Learn to play Worst Way by Riley Green - Acoustic Guitar Tutorial

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If you're a fan of Riley Green and want to learn how to play "Worst Way" on acoustic guitar, you're in the right place! In this tutorial, I’ll break down the chords, strumming pattern, and tuning adjustments so you can play this song just like Riley.

Song Details

• Artist: Riley Green

• Song: Worst Way

• CAPO: No Capo – Tune Down 1/2 Step

• Chords: Am / F / C / G

• Strumming Pattern: Pick, Pick, Pick, DUD

Tuning & Setup

To get the right sound for this song, you'll need to tune your guitar down a half step. This means tuning each string down one semitone:

• E → Eb

• A → Ab

• D → Db

• G → Gb

• B → Bb

• E → Eb

If you're unsure how to tune down, you can use an electronic tuner or an online tuning reference.

Chords You’ll Need

This song uses four basic chords: Am, F, C, and G. If you’re familiar with these shapes, you’re already halfway there! If not, here’s a quick refresher:

• Am

• F

• C

• G

Strumming Pattern

The song follows a picking pattern followed by a strumming motion: Pick, Pick, Pick, DUD. The key is to start with individual note picking before transitioning into the down-up-down strumming. Listen closely to the song to match the feel.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Want a step-by-step breakdown? Watch my full tutorial on YouTube, where I demonstrate each section of the song and walk you through the chord transitions, picking pattern, and timing.

Click here to watch the full lesson!

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Final Tips

• Take it slow and practice switching between chords smoothly.

• Pay attention to the picking pattern to match the song’s feel.

• If you're struggling with F, try using Fmaj7 as a substitute.

• Make sure your guitar is tuned down so it sounds just like the original recording.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or song requests! Keep pickin’ and have fun playing "Worst Way" by Riley Green!

If you enjoyed learning this song, check out more country guitar lessons on Learn Guitar Favorites! Here are a few more songs you might like:

Don't Mind If I Do - Riley Green & Ella Langley

Spin You Around (1/24) - Morgan Wallen