For all the country fans out there, strap on your boots, grab your cowboy hat and start strumming to these easy country songs on guitar.
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If you’re just starting to play the guitar, learning how to play a song is definitely one of the most rewarding results of your efforts. Well, don’t fret, as some of the most popular country songs prove that you don’t need complicated fingerpicking for a momentous performance. A lot of hits are actually easy to learn, and most are using basic guitar chords.
Top Easy Beginner Guitar Country Songs
We’ve gathered some of the easiest tracks for you – from pop-country superstar Carrie Underwood to country legend Johnny Cash. Make sure to pick the one you can learn today!
1. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Guitar Chords: G, D, Em, C
Take Me Home, Country Roads is a nostalgic song that will take you on a trip through the mountains of West Virginia is such an easy song to play. All it takes is moving your first two fingers whenever you’re switching between its chords.
However, its strumming has a subtler distinction or variation. You will have to strum harder on some beats compared to others, but that’s what gives this song its touching tone.
2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Guitar Chords: Am, C, and G
Dolly Parton’s ardent appeal from one woman to another, a twinge of jealousy, and the fear of losing the man she loves is another easy song you can learn. With just three easy guitar chords, you can focus more on learning to strum at different speeds, using different strumming techniques.
But the good thing about “Jolene” is that even if you slow it down, it will still sound great.
3. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Guitar Chords: C, E, Dm, F, G
If you want to set your inner country outlaw spirit free, Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” is definitely a good start. Though it’s a bit challenging for beginners since it has five chords, it does not have a rapid shift between them, and the strum pattern is pretty simple too.
4. “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams
Guitar Chords: C, G
Written and recorded by country legend Hank Williams in 1952, “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” has produced countless cover versions and has since attained popularity in various music genres.
With such success and great melody, it’s pretty hard to believe that the chords for it are just C and G, and its strumming is pretty basic for you to master quickly.
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5. “Okie from Muskogee” By Merle Haggard
Guitar Chords: A, D
What’s a better way of kicking off your journey of learning the guitar by playing one of the most successful country hits of all time? Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” is absolutely the best track for beginning guitarists since it only has a pair of chords and a simple fingerpicking style. Meanwhile, its beautiful melody and lyrical story will have you all pumped up.
6. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
Guitar Chords: A, Bm
Originally recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981, the song has since been covered by several artists, with Chris Stapleton’s version in 2015 being the most popular cover to date. Stapleton added bits of rock and soul into the original version, making it more alluring to contemporary listeners.
Pretty sure you’ll enjoy learning this country song’s opening basslines.
7. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
Guitar Chords: D, C, G
This 1963 classic is another song with just three chords! However, it’s important that you have great finger coordination to hit the right string.
8. “Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter
Guitar Chords: C, F, G, Am
“Strawberry Wine” is definitely one of the best ‘90s country songs – it’s a modern song, yet it did not drift away from classic country style. Then it has the perfect formula that makes a country song great: simple tune and nostalgic lyrics.
But the best part is that it has the basic guitar chords, and the strumming isn’t too complicated, making it an easy song to learn.
9. “Blown Away” by Carrie Underwood
Guitar Chords: Am, G, C
Though the reigning country queen added some modern rock elements into this country song, that doesn’t mean you can no longer learn it rather easily. This is a three-chord country song for guitar as it only works on Am, G, and C for its entirety.
10. “When You Say Nothing at All” by Keith Whitley
Guitar Chords: G, D, C
In addition to being a chart-topping country song, “When You Say Nothing at All” also happens to be an excellent pick for beginner guitarists. The chords’ sequence is pretty simple, while the strumming pattern isn’t complicated at all. Of course, it has a catchy tune that makes it very fun to play.
Other easy country songs on guitar that you should try:
- “Whiskey River” by Willie Nelson
- “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
- “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
- “A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash
- “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Denver
- “Country Girl” by Luke Bryan
- “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
- “Together Again” by Buck Owens
- “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
- “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt
- “Sixteen Tons” by Merle Travis
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
- “Achy, Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
- “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw
- “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
With these easy country songs on guitar, unleashing your inner country music superstar will surely be a breeze!
