Easy Country Songs Guitar Tutorial: A Beginner's Guide
Country music, with its storytelling lyrics, relaxed rhythms, and simple open chords, is an excellent genre for beginner guitarists. Many well-loved country songs can be played on acoustic guitar with just a few chords. If you've learned a few chords on guitar, you can play a ton of songs! This article will guide you through the basics of playing easy country songs on guitar, highlighting essential chords, strumming techniques, and song examples to get you started.
Why Country Music is Great for Beginners
Country music is beginner-friendly for several reasons:
- Simple Chords: Most easy country songs on guitar are written for or performed using standard-tuned acoustic guitars, which beginners often start with. If you look at the famous country music songs, you will realize that most of them are usually played in open chords like G, C, D, Em, Am or A7. That’s because these are part of the I-IV-V chord system, which is found in countless top country songs.
- Repetitive Chord Progressions: Country songs often loop the same chord progressions for every verse and chorus.
- Slow and Predictable Grooves: Most country songs have slow and predictable grooves, this makes strumming the guitar and understanding the time signature easier.
- Storytelling Lyrics: Since country music typically tells a story with a clear, singable tune, you can follow along emotionally even as you focus on playing chords.
So, now the next time you see something called “easy country songs to play on guitar”, you know exactly what makes it beginner-friendly.
Essential Country Chords
If you are a beginner guitarist, then country music can be your best friend. For beginners, you will be happy to know how easily songs like ‘Jolene’ or ‘Ring of Fire’ can be played with just 2 - 3 basic chords. If you are new to this genre, you’ll be happy to know that country songs are very easy to play.
Here are some essential chords to get you started:
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- G Major: A foundational chord in many country songs.
- C Major: Another common chord that pairs well with G and D.
- D Major: Often used in conjunction with G and C to create simple progressions.
- Em (E minor): Adds a touch of melancholy and depth to your playing.
- Am (A minor): Useful for songs with a more somber or reflective tone.
- A7 (A dominant 7th): Adds a bluesy feel to your country progressions. C7 is a staple in country music, adding a touch of the blues to your playing.
- E Major: Maybe the second most popular key for country and blues music. Complete the set with this E7 shape.
- F#m: F#m is a minor bar chord that’s crucial for songs in the key of A major.
These chords form the basis of the I-IV-V chord system, which is prevalent in countless top country songs.
Strumming Techniques
Country music offers musicians a wealth of guitar techniques to add to their arsenal. From the shuffling locomotive style of strumming, to bass note fingerpicking, these country guitar mainstays can be heard on songs by legends like Willie Nelson to newer artists like Jaime Wyatt. Mastering a few basic strumming techniques will significantly enhance your ability to play country songs:
- Alternate Strumming: This involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes.
- Bass Note Strum: This technique emphasizes the bass note on the downbeat, creating a rhythmic foundation.
- Shuffle-Style Strumming: Mimics the feel of a train, providing a driving rhythm. Merle Haggard serves up a honky-tonk feel on “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.” Play this song and pick up some country staples such as shuffle-style strumming and bass note eighth strumming laid down with some easy open chords: A, D, and E.
- Fingerpicking: Using your fingers to pluck individual strings or create arpeggios.
Easy Country Songs to Learn
Here’s a list of easy to learn country songs that any beginner can pick up:
Dolly Parton: “Jolene”
- "Jolene” is an impassioned plea from one woman to another, dealing with feelings of inadequacy, fear of losing a loved one, and a twinge of jealousy.
- An easy song for beginners to play, “Jolene” is made up of three easy country guitar chords (Am, C, and G) and centers around strumming at different speeds, using alternate strumming techniques for a sensitive, low-and-slow pace.
- One of the most-covered country songs of all time, singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt puts a modern, gritty twist on Dolly’s country classic.
Willie Nelson: “On the Road Again”
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- Anyone who knows anything about country music knows Willie Nelson’s “One the Road Again,” a tale of the road with fiery rhythm guitar strumming that gives the bouncy melody some urgency.
- A simplified melody riff starts you on the path to learning this country guitar standard, and get ready to pull out that bass note strum technique.
- This song can be played solo with the bass note, but “On the Road Again” is also a great song to be “makin’ music with my friends again,” dividing up the guitar parts between picking, bass notes, and strumming.
- Chords used: E F# G#7 B7 A
Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
- Hank Williams' single-note-picking technique helped define country guitar playing, and this No. 1 Billboard Hot Country single proves he knew his way around song structure as well.
- This simple progression backing a catchy melody makes this tune into a country favorite.
- You’ve got two easy guitar chords here! Basics needed: First time chords: G & C
Steven Goodwin: “City of New Orleans”
- When your song (produced by Kris Kristofferson no less!) is covered by legends like Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson, you know you penned a winner.
- Steve Goodman’s ‘70s country classic will help you lock down your bass note strumming techniques.
- Chords Used: Am D Em F
Dolly Parton: “I Will Always Love You”
- While most people associate “I Will Always Love You” with Whitney Houston in the film, The Bodyguard, Dolly Parton originally wrote and performed this song in another film, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
- Dolly’s version takes the tempo down and relies more on a troubled sweetness than vocal pyrotechnics.
- This acoustic country ballad features such techniques as a country-style walk down, as well as fingerpicking with a bass note strum.
- Hear Jaime Wyatt’s version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
- Chords Used: Am G C
John Denver: “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”
- Topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and Hot 100 in 1975, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is an anthem for hard-working, small-town folks everywhere and a tasty blend of folk and country guitar techniques.
- Learning this melodic riff along with bass note picking will give your country playing some spring in its step.
- Chords Used: D E A F# G
Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
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- Some call Carrie Underwood the new “Queen of Country,” and based on her spin on classic country songwriting, they may be right.
- “Blown Away” was her 13th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and also reached No. 20 on the Hot 100.
- With only one chord progression to master, you can make it through this Grammy-winning track.
- Chords Used: Am G C
Willie Nelson: “Whiskey River”
- Songs about pounding back hard liquor to drown your sorrows are just as much a part of country music as Willie Nelson is.
- On this classic country track, Willie switches time signatures throughout the song -- speeding up the pace before slowing things down and breathing new life into just four chords.
- The song also plays with such essential country guitar techniques as alternate strumming and string muting.
Dolly Parton: “Coat of Many Colors”
Dwight Yoakam: “Guitars, Cadillacs”
- From fingerpicking to that unmistakable, locomotive country strum sound, Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” packs in many classic country guitar techniques that call back to its earliest roots.
- Guitarist Eugene Edwards calls it’s intro “the history of country music all in one really catchy riff.”
- A study in different types of picking, “Guitars, Cadillacs” challenges beginner guitarists with 16th note picking and downpicking, as well as hammer ons.
- A fun song to play, it relies just as much on chords and rhythm as it does string-bending your way through some hearty country riffs.
- Techniques Used: Lead Guitar Hammer-Ons, String Bends
Buck Owens: “Together Again”
- This No. 1 Billboard Country charter came of one of Buck Owens’ strongest albums of the ‘60s.
- You’ll find out how to play the bass note strum - a country fundamental - with a straight-from-the-heart classic. Pick up your Telecaster and follow along.
- Chords used: C7 F G7 C
Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
- Bluesman Mississippi John Hurt's version of this classic gave blues and rock fans a lesson in songwriting and how to milk classic countrified chords.
- What’s more, it’s also been covered by Johnny Cash, Son House and even Elvis Presley.
- This song straddles folk, blues, and country and features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms.
- Techniques used: Syncopation, 8th Note Strum
Maren Morris: “My Church”
- A modern country song with a classic feel, “My Church” by Maren Morris takes a look at what it means to be human and how cranking music in your car can kick your soul into four-wheel drive.
- Three open major chords (A, D, and E) ring out loud and true.
- Different strum techniques add some spice to the tune, including alternate strumming, quarter note, and eighth note strumming.
- Chords used: D E A
Traditional: “Pay Me My Money Down”
- This traditional song was performed by the Weavers during their influential 1955 Carnegie Hall concerts and further popularized by the Kingston Trio in 1957, but Bruce Springsteen gave it new life when he included it on his 2006 folk album, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions.
- Its old-timey vibe helped familiarize younger generations with traditional country song structure and guitar work.
- Using one-finger chords, it will aid you in playing simplified chords and rhythm patterns.
- Chords used: C G
Jamie Wyatt “Just a Woman"
- Dubbed the new queen of outlaw country, Jaime Wyatt’s grit shines through in her songs. “Just a Woman.”
- Played with a capo on the first fret, listen as Wyatt shifts through chord changes and uses the classic bass-note strum technique and percussive strumming to bring a vintage country feel to the new breed of outlaw musicians.
Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
- Telecaster master Brad Paisley has helped define the modern country sound, and this easy-to-learn smash hit shows why.
- This easygoing song - that was his first No. E, A and B7 chords
Merle Haggard: "The Fightin' Side of Me”
Willie Nelson: “Mammas Don't Let Your Babies”
- A cautionary tale to mothers everywhere, the godfather of outlaw country, Willie Nelson, tells them not to let their kids grow up to be cowboys.
- The ambling fingerpicking style of the song calls out to the ramblin’ nature of the cowboy lifestyle, while the bass note strum technique gives the song a low-down, dirty feel.
Merle Haggard: "I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink”
- Another outlaw country pioneer, Merle Haggard serves up a honky-tonk feel on “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.”
- Play this song and pick up some country staples such as shuffle-style strumming and bass note eighth strumming laid down with some easy open chords: A, D, and E.
- The original makes use of piano and saxophone, but guitarists Eugene Edwards and Chris Masterson switched things up, playing some licks from the song alongside bass note strumming.
Additional Tips for Beginners
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar skills.
- Use a Metronome: This will help you develop your timing and rhythm.
- Start Slow: Begin by playing songs at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Break Down Songs: Divide songs into smaller sections (e.g., 4-bar loops) to focus on specific chord changes or strumming patterns.
- Listen to Country Music: Familiarize yourself with the genre by listening to a variety of country artists and songs.
- Take Lessons: Consider taking online guitar lessons for learners.
- Sing Along: Singing while you play will help you internalize the rhythm and melody of the song.
Examples of Songs and Skills
- This is an excellent song for practicing control and ear timing. The song combines three open chords and a sensitive, slow strumming pattern. It helps beginners develop a smooth switching rhythm and explore dynamics.
- This is an ideal song to improve your time reliability. This song’s built on a steady, circular rhythm and 3 major chords. To ensure consistent down-strums, the song features a marching snare-style beat.
- This is one of the easiest acoustic guitar country songs for beginners. The song utilises only four open chords, allowing you to practice chord changes frequently. The best part is its lyric-friendly pace, which will enable you to strum, sing, and maintain chord timing throughout the verse and chorus.
- This famous ballad by Kenny Rogers has 3 chords and mirror-like verses. This makes it easy to anticipate the chord changes that follow.
- As a beginner, if you want to know more about timing, this song should be on your list. It features an upbeat waltz (3/4) rhythm, accompanied by alternate bass and chord strumming patterns.
- For those looking for consistency and settling into a groove, this is an ideal song. It features a repetitive mid-tempo duet, a feel-good chorus, and a slow chord progression.
- This is a classic country-rock song by the legendary Eagles. The song is played using three chords with a down-up strumming pattern. The repetitive chorus reinforces grip and chord shape memory. A steady tempo and melodic lines across the verses help beginners hear where chord changes occur.
- Another classic by the legendary Eric Clapton, this is an easy and rhythmic country-rock song that teaches chord form changes mid-song. To play this song, use the down-down-up/down-up (swing/shuffle) strum pattern to feel the groove.
- A slow, swamp-pop ballad with simple chord flow and lyrical delivery, this song invites you to focus on timing and feel. Practice each chord change slowly while singing lightly.
- Cheerful, Cajun-flavored, and rhythmically repetitive, this song helps with quick chord shifts and down‑up strumming. There are three chords in this song. Practice switching between these three chords while singing the lyrics.
Note: All descriptions assume standard tuning (EADGBE), an acoustic or budget electric guitar, and beginner finger positions.
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