The Basic Riff and Tuning

Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz is built on a single repeating riff that sits in standard tuning. You do not need to retune your guitar. The main riff uses the lower strings and stays in one position on the fretboard, which makes it a good entry point if you are learning the song for the first time.

The riff begins on the 7th fret of the low E string (the thickest string). From there, you move to the 5th fret of the A string, then back to the 7th fret of the E string, then to the 7th fret of the D string. The pattern repeats throughout most of the song. Play each note cleanly and let them ring slightly into the next note so the riff flows smoothly.

If you are not sure which string is which, the low E string is the thickest one closest to your face when you hold the guitar. The A string is the second thickest. Counting frets from the headstock toward the body helps you find the right position quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • The main riff uses only four notes played on the low E, A, and D strings in standard tuning, repeating throughout the song.
  • Start on the 7th fret of the E string and move between the 5th and 7th frets across three strings in a steady pattern.
  • Use downstrokes for a clean, punchy sound that matches the original recording.
  • The verse and chorus use the same riff, so once you lock in the pattern, you have most of the song covered.

Playing the Riff Step by Step

Break the riff into two measures. In the first measure, play the 7th fret of the low E string, then the 5th fret of the A string, then back to the 7th fret of the E string. In the second measure, play the 7th fret of the D string, then return to the 7th fret of the E string, then the 5th fret of the A string again, then the 7th fret of the E string once more.

The timing is even and steady. Each note gets one beat in a four-beat measure. Practice slowly at first—around 60 beats per minute—and use a metronome or a drum machine to keep time. Once the pattern feels natural under your fingers, gradually increase the speed to match the original song, which sits around 100 beats per minute.

Muting is important. After you play each note, let it ring for a moment, but do not let notes bleed into each other. A light touch on the strings you are not playing helps keep the riff tight and prevents unwanted noise. This is especially true when you jump between strings.

Finger Placement and Hand Position

Use your index finger for the 5th fret and your middle finger for the 7th fret. This keeps your hand in one position and lets you move between strings without shifting your grip. Your thumb should sit behind the neck, roughly opposite your index finger, to give you leverage and control.

Keep your wrist straight and relaxed. Tension in your wrist makes the riff harder to play and tires your hand faster. Your fingers should approach the strings at a slight angle, not straight on. This angle gives you better contact with the frets and produces a clearer tone.

Practice the finger movements without the metronome first. Play the riff slowly and focus on smooth transitions between strings. Once your fingers know the path, add the metronome back in and build speed gradually. Rushing this step leads to sloppy playing and bad habits that are hard to break later.

Strumming and Tone

Use downstrokes only for the main riff. A downstroke means moving your pick from the thicker strings toward the thinner ones. This gives the riff a punchy, driving sound that matches the original. Avoid mixing downstrokes and upstrokes—the riff loses its groove if you do.

Your pick should be firm but not rigid. A pick that is too loose produces a scratchy sound; one that is too tight makes it hard to move smoothly. A standard 0.73 mm pick works well for this riff. The angle of your pick matters too—hold it so the tip strikes the string at a slight angle rather than head-on, which produces a clearer attack.

The tone should be clean and defined. If your notes sound muddy or run together, you may be playing too hard or not muting the strings you are not using. Back off slightly on your pick pressure and focus on precision over volume. A lighter touch with good timing always sounds better than a heavy hand.

Adding the Verse and Chorus Structure

The verse and chorus both use the same riff, so the song structure is straightforward. The riff plays for eight measures in the verse, then eight measures in the chorus. The bridge section also uses the riff, though it may be played slightly differently or layered with other parts in the original recording.

If you are playing along with the recording, listen for the vocal melody and the drums to know where you are in the song. The drums hit hard on the downbeat, which helps you stay locked in. The vocal line enters after the first eight-measure riff, signaling the start of the verse.

Once you are comfortable with the riff, try playing it while listening to the full song. This teaches you how the riff sits in the mix and helps you develop a feel for the groove. The riff is the backbone of the song, so nailing it makes everything else fall into place.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

The most common mistake is playing the riff too fast too soon. Rushing leads to sloppy finger movements and poor timing. Start at a tempo where you can play the riff cleanly three times in a row without mistakes. Only then should you increase the speed. This builds muscle memory correctly from the start.

Another mistake is not muting unused strings. When you move from the E string to the A string, the E string can ring and create noise. Use the side of your finger or your palm to touch the E string lightly and stop it from ringing. This takes practice but is worth the effort.

Uneven timing is also common. If your notes do not land on the beat consistently, the riff loses its groove. Use a metronome and focus on hitting the first note of each measure exactly on the beat. The rest of the notes will follow naturally if the first one is solid.

Variations and Next Steps

Once you have the basic riff down, you can explore variations. Some players add a slight palm mute to give the riff a more percussive sound. To do this, rest the edge of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge while you play. This dampens the tone and adds texture.

You can also layer the riff with chords. The song is based around a minor key, and adding straightforward power chords on the downbeats can thicken the sound. Experiment with playing the riff on the lower strings while adding a chord shape on the higher strings, but keep the main riff as the focus.

If you want to play the full song, learn the bass line next. The bass follows a similar pattern to the guitar riff but sits lower in the mix. Understanding how the bass and guitar riff interact will deepen your understanding of the song's structure and make your playing tighter overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special guitar to play this song?

No. Any electric or acoustic guitar in standard tuning works. The riff does not require special effects or gear. A basic amplifier is helpful if you are playing electric, but not necessary for learning the riff itself.

How long does it take to learn this riff?

Most players can play the riff cleanly within one to two weeks of daily practice. The pattern is straightforward and repeats, so it is not technically difficult. The main challenge is building the muscle memory and timing to play it smoothly at the correct speed.

Can I play this on an acoustic guitar?

Yes. The riff works on acoustic guitar, though the tone will be different from the original recording. Acoustic guitars have a warmer, more resonant sound, which changes how the riff feels. Experiment with muting and pick pressure to find a tone you like.

What if I cannot reach the 7th fret comfortably?

Your hand may need time to stretch and adjust. Practice the riff slowly and focus on relaxing your hand. If the stretch is painful, stop and rest. Over time, your hand will develop the flexibility needed. You can also try moving your thumb position slightly to reduce the stretch.

Should I use a pick or my fingers?

A pick produces the cleaner, punchier tone that matches the original song. Fingerstyle is possible but harder to control for this particular riff. Start with a pick and switch to fingerstyle only if you prefer that approach after you have learned the riff.