15 Best Classic Country Songs to Learn on Guitar
Country music has become a staple of the American musical diet. The genre draws inspiration from different music styles, including folk, rock, soul, and blues, but it has a distinct and memorable style. One of its best traits is that it offers a wide range of great tunes for budding guitarists to learn.
If you're picking up the guitar and want to expand your skills, there are hundreds of classic country songs to learn and love. Here are 15 iconic tunes we recommend starting with.
"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash
This quintessential track exemplifies the essence of early country and rockabilly sounds. The song's driving force is its distinctive "boom-chick" rhythm, which involves an interplay of bass notes and sharp strums, mirroring the sound of a train chugging along the tracks.
The chords might be straightforward, but the magic lies in capturing the spirited performance style that made Johnny Cash a legend.
"Jolene" by Dolly Parton
One of the most recognized classic country songs, "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, is an excellent example of using catchy lyrics and masterful guitar playing to create a story. The song seems simple enough, but guitarists must display a delicate fingerpicking pattern that weaves through the chords to produce the full effect of the music.
"Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash does it again with "Ring of Fire." This classic tune stands out for its unique blend of country roots with mariachi influences, notably through its bold brass horn section. The challenge in playing "Ring of Fire" is capturing the driving rhythm, propelling the song forward. Incorporating techniques like palm muting can accentuate the rhythmic urgency.
"Crazy" by Patsy Cline
"Crazy" by Patsy Cline presents another rewarding challenge for guitarists. Its nuanced chord progressions, reminiscent of jazz, require finesse and precision in transitions and expression.
"I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
There are some classic country songs that nearly everyone knows, and "I Walk the Line" is one of them. Johnny Cash is a master at capturing an audience's heart, using a memorable bass line in this song. Guitarists must smoothly alternate between playing bass notes and chords, presenting a fun challenge for developing guitarists.
"Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn
"Coal Miner's Daughter" is Loretta Lynn's classic tale of growing up in coal country. The chords are straightforward, making it accessible to players of all levels. Its distinctive country shuffle rhythm adds a lively, bouncing quality to the music.
"On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson
If you're looking for a song to celebrate the good parts of life, this is it. "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson is the quintessential road trip anthem, highlighting the freedom and joy of touring life. The open chords and relaxed strumming pattern are crucial to capturing the song's laid-back feel, inviting listeners to join in on the journey.
"Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette
This classic country song by Tammy Wynette has become a natural sing-along for many people, making it worth knowing how to play this tune on guitar. The chords are simple but can deliver the emotional depth of this song.
"Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson
There is a reason why Willie Nelson is so iconic. This song's beauty lies in its minimalist approach, allowing the chords and lyrics to speak directly to the heart. When playing "Always on My Mind," aim for a soft, reflective strumming pattern that complements the introspective nature of the lyrics.
"Hey Good Lookin'" by Hank Williams
Looking for classic country songs that show off the playful side of the genre? Try Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'." It's lively and fun, with an old-timey, flirtatious feel. The song's upbeat tempo and rockabilly rhythm are infectious, requiring a blend of precision and spirited energy to execute correctly. The driving bass notes and brisk strumming pattern are crucial for bringing out the song's charm.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones
Tales of heartbreak are much-loved in country music, and George Jones's song is one of the greatest. The musical arrangement mirrors the complexity of the song's emotions, featuring sophisticated chord changes that challenge the guitarist to navigate through its tender moments and dramatic crescendos. This song is not just about technical proficiency; it's about conveying the profound, bittersweet ache in the lyrics, making it a deeply moving piece to play and listen to.
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
Some of the best classic country songs have become beloved anthems over time, and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by the legendary John Denver is no exception. This is a great tune to pull out at gatherings or gigs, as it almost always ends up as a sing-along.
Most beginners can handle the straightforward chord progression, but the song has room for more experienced players to challenge themselves. Matching Denver's bright, uplifting strumming pattern and incorporating more advanced techniques like light hammer-ons can add texture and depth, enhancing the song's polished feel.
"Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams
This timeless classic delves into the pain and sorrow of betrayal, underscored by Williams' signature blend of country and blues. This song allows guitarists to explore a range of techniques, transitioning from a shuffling rhythm that captures a restless, wandering heart to a waltz-like chorus that emphasizes the melancholic yearning of the lyrics. Incorporating bluesy elements like mournful bends and expressive vibrato can bring out the song's raw emotional intensity.
"Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell
Guitarists ready for something more challenging should try "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell to test their skills. The intricate guitar work uses suspended chords to capture the song's ethereal, introspective atmosphere.
For those looking to embrace the challenge entirely, mastering the signature guitar fills pays homage to Campbell's virtuosity and enriches the song's haunting beauty.
"Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks
The kind of tune that can immediately lift spirits, "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks celebrates camaraderie in a simple and feel-good way. With its straightforward chord progression, the song is deceptively simple to play. More advanced players can focus on mastering the unique strumming style.
With thousands of other great songs to explore, this list is just a starting place for guitarists who want to learn the iconic elements of country music. Each of these classic country songs offers a different challenge and opportunity, and they can also lead you to other songs to add to your repertoire.
Mastering Country Guitar
With a few promising songs bookmarked in your toolbox, it's time to dive into playing. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right beat that can help you get a better feel for country guitar playing.
Tackle the Basics First
Most beginners can feel frustrated in the first stages of learning. However, it's to your advantage to master the simple elements of a song one piece at a time. Before diving into complex techniques or singing along as you play, grasp basic chords and strumming patterns. Listen to the recording enough to know the sound and patterns you are going for – and then practice, practice, practice.
Learn the Nashville Number System
While many players enjoy learning how to read standard notation sheet music and guitar tabs, learning the Nashville Number System can also be helpful. (And no, we're not talking about math.) This system is a simple method of transcribing music using chord numbers based on scale degree rather than chord names. It's widely used in country music and can help you quickly learn and adapt songs during jam sessions with other players.
Incorporate Hybrid Picking
Country music offers many opportunities for exploring techniques. For example, the hybrid picking technique involves using a pick and fingers simultaneously with the right hand. This allows for more intricate bass lines and melodies and is a staple in country guitar playing (think: "boom-chick" rhythm).
Experiment with Chicken Pickin'
Chicken pickin' is another cool technique where the guitarist plucks the strings with a combination of picking and finger flicking, producing a sharp, percussive sound. It's trendy in country and rockabilly genres and adds texture to your playing.
Bring in the Bass Line
In country music, the bass line often carries the rhythm and can add depth to your playing. Practice alternating bass lines with your thumb while strumming or picking melodies with your fingers. Find connecting notes between chords to thread the song together.
Play With Feeling
Country music is all about storytelling and emotion. Whether it's a ballad or an upbeat track, conveying the song's emotional depth is crucial. Once you get the chords comfortably under your fingers, start paying attention to dynamics and phrasing—experiment with singing along and adding expression to your playing.
Listen and Learn from the Masters
One of the best ways to learn? Do a lot of listening. Immerse yourself in the work of great country guitarists like Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Brad Paisley, and others. This will introduce you to many different techniques and ideas, helping you craft a diverse range of skills.
Try Out Slide Guitar
Slide guitar is a hallmark of country and blues music. Practicing with a slide can help you achieve the soulful, gliding notes that are iconic to the genre. It's an excellent way to vary your playing by alternating between slide and acoustic.
Incorporating these tips into your practice routine can allow you to grow as a guitarist and expand your skills as an artist. To get the most out of these tools, make it a practice to work on your music regularly. Set some goals for yourself, and continue working until you meet them.
Play Classic Country Songs on Guitar Today
The guitar is one of the easiest ways to explore the world of country music. So many classic country songs are driven by a great guitar line, and a skilled player can use the instrument to draw people into the story that the song is telling.
Improving your country guitar skills starts with finding a portfolio of fantastic songs to practice. Then, it's time to put in the work to develop your playing techniques. Get all the sheet music you need to start playing at Musicnotes.
Sources:
- https://www.guitarhabits.com/50-of-the-best-country-guitar-songs-of-all-time/
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-country-songs-of-all-time-11200/
- https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/08/25/best-country-music-songs-all-time/1760586001/
- https://music.si.edu/story/early-southern-guitar-sounds-brief-history-guitar-and-its-travel-south
- https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1199&context=jmtp
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=50658