The Hurt So Good guitar lesson is pure heartland rock. This John Mellencamp hit has that infectious groove, a catchy riff, and a chord progression that’s both simple and incredibly effective.
In this lesson, Marty Schwartz breaks down the iconic intro riff, the verse and chorus chord progressions, and the rhythm technique that gives Hurt So Good its driving energy.
The Main Riff
Let’s start with the riff that defines this song. It’s built around an A major chord with some melodic movement on the higher strings.
Here’s how it works:
Start with an A major chord (2nd fret on D, G, and B strings). You’re going to emphasize the D, G, and B strings primarily.
The riff uses a hammer-on pattern: Play the A chord, then hammer-on from the 2nd fret to the 4th fret on the G string. Pull off back to the 2nd fret.
Next, slide from the 2nd fret to the 4th fret on the B string. This creates that signature melodic movement that makes the riff instantly recognizable.
The rhythm is steady and driving. Think of it as: chord-hammer-pull-slide. Repeat that pattern, and you’ve got the main riff.
The Chord Progression
Hurt So Good uses a straightforward progression that keeps the energy high throughout the song.
Verse progression: A major → D major → E major → A major
A major: Standard open A chord (2nd fret on D, G, and B strings).
D major: Standard open D chord (2nd fret on G and high E, 3rd fret on B string).
E major: Standard open E chord (1st fret on G string, 2nd fret on A and D strings).
The chorus follows a similar pattern but with different timing. Each chord gets about two bars, and the strumming pattern stays consistent: steady eighth notes with accents on the downbeats.
The pre-chorus shifts slightly: You’re moving between A and D with a bit more energy before hitting the E chord and resolving back to A.
Strumming Pattern and Rhythm
The rhythm guitar work in Hurt So Good is what gives it that driving, anthemic feel. You’re not doing anything fancy—it’s all about consistency and energy.
Strumming pattern: Down-down-up-down-down-up. Repeat this throughout the verse and chorus.
Focus on the downbeats. The first and third beats should have a bit more emphasis. This creates that bouncy, uptempo groove that defines the song.
Palm muting: During the verse, add a light palm mute to keep the sound tight. When you hit the chorus, open it up and let the chords ring out fully.
The Solo Section
The guitar solo in Hurt So Good is based on the A major pentatonic scale. It’s not overly complicated, but it fits the song perfectly.
You’re playing notes primarily on the B and high E strings between the 2nd and 5th frets. The solo uses slides, bends, and quick hammer-ons to create that melodic, singable quality.
Key positions:
Start on the 5th fret of the B string. Bend it up a half step, then slide down to the 2nd fret. Hammer-on from the 2nd to the 4th fret on the high E string.
The solo is more about feel than technical difficulty. Listen to the original recording to get the phrasing right. It’s got a laid-back, almost conversational quality that matches the vibe of the song.
The Bridge
The bridge shifts the energy slightly. You’re still using A, D, and E chords, but the strumming pattern opens up a bit more.
Instead of the tight, driving rhythm of the verse, the bridge has a more relaxed feel. Let the chords breathe. Strum once per beat instead of the rapid eighth notes.
This creates contrast and gives the song room to build back up into the final chorus.
Tips for Playing Hurt So Good
- Master the main riff first. That hammer-on and slide pattern is the foundation of the song. Get it clean before moving on.
- Keep the rhythm consistent. Hurt So Good lives on its groove. Don’t rush or drag—use a metronome if needed.
- Use dynamics. The verse is tighter and more controlled. The chorus opens up. That contrast is what makes the song work.
- Focus on clean chord changes. The A-D-E progression is simple, but sloppy transitions will kill the vibe.
- Play with confidence. Hurt So Good is an anthem. It needs energy and commitment to sound right.
Why Hurt So Good Works
Hurt So Good is a perfect example of heartland rock done right. The chord progression is simple, the riff is memorable, and the rhythm is infectious. It’s not about technical wizardry—it’s about feel and energy.
John Mellencamp understood how to write songs that connected with people. Hurt So Good is straightforward, catchy, and fun to play. Once you’ve got the groove down, it’s one of those songs that feels great under your fingers.
Common Mistakes
Rushing the tempo: Hurt So Good has a driving groove, but don’t speed it up. Keep it steady and locked in.
Weak riff execution: The hammer-on and slide need to be clean and precise. Sloppy technique ruins the riff.
Inconsistent strumming: The eighth-note strumming pattern needs to be tight. Don’t let it get loose or uneven.
Ignoring dynamics: The verse and chorus have different feels. Use dynamics to create contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chords for Hurt So Good?
Hurt So Good uses A major, D major, and E major. The progression is A-D-E-A for most of the song, with slight variations in the pre-chorus and bridge.
Is Hurt So Good hard to play on guitar?
No, Hurt So Good is intermediate-friendly. The chord progression is simple (A-D-E), and the main riff uses basic techniques like hammer-ons and slides. It’s a great song for building rhythm skills.
What tuning is Hurt So Good in?
Hurt So Good is played in standard tuning (EADGBE).
What is the strumming pattern for Hurt So Good?
The strumming pattern is down-down-up-down-down-up with accents on the downbeats. Keep it steady and driving throughout the verse and chorus.
What key is Hurt So Good in?
Hurt So Good is in the key of A major.
Can beginners play Hurt So Good?
Yes, beginners can tackle Hurt So Good once they’re comfortable with open A, D, and E chords. The main riff requires some practice with hammer-ons and slides, but it’s achievable with focused practice.
Hurt So Good is a classic for a reason. It’s got that perfect combination of simplicity and catchiness that makes it a blast to play. Once you’ve nailed the groove and that signature riff, you’ll understand why it’s been a staple of rock radio for decades.
Rock on!