Our top 5 country songs on guitar

1. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson (1980)
2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
3. “Cowpoke” by Colter Wall
4. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
5. “West Virginia Waltz” by Sierra Ferrell

Upgrade your setup

Country guitar techniques

1. Chicken pickin’

If there’s one technique that screams country music from the name alone, it’s chicken pickin’. This technique combines picking and muting to create a sharp, percussive sound. By plucking the strings while lightly muting with the palm, you can achieve the snappy, staccato effect that has a hen-like ring to it.

2. Hybrid picking

Hybrid picking allows you to use a pick for the lower strings while your fingers handle the higher ones. This one almost sounds like two guitars playing at once, with the potential to conjure up some super-fast-sounding melodies. You really get that wayward country feel from hybrid picking – it’s controlled chaos!

3. Double stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, often incorporating slides or bends for added expression. This technique creates a fuller sound and is commonly used in lead lines, adding texture to otherwise simple-sounding melodies. Double stops are great fun once you get the hang of them – they also fit nicely in blues music.

4. Travis picking

Travis picking is a fingerpicking style where the thumb alternates between bass notes while the fingers play the melody.  Renowned Country Gentleman Chet Atkins once described this technique as his own ‘little orchestra’. It’s fairly tough to get to grips with, but once the muscle memory’s there, you’re good to go!

5. Boom-chick rhythm

Famously used by Johhny Cash, the secret to a boom-chick rhythm is in the name. To play this technique, you hit the bass note and then strum the rest of the chord, often alternating between the bass notes of the chord. If you listen to almost any song by Cash, you’ll hear this technique.

Easy country songs to learn on guitar

1. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson (1980)

“On the Road Again” is one of Willie Nelson’s most iconic songs. When you think of a country song, it’s likely that this one comes to mind. While Nelson uses chords that aren’t overly welcoming to beginners (E, G#7, F#, A, B7, B),  you can still grasp some essential country themes – mixing major and 7th chords is a common country characteristic!

This song meets the rag-tag country songwriting stereotype. It wasn’t actually written ‘on the road’, but in an aeroplane, scribbled on a sick bag that Nelson had to hand. The whole composition has a full and lively feel to it. As a general introduction to country, “On the Road Again” is a great place to start!

  2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton (1973)

A country classic. “Jolene” provides an easy entry into country music that your friends and family can sing along to. According to Dolly Parton, the inspiration behind the song came from two places: one was the local bank teller who had a crush on her husband, and the other was a young fan named Jolene that Parton met at one of her shows, loving the name instantly. And so, the timeless hit was born.

Comprising four fairly simple chords, Am, C, G, and Em, you can learn this one with relative ease.

In the original, Dolly uses a fingerpicking technique that you might find intimidating at first. However, learning difficult things is how you grow as a musician! Focus on playing along with the open chords to begin with before moving to the more complex fingerpicking pattern. A capo is used on the fourth fret, making the finger stretch a little more bearable!

3. “Cowpoke” by Colter Wall (2017)

Next up comes one of my personal favourites. “Cowpoke” by Colter Wall represents contemporary country with a classic feel to it. Based on the Elton Britt original released in 1951, Wall brings this one back in his own beautiful style. Using three simple ‘Cowboy’ chords (C, Am, and F), this one’s easy to get to grips with.

4. “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash (1963)

One of the biggest country hits of all time, “Ring of Fire” was co-written by Cash and his wife June Carter (five years before they married). The title comes from a book of Elizabethan poetry belonging to Carter’s uncle.

Composed of three simple chords, G, C, and D, it’s a great place to start when getting into country music. The trickiest thing about the song is the use of the ‘boom-chick’ technique – hitting a single bass note and strumming the rest of the chord down and then up. This is what gives “Ring of Fire” its thumping percussive rhythm, so iconic of Cash’s playing.

5. “West Virginia Waltz” by Sierra Ferrell (2021)

Sierra Ferrell’s “West Virginia Waltz” combines folk and classic country influences and tells the story of a woman who comes home to find her lover has passed away. The song follows a simple four-chord progression (G, Em, C, D) in a waltz time signature.

If you’re after a more emotional song to learn than the others we’ve previously listed, this is a great one. It shows that country music isn’t all about super-fast strumming and speedy licks. Sometimes slow and steady chord progressions do the trick, especially with such amazing storytelling as seen in much of Sierra Ferrell’s music.

6. “Mean” by Taylor Swift (2010)

Taylor Swift’s “Mean” features on her Speak Now album, which bridges the gap between her country and pop discographies. The prominent use of banjo and fiddle give this song its quintessentially country sound, despite being firmly planted in the pop-country genre.

The song uses a simple four-chord progression of C, G, Am, and F. If you find it hard to get into old-school traditional country music, try Swift’s modern take.

7. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash (1956)

Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” is a classic country song with a steady, repetitive rhythm that makes it perfect if you’re a beginner. The alternating bass-picking technique is an essential country guitar trick that contributes to this continuous beat. Using key changes, this song makes for a good exercise in transitioning smoothly between different chords, and its moderate tempo is ideal for beginners.

Cash wrote the song as a pledge of devotion to his first wife – Vivian Liberto – with whom Cash had four daughters. According to Cash’s bassist, the song only took around one hour to create! “I Walk the Line” is a timeless tune that marks a crucial stepping stone in Cash’s early career, and it’s still deemed by many today to be one of his greatest songs.

8. “Whiskey River” by Willie Nelson (1973)

“Whiskey River” is a lively country classic that’ll help you improve your rhythm playing. The song features a simple chord progression and repetitive strumming pattern, making it easy to follow along. The steady tempo allows for easy chord transitions – once you’ve got this one under your belt it’s super fun to get jamming to.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and heartache, featuring the classic country motif of whisky. “Whisky River” was originally written by Johnny Bush, and there isn’t really any deep meaning behind it – it’s simply a song about whiskey!

9. “Act Naturally” by Buck Owens (1963)

“Act Naturally” showcases Buck Owens’ signature Bakersfield sound, and it was the first number-one hit for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. With just three simple chords, this song is ideal for getting you used to fast-paced country. The shuffle strumming pattern introduces a classic country groove, helping you develop a steady hand and timing. It uses the simple but essential chords of G, C, D, A, and F#.

The song was written by Johnny Russell and it became such a hit that The Beatles covered it on Help in 1965.

10. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift (2008)

“Love Story” is a modern country pop classic that’s easy to learn and fun to play. The song features four basic chords (C, G, Am, F) commonly used in many country songs, getting you acquainted with the basics. The strumming pattern is straightforward – it’s a great entry-level guitar song!

11. “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings (1978)

Another one of my all-time favourites, this duet by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings has a relaxed tempo and a straightforward strumming pattern that makes it easy to follow. There are six chords (D, G, A7, E, A, and B7), but the difficulty comes with the B7 chord. This is the trickiest to play, so it might take a little time to get your fingers comfortably in position.

While Nelson and Jennings provide their iconic vocals, the song was actually written by country singer Ed Bruce and his wife at the time Patsy Bruce. They thought the song would fit perfectly in the “outlaw movement” which retaliated against the commercial and creative dominance of the Nashville establishment during the 1970s –  Willie Nelson was a leading figure of the outlaw movement.

12. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver (1971)

If you want a song that will get everyone singing and swaying to the music, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the one. This is among the most recognisable country songs and makes for an awesome campfire or road trip tune. Better still, it’s quick and easy to learn and will get you focusing on rhythm more than anything else, working around the chords of G, D, E, and C.

Songwriters Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert originally envisioned the song to be played by Johnny Cash until they played the rough draft of the song to Denver who loved the song and helped them finish it. It was first performed at the Cellar Door on Dec. 30th 1970, receiving a five-minute standing ovation.

13. “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis (1939)

“You Are My Sunshine” is a timeless country classic that has been covered in an array of styles, with more than 350 versions spanning across 30 languages. Among the best covers is Johnny Cash’s rendition, which has a slow and melancholic feel to it. While not as upbeat as some of the other songs on this list, this song remains instantly recognisable. You can play it with just three chords: D, G, and A.

14. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show (2004)

“Wagon Wheel” is a modern country song with an easy chord progression that you can easily strum along to. The song’s steady rhythm provides a great foundation for developing consistent strumming skills, with fiddle and banjo parts bringing the feeling of a full country ensemble.

The chorus was originally written by Bob Dylan in 1973, with the Old Crow Medicine Show adding to the song years later and seeing it through fame – it has 83 million views on YouTube at the time of writing. The band’s frontman (Ketch Secor) wrote the song when he was just 17. If you want to play along to this modern country hit then you’ll need  G, D, Em, and C chords under your belt.

15. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash (1955)

As the third Cash song on this list, “Folsom Prison Blues” only serves to highlight Cash’s country stardom even more. He wrote the song while serving in the United States Air Force, after seeing a documentary titled Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison. The song aligns with Cash’s advocacy for prisoners’ rights, especially as he performed the song frequently in prisons, where the lyrics strongly resonated with inmates.

Once again, Cash makes use of his signature boom-chick rhythm technique on this track, providing an almost train-like jig to form the rhythm part. The chords used in this song are E, A, and B7. If you want to play along to the recording, you’ll need a capo on the first fret.

16. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton (2015)

“Tennessee Whiskey” is a soulful song with a slow, steady tempo that’s ideal for smooth play-along sessions. It’s another example of contemporary country, drawing on influences from outlaw country, bluegrass, rock and roll, and blues. Chris Stapleton marries two country themes, whiskey and love, to compose the perfect modern country ballad.

While many of the songs on this list sound best when played acoustically, this one will fit an amped-up setup better. The main chords you’ll need to play along to this one are D/A, A, Bm, D, and E.

17. “Take It Easy” by The Eagles (1972)

Something a little different for the list, “Take It Easy” represents a milestone in the development of country rock, blending elements of traditional country music with the oomph you see in ‘60s and ‘70s rock. This song ticks off some key features of the sub-genre, amping up cowboy chords, adding reverb, and playing more aggressively – all while maintaining the classic country twang.

For this one, play G, D, and C, adding Em and Am in the chorus. The intro is the only tricky thing, featuring two fairly obscure chords that you’ll rarely come by: Am7/G and D7sus4/G. Getting through the hurdle at the beginning is well worth it – this song is brilliant for open mics and general jam sessions because of its upbeat vibe!

18. “Coat of Many Colours” by Dolly Parton (1971)

As with many Dolly Parton songs, “Coat of Many Colours” paints a picture of Parton’s childhood, telling the story of how her mother made her a coat out of coloured rags, which Parton wore to school only to be teased by the other children.

The lyrics are intended to be at the forefront, so the guitar part is kept fairly simple, using just G, C, D, E, and E chords. Making it even more suitable for beginners is the tempo, which is steady and easy to keep up with. To play along in the right key, you’ll need a capo on the third fret.

19. “Big Iron” by Marty Robbins (1959)

“Big Iron” is a country classic that’s been covered countless times, with notable artists such as Johnny Cash and Colter Wall recording their own version. In characteristic country fashion, this song tells the story of a duel between the ‘Arizona Ranger’ and ‘Texas Red’. I’ll leave it up to you to have a listen and find out the ending if you haven’t already. The chords consist of C, Am, and F, with one E appearing in the intro.

20. “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” by Merle Haggard (1980)

There isn’t too much to say about the background of this one; anything by Merle Haggard is always great. It’s yet another country song picking up on the frequent themes of drinking and relationships. Nevertheless, it’s a fun song to listen to and to play!

The chord progression is super simple, making use of open A, D, and E chords. Where the song shines, however, is in the guitar solos – they’re not easy but they’re a great learning curve! Full of expressive bends, double stops, and a lead guitar twang, this is a country classic with a bluesy air to it.

21. “Queen of Hearts” By Julie Newton (1981)

Last but not least, we have Julie Newton’s “Queen of Hearts.” It’s full of energy, with fast-paced strumming and a bold bassline that’s enough to get anyone dancing! Newton’s voice in this song is the epitome of country for me, boasting that classic country twang. While the chords are relatively simple – A, G, D, B and an E chord – it’s the pace and speed of transitions that make this one tricky.

FAQs

What is the easiest 3-chord country song?

One of the easiest 3-chord country songs to play is “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. This song uses the chords of G, C, and D and features a repetitive strumming pattern that’s catchy and fun to play. It’s one of Cash’s greatest tracks and makes use of his signature rhythm style that’s instantly noticeable.

What is the easiest song to play on guitar?

Some of the easiest songs to play on guitar are:

• “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
• “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Free Fallin” by Tom Petty
• “My Generation” by The Who

What are the top 10 country chords?

The top 10 country songs are:

1. G major
2. C major
3. D major
4. E minor
5. A major
6. F major
7. B minor
8. D7
9. A7
10. E7

Final thoughts

If you came here knowing absolutely nothing about country music, I hope this article has given you an idea of just how expansive the genre is. From country legends like Willie Nelson to modern pop-country icons like Taylor Swift, there’s a place for all sorts of styles in the world of country music!

One of the main instruments used in country music is the acoustic guitar, and there are many more easy country songs on guitar out there that will be well suited to you if you’re a beginner. If you’re on the lookout for a fresh acoustic to get your country strumming off the ground, our top picks for acoustic guitars are a great place to start.

On the other hand, if you’re more of a lead player wanting to take on that classic Tele twang, find out which telecaster is right for you! There’s plenty of amazing solos in the above list to get your teeth into. Country music is all about fun, experimentation, and emotion – what instrument captures these vital ingredients better than the guitar?