Let's learn the ultra-popular Olivia Rodrigo hit "Drivers License" on guitar

Do you remember Olivia Rodrigo from High School Musical (2019)? Whether you do or not, you'll recognize today's lesson song. drivers license (yep - all in lowercase) became a hit at the beginning of this year - it's number 1 everywhere. Olivia Rodrigo broke a series of records with this one - it's one of the most dominant number ones in history!

💙 drivers license is a powerful pop ballad with minimal production - it has fantastic melodies and such a recognizable bridge! Though it's an electronic song, it sounds great on our six-string friend.

Translating this Olivia Rodrigo song into guitar was a really fun exercise for me. Beginners can play this with a capo on the third fret and easy chords, and there are plenty of ways for Advancing Beginners and Intermediates to spice it up.

Let's start with the chords.

drivers license - Chord Progressions

The verse is nice and simple - the progression is two reps of G, G, Em, Em, C, C, G. Yes, each cycle has seven bars. :)

The chorus progression is a little trickier and has a bar with several quick chord changes. But don't worry, we cover all the details in the video. You can also add the chorus melody, which includes fretting an F# note over the C chord. The fingering is a bit unusual - we'll look at a couple of grips.

The bridge is nice and easy, though - the progression is Em, C, G, D; Em, C, G, D. The key to nailing the bridge is to feel the movement and replicate it in your rhythm guitar. It's pushing forward, driving. Accenting beats 2 and 4 really helps. ;)

Exploring Different Styles & Add Your Own Twist

There are tonnes of ways to play drivers license. You can use power chords and all-down eighth notes with palm muting to give it a rock vibe, play percussive fingerstyle for a country flavour… As I always say, if you're up for doing a cover on this song, don't feel like you have to copy the original. Find your own perspective on it. :)

🎸 How to learn drivers license - I suggest you learn each section and make sure you can strum along with the original, try the fingerstyle part below, then explore your own version.

drivers license by Olivia Rodrigo - Fingerstyle Guitar

To sound close to the Olivia Rodrigo original, I'd say fingerstyle is your best choice! In the demo, you'll see I do a little fingerstyle intro. This isn't on the original, but it sounds cool.

I use a drone effect over G for two bars, grabbing the chord on beat 1 then playing the open G string on every eighth note until the chord change. I continue this drone effect for the verse too, using the same technique over Em and C.

Shift The Dynamics

It's crucial you change up the volume and feel of the song, especially when playing solo. Let's look at some tips for doing that.

To build into the chorus, start strumming when you come to the final bar of G. It makes a smooth transition between the soft fingerstyle and the big chorus. It's best to strum the chorus to create a contrast between verses and choruses and keep it interesting for the listener.

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There's no guitar to copy for the chorus, but I like strumming all-down eighth notes, sometimes adding in upstrums. Use your ear, stay in time, and make sure to lift the volume. :)

Beyond any specific advice - try to "feel it out". Listen for the groove and for what strumming sounds good in the context. This depends on how you relate to the song as well as whether you're singing or not.

There's a lot to explore in this Olivia Rodrigo hit! Hope y'all dig it. :)

🎵 Get tabs for drivers license and hundreds of other great guitar songs at JustinGuitarTABS.