45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (2023)

Looking for country songs for beginners to play on guitar? This is Katy, guitar teacher from TexasZakaria A. shares some of his favorite classic country songs that are easy to learn and fun to play...

Whether you're a country music fan or not, there's no denying the guitar's appeal when playing traditional country tunes. In this blog post, we list the bestCountry songs for guitar.

Country music has changed a lot over the decades, but classic country songs from the 1950s and 1960s still highlight the country music genre. The music of Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, Carl Perkins and Waylon Jennings was revolutionary. Each of these artists had a major influence on the genre, paving the way for new country artists.

Country songs are usually quite simple, making them easy to play if you want to.learn to play guitar. Most songs consist of three or four basic chords and use the I-IV-I-V blues chord progression. Country songs are perfect for playing around the campfire and singing along with friends. Classic country songs have simple rhythms, but they are powerful and timeless songs that resonate with the listener. Country songs are heartfelt and soulful, perfect to play or listen to when you are sad or depressed.

If you want to learn somethingnew songsOr just enjoy listening to good music. You are sure to find something to your liking here! So, without further ado, let's get started with our list of some of them.Easy country music for guitar beginnersOptions!

What is the easiest country song to play on guitar?

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (1)

Did you know there are many?classic country songsAre they perfect for playing the guitar? Some of our favoritescountry songs for guitarThey are:

  • Hey, You Look Great - Hank Williams
  • Honky Tonk Blues - Hank Williams
  • Your Cheating Heart - Hank Williams
  • Blue eyes cry in the rain - Willie Nelson
  • Moms Don't Let Their Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys - Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
  • Mama Tried - Merle Haggard

Not sure if you have what it takes to master this one.country songs for guitarinstead of? No problem -take guitar lessonscan help. You'll learn everything you need to know, from chords to singing. Watch an example lesson in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enDlmgQHMKA

The 6 best country songs for guitar

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (2)

Here are six easy country songs to play on guitar.

(Video) Learn These FUN Country Songs Using Just 4 Chords - Beginner Guitar

1. "Hey, you look great"

Von Hank Williams Sr.

Oflieduses G7, C, C7, F and D7. The song uses some basic chord progressions, I-II-V and I-IV-IV, all in the key of G major.

2. "Honky Tonk-blues"

Von Hank Williams Sr.


This is another great song that is very quick to learn. It is in the key of C major and uses the basic blues chord progression I-IV-I-V-I. OchordsC, F and G are used in the song. This song is possibly one of the easiest songs to learn and play because it's just a simple chord progression.

3. "Your deceitful heart"

Von Hank Williams Sr.

Oflieduses some basic chord progressions that are put together as the song progresses. These are V-I and I-IV-V-I, repeated in V-I-I-IV-V-I order. They use the G7, C, C7, F and D7 chords and play the song in the key of G major.

4. "Blue Eyes Cry in the Rain"

porta willy nelson

(Video) 40 Easy Country Songs On Guitar For Beginners

Play this simple and timelessclassicin the key of E major. The song uses the G#, F#, E, Esus, B7, and A chords. The song mainly consists of two different chord progressions: IV-I-V-I-VI, which repeats and ends the second chord progression on IV, and III-II - I i i.

5. "Mothers Don't Let Their Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"

Performed by Waylong Jennings and Willie Nelson

This song was first sung by Ed Bruce and made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. The song actually consists of two simple chord progressions I-IV-V and II-V-IV. The song is in the key of D major. You use the chords D, G and A E, Bplay this music.

6. "Mother Tried"

Von Merle Haggard

To complete this list of epic classic country songs, I'd like to add my favorite country song of all time: "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard. The song is in the key of D major and primarily uses the I-IV-IV chord progression. You use the D, G and A chords to playlied.

All these legendary country songs provide a foundation to help you create and write your own music. So whether you're looking to write a country hit or record a number one song, these songs are a great place to start!

(Video) 10 Easy Songs 3 Easy Chords G C D

Country Songs Easy to Play Guitar for Beginners: Songs for Guitar

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (3)

looking for moresimple countryguitar songs? Here is a more detailed list:

  • A Boy Called Sue by Johnny Cash
  • Achy, Breaky Heart de Billy Ray Cyrus
  • Trading in Buck Owens, of course
  • "Boys' Round Here" de Blake Shelton
  • City of New Orleans by Steven Goodwin
  • Jacket in various colors by Dolly Parton
  • Country Girl (agite para mim) de Luke Bryan
  • shout! shout! shout! by Johnny Cash
  • The Step of Marty Robbins
  • HankWilliams Jr. family tradition
  • Friends in the Low Towns by Garth Brooks
  • Opa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Day) de The Judds
  • Guitars, Cadillacs by Dwight Yoakam
  • It didn't have to be Brad Paisley
  • "I Think I'll Stay Here and Drink" by Merle Haggard
  • "I Walk the Line" de Johnny Cash
  • I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton
  • "I'm Gonna Be Somebody" by Travis Tritt
  • "I'm So Lonely I Could Cry" by Hank Williams
  • It's Your Love de Tim McGraw em Faith Hill
  • Jambalaya de Hank Williams
  • Jolene van Dolly Parton
  • The King of the Road by Roger Miller
  • More of You by Chris Stapleton
  • George Strait waterfront property
  • Okie von Muskogee von Merle Haggard
  • On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
  • Johnny Cash's Circle of Fire
  • Rocky Top van Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
  • Sixteen tons of Merle Travis
  • Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter
  • Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver
  • Thank God I'm a John Denver Country Boy
  • My Fighting Side by Merle Haggard
  • Kenny Rogers player
  • Together Again by Buck Owens
  • Wagenrad von Old Crow Medicine Show
  • Waiting for you von Lindsay Ell
  • Whiskey River de Willie Nelson

How to play country music on guitar

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (4)

I wonderHow to Play Country Songs on Guitar for Beginners? Here are some tips.

Country songs often have a simple, catchy melody that is easy to play on guitar. The most important thing to remember when playing a country song on guitar is to keep the rhythm consistent.

Many country songs use a4/4-bar, which means that a measure is four beats and each quarter note is one beat. The key to playing a country song on guitar is finding the right balance between lead guitar and rhythm guitar.

The lead guitar should provide the melody, while the rhythm guitar should provide the steady pulse.

Also, it's important to add some embellishments like slides and vibrato to give the song its unique country sound. With practice, you can play any country song on the guitar.

What are the 3 chords of country music?

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (5)

Country music is often known for its simple chord progressions. Many popular country songs can even be played with just three chords.

Most used chords inCountry musicare the I, IV and V chords based on the major scale.

These chords are usually played in an I-IV-V-I progression, giving the song a sense of determination.

(Video) 45 (Shinedown) Easy Guitar Strum Licks How to Play 45 Tutorial

Also, IV and V chords often have a personal quality that helps convey emotions like longing and sadness.

Therefore, these chords are often used in ballads and slow songs. While three chords may seem limiting, they can actually provide a wide range of emotions and textures that can be used to create a beautiful, soulful country song.

What is the easiest country song to learn on guitar?

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists (6)

if you are abeginner guitaristIf you're looking for easy country music to play, you've come to the right place. We share with you some of the easiest country songs to learn to play on guitar. Each of these songs uses simple chords and hits, perfect for beginners.

Best of all, they're all well-known songs that are guaranteed to get your ticking.

Can't get enough of country music? Here are some more great onescountry songsfor guitarists.

Looking for a good guitar teacher near you? To search forHerefor guitar teachers near you!

Zachary A. is a Katy, TX-based guitar teacher specializing in beginner and intermediate levels. He is currently earning acertificate formusic theory.Read more about Zachary here!

(Video) Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs EVERYONE Should Know How to Play!

FAQs

45 Easy-to-Learn Classic Country Songs for Guitarists? ›

Dolly Parton: “Jolene”

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.

What's the easiest country song to play on the guitar? ›

Dolly Parton: “Jolene”

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.

What country songs should I learn on the guitar? ›

Some of our favorite country songs for guitar are:
  • Hey Good Lookin – Hank Williams.
  • Honky Tonk Blues – Hank Williams.
  • Your Cheatin' Heart – Hank Williams.
  • Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain – Willie Nelson.
  • Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
  • Mama Tried – Merle Haggard.
Jun 14, 2022

What are the 3 guitar chords in country music? ›

The most common chords we'll be using in country music are the I, IV and V chords, which are all major chords, which are all major chords. It's not uncommon to throw in a minor VI chord for some texture or even to change the dynamic of a section.

What are the 3 most used guitar chords? ›

G, C and D are some of the most commonly used chords in popular music and are used in literally thousands of songs (we'll list some of the most well-known later).

What are the most used guitar chords in country music? ›

I, IV, V (C,F,G)

These chords are heavily used in country music. A majority of mainstream country songs will use this chord progression, whether for the verse, chorus, or bridge of their hit songs.

Who is considered the best guitar player in country music? ›

Not only is Chet Atkins considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, but it could also be argued that he is the best country guitar player of all time as well.

What is the most famous guitar in country music? ›

The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic guitars across genres but is well known for creating that signature country music sound.

What easy songs does Garth Brooks play on guitar? ›

Titles include: Cowboy Bill * The Dance * Friends in Low Places * Papa Loved Mama * Rodeo * The Thunder Rolls * Unanswered Prayers * In Lonesome Dove * Mr.

What is the 3 chord trick? ›

The three-chord trick refers to an idea in music theory where a song, phrase, or musical idea is most likely to be based on the tonic, sub-dominant, and dominant chords (I-IV-V) of the major scale. These three chords can either work as the structural basis for a song or as an accompanying melody.

What key is most common for country music? ›

What key are most country songs written in? Most country songs are written in major keys like C G F Major using I IV V progressions or variations of it.

What is a cowboy chord? ›

In other words, a cowboy chord is an open chord. This means that you don't press down the other strings but allow them to ring open instead. You might see why this makes cowboy chords easy to learn and play. Remember not to get fooled by the simplicity of these chords.

What is the easiest guitar chord ever? ›

The easiest guitar chords for beginners are the Em, C, G and D chord.

What is the hardest thing to play on guitar? ›

Many consider Recuerdos to be the hardest piece ever written for the guitar. It contains an almost continuous tremolo, a technique that requires a guitarist to repeatedly and rapidly pluck the same note.

What is the hardest guitar chord to learn? ›

The six-string F chord is one of the hardest standard chord shape to play on the guitar. When many people try to play the F chord on guitar (and often succeed), it's with far too much struggle and effort than is actually necessary. Even extremely influential guitarists can have a hard time with barre chords.

What should I learn first in guitar? ›

The First Things to Learn on Guitar
  • Open strings / tuning. Just a note before we get properly into it. ...
  • Basic Chords. A chord is the generalized term for anything comprising two notes or more. ...
  • Basic Melodies / Riffs. ...
  • Basic Scales.
Mar 4, 2020

What is the most famous guitar chord? ›

C major. This is arguably the most common chord of all-time. This is the C major chord, or the C chord. It consists of the C, E and G notes from the C major scale.

What is the most recognizable chord? ›

1. C - G - Am - F (I - V -vi - IV) This just might be the most popular chord progression in Western popular music.

What is the most common country guitar tuning? ›

Nashville tuning is a popular guitar tuning that is used by many country and pop musicians. It is a variation of standard tuning, with the addition of the high E string being tuned to the same pitch as the B string. This gives the guitar a brighter, more twangy sound that is perfect for country and pop music.

What are the famous 4 chords? ›

The famous four chords used in many pop song progressions are the I, V, vi and IV chords of a major key. The roman numerals represent the numbers of the major scale we begin a chord from (1, 5, 6, 4) so in C major this would be C, G, Amin, F or in G major it would be G, D, Emin, C.

Who is the most technically skilled guitarist? ›

Alan Holdsworth

Perhaps the most technically proficient guitar player ever. Alan Holdsworth had an advanced understanding of music, theory, chords, and scales.

Who is the fastest country guitarist? ›

Jimmy Bryant - The Fastest Guitar in the Country LP.

Who is the best guitar player to ever exist? ›

Top 10 Best Guitarists of All Time
RankGuitaristTop Strength
1Jimi HendrixInventing New Techniques
2Jimmy PageVersatility and Innovative Use of Guitar Effects
3Eric ClaptonIndisputable Mass Appeal
4Guthrie GovanAll-Around Technical Virtuoso
6 more rows
Apr 13, 2023

What is the coolest country guitar? ›

Best Guitars For Country Music – Get That Signature Country Sound
  • Editor's Choice: Gibson Acoustic J-45. ...
  • Deep Base: Martin HD-28. ...
  • Value For The Money: Taylor 224ce-K DLX. ...
  • Budget-Friendly: Yamaha FS800. ...
  • Onboard Electronics: Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat. ...
  • Great For Looks And Sound: Washburn Bella Tono.
Mar 14, 2023

Who is the king of guitar in the world? ›

Jimi Hendrix: King Of The Electric Guitar : NPR.

What state is known for guitar? ›

The guitar was adopted as the Texas state musical instrument on June 19, 1997. It is said the guitar originated from Spain although the looks and string configuration would have been different from today's modern versions.

What is the easiest Jimmy Buffett song to play on guitar? ›

Jimmy Buffett's “Come Monday” is an easy song for even beginners to play. The song is made up of simple progression made up of the G, D, and C chords. Alternate strumming patterns gives this song its wistful-yet-optimistic laid back feel.

What song has the greatest guitar solo? ›

The 75 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time:
  • 7) Van Halen – 'Eruption' (1978) ...
  • 6) Guns N' Roses – 'November Rain' (1991) ...
  • 5) Eagles – 'Hotel California' (1976) ...
  • 4) Led Zeppelin – 'Stairway To Heaven' (1971) ...
  • 3) Alter Bridge – 'Blackbird' (2007) ...
  • 2) Lynyrd Skynyrd - 'Free Bird' (1973) ...
  • 1) Pink Floyd – 'Comfortably Numb' (1979)
Aug 29, 2022

What is the easiest rock song to learn on the guitar for a beginner? ›

Sunshine of your love – Cream

The riff to this song is the first thing that a lot of people learn on guitar. The good news is that there's not a lot more to this song. The riff changes up a little bit, and then there's a really easy power chord riff in the chorus.

What is the secret chord? ›

The 'secret chord' is a biblical reference. David was a King from the Hebrew bible, and although we all mostly remember him for being the underdog who defeated Goliath, he was, first and foremost, a musician. So we know David played a 'secret chord', whatever that may be.

What is the mystery chord? ›

In music, the mystic chord or Prometheus chord is a six-note synthetic chord and its associated scale, or pitch collection; which loosely serves as the harmonic and melodic basis for some of the later pieces by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin.

What is the Devil's music chord? ›

In music a tritone consists of two notes that are three whole steps apart, such as “C” to “F#.” Not found in either the major or minor scales, and due to its discordant sound, it has been called “the Devil's Chord.”

What scales do country guitarists use? ›

Despite the melodic complexity of their solos, country guitarists mostly rely on a few choice scales: major pentatonic, the blues scale, and the composite blues scale. The most prevalent of the three scales, major pentatonic, is a five-note scale (1–2–3–5–6) derived from the major scale (1–2–3–4–5–6–7).

What is a good country key? ›

The most useful and common harmonica keys for Country-Music are a harmonica in C, D, G, A, then F and Bb.

What time signature is most country music in? ›

Common Time: 4/4 Time Signature

The most common time signature in country, bluegrass, and most genres of music is 4/4 time. Often times, people refer to 4/4 time as “common time” and replace the two stacked numbers of the time signature with the letter C.

What does the 7 stand for in guitar chords? ›

The 7 is adding the flat seventh degree of the major scale. It might make more sense to you if you've already ventured into a bit of musical theory. An easier way to think of it is that the 7 adds a note that is one tone lower than the root note for an octave higher.

What key is a guitar in? ›

With that said, every single guitar string is tuned to a note that belongs to the Key of C, which has no sharps or flats. In other words, one could argue the guitar, when tuned to standard tuning, is in the Key of C Major, more specifically, in E Phrygian mode, the third mode of the C Major scale.

What is the cowboy guitar called? ›

Lap steel guitar
Fender Champion electric lap steel guitar
String instrument
Other namesHawaiian guitar, lap steel, console steel, kīkākila, Dobro
ClassificationString instrument, finger picked
Hornbostel–Sachs classification(Composite chordophone)
4 more rows

Is there a song with only one chord? ›

Bob Marley & The Wailers' 'Get Up, Stand Up' never deviates from its single chord.

What are the 4 basic chords for every song? ›

The 'four chord song' has been around since Pachelbel's Canon around the turn of the 18th century. These four chords are the magic I, IV, V and vi.

What 4 chords make up most songs? ›

I, IV, V, and vi are the most common harmonies in pop music, and they can be arranged into several schemas , each with a distinct sound.

What are the first two chords to learn on guitar? ›

The first chords to learn on guitar are Em, C, G, and D. Let's get started in “first position” or “open chords.” These chords are played close to the nut and utilize a number of open strings. The next chord you should learn is C, or C major. For this chord, you only need to strum the top five, highest-sounding strings.

What are the first three chords to learn on the guitar? ›

Basic guitar chords are chords such as C, F and D. These are the chords you should be taught first. The finger placement is fairly easy and straightforward. They are all played at the very first fret of the guitar.

What order should you learn guitar chords? ›

The 7 essential most used beginner chords ALL guitar players should learn first are E major, E minor, A major, A minor, D major, C major and G major.

What is the most annoying chord on guitar? ›

The term dissonant here is used to describe the unpleasantness of the 7-chord and describing the 7-chord as the most dissonant chord in the major key means that the 7-chord is the most unpleasant chord in the major key.

Are guitar harder than piano? ›

Overall, the guitar is easier to learn than the piano. If you consider the layout, learning songs, the ability to self-teach and a few other things, it is an easier instrument. However, it's the easiest on average for everyone. This means for people of all ages.

What are the basic country song chords? ›

The 12 country guitar chords you'll want to focus on at first include the following: C, D, E, F, G, A, A7, B7, C7, D7, E7, and G7.

What is the simplest chord in Western music? ›

The most common chord in Western music is a triad, which has three notes built on alternate pitches of a scale. Most Western music is based on major or minor scales, from which melody and harmony are derived.

What is considered the hardest guitar song to play? ›

Most difficult guitar songs of all time
  • Head in the Clouds by Maria Linnemann.
  • Danse rythmique by Ida Presti.
  • 'Symphony of Destruction' by Megadeth.
  • Folios by Tōru Takemitsu.
  • 'Freebird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
  • Gris y mar by María Luisa Anido.
  • 'The Animal' by Steve Vai.
  • Sonata Giocosa by Joaquín Rodrigo.
Dec 21, 2021

What are the 4 common song chords? ›

I, IV, V, and vi are the most common harmonies in pop music, and they can be arranged into several schemas , each with a distinct sound. Each schema can have variations, such as chord substitution or rotation , while still remaining recognizable as that schema.

What song has 4 basic chords? ›

Stand By Me – Ben King. As one of the most famous and romantic songs ever written, Stand By Me by Ben King was released in 1961. With its beautiful melody and lyrics known by everybody, it is a perfect song to learn and play for any audience. The song consists of four basic chords; G, Em, C, and D.

What is the first thing a beginner guitarist should learn? ›

Playing open chords

Open chords are one of the first skills a beginner guitarist will learn. Master just three, and you can play a whole host of popular songs. Aside from attending guitar lessons, following a chord chart is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the basics.

How many songs should a beginner guitarist know? ›

But the question, “How many songs should a beginner guitarist know?” is playing on your mind like a broken record. To put it simply, the number varies for everyone, but having a solid repertoire of 10-15 songs is a good starting point.

What are 3 instruments that can't play chords? ›

Most instruments (e.g., saxophone, trumpet, trombone, human voice) can only play one note at a time and, therefore, can't play chords; these are referred to as single-note instruments.

What is the hardest guitar chord ever? ›

The six-string F chord is one of the hardest standard chord shape to play on the guitar. When many people try to play the F chord on guitar (and often succeed), it's with far too much struggle and effort than is actually necessary. Even extremely influential guitarists can have a hard time with barre chords.

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