Looking for easy country songs to play on guitar? Check out our list of beginner-friendly country music classics and popular country songs for beginner guitarists. Learn simple strumming patterns and chord progressions to build your skills and confidence as a musician. Start playing your favorite country tunes today!
What Makes Country Music Unique?
Country music is a genre that is defined by several distinct characteristics. Here are five defining key features that are commonly associated with country music:
- Storytelling – Country music is known for its ability to tell stories through song. The lyrics often revolve around everyday life experiences, such as love, loss, and the struggles of rural living.
- Acoustic instruments – Acoustic instruments, such as guitars, fiddles, and banjos, are often used in country music. These instruments give a distinctive sound and are often played in a way that emphasizes the melody and rhythm of the song.
- Twangy vocals – A hallmark of country music is the “twangy” quality of the vocals. This singing style emphasizes the Southern dialect’s natural accents and often includes yodeling or other vocal flourishes.
- Honesty – Country music is often praised for its honesty and authenticity. The lyrics and melodies are designed to connect with the listener on a personal level, and many country songs are written from personal experiences.
- Diverse influences – While country music has its roots in American folk music, it has also been influenced by a wide range of other genres, such as rock, blues, and bluegrass. This has led to a diverse and evolving sound that continues pushing traditional country music’s boundaries.
Top Easy Country Songs to Play on Guitar
Perfect for beginners, this list includes beginner-friendly country songs with simple chord progressions and easy-to-follow strumming patterns. When choosing songs for this list, we kept in mind the importance of starting with easy songs that are familiar and easy to play.
We also wanted to include a mix of popular country songs and country music classics that are sure to be enjoyed by all. Here are our top 7 easy country songs to play on guitar:
“Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show
“Wagon Wheel” is a popular country song originally written by Bob Dylan and later completed by Ketch Secor of the Old Crow Medicine Show. The song was first released on the Old Crow Medicine Show’s album “O.C.M.S.” in 2004 and later became a hit single after Darius Rucker covered it in 2013.
The song’s melody features a catchy combination of acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle, giving it a distinctive sound that is both upbeat and nostalgic.
Despite its origins as a Bob Dylan song, “Wagon Wheel” has become closely associated with the Old Crow Medicine Show and Darius Rucker, who helped popularize the song with his cover version. The song has since become a modern country classic and is often played at concerts and festivals.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
- Chord Progression – G D Em C, G D C
- Strumming Pattern – D DU UDU
Option 2:
- Capo 2
- Strumming Pattern: D DU DU DU
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
Another classic Johnny Cash popular country song that is easy to learn, this tune features a simple chord progression and catchy lyrics.
“Ring of Fire” is a popular country song written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore and made famous by Johnny Cash. The song was released in 1963 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the country charts and making it into the pop charts.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
Chords: G C D
- Strumming Pattern 1 – Alternating Light brush + Full Strum (down DOWN down DOWN)
- Strumming Pattern 2 – down DOWN up, up DOWN up
Intro:
- G C G G, G D G G
Verse 1:
- G G C G C G G, G G D G D G G
- G G C G C G G, G D G G
Chorus:
- D D C G, D D C G
- G G G C G, G D G G
Verse 2:
- G G C G C G G, G G D G D G G
- G C G G C G G, G G D G G
Option 2:
- Strumming Pattern: D(root) DU
- Chords: G Cadd9 D
“Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings
This classic popular country song has a simple chord progression and a memorable melody that is easy to play and sing along to.
“Good Hearted Woman” is a classic country song co-written by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. The song was used as the title track for Jennings’ 1972 album and became a hit, reaching the top of the country charts and becoming a fan favorite.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
- Chord Progression – D G A D
- Change Key – E A B7 E
- Strumming Pattern – D D DU DU
“Jolene” by Dolly Parton
You can play this popular country song by country music legend Dolly Parton with just a few basic chords.
“Jolene” is a classic country song that was written and performed by Dolly Parton. The song was released in 1973 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the country charts and earning Parton a loyal fan base.
The lyrics of “Jolene” describe the singer’s plea to a beautiful woman named Jolene, begging her not to steal her man away. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the line “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging of you please don’t take my man.”
“Jolene” has become one of Dolly Parton’s signature songs and is often included in lists of country music classics.
In addition to its success as a single, “Jolene” has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The White Stripes, Miley Cyrus, and Pentatonix. Its memorable melody and powerful vocals have made it a staple of country music, and it continues to be enjoyed by new generations of fans.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
- Capo 4
- Chords – Am C G
- Strumming Pattern – D D UDU
- Chord Progression – Am C G Am, G G Am Am
“I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt
“I’m Gonna Be Somebody” is a popular country song by Travis Tritt, released in 1990 as the second single from his debut album “Country Club.” The song was a big hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and cementing Tritt’s place as a rising star in the country music world.
The lyrics of “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” describes the determination and ambition of a young man who dreams of making it big in the music industry. Its message of hard work and perseverance in one’s dreams has resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song is considered one of the country music classics and is often included in lists of popular country songs.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
- Chords – G Cadd9 D Ebdim
- Strumming Pattern – D DUD DU
Intro:
- G Cadd9 D
- G Cadd9 D, Cadd9
Verse:
- G D Cadd9 D
- G D Cadd9 D
- G D Cadd9 D
- Cadd9 D G D
Chorus:
- G Cadd9 D
- G Cadd9 D
- G Cadd9 D Ebdim
- Cadd9 D G
- Instrumental Break: Cadd9 G Cadd9 D
“It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw
“It’s Your Love” is a beautiful country ballad by Tim McGraw, released in 1997 as the first single from his album “Everywhere.” The song was a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song is a duet with McGraw’s wife, Faith Hill, and the two singers’ voices blend perfectly to create a romantic and moving love song.
“It’s Your Love” has received critical acclaim, with many critics praising the song’s beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the powerful chemistry between McGraw and Hill. The song remains a favorite of country music fans, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of country love songs.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
- Chords – G D/F# Em7 Cadd9
- Strumming – D D D DU
Verse:
- G D/F# Em7 Cadd9
Pre-Chorus:
- D/F# G D/F# G
- Cadd9 D/F#
Chorus:
- G D/F# Em7 Cadd9
- G D/F# Cadd9 D/F# Cadd9 G
“When You Say Nothing At All” by Keith Whitley
“When You Say Nothing At All” is a beautiful and emotional country ballad, originally recorded by Keith Whitley in 1988 and later covered by Alison Krauss in 1995. The song has become one of the most beloved and iconic songs in country music history, with its timeless lyrics and unforgettable melody resonating with fans across generations.
The song’s melody is slow and soulful and both Whitley and Krauss delivered heartfelt and emotional performances, imbuing the lyrics with a deep sense of longing and tenderness.
Ready to learn how to play the song?
Chords: G D Cadd9 D
Verse:
- G D C D | 4x
- C D
- G D C D
Chorus:
- G D C D | 3x
- C D – G D C D
More Than Just Songs, It’s a Way of Life
At its core, country music is about telling stories and sharing experiences, and it has a unique ability to capture the essence of life in all its complexities. Whether it’s a love ballad or a heart-wrenching song, country music is a genre of music that speaks to people from all walks of life.
And if you’re new to country music, give it a chance – start by picking up a guitar and learning some easy country songs. With the right guidance and a little practice, you’ll be playing your favorite country tunes in no time. And who knows – maybe one day you’ll write your country music hit and add to the genre’s rich legacy.
So whether you’re listening to the classics or exploring the modern sounds of country music, remember that it’s more than just songs – it’s a way of life. Keep listening, discovering, and embracing the stories and experiences that make country music so special.
