Shaboozey IIGood News Chords Explained

Nov 3, 2025 by Team 39 views

Hey guys! So, you've been vibing to Shaboozey's latest hit, 'IIGood News,' and you're probably wondering, 'What are those killer chords?' Well, you've come to the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the musical magic behind this track, breaking down the chords that make 'IIGood News' so infectious. Get ready to strum along, because we're about to make learning these chords a breeze.

Understanding the Core Progression

Let's kick things off by looking at the main chord progression that forms the backbone of 'IIGood News.' Shaboozey, as always, brings a fresh sound, and the chord choices here are no exception. The song generally revolves around a relatively simple yet effective loop that's easy enough for beginners to tackle but sophisticated enough to keep things interesting. We're talking about a progression that feels both familiar and new, a hallmark of a great catchy tune. When you first listen, you might feel a sense of comfort, a sense that you've heard something like it before, but then there's that signature Shaboozey twist that elevates it. This isn't just about hitting the right notes; it's about the feeling those chords evoke. They create a sense of optimism, a feeling of, well, good news, which perfectly mirrors the song's title and lyrical content. It’s a testament to how chords aren't just technical elements; they are emotional drivers in music.

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The most common progression you'll find underpinning 'IIGood News' is a variation of the I-V-vi-IV in the key of G Major. So, what does that mean for us players? Let's break it down:

G Major (I chord): This is our home base, the root chord. It sounds stable, happy, and complete. In 'IIGood News,' the G Major chord sets a bright and optimistic tone right from the start. You'll hear it anchoring the phrases, giving that sense of grounding and positivity that the song exudes. It’s the chord that feels like coming home, familiar and reassuring. When Shaboozey drops this chord, it’s like a warm embrace, setting the stage for everything else.
D Major (V chord): This is the dominant chord, and it creates a sense of tension that strongly wants to resolve back to the tonic (G Major). It adds a bit of drive and forward motion. In the context of 'IIGood News,' the D Major chord injects energy and anticipation. It's the part of the phrase that makes you lean in, waiting for what's next. It’s a powerful chord that pulls the listener forward, much like the narrative in the song often builds towards a positive outcome.
E Minor (vi chord): This is the relative minor of G Major. It adds a touch of melancholy or introspection to the progression, providing a slight emotional contrast. Even though the song is called 'IIGood News,' the minor chord adds depth and realism, acknowledging that good news often comes after or alongside challenges. It’s the chord that adds a layer of complexity to the otherwise upbeat vibe, making the song more relatable and nuanced. It prevents the track from being overly simplistic and gives it that human touch.
C Major (IV chord): This is the subdominant chord. It offers a feeling of lifting or moving away from the tonic, often leading back to the V chord or resolving to the I. In 'IIGood News,' the C Major chord provides a sense of hopeful movement. It feels like a gentle push forward, a step towards resolution or further development. It’s a bright and open-sounding chord that complements the G Major and D Major beautifully, adding a rich harmonic texture without disrupting the song's overall positive energy. It’s a crucial component in creating that soaring, uplifting feel.

So, the primary sequence you'll be working with is G - D - Em - C. You'll find this pattern repeated throughout many sections of the song, forming the core harmonic structure. It’s a classic progression for a reason – it’s versatile, it sounds great, and it connects with listeners on a fundamental level. Mastering this basic loop will get you 90% of the way to playing 'IIGood News' convincingly. Remember, the rhythm and strumming pattern are just as important as the chords themselves, so pay attention to how Shaboozey delivers these changes.

Exploring Variations and Embellishments

While the G - D - Em - C progression is the foundation, Shaboozey often adds subtle variations and embellishments to keep things fresh and dynamic. These little twists are what make his music stand out. Don't just stick to the basic open chords; think about how you can add your own flavor!

One common variation you might notice involves the D Major chord. Sometimes, instead of a straightforward D Major, you might hear a Dsus4 or Dsus2. These suspended chords add a beautiful, slightly unresolved tension that resolves nicely into the G Major. They create a shimmering effect, adding a touch of sophistication. Try strumming a Dsus4 (XX0033) or Dsus2 (XX0230) before returning to G. It makes the transition feel smoother and more melodically interesting. It’s like adding a little sparkle to the sound. This is a great way to add nuance without changing the fundamental feel of the song.

Another area where you can play around is with the E Minor chord. While E minor is standard, you could experiment with E minor 7 (Em7). This adds a slightly jazzy, more mellow feel. The Em7 chord (020030 or 022030) can provide a smoother transition into the C Major chord, creating a more flowing harmonic movement. It's subtle, but it adds a professional touch that can really elevate your playing. Think of it as adding a bit more color to the painting, making the emotional landscape of the song richer.

Furthermore, pay attention to the C Major chord. Sometimes, especially in transitions, you might hear a Cadd9 (x32030). This chord adds a bright, almost chiming quality that works exceptionally well with the other chords in the progression. It adds a touch of modern pop sensibility and makes the C chord sound more open and inviting. It's a small change that has a big impact on the overall sound, giving it that polished, radio-ready feel.

Beyond individual chord variations, the order itself can sometimes be tweaked slightly. For instance, you might find sections where the progression briefly shifts to G - C - D - G or even G - Em - C - D. These variations typically occur during bridge sections or outros, providing a change of pace and preventing the song from becoming monotonous. Shaboozey is a master of arrangement, and these subtle harmonic shifts are part of what makes his tracks so engaging. Listening closely to the song and trying to identify these variations by ear is a fantastic way to improve your musical ear and understanding. Don't be afraid to experiment! Try playing the progression backward, or inserting a different chord for a beat or two. You might discover something you like even better.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Guys, knowing the chords is only half the battle! The rhythm and strumming pattern are what bring 'IIGood News' to life. Shaboozey’s tracks often have a driving, infectious beat, and replicating that feel on guitar or ukulele is key to capturing the song’s energy. You want to feel that groove!

For the main G - D - Em - C progression, a good starting point is a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. Let’s break that down rhythmically:

Strum 1: Down (on beat 1)
Strum 2: Down (on the ‘and’ of beat 2)
Strum 3: Up (on beat 3)
Strum 4: Up (on the ‘and’ of beat 3)
Strum 5: Down (on beat 4)
Strum 6: Up (on the ‘and’ of beat 4)

This pattern provides a steady pulse with a bit of syncopation, giving it that characteristic pop-reggae or hip-hop feel often found in Shaboozey’s music. Practice this pattern slowly at first, ensuring each strum is clear and in time. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Remember to keep your strumming hand loose and relaxed; tension will make it harder to maintain a consistent rhythm.

Another pattern that works well, especially for a slightly more laid-back feel, is a simpler down-down-up-down-up pattern. This is a bit more straightforward and emphasizes the main beats while still providing some movement. Experiment with palm-muting certain strums to add percussive elements and dynamics. This is especially effective during the verses where the intensity might be a little lower.

Consider the dynamics, too. You don't want to strum every section with the same intensity. For the verses, you might opt for a lighter, more muted strumming pattern to let Shaboozey's vocals shine. Then, for the chorus, you can unleash a fuller, more energetic strum to really emphasize the catchy hook. This contrast in dynamics makes the song more interesting and engaging for the listener. Think about how a drummer would build intensity during a song – you can achieve a similar effect with your strumming.

Listen closely to the original track. Pay attention to when the chords change and how the rhythm shifts between different sections. Sometimes, the guitar might drop out for a beat or two, or the strumming pattern might become more sparse during a breakdown. Mimicking these nuances will make your rendition of 'IIGood News' sound much more authentic. Don't be afraid to adapt the pattern to fit your own style, but always keep the core rhythm and feel of the song in mind. The goal is to capture the vibe.

Tips for Playing 'IIGood News' Like a Pro

Alright, so you’ve got the chords down, you’re working on the rhythm. What else can you do to really nail Shaboozey’s ‘IIGood News’? Here are a few pro tips to take your playing to the next level, guys:

Listen, Listen, Listen: Seriously, this is the golden rule. The more you listen to the song, the more you'll internalize the nuances. Pay attention to the subtle timing changes, the chord voicings, and the overall feel. Try to hum the chord changes along with the recording. This active listening will do wonders for your musicality.
Start Slow: Don't rush into trying to play it at full speed. Use a metronome, and start at a tempo where you can play each chord change cleanly and the strumming pattern is accurate. Gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Patience is key here.
Focus on Smooth Transitions: The magic of this song lies in its seamless flow. Practice transitioning between the G, D, Em, and C chords (and their variations) without any awkward pauses. Finger placement is crucial. Try to anticipate the next chord change and have your fingers ready.
Add Your Own Flair: Once you've mastered the basics, don't be afraid to experiment! As we discussed, try out those suspended chords, 7th chords, or add-9 chords. You could even try fingerpicking certain sections if you’re feeling adventurous. Making the song your own is part of the fun.
Record Yourself: This can be a bit cringe sometimes, but it’s incredibly useful. Recording yourself playing the song and then listening back will help you identify areas that need improvement – timing issues, sloppy chord changes, inconsistent rhythm. It’s like having a personal coach!
Understand the Song's Emotion: 'IIGood News' is about positivity, overcoming challenges, and celebrating success. Try to channel that emotion into your playing. Let the energy of the music flow through you. This will make your performance much more engaging and authentic.
Chord Voicings Matter: While open chords are great, explore different ways to play these chords (different inversions or barre chords). Sometimes a slightly different voicing can give the song a richer sound or make transitions smoother. For example, a G Major barre chord at the 3rd fret (355433) can have a different tonal quality than an open G chord.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! You're now armed with the knowledge of the core chords, potential variations, and rhythmic patterns to play Shaboozey’s ‘IIGood News.’ It’s a fantastic track that’s both fun to play and rewarding to learn. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming, keep listening, and most importantly, have fun with it! Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out on your musical journey, these chords and techniques will help you capture the infectious vibe of 'IIGood News.' Go spread some good news with your music!