Country Roads is an excellent song to start out on if you are just learning guitar. This tune offers straightforward chord progressions that are simple enough for newcomers.
This classic Johnny Cash song offers an easy strumming pattern and slow melody that are great for beginners. Additionally, this tune introduces guitar fingerpicking – an important skill if you want to learn country music!
I Walk The Line
Johnny Cash’s greatest hits, “One More Try” spent time on both country and pop charts for years – as well as introducing him to new audiences.
Cash provided differing accounts of how this song came to be written: one version said he wrote it prior to performing in Shreveport in 1955; in another he claimed it was composed in Gladewater in Texas in 1956. Its lyrics detail his dedication and commitment to his wife June Carter Cash while its message encourages walking a thin line between right and wrong rather than taking sides in disputes.
Dolly Parton and Glen Campbell both provided covers with different feels; Dolly’s version had more of an 80s sound while Campbell added his jazzier take. More recently, rock band Halsey covered this tune as the last track on their 2015 deluxe album Badlands; its use also was prominently featured in a film depicting Cash’s life starring Joaquin Phoenix as him and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash.
Ring Of Fire
Ring of Fire was co-written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore and is one of the most iconic songs on this list. It represents both the power and danger associated with falling in love – its title speaks volumes! A metaphoric representation of being overcome by emotions.
June wrote this song while she and Johnny were still in the early stages of falling in love, giving it to Anita who gave it its folky twist before recording it for release by Anita’s label. Unfortunately, though, the song did not become as successful as was anticipated by June, Anita, or their label.
Cash decided to give it another try himself, adding a mariachi-style horn section and harmonizing with June for what has since become one of his classic country songs. It earned its spot at number 87 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list as one of the greatest country songs ever composed.
Jolene
Dolly Parton is one of the greatest country music artists ever, and her 1973 hit Jolene remains one of her best-known works. The song tells the tale of a woman beseeching another not to steal away her man and has resonated with listeners across generations and backgrounds.
Parton was said to have written her song after Carl Dean began spending more time with a redhead bank teller named Jolene who he joked he had a crush on. Parton took this name and transformed it into one of her best-known hits.
This song has become so beloved that many artists, from Olivia Newton-John to the White Stripes, have covered it. The lyrics to this timeless classic are direct yet simple; conveying powerful messages about love and jealousy while using repetition effectively to build tension and create a sense of urgency in its delivery.
Independence Day
Martina McBride’s song Independence Day is an emotive song about domestic violence. The song tells the tale of an abusive partner whom is so abusive she sets his house ablaze to exact revenge for his treatment of her.
At the time this song was released in 1994, domestic violence was an enormously contentious issue in America and also coincided with OJ Simpson’s trial, making its release even more controversial.
Peters was initially concerned that the subject matter of the song would prevent radio programmers from airing it, but eventually it became a live staple for McBride, often opening her concerts with its chorus performed a cappella before her band joined in; it proved an effective way of conveying its message before performing it at various benefit concerts for family farmers.
Country roads is an ideal song for beginning guitarists. Its simple strumming pattern and classic cowboy chords are ideal for novice guitarists to learn quickly, while it also includes several fingerpicked sections suitable for more experienced players.
Drunk on You by Luke Bryan is an uptempo country song featuring two basic open chords and an easy strumming pattern, making it an excellent song for beginners who wish to learn both singing and playing simultaneously. This track can serve as a great teaching aid.
John Denver
John Denver was an American singer-songwriter renowned for his popular acoustic music songs and as one of the most successful artists of his time. Additionally, he was known as both poet and environmental advocate; his 1971 song, Country Roads has become one of the state songs for West Virginia and is easy to learn as only few chords and strumming patterns need be memorized for this classic tune. It makes an excellent campfire song or way to get people singing along together! If desired, add even more country flair by clipping capo on 2nd fret and playing it in key of G for more country feel – it will add even more country sound than before!
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn is an icon in country music. Her songs tell the stories of working people, while she is best known for her pure image and shy simplicity – though her performances often include an unexpected hint of sexuality that lingers beneath.
“Sixteen Tons” is an easy country guitar song that tells the tale of a coal miner struggling to pay his debts – an excellent song to learn for those looking to learn country music!
“I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Johnny Cash is another fantastic country tune to learn and is easily one of his most accessible songs to play. Requiring only three chords: G, C and D chords and two strumming patterns of down / down / up / up, this video tutorial can show you how. Additionally, try using alternating bass strumming for even easier strumming!
Willie Nelson
Anyone who’s attended a country music concert likely knows of Sixteen Tons, the hit song by Eric Church that tells of life as a coal miner and can be challenging for beginners due to its fast tempo and chord changes; however, this track provides the ideal platform to practice both strumming techniques as well as string muting techniques.
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors provides another excellent platform to practice these techniques on. This heartwarming song tells the tale of Dolly’s mother stitching her a coat from scrap fabric; though initially challenging for beginner guitarists to master quickly due to its slow tempo.
Hank Williams’ Jambalaya (On the Bayou) is another classic country song to explore; this slow song uses easy guitar chords that any beginner can manage easily, as well as bar chords – which are commonly found in country songs.
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is beloved country star, and his song Somebody Like You is no exception. With just two simple chords and an accessible strumming pattern, This country anthem will become an instant classic at any singalong or jam session!
Jolene by Dolly Parton is another chart-topper, and although its opening bassline may prove challenging for novice musicians at full tempo, its chord progression and strumming pattern should prove simple to pick up. A capo can also help avoid playing it at full speed.
Merle Haggard’s Okie from Muskogee is more advanced than those listed above, being more of a fingerpicking song with single note plucked passages mixed in. However, it remains an enjoyable country track to learn and will open doors for even more intricate country songs in future. Additionally, its 110 BPM tempo gives ample practice opportunities.