Easy Country Guitar Songs for Beginners: Start Playing Today!

Learning to play the guitar is an incredibly rewarding journey, and one of the most exciting milestones is mastering your first song. If you’ve been diligently practicing the fundamentals – tuning your guitar, holding a pick, and learning basic chords – then it’s time to put those skills to the test and learn some tunes!

For beginner guitarists with a fondness for that classic country sound, you’re in luck. Country music offers a treasure trove of songs that are surprisingly easy to learn, thanks to platforms like Fender Play. From contemporary country pop sensations like Carrie Underwood to iconic pioneers of the Bakersfield Sound such as Buck Owens, there’s a country song out there for every beginner.

Country music is also a fantastic genre for expanding your guitar skills. It introduces you to essential techniques like the rhythmic, driving strumming patterns reminiscent of a train, and the delicate art of bass note fingerpicking. These core country guitar elements are found in the music of legends like Willie Nelson and modern artists like Jaime Wyatt, making them invaluable tools in your guitar-playing toolkit.

Ready to dive in? Here are 19 easy country songs perfect for beginner guitarists to pick up and play:

19 Must-Learn Country Guitar Songs for Beginners

This list is packed with classic and contemporary country hits that are accessible for new guitar players. Each song highlights different aspects of country guitar playing and will help you build a solid foundation.

“Jolene” – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a heartfelt and earnest song, expressing vulnerability and jealousy. Musically, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly, built around just three simple country guitar chords: Am, C, and G. The song’s beauty lies in its dynamic strumming. You’ll learn to control your strumming speed and use alternate strumming techniques to create a sensitive and emotionally resonant slow tempo. “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 the Road Again” – Willie Nelson

“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson is an anthem for anyone who loves the freedom of travel. This classic country tune features a driving rhythm guitar part that creates its signature bouncy and energetic feel. You’ll start by learning a simplified melodic riff, a great introduction to country guitar melodies. Get ready to practice the bass note strum technique, a cornerstone of country rhythm guitar. While “On the Road Again” sounds great solo with just bass note strumming, it’s also perfect for jam sessions with friends, allowing you to divide guitar parts between picking melodies, playing bass notes, and strumming chords.

Chords used: (Not explicitly listed in the original article, but commonly uses G, C, D)

Learn how to play “On the Road Again”.

“Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” – Hank Williams

Hank Williams was a master of country songwriting and guitar, and “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is a perfect example of his genius. This #1 Billboard Hot Country hit showcases his signature single-note picking technique that was crucial in defining early country guitar styles. The song’s simple chord progression and incredibly catchy melody have made it a country standard. Beginners will be pleased to know it only uses two easy guitar chords!

Basics needed: Single-note picking, two chords (Likely C and G, or C and F – needs verification)

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

“City of New Orleans” – Steven Goodman

“City of New Orleans” is a ’70s country classic penned by Steve Goodman and produced by Kris Kristofferson. Its enduring quality is evident in covers by legends like Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson. This song is an excellent choice for honing your bass note strumming technique. The gentle, rolling rhythm perfectly captures the feeling of a train journey.

Chords Used: (Not explicitly listed in original article, but commonly uses G, C, and F)

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

“I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton

While Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is widely known from the movie “The Bodyguard,” Dolly Parton actually wrote and first performed this song for the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Dolly’s original version is slower and more emotionally nuanced, focusing on heartfelt sweetness rather than vocal acrobatics. This acoustic country ballad features beautiful guitar techniques like a country-style walk down and fingerpicking combined with a bass note strum.

Chords Used: (Not explicitly listed in original article, but commonly uses G, D, Em, C)

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

“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” – John Denver

John Denver’s “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, down-to-earth people and a delightful mix of folk and country guitar styles. Learning the catchy melodic riff and practicing bass note picking will add a cheerful, upbeat quality to your country guitar playing.

Chords Used: (Not explicitly listed in original article, but commonly uses G, C, D)

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

“Blown Away” – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is often hailed as the modern “Queen of Country,” and her songwriting certainly lives up to that title. “Blown Away,” a Grammy-winning track, became her 13th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and also reached No. 20 on the Hot 100. The best part for beginners? It revolves around a single, repeating chord progression, making it surprisingly easy to learn the entire song.

Chords Used: (Not explicitly listed in original article, but commonly uses Am, G, C, F)

Learn how to play “Blown Away” here.

“Whiskey River” – Willie Nelson

“Whiskey River” is a quintessential country song about seeking solace in hard liquor, a common theme in the genre, especially for Willie Nelson. This country classic showcases Willie’s masterful time signature changes, speeding up and slowing down the tempo throughout the song while using just four chords. You’ll also learn essential country guitar techniques like alternate strumming and string muting.

Techniques Used: Alternate strumming, string muting

Learn how to play “Whiskey River”.

“Coat of Many Colors” – Dolly Parton

“Coat of Many Colors” is another gem from Dolly Parton, a deeply personal and touching story told through song. This acoustic ballad is perfect for beginners to practice a country-style walk down chord progression and fingerpicking with a bass note strum. Its gentle pace and emotional depth make it a rewarding song to learn.

Basics needed: Country walk down, bass note strum, fingerpicking

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

“Guitars, Cadillacs” – Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” is a vibrant and energetic track that encapsulates many classic country guitar techniques, harking back to the genre’s roots. Guitarist Eugene Edwards describes the intro riff 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 upbeat, it also relies on solid chord work and rhythm, alongside some classic country string-bending riffs.

Techniques Used: Fingerpicking, country strum, 16th note picking, downpicking, hammer-ons

Learn how to play “Guitars, Cadillacs” here”

“Together Again” – Buck Owens

Buck Owens’ “Together Again,” a #1 Billboard Country hit from one of his strongest albums of the 60s, is a straight-from-the-heart country classic. This song is an excellent way to learn the bass note strum technique, a fundamental element of country guitar rhythm. Pick up your Telecaster and get ready to play along to this essential country tune.

Chords used: (Not explicitly listed in original article, but commonly uses C, G, F)

Learn how to play “Together Again” here.

“I Shall Not Be Moved” – Traditional

Mississippi John Hurt’s bluesy rendition of the traditional song “I Shall Not Be Moved” offers a lesson in songwriting simplicity and how to get the most out of classic country chords. Covered by Johnny Cash, Son House, and even Elvis Presley, this song bridges folk, blues, and country. It features just three basic chords and syncopated rhythms, making it a great study in rhythmic playing for beginners.

Techniques used: Syncopated rhythms

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

“My Church” – Maren Morris

Maren Morris’ “My Church” is a modern country hit with a timeless feel. It explores themes of personal connection and finding solace in music. The song is built around three open major chords – A, D, and E – which ring out with clarity and power. You’ll learn to add flavor with different strumming techniques, including alternate strumming, quarter note, and eighth note strumming patterns.

Chords used: A, D, E

Learn how to play “My Church”.

“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 “We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions” album. Its old-timey vibe offers a glimpse into traditional country song structures and guitar work. Using simplified one-finger chords, this song is perfect for practicing basic chord shapes and rhythm patterns.

Chords used: (Simplified one-finger chords, likely variations of C, F, G)

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

“Just a Woman” – Jamie Wyatt

Jaime Wyatt, dubbed the new queen of outlaw country, brings a raw and authentic edge to her music. “Just a Woman,” played with a capo on the first fret, showcases her dynamic chord changes and use of classic country techniques. You’ll learn the bass-note strum and percussive strumming, adding a vintage country feel to this modern outlaw country song.

Techniques Used: Bass-note strum, percussive strumming

Learn how to play “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton (Note: Link seems incorrect, likely should be a link to “Just a Woman” if available)

“He Didn’t Have to Be” – Brad Paisley

Telecaster master Brad Paisley is a defining voice in modern country music, and “He Didn’t Have to Be,” his first No. 1 hit, demonstrates why. This easygoing and heartfelt song is perfect for refining your strumming hand technique. Its relaxed tempo and clear chord progression make it ideal for beginner practice.

Basic Skills Needed: Strumming technique

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

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” – Merle Haggard

“The Fightin’ Side of Me” by Merle Haggard introduces a common chord progression found in many music genres, not just country. By learning this song, you’ll master the essential E, A, and B7 chords, which are foundational for countless songs across various styles.

Techniques used: E, A, and B7 chords

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

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies” – Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” is a humorous and cautionary tale about the cowboy lifestyle. The song’s laid-back fingerpicking style reflects the rambling nature of cowboys, while the bass note strum adds a grounded, earthy feel. This song is great for practicing fingerpicking patterns and bass note strumming in a classic country context.

Techniques used: Fingerpicking, bass note strum

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

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

Another outlaw country gem from Merle Haggard, “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” delivers a classic honky-tonk vibe. This song is perfect for learning essential country strumming patterns like shuffle-style strumming and bass note eighth strumming, all built on easy open chords: A, D, and E. While the original song features piano and saxophone, guitarists can adapt it using bass note strumming and adding their own licks, as demonstrated by Eugene Edwards and Chris Masterson.

Techniques used: Shuffle strumming, bass note eighth strumming

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

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