Master “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line on guitar with simple open chords and a steady strumming pattern that captures the song’s laid-back, feel-good vibe. This 2026 guide breaks down the essential chord progression—G, C, D, and Em—in an easy-to-follow format perfect for beginners and intermediate players. Learn the signature riff, timing, and rhythm tips to play the hit country anthem authentically and confidently.

How to Play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on Guitar 2026

Key Takeaways

• Master the G-C-D-Em progression: Core chords for the song’s signature sound.
• Use a steady downstroke strumming pattern: Keeps rhythm tight and energetic.
• Capo on 2nd fret: Achieves the original key with ease.
• Practice palm muting: Adds groove to verses and transitions.
• Sync guitar licks with vocals: Enhances timing and stage presence.
• Simplify solos with pentatonic scales: Playable for beginners, impactful for all.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

If you’ve ever cranked up the radio and felt that instant urge to grab your guitar when Cruise by Florida Georgia Line starts playing, you’re not alone. This country-rock anthem has been a fan favorite for over a decade, and its catchy melody, smooth groove, and sing-along chorus make it a top choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists.

But here’s the catch: many players try to play “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line on guitar and get stuck. The song uses a unique blend of open chords, a driving strumming pattern, and a signature intro riff that’s easy to mess up if you don’t break it down properly.

That’s why learning how to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on guitar 2026 isn’t just about memorizing chords—it’s about mastering the rhythm, nailing the transitions, and capturing that laid-back, road-trip vibe. Whether you’re playing for fun, impressing friends, or preparing for a campfire sing-along, this guide will help you do it right.

By the end, you’ll not only play the song cleanly but understand why each part works—so you can adapt it, improvise, and even teach others. Let’s hit the road.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather your gear. You don’t need a $2,000 guitar or studio-grade effects. A simple setup will do just fine.

• Acoustic or electric guitar – Acoustic works best for this song’s vibe, but electric is totally fine (especially if you want to add a little reverb).
• Tuner – The song is in standard tuning (EADGBE), so keep that handy.
• Picks – A medium-gauge pick (0.73mm–0.88mm) helps with the driving rhythm.
• Capo (optional) – The original key is D, but many play it with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the recording’s bright tone.
• Metronome or drum app – The tempo is 94 BPM, and staying on beat is crucial.
• Chord chart or app – Use a reliable source (like Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr) to verify fingerings.
• Patience and a good attitude – This song rewards persistence, not perfection.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a capo, place it on the 2nd fret and play the chords as if you were in the key of C. This matches the original recording’s vocal range and gives you that crisp, open-string sound.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on Guitar 2026

Step 1: Tune Your Guitar and Set the Capo

Start with a clean slate. Use your tuner to get your guitar into standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E. Play each string and make sure it’s spot-on.

If you’re using a capo (highly recommended for this song), place it gently on the **2nd fret**. Make sure it’s straight—no buzzing on the first or sixth strings. The capo raises the pitch by a whole step, letting you play in the key of D using C-shape chords.

This is one of the most common setups for how to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on guitar 2026—it keeps the chords simple and the sound bright.

Warning: A crooked capo can cause tuning issues and string buzz. Check all six strings after placing it. If you hear buzzing, adjust the capo’s pressure or position.

Step 2: Learn the Intro Riff

The intro is the song’s signature hook—a quick, bouncy riff that sets the tone. It’s played with a mix of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and a little palm muting. Let’s break it down measure by measure.

The riff uses the following notes (with capo on 2nd fret):

• Measure 1: G (3rd fret, 6th string) → A (5th fret, 6th string) → B (4th fret, 5th string) → G (3rd fret, 6th string)
• Measure 2: G (3rd fret, 6th string) → A (5th fret, 6th string) → B (4th fret, 5th string) → C (5th fret, 5th string)
• Measure 3: Palm mute the 5th string open (A) and 4th string open (D), then play B (2nd fret, 3rd string) → C (3rd fret, 3rd string) → D (5th fret, 3rd string)

Use your index finger for the 3rd and 4th frets, middle for the 5th, and ring for the 2nd. Keep your picking hand light and relaxed—this riff is more about feel than speed.

Once you can play it slowly (60 BPM), gradually increase the tempo. The full intro is two full repeats of this pattern.

Pro Tip: Record yourself playing the intro and compare it to the original. Listen for timing, tone, and dynamics. This helps you catch small mistakes you might not feel.

Step 3: Master the Chords (C, G, Am, F)

With the capo on the 2nd fret, the song’s chord progression uses four simple open chords: C, G, Am, and F. These are the building blocks of how to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on guitar 2026.

Here’s how to finger them:

• C Major: Index on 1st fret (B string), middle on 2nd fret (D string), ring on 3rd fret (A string)
• G Major: Index on 2nd fret (A string), middle on 3rd fret (low E string), ring on 3rd fret (high E string) – or use the “cowboy G” (no pinky)
• Am (A minor): Index on 1st fret (B string), middle on 2nd fret (D string), ring on 2nd fret (G string)
• F Major: Barre with index across 1st fret (B and high E strings), middle on 2nd fret (G string), ring on 3rd fret (D string)

Practice switching between them slowly. Start with C → G, then C → Am, then G → F, and so on. Use a metronome at 60 BPM to stay on beat.

Once you can switch cleanly, try the main progression: C – G – Am – F (one chord per measure, 4 beats each).

Common Mistake: Many beginners press too hard on the F chord, causing hand fatigue. Focus on using only the necessary pressure—just enough to get a clear tone. Your hand should feel relaxed, not tense.

Step 4: Nail the Strumming Pattern

The strumming is what gives Cruise its driving, upbeat feel. It’s a down-up-down-up-down-down-up pattern, often written as:

D – D U D U D D U (where D = downstroke, U = upstroke)

This pattern repeats every measure. It’s not a full “1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and” strum—it skips some upstrokes to create a bouncy, syncopated rhythm.

Start by tapping your foot to 94 BPM. Then, practice the pattern with just your right hand, using an open chord (like G). Keep your wrist loose and let your arm do the work—no stiff elbows.

Once you’re comfortable, add the chord changes. Play C – G – Am – F with the strum pattern. Focus on keeping the strum even and the transitions smooth.

Pro Tip: Use a medium pick for this song. It gives you enough attack for the downstrokes and control for the upstrokes. A thin pick might feel too flimsy; a thick one can be too stiff.

Step 5: Combine Intro + Chords + Vocals

Now it’s time to put it all together. The song structure is:

• Intro (2x riff)
• Verse 1: C – G – Am – F (x2)
• Pre-Chorus: G – F – C – G (x2)
• Chorus: C – G – Am – F (x2)
• Repeat: Verse 2 → Pre-Chorus → Chorus
• Bridge: F – C – G – Am (x2) → F – C – G
• Final Chorus (with ad-libs)
• Outro: Repeat intro riff, fade out

Start by playing the intro, then immediately switch into the first verse. Use the same strumming pattern throughout—consistency is key.

When singing, keep your strumming slightly softer during the vocals. You don’t want to overpower your voice. Think of your guitar as a backup singer, not the lead.

For the chorus, you can add a little extra energy—slightly stronger downstrokes, a slight increase in tempo (but not too much). This builds excitement.

Warning: Don’t rush the transitions between verses and choruses. Many players speed up when they get excited. Use a metronome or drum loop to stay locked in.

Step 6: Add the Pre-Chorus and Bridge

The pre-chorus (“She’s got a smile…”) uses a slightly different rhythm. Instead of the full D-D-U-D-U-D-D-U, it’s more of a D U D U D U pattern—lighter, faster upstrokes, like a heartbeat.

Switch to this pattern during the pre-chorus to create contrast. Then, go back to the main strum in the chorus.

The bridge (“I can’t wait to get you…”) slows the energy a bit. Use a down-down-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-D-U) with a slightly softer touch. This gives the song a reflective, intimate feel before the final chorus explodes.

For the final chorus, you can add a little flair: accent the first downstroke of each measure, or add a quick hammer-on on the F chord (ring finger on 3rd fret, G string, hammer from 1st to 3rd).

Pro Tip: Record a short loop of the backing track (just chords and drums) and play over it. This helps you practice timing and dynamics in a real-world setting.

Step 7: Practice with the Original Track

Now it’s time to play along. Find the original Cruise on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music. Turn the guitar part up in your headphones (use the “isolate guitar” feature if available).

Start by playing the intro along with Tyler Hubbard’s guitar. Focus on matching the timing and tone. Then, play through the first verse and chorus.

If you fall behind, pause and reset. Don’t force it. The goal is to play with the track, not against it.

Once you can play the full song cleanly, try singing along. This is where the real magic happens—your voice and guitar working together.

Common Mistake: Trying to play too fast too soon. Start at 70–80 BPM, then gradually increase. Speed comes with muscle memory, not effort.

Step 8: Add Your Own Style

Now that you’ve nailed the basics, make it yours. Try these ideas:

• Palm muting during the verses for a more intimate feel.
• Fingerpicking the intro riff for a softer, acoustic vibe.
• Adding a capo on the 4th fret to sing in a higher key (if your voice is comfortable).
• Playing the chorus with a slight shuffle (like a blues rhythm) for extra groove.

You can also experiment with dynamics—play softly in the verses, loud in the chorus. This adds emotion and keeps the listener engaged.

Remember: how to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on guitar 2026 isn’t about copying the recording exactly. It’s about capturing the spirit of the song and making it your own.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best players make mistakes when learning new songs. Here are the top pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

• Not using a capo. While you can play in D without one, the capo on the 2nd fret makes the chords easier and matches the recording’s tone. It’s a game-changer.
• Overstrumming. The strumming pattern is precise—don’t add extra upstrokes or downstrokes. Stick to the D-D-U-D-U-D-D-U pattern.
• Rushing the transitions. Chord changes take time. Practice each switch 10–20 times slowly before speeding up.
• Ignoring the pre-chorus rhythm. The lighter strum in the pre-chorus is essential for contrast. Don’t play it the same as the chorus.
• Forgetting to breathe. Singing and playing at the same time is hard. Take a breath before the chorus, and don’t hold your breath during long phrases.
• Skipping the intro riff. The intro is what grabs the audience. Practice it until it’s automatic.
• Not recording yourself. You’ll hear mistakes you don’t feel. Record weekly to track progress.

Pro Tip: Use a loop pedal (or app) to record the chords, then play the intro over it. This helps you master timing and confidence.

FAQs About How to Play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on Guitar 2026

1. Do I need a capo to play this song?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. The original recording uses a capo on the 2nd fret, which makes the chords easier and matches Tyler Hubbard’s vocal range. Without it, you’d have to play in D using barre chords (like D, A, Bm, G), which are harder for beginners.

2. What’s the best strumming pattern for Cruise?
The main pattern is D-D-U-D-U-D-D-U (down-down-up-down-up-down-down-up). It’s a driving, bouncy rhythm that matches the song’s upbeat feel. Use a lighter D-U-D-U-D-U in the pre-chorus for contrast.

3. Can I play this song on an electric guitar?
Absolutely. Use a clean tone with a touch of reverb. Avoid heavy distortion—it drowns out the melody. A medium-gauge pick works best for the strumming.

4. What if I can’t sing and play at the same time?
That’s normal! Start by playing the chords without singing. Once you’re confident, hum the melody. Then, add a few words. Gradually build up to full lyrics. Practice daily for 10–15 minutes.

5. Why does my F chord sound muted or buzzy?
This is usually due to poor finger placement. Make sure your index finger (barre) is pressing down all the strings firmly, especially the high E and B strings. Use the side of your finger, not the pad. Also, check your capo—it might be pressing too hard on the F chord’s strings.

6. How long will it take to learn?
With 30 minutes of daily practice, most beginners can play the full song in 2–3 weeks. Focus on one section at a time: intro, verses, chorus, then combine.

7. Are there any fingerpicking versions of Cruise?
Yes! You can play the intro and verses with a fingerpicking pattern (e.g., thumb on bass notes, index/middle on treble). It’s great for acoustic sets or solo performances. Search “Cruise fingerstyle tab” for free arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line on guitar 2026 is more than just memorizing chords and strums—it’s about capturing the song’s spirit: freedom, fun, and that perfect summer drive.

Remember, progress isn’t about speed. It’s about consistency. Practice a little every day. Focus on clean transitions, steady rhythm, and matching the song’s energy.

And don’t forget to have fun. Strum loud, sing out, and let that guitar tell a story. Whether you’re playing alone, with friends, or on a porch at sunset, Cruise is a song that brings people together.

So grab your guitar, put on the capo, and hit the road. The open strings are waiting.

Now go play—and don’t look back.