, and C—you’ll master a heartbreak anthem that broke global streaming records.
I love how its piano-inspired fingerpicking pattern challenges you to connect deeply with the music.
The song’s dreamy bridge and raw emotional intensity make it more than just a technical exercise—it’s a chance to pour your feelings into every strum, transforming practice into a cathartic experience.
5. happier
I love how playing “happier” brings out its emotional depth. The song uses beginner-friendly chords – C, Am, Dm and G – capo on the 6th fret and a relaxed down-up strumming pattern that keeps the flow smooth.
Its slow tempo allows me to focus on clean transitions and expressive strumming. The lyrics touch on bittersweet feelings after a breakup, making it a relatable and heartfelt piece.
Inspired by Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” it has a melodic simplicity that suits beginners and invites personal interpretation while playing.
6. favorite crime
‘favorite crime’ Guitar Chords
When I first learned this track from SOUR, I was struck by its emotional depth and surprisingly approachable guitar arrangement. The song uses simple chords like G, Em, D, C and Am, making it perfect for beginners wanting to explore contemporary pop guitar.
Its moderate tempo and a basic down-up strumming pattern allow new players to practice chord transitions smoothly. The gentle, introspective nature of the song means you can play it with minimal technical skill while still capturing its poignant emotional essence.
At around 87 BPM, it provides an excellent learning opportunity for guitarists transitioning from absolute beginner to intermediate levels, offering a balance between technical simplicity and expressive storytelling.
7. pretty isn’t pretty
‘pretty isn’t pretty’ Guitar Chords
Last year I discovered this track as a refreshing addition to contemporary pop guitar repertoire. This song speaks straight to the heart, capturing the struggle of chasing impossible beauty standards. Its emotional depth pairs perfectly with its simple chords, making it an ideal pick for beginners.
If the capo is positioned on the second fret, the song uses chords: C, F, A minor, G and D minor. You can also use Gsus4 instead of G and add an extra chord, E minor.
Novice players can also use chords like D, G, Bm, A and Em without using a capo. It’s a great way to express yourself while building confidence on the guitar!
8. traitor
Learning Olivia Rodrigo’s “traitor” on guitar is a beautiful way to dive into a song full of raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling. Its indie pop ballad vibe is perfect for beginners, thanks to its straightforward chords – C, G (Gsus4), Am and F – and a gentle 6/8 rhythm that’s easy to follow.
When I first played this, I was struck by how the slow tempo gave me time to master smooth chord transitions while immersing myself in the song’s soul-stirring melody.
It’s a great choice for building confidence and connecting deeply with your guitar.
9. deja vu
“deja vu” is a dreamy and emotional track that’s so fun to play on guitar. Its heartfelt lyrics about heartbreak and déjà vu make it relatable and engaging.
The chords—C, G, and A minor—are beginner-friendly, and the capo on the second fret keeps things simple while capturing the song’s vibe.
The track was a major success, earning 4× Platinum certification from the RIAA and reaching the top ten on music charts in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It’s a must-learn for fans of pop-rock hits!
10. jealousy, jealousy
‘jealousy, jealousy’ Guitar Chords
Dive into the raw emotional energy of Olivia Rodrigo’s “jealousy, jealousy” – a perfect track for budding guitarists battling social media blues. With just four simple chords (A minor, C, G, and D), this song offers an awesome introduction to rhythm and groove.
I love how it combines catchy melodies with a relatable message about online comparison. Using a capo on the first fret, you’ll quickly master an eight-downstrum pattern that captures the song’s angsty vibe.
For intermediate players, try adding a cool hammer-on technique on the C chord to spice things up!
About the Author
Thomas M., the founder of Guitar Top Review, boasts 15+ years of guitar experience and was a church band member in L.A. Transitioning from piano to acoustic guitar, his first love remains his Taylor GS Mini. Alongside like-minded hobbyist friends, he launched the site, driven by a deep love for music that transcends professional boundaries.