If you’re just starting your guitar journey, learning to play a song is a fantastic way to see progress and enjoy the fruits of your practice. You’ve likely been diligently working on the fundamentals, such as tuning your guitar, mastering how to hold a pick, and getting to grips with basic chords. Now it’s time to put those foundational skills to use and impress yourself (and maybe others!) by learning some of your favorite tunes.
For beginners who are drawn to the heartfelt sound of country music, you’re in luck! Country songs offer a wealth of options that are surprisingly easy to learn, especially with resources like Fender Play. From contemporary country pop stars like Carrie Underwood to iconic figures of the Bakersfield Sound such as Buck Owens, the genre is brimming with accessible songs.
Country music is also a great genre for building a solid guitar skillset. It introduces musicians to essential techniques like the driving rhythm of shuffle strumming and the melodic depth of bass note fingerpicking. These core country guitar elements can be heard in the music of legends like Willie Nelson and modern artists like Jaime Wyatt, making them invaluable tools for any aspiring guitarist.
Here is a curated list of 19 simple country songs that are perfect for beginner guitarists to pick up and play.
1. Dolly Parton: “Jolene”
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a deeply emotional song, a plea filled with vulnerability and jealousy. Musically, it’s quite accessible for beginners. “Jolene” is built around three simple country guitar chords: Am, C, and G. The song’s beauty lies in its strumming dynamics. It utilizes varied strumming speeds and alternate strumming techniques to create a sensitive and deliberate pace. “Jolene” is one of the most covered country songs for a reason, and artists like Jaime Wyatt have given it a modern, edgy interpretation.
Chords Used: Am, C, G
Learn how to play “Jolene” by Dolly Parton on Fender Play
2. Willie Nelson: “On the Road Again”
“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson is an anthem for anyone who loves the freedom of travel. This country classic features a driving rhythm guitar part that gives the melody a lively, energetic feel. Beginners can start with a simplified melody riff to get into the song. “On the Road Again” is an excellent introduction to the bass note strum technique, a cornerstone of country guitar. While it sounds great solo with just bass notes and strumming, it’s also a fantastic song for jamming with friends, dividing up guitar parts for picking, bass notes, and full strumming.
Chords used: (Not specified in original article, but commonly uses G, C, D)
Learn how to play “On the Road Again” on Fender Play
3. Hank Williams: “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”
Hank Williams was instrumental in shaping country guitar playing, and “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” demonstrates his mastery of song structure and catchy melodies. This #1 Billboard Hot Country single is built on a simple chord progression that makes it instantly memorable and a country favorite. Beginners will be happy to know it features just two easy guitar chords! This song is perfect for practicing consistent strumming and getting a feel for classic country rhythms.
Basics needed: (Likely C and G, or C and F)
Learn how to play “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” on Fender Play
4. Steven Goodman: “City of New Orleans”
“City of New Orleans,” penned by Steve Goodman and produced by Kris Kristofferson, is a true country classic, evidenced by covers from legends like Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson. This 70s hit is excellent for honing your bass note strumming technique. The song’s gentle tempo and repetitive chord structure make it ideal for beginners focusing on rhythm and chord transitions.
Chords Used: (Likely G, C, and D)
Learn how to play “City of New Orleans” on Fender Play
5. Dolly Parton: “I Will Always Love You”
While Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition in “The Bodyguard” is widely known, Dolly Parton originally wrote and performed “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly’s version, featured in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” has a slower tempo and emphasizes heartfelt emotion over vocal acrobatics. This acoustic country ballad introduces techniques like the country-style walk down and fingerpicking combined with a bass note strum. For beginners, focusing on the chord changes and strumming patterns will be a great starting point.
Chords Used: (Often uses G, C, D, Em)
Learn how to play “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton on Fender Play
6. John Denver: “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” topped both the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the Hot 100 in 1975. It’s an anthem for hardworking, small-town living, blending folk and country guitar styles seamlessly. Learning the catchy melodic riff and incorporating bass note picking will inject energy and dynamism into your country guitar playing. The song’s upbeat tempo and clear structure make it fun and rewarding for beginner practice.
Chords Used: (Likely G, C, D)
Learn how to play “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” on Fender Play
7. Carrie Underwood: “Blown Away”
Carrie Underwood is often hailed as the modern “Queen of Country,” and “Blown Away” exemplifies her contemporary take on classic country songwriting. This Grammy-winning track, her 13th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, reached No. 20 on the Hot 100. The song is built around a single, repeating chord progression, making it exceptionally easy to master. Beginners can focus on strumming along and capturing the song’s dramatic feel.
Chords Used: (Am, G, C, F)
Learn how to play “Blown Away” on Fender Play
8. Willie Nelson: “Whiskey River”
Country music and songs about hard liquor go hand in hand, and Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River” is a prime example. This classic track features time signature changes, speeding up and slowing down within the song, all while using just four chords. “Whiskey River” is a great song to practice essential country guitar techniques like alternate strumming and string muting. Beginners can start by focusing on the main chord progression and strumming patterns before tackling the time signature variations.
Techniques Used: Alternate strumming, string muting
Learn how to play “Whiskey River” on Fender Play
9. Dolly Parton: “Coat of Many Colors”
“Coat of Many Colors” is another gem from Dolly Parton, a song with a deeply personal and touching narrative. This acoustic country ballad employs techniques such as a country-style walk down and fingerpicking with a bass note strum. The song’s moderate tempo and clear chord structure make it accessible for beginners to learn and play, while the emotional depth of the music makes it rewarding to master.
Basics needed: (Likely G, C, D, Em)
Learn how to play “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton on Fender Play
10. Dwight Yoakam: “Guitars, Cadillacs”
Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” is packed with classic country guitar techniques, from fingerpicking to the driving locomotive country strum sound. Yoakam’s guitarist, Eugene Edwards, describes the intro as encapsulating “the history of country music in one catchy riff.” While it introduces 16th note picking, downpicking, and hammer-ons, beginners can initially focus on the chords and rhythm. The song is based on a strong rhythmic foundation, making it enjoyable for beginners to play even while simplifying the more advanced picking techniques.
Techniques Used: 16th note picking, downpicking, hammer-ons, fingerpicking, country strum
Learn how to play “Guitars, Cadillacs” on Fender Play
11. Buck Owens: “Together Again”
Buck Owens, a key figure in the Bakersfield sound, delivered a heartfelt classic with “Together Again,” a No. 1 Billboard Country hit. This song is a perfect vehicle for learning the bass note strum, a fundamental country guitar technique. Grab your Telecaster and dive into this straightforward and emotionally resonant song. Its clear structure and moderate tempo make it ideal for beginners to practice and perfect their strumming.
Chords used: (Likely G, C, D)
Learn how to play “Together Again” on Fender Play
12. Traditional: “I Shall Not Be Moved”
Mississippi John Hurt’s blues-infused version of the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved” has influenced blues, rock, and country musicians alike, including Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. This song, straddling folk, blues, and country, features three basic chords and syncopated rhythms. Its simple chord progression and repetitive structure make it excellent for beginners to practice rhythm and basic chord changes.
Techniques used: Syncopated rhythms
Learn how to play “I Shall Not Be Moved” on Fender Play
13. Maren Morris: “My Church”
Maren Morris’s “My Church” is a modern country song with a classic heart, exploring themes of spirituality and the power of music. It’s built on three open major chords: A, D, and E. The song utilizes various strumming techniques like alternate strumming, quarter note, and eighth note strumming to add texture. The use of open chords and varied strumming patterns makes it a great learning song for beginners to develop their rhythm and chord vocabulary.
Chords used: A, D, E
Learn how to play “My Church” on YouTube
14. Traditional: “Pay Me My Money Down”
“Pay Me My Money Down” is a traditional song revitalized by Bruce Springsteen on his “We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions” album, introducing younger audiences to classic country song structures and guitar work. Using simplified one-finger chords, this song helps beginners practice simplified chords and basic rhythm patterns. Its repetitive structure and simple chords make it an excellent choice for absolute beginners to build confidence and basic skills.
Chords used: (Simplified chords, often using variations of C, F, G)
Learn how to play “Pay Me My Money Down” on Fender Play
15. Jamie Wyatt “Just a Woman”
Jaime Wyatt, hailed as a new outlaw country queen, brings grit and authenticity to her music, as heard in “Just a Woman.” Played with a capo on the first fret, the song features chord changes, bass-note strumming, and percussive strumming, blending vintage country feel with modern outlaw sensibilities. While the capo adds a slight complexity, the underlying chord progression and strumming patterns are manageable for beginners looking to explore more contemporary country sounds.
Techniques Used: Bass-note strumming, percussive strumming
Learn how to play “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton (Note: Link might be incorrect, should be “Just a Woman” if available)
16. Brad Paisley: “He Didn’t Have to Be”
Telecaster virtuoso Brad Paisley has shaped modern country music, and his breakthrough hit “He Didn’t Have to Be” is remarkably easy to learn. This feel-good song, his first No. 1, is perfect for refining your strumming hand technique. Its relaxed tempo and straightforward chord progression make it a great song for beginners to focus on smooth strumming and consistent rhythm.
Basic Skills Needed: Strumming technique
Learn how to play “He Didn’t Have to Be” on Fender Play
17. Merle Haggard: “The Fightin’ Side of Me”
“The Fightin’ Side of Me” by Merle Haggard utilizes a common chord progression found across many music genres. By learning this song, you’ll become familiar with E, A, and B7 chords. This classic country tune is excellent for practicing transitions between these essential chords and developing a solid rhythm foundation.
Techniques used: Basic chord progression practice
Learn how to play “The Fightin’ Side of Me” on Fender Play
18. Willie Nelson: “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies”
Willie Nelson, a godfather of outlaw country, offers cautionary advice in “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.” The song’s ambling fingerpicking style evokes the rambling cowboy lifestyle, while the bass note strum adds depth and a slightly melancholic feel. While fingerpicking can be slightly more advanced, beginners can start with strumming the chords and gradually introduce the bass note strum to capture the song’s essence.
Techniques used: Fingerpicking, bass note strum
Learn how to play “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” on Fender Play
19. Merle Haggard: “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink”
Merle Haggard, another outlaw country pioneer, delivers a honky-tonk feel in “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink.” This song introduces country staples like shuffle-style strumming and bass note eighth strumming, using easy open chords: A, D, and E. Beginners can focus on mastering the shuffle strum and chord changes to capture the song’s honky-tonk vibe.
Learn how to play “I Think I’ll just Stay Here and Drink” on Fender Play
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