The Ultimate Guide To 'Scotty Doesn't Know' Tabs: Power Chords, The Riff, And The Matt Damon Story

Decades after its debut, "Scotty Doesn't Know" remains one of the most requested and infamous pop-punk anthems in movie history, forever linked to the 2004 cult classic *EuroTrip*. As of today, December 15, 2025, the song by the American band Lustra is still a staple for beginner and intermediate guitarists looking for a high-energy, three-chord masterpiece.

The track’s enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy, unapologetic chorus and its unforgettable scene featuring Matt Damon’s punk-rock cameo as Donny, the cheating lead singer. If you’re ready to master the simple yet powerful guitar tabs, from the intro riff to the main power chord progression, this comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to play the song that everyone—except Scotty Thomas—knows.

Lustra: The Band Behind the Anthem and Key Entities

While often mistaken for a fictional movie band, Lustra is a very real American pop-punk group. The song "Scotty Doesn't Know" was originally written and performed by them, and its inclusion in *EuroTrip* propelled it to international fame and even recent BPI certification for sales.

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Lustra Band Members & Key Entities:

• Chris Baird: Vocals, Guitar
• Nick Cloutman: Bass
• Jason Adams: Guitar
• Jon Baird: Former Drummer
• Gant Frink: Drummer (later lineup)
• Bruce Fulford: Former Member
• Travis Lee: Former Member
• Phil Matthews: Former Member
• Scotty Thomas: The unfortunate main character of *EuroTrip*.
• Fiona: Scotty's cheating girlfriend.
• Donny: The punk-rock singer, played by Matt Damon.
• Cooper Harris: Scotty's best friend.
• Jeff Schaffer: *EuroTrip* Director/Writer.
• Alec Berg: *EuroTrip* Writer.
• David Mandel: *EuroTrip* Writer.
• The Song's Core Theme: Fiona cheating on Scotty with Donny.
• Genre: Pop-Punk/Alternative Rock.

Mastering the Power Chords and Song Structure

The genius of "Scotty Doesn't Know" lies in its simplicity. It is an ideal song for guitarists learning to transition from open chords to the raw, driving sound of power chords. The entire song is played in the key of G Major and relies heavily on a three-chord progression for the verse and a four-chord progression for the chorus.

The Essential Power Chords (Standard Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E)

The song primarily uses the G5, A5, and C5 power chords, with a D5 or E5 variation for the chorus. Power chords are played on the lowest three strings (E, A, D) or (A, D, G).

• G5 Power Chord: 3-5-5-x-x-x (Root on Low E string, 3rd fret)
• A5 Power Chord: 5-7-7-x-x-x (Root on Low E string, 5th fret)
• C5 Power Chord: x-3-5-5-x-x (Root on A string, 3rd fret)
• D5 Power Chord: x-5-7-7-x-x (Root on A string, 5th fret)

The technique requires fast, down-up strumming and, crucially, heavy palm-muting during the verse to get that classic, tight pop-punk sound. Palm-muting (indicated as "P.M." in tabs) is essential for the rhythmic drive of the track.

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Main Chord Progression:

The song is structured clearly, making it easy to memorize once you master the power chord shapes:

Verse Progression (The Cheating Story):

The verse follows a simple and repetitive three-chord pattern:

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| G5 | A5 | C5 | C5 |

(Repeat this progression four times for each verse)

Chorus Progression (The Big Reveal):

The chorus opens up with a more melodic, four-chord sequence, often played without the heavy palm-muting for a fuller sound:

| G5 | A5 | C5 | D5 |

(Repeat this progression twice for the main chorus)

The Iconic Intro Riff: Tabs and Technique

The most recognizable part of the song is the fast, catchy intro riff. It’s a perfect example of a punk-rock lead line that’s played with aggressive alternate picking. To play this riff, you’ll be focusing on the D and G strings, primarily around the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets.

While full tablature can vary slightly across sources like Ultimate-Guitar, the core melodic line remains consistent. This is a simplified version of the main melody, focusing on the high-energy, palm-muted feel:

 E|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------| G|---------------------------------| D|--5-5-5-5-7-7-7-7-9-9-9-9-7-7-7-7| A|---------------------------------| E|---------------------------------|    P.M.----------------------------> 

Pro Tip for the Riff: The key to nailing this sound is to maintain a relentless, driving rhythm. Use a light palm-mute on the bridge of your guitar and use a very tight, fast alternate picking motion. The riff is played at a brisk tempo, so start slow and gradually increase your speed.

The EuroTrip Phenomenon and Matt Damon’s Role

The song’s power is inseparable from its context in the 2004 film *EuroTrip*. The movie, directed by Jeff Schaffer and co-written with Alec Berg and David Mandel, became a cult classic, and the song became its unofficial theme.

The scene where Scotty (Scott Mechlowicz) finally discovers the secret—that his girlfriend Fiona (Kristin Kreuk) has been cheating on him with Donny (Matt Damon)—is a legendary cinematic moment. The song, which details Fiona and Donny's illicit affair ("Do it in my van every Sunday"), is performed by Donny's band at a college party, with the entire crowd singing along.

Matt Damon’s appearance as the obnoxious, tattooed punk-rock singer Donny was a complete surprise to audiences. Damon was a college friend of the writers/directors, and his cameo was arranged after he was visiting Prague, where the film was shooting. He agreed to the role, learned the lyrics, and even shaved his head for the part, cementing his place in pop culture as the guy who sings the most famous cheating song of the 21st century.

Beyond the Tabs: Why the Song Endures

The longevity of "Scotty Doesn't Know" is more than just a passing movie soundtrack hit. Its simple, accessible pop-punk structure makes it a timeless piece of guitar music. For a generation of guitarists, it is one of the first songs they learn, mastering the essentials of power chords and a fast, driving rhythm. The song's subject matter—a scandalous secret revealed in the most public and humiliating way—gives it a unique, curious edge that keeps the track relevant in online discussions and tutorials even into 2025.

Whether you are learning the chords to play with friends or trying to master Donny's aggressive delivery, "Scotty Doesn't Know" is a perfect encapsulation of early 2000s punk energy. Grab your guitar, dial up the distortion, and join the millions who know the secret that poor Scotty still hasn't figured out.