Easy Country Songs to Play on Guitar

Learning to play songs on the guitar is an incredibly fulfilling milestone for any beginner. After dedicating time to mastering the fundamentals, such as tuning your guitar, holding a pick correctly, and forming chords, the next natural step is to apply these skills to playing music. For aspiring guitarists with an appreciation for country music, there’s a treasure trove of songs that are surprisingly accessible to learn. Country music, with its emphasis on storytelling and heartfelt melodies, often relies on chord progressions and strumming patterns that are perfect for those just starting their guitar journey. Whether you’re drawn to classic country sounds or contemporary hits, exploring Easy Country Songs To Play On Guitar is a fantastic way to solidify your skills and expand your musical repertoire.

Country music is an excellent genre for guitarists to delve into, offering a diverse range of techniques that can be gradually incorporated into your playing. From the rhythmic drive of train-like strumming to the foundational bass note fingerpicking, country guitar styles are rich and varied, featured in songs by iconic figures like Johnny Cash and modern artists such as Kacey Musgraves. Below is a curated list of 19 easy-to-learn country songs that are ideal for beginners looking to expand their skills and enjoy playing some of their favorite tunes. These selections are designed to be approachable, offering a rewarding learning experience as you develop your guitar playing abilities.

19 Easy Country Songs for Beginner Guitarists

Jolene – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a poignant and emotionally charged song, expressing feelings of vulnerability and jealousy. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, making it an excellent choice for beginner guitarists. Built around just three fundamental country guitar chords – Am, C, and G – “Jolene” focuses on developing strumming techniques. You’ll learn to vary strumming speeds and use alternate strumming to match the song’s sensitive and deliberate pace. This track is a country music standard, covered by countless artists, including Jaime Wyatt, who brings a modern, soulful interpretation to Parton’s classic.

Learn how to play “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Chords Used: Am, C, G

On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson is a quintessential country anthem, instantly recognizable to fans of the genre. This upbeat tune captures the spirit of touring musicians with its lively rhythm and catchy melody. Beginners will find the simplified melody riff a great starting point for learning this country standard. “On the Road Again” is also an excellent song for practicing bass note strumming, a core country guitar technique. While effective as a solo performance with bass notes, it truly shines when played with others, allowing for the guitar parts to be divided among picking, bass notes, and full strumming.

Learn how to play “On the Road Again”.

Chords used: C, G, F

Jambalaya (On the Bayou) – Hank Williams

Hank Williams was a defining figure in country guitar, and “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” perfectly demonstrates his mastery of song structure and catchy melodies. This song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country charts, showcasing Williams’ ability to craft simple yet irresistible tunes. For guitar beginners, “Jambalaya” is fantastic because it relies on a simple chord progression and single-note picking, both foundational skills. Plus, you only need to learn two easy guitar chords to play along!

Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” here.

Basics needed: C, G7

City of New Orleans – Steven Goodman

“City of New Orleans,” penned by Steve Goodman and produced by Kris Kristofferson, is a country classic that has been covered by legends like Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson. This song from the 70s is ideal for beginner guitarists wanting to master bass note strumming techniques. Its gentle rhythm and memorable melody make it enjoyable to learn and play, while reinforcing essential country guitar skills.

Learn how to play “City of New Orleans” here.

Chords Used: C, G, F

I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton

While Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is widely known, Dolly Parton originally wrote and performed this song. Parton’s version, featured in the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” offers a more tender and heartfelt approach. This acoustic country ballad is perfect for beginners as it introduces techniques like the country-style walk down and fingerpicking combined with a bass note strum. Learning Dolly’s version allows guitarists to appreciate the song’s emotional depth through a more intimate and less technically demanding arrangement.

Learn how to play “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

Chords Used: G, C, D

Thank God I’m a Country Boy – John Denver

“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver topped both the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the Hot 100 in 1975, becoming an anthem for rural and hardworking communities. This song is a delightful mix of folk and country guitar styles, offering beginner guitarists a chance to learn a melodic riff along with bass note picking. Its upbeat tempo and positive message make it an enjoyable and motivating song to learn, adding a lively spring to your country guitar playing.

Learn how to play “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” here.

Chords Used: G, C, D

Blown Away – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is often hailed as the modern “Queen of Country,” and “Blown Away” exemplifies her ability to blend classic country songwriting with contemporary flair. This Grammy-winning track was her 13th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and also reached No. 20 on the Hot 100, demonstrating its broad appeal. Beginner guitarists will appreciate that “Blown Away” requires mastering only one chord progression, making it surprisingly accessible despite its powerful sound.

Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.

Chords Used: Am, G, C, F

Whiskey River – Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River” delves into the classic country theme of using strong drink to cope with sorrow, a recurring motif in the genre. This iconic track showcases Willie’s masterful use of time signature changes, speeding up and slowing down the tempo while working within just four chords. For guitarists, “Whiskey River” is a great song to practice essential country techniques like alternate strumming and string muting, adding depth and dynamics to your playing.

Learn how to play “Whiskey River”.

Techniques Used: Alternate Strumming, String Muting

Coat of Many Colors – Dolly Parton

“Coat of Many Colors” is another gem from Dolly Parton, showcasing her storytelling and songwriting prowess. This song is a touching narrative of childhood and poverty, told with warmth and simplicity. Similar to “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly’s version of “Coat of Many Colors” emphasizes emotional delivery over vocal complexity. For beginner guitarists, this acoustic ballad is excellent for practicing a country-style walk down and fingerpicking with a bass note strum, enhancing both technique and musicality.

Learn how to play “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

Basics needed: C, F, G

Guitars, Cadillacs – Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” is a vibrant track that encapsulates many classic country guitar techniques, harking back to the genre’s roots. Guitarist Eugene Edwards describes its intro as “the history of country music all in one really catchy riff.” This song is a study in different picking styles, challenging beginners with 16th note picking, downpicking, and hammer-ons. While fun and energetic, “Guitars, Cadillacs” balances chords and rhythm with string-bending country riffs, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Learn how to play “Guitars, Cadillacs” here”

Techniques Used: Fingerpicking, Strumming, 16th Note Picking, Downpicking, Hammer-ons

Together Again – Buck Owens

Buck Owens’ “Together Again” was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country charts and comes from one of his most celebrated albums of the 1960s. This heartfelt classic is an excellent choice for learning the bass note strum, a fundamental technique in country guitar. With its straightforward structure and emotional depth, “Together Again” is perfect for beginner guitarists to pick up their Telecasters and start playing a quintessential country tune.

Learn how to play “Together Again” here.

Chords used: G, C, D

I Shall Not Be Moved – Traditional

Mississippi John Hurt’s rendition of the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved” is a masterclass in songwriting and utilizing classic country chords, influencing both blues and rock musicians. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and even Elvis Presley, this song bridges folk, blues, and country genres. It features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, making it an accessible and historically rich piece for beginner guitarists to explore.

Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved”.

Techniques used: Syncopated Rhythms

My Church – Maren Morris

Maren Morris’ “My Church” is a modern country song with a timeless feel, exploring personal spirituality and the uplifting power of music. This song features three open major chords – A, D, and E – which resonate with clarity and strength. Beginner guitarists will enjoy experimenting with different strumming techniques in “My Church,” including alternate strumming, quarter note, and eighth note strumming, to add texture and dynamism to their playing.

Learn how to play “My Church”.

Chords used: A, D, E

Pay Me My Money Down – Traditional

“Pay Me My Money Down” is a traditional song popularized by The Weavers and the Kingston Trio, and revived by Bruce Springsteen on his 2006 folk album, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions. Its old-timey charm has introduced younger generations to traditional country song structures and guitar work. Using one-finger chords, this song is excellent for practicing simplified chords and basic rhythm patterns, making it very approachable for beginners.

Learn how to play “Pay Me My Money Down” here.

Chords used: G, C, D7

Just a Woman – Jamie Wyatt

Jamie Wyatt, often called the new queen of outlaw country, showcases her raw talent in “Just a Woman.” Played with a capo on the first fret, this song allows beginners to follow Wyatt’s chord changes and practice the classic bass-note strum technique and percussive strumming. These techniques bring a vintage country feel to Wyatt’s contemporary outlaw style, making it a great learning piece for those interested in both classic and modern country sounds.

Learn how to play “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

Techniques used: Bass-note strum, Percussive strumming

He Didn’t Have to Be – Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley, a master of the Telecaster, has significantly shaped modern country music. “He Didn’t Have to Be,” an easily learnable hit, demonstrates why. This gentle song, Paisley’s first No. 1, is perfect for refining strumming hand techniques. Its relaxed tempo and straightforward chord progression make it an ideal choice for beginners looking to improve their rhythm and strumming accuracy in a country context.

Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” here.

Basic Skills Needed: Strumming Technique

The Fightin’ Side of Me – Merle Haggard

With “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” Merle Haggard presents a common chord progression found across many music genres, making it a versatile learning piece. By learning this song, beginner guitarists will become familiar with E, A, and B7 chords, which are fundamental in country and beyond. This song is not only easy to play but also provides a solid foundation for understanding chord progressions in music generally.

Learn how to play “The Fightin’ Side of Me” here.

Techniques used: Chord Progressions

Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Willie Nelson, a legend of outlaw country, offers a cautionary and humorous look at the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s ambling fingerpicking style evokes the wandering nature of cowboys, while the bass note strum technique adds a grounded, earthy feel. This song is great for beginners to practice fingerpicking and bass note strumming in a classic country context, enhancing their dexterity and rhythmic feel.

Learn how to play “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” here.

Techniques used: Fingerpicking, Bass Note Strum

I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink – Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard, another pioneer of outlaw country, delivers a honky-tonk vibe with “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.” Playing this song allows beginners to pick up essential country guitar techniques like shuffle-style strumming and bass note eighth strumming, using easy open chords: A, D, and E. While the original track features piano and saxophone, guitarists can adapt and enjoy playing this Haggard classic, focusing on strumming and chord transitions.

Learn how to play “I Think I’ll just Stay Here and Drink.

Techniques used: Shuffle-style strumming, Bass Note Eighth Strumming

Learning easy country songs on guitar is a fantastic way for beginners to progress and enjoy making music. The songs listed above offer a range of styles and techniques that are approachable and rewarding to master. By exploring these tunes, you’ll not only build your guitar skills but also develop an appreciation for the rich tradition of country music.

To further your guitar journey and explore even more country songs and techniques, consider signing up for a free trial of Fender Play. It offers structured lessons and a vast library of songs across various genres, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring guitarists. Start your free trial today and unlock a world of musical possibilities.