Olivia Rodrigo’s music translates beautifully to the kalimba—emotive, melodic, and ideal for expressive playing on a 17-note instrument. In this guide, you’ll find popular Olivia Rodrigo kalimba tabs arranged in a clear, beginner-friendly format, making it easy to play modern pop songs without needing advanced music theory or sheet music.
This post is designed for beginner to intermediate kalimba players, fans of contemporary pop music, and anyone looking to expand their kalimba repertoire with recognisable, emotionally driven songs. Whether you’re learning for relaxation, self-expression, or to build confidence on the kalimba, these tabs let you focus on playing music you already love.
1. Drivers License
The song that introduced her to the world. It’s heartbreak in slow motion—grief, jealousy, and the quiet devastation of realizing love has moved on. The cinematic production and trembling vocals turn an ordinary breakup into something mythic. It’s love as loss, raw and real.
C E G G F E D D C
C E G G F E F E
C E G G F E D D A
A E G G F E F E
C C C A C C A C A
2. Vampire
A bold, mature leap. Vampire exposes emotional exploitation—how love can drain you when it’s built on manipulation. The chorus erupts into anguish, representing the moment realization replaces infatuation. It’s love’s dark aftermath, self-awareness born from pain.
G E G E G E G E
G E G E G E G#
G# E G# E G# E G# E
G# E G# G# G# G# A
A A E D E
3. Deja Vu
This song captures post-breakup fixation—seeing your ex repeat the same romantic rituals with someone new. It’s observational heartbreak, not rage. Rodrigo dissects the recycling of affection and identity in modern relationships, proving emotional intelligence beyond her years.
(C• E• G• E:) D: E: D: E: D: E: D:
GBDBABABABA•
(DFB)AG(DB)BFABGG(CGB)G
E(CB)BEABAG(DFB)F
(DA)GAG(FB)AGA
C(EG) G•G•B•B(BD:) D:
(C•E:) E: E: E: (GB D:) D: D:
4. Good 4 U
Explosive pop-punk catharsis. This isn’t a cry; it’s controlled fury. Rodrigo channels resentment into empowerment, showing that anger can be cleansing. Love here is the spark that lights independence.
E G A B A G A B A G A B D° B
E G A B A G A B A G A B D° B
G G A B A G A B A G A B B B B B° A° G° E°
E G A B A G A B A G A B D° B
E G A B A G A B A G A B D° B
G G A B A G A B G A B A A B B° A° G° E°
5. Happier
A bittersweet reflection on wishing an ex well but not too well. It’s honest jealousy wrapped in grace. Rodrigo exposes the tug-of-war between kindness and ego—the part of love that still wants to win.
(C•• A) C• B• (A• E) C• G• (E• C) E G• E• G B
G• (C•• A) C• B• (A• E•) C• G• (E• C) E G• (G• G)
G• A• (F• D) F (F• A) C• G• (F• F) A C•
G• A• (G• E) G A• B• B B• (G• G) G• A• (B• B) D• F•
(C•• A) C• B• (A• E) C• G• (E• C) E G• E• G B
6. 1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back
A minimalist ballad about emotional inconsistency. Rodrigo uses repetition and vulnerability to show how unstable love erodes confidence. It’s about learning when affection becomes control. Olivia Rodrigo writes from the emotional front lines. Her songs prove that love isn’t just about romance—it’s self-education through heartbreak. From Drivers License to Vampire, each track transforms pain into clarity, making her one of the most honest voices of her generation.
C′ C′ D′ (E’C’A) G′ D′ C′ B
(AC) C′ (E’C’A) C′ C′ D′ (E’C’A)
E′ G′ D′ E′ D′ C′ D′ E′
(C’AF) C′ C′ D′ (E’C’A)
G′ D′ C′ B (AC) C′ (E’C’A)
7. All I want (Kalimba Tab)
All I Want is featured in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where it became one of Olivia Rodrigo’s breakout songs. Its slow tempo and emotional melody make it especially well suited to the kalimba, allowing players to focus on expression and clean note transitions.
G E′ G′ G′ E′ D′ D′ C′ C′ (AF)
G E′ G′ G′ E′ D′ D′ C′ E′ E′ (C’A)
C′ C′ E′ E′ E′ (E’C’G) D′ C′ C′ E′ D′ D′ C′ (AF)
G G E′ E′ E′ E′ (E’C’G) D′ C′ G′ (G’B) F′ E′ (C’A)
G G (E’C’G) G′ G′ E′ D′ C′ E′
8. Can't Catch me Now
Can’t Catch Me Now appears in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes soundtrack and carries a dark, cinematic tone. The repetitive melodic structure works well on the kalimba, making it ideal for players who enjoy atmospheric pieces with a steady, hypnotic feel.
6 6 6 6 1′ 7 6 7 6
6 6 6 6 1′ 2′ 1′ 7
6 6 6 1′ 7 6 7 6
6 6 6 6 1′ 2′ 1′ 7
6 6 6 6 1′ 7 6 7 6
9. Granted
Granted is another song from High School Musical: The Series, showcasing a softer and more introspective side of Rodrigo’s songwriting. On the kalimba, it plays as a calm, flowing piece that helps players develop timing and emotional control.
E° D° E° D° E° D° E° D° E° D°
G° D° D° C° D° C° D° C° D° C°
D° C° E° C° B A A E° C° D° C° B
E° D° E° D° E° D° E° D° E° D°
G° D° D° C° D° C° D° C° D° C°
10. Enough for you
Enough for You comes from Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR and is known for its vulnerable, stripped-back songwriting. The melody adapts well to the kalimba, making it a strong choice for slower practice sessions focused on phrasing and dynamics.
D° E° E° D° C° B C° (C - A F) B
A G A A A G G (C E)
D° E° E° D° C° B C° (C - A F) B
A G A A A G G (C E)
E° E° E° D° C° D° (F° - F A) E° D° C° (C - F A)
11. hope ur ok
hope ur ok closes Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR album and carries a reflective, comforting tone. Its simple melodic movement makes it an approachable kalimba piece for players looking to play something gentle and emotionally resonant.
(C*CEG) C* E* C* C*
C* C* D* E* D* C*
(ACE) A C* A A
A C* D* E* D* C*
(C*CEG) C* E* C* C*
The Only Kalimba Songbook You'll Ever Need
The fastest way to build confidence and technique is by playing real music. The Kalimba Songbook is a focused collection of 80 expertly arranged tabs, designed specifically for beginners and developing musicians who want to bypass the long theory sections and get straight into making music. This songbook removes frustration by giving you clean, easy-to-read tablature that guides you. This resource is your direct path to unlocking a wide range of popular tunes.
