Country music has a timeless allure, characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and simple yet captivating melodies. If you’re a novice guitarist eager to delve into the world of country music, look no further.
Surprisingly people gave the country its name to suggest it was the music of rural America. However, now it’s popular worldwide, and it has a huge fan-following.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a curated selection of easy country songs that will have you strumming along in no time.
How to Play Easy Country Songs on Guitar?
The easiest way for beginners to play country songs on guitar is to follow all the chords, tabs using step-by-step instructions and audio examples. There are multiple online sessions available to explain useful techniques for easy country songs on guitar to help you learn your favorite song in no time.
It involves tricks. Therefore, once you get your hands on the easiest one, it would be convenient for you to play the tougher tones.
15 Best Easy Country Songs to Learn on Guitar
- Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
- Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
- King of the Road by Roger Miller
- Okie from Muskogee By Merle Haggard
- Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton
- I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
- Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton
- Country Girl (Shake It for Me) By Luke Bryan
- You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis
- Jolene By Dolly Parton
- Blown Away by Carrie Underwood
- When You Say Nothing at All by Keith Whitley
- Ocean Front Property by George Strait
- Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
- There Was This Girl by Riley Green
Let’s move through some of the most melodic yet easy country songs on guitar to help you enjoy your leisure time efficiently.
1. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
An iconic anthem with universal appeal, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” transports listeners to the picturesque landscapes of West Virginia.
Its release in 1971 marked the emergence of John Denver as a folk-country sensation. The song’s evocative lyrics, penned by Denver alongside Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, pay homage to the beauty of rural life and the longing for home.
Becoming the official state anthem of West Virginia, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has etched itself into the fabric of American culture, resonating with audiences worldwide. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless melody and relatable themes.
With its simple chord progression of G, D, and Em, beginners can easily strum along to the melodic storytelling of John Denver, making it an ideal starting point for novice guitarists.
2. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
“Ring of Fire” stands as a legendary hit by the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash. Released in 1963, this fiery song captivates listeners with its passionate portrayal of love’s intensity. Co-written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore, the song’s distinctive trumpet intro sets the stage for Cash’s emotive vocals.
The song’s basic chord structure of G, C, and D provides an accessible entry point for beginner guitarists.
By mastering the essence of Cash’s iconic sound and honing their strumming technique, beginners can embody the raw emotion and fervor encapsulated within “Ring of Fire.”
3. King of the Road by Roger Miller
“King of the Road” stands as a whimsical masterpiece by Roger Miller, released in 1964. This playful tune follows the adventures of a carefree drifter, celebrating the joys of life on the open road.
With its catchy melody and clever lyrics, the song embodies the spirit of wanderlust and freedom.
Miller’s simple chord progression of G, C, and D allows beginners to effortlessly capture the song’s infectious energy while honing their fingerpicking skills.
“King of the Road” serves as a delightful introduction to country music for novice guitarists, inviting them to embark on a musical journey filled with joy and spontaneity.
4. Okie from Muskogee By Merle Haggard
“Okie from Muskogee” stands as a quintessential anthem of American pride by Merle Haggard, released in 1969. This patriotic ballad pays homage to small-town values and traditional ways of life.
Its straightforward chord progression of G and D provides a solid foundation for beginner guitarists to channel the spirit of Haggard’s timeless classic.
Haggard’s evocative lyrics strike a chord with listeners, painting a vivid portrait of heartland America. With its relatable themes and memorable melody, “Okie from Muskogee” remains a cherished favorite among country music enthusiasts of all generations.
Beginner guitarists can embark on a musical journey steeped in nostalgia and authenticity as they master the art of fingerpicking with this iconic song.
5. Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton
“Tennessee Whiskey” is a soul-stirring ballad by Chris Stapleton, released in 2015. This heartfelt song explores themes of love and redemption, set against the backdrop of smooth whiskey and smoky bars.
Stapleton’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery have earned the song widespread acclaim, establishing it as a modern classic in the country music canon.
With its simple chord progression of A and Bm (or G and Am with a capo on the 2nd fret), “Tennessee Whiskey” offers beginner guitarists an opportunity to capture the raw emotion and authenticity of Stapleton’s performance.
By refining their strumming technique and mastering the song’s soulful melody, novice guitarists can embark on a musical journey filled with passion and depth.
6. I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” stands as a timeless hit, released in 1956. This iconic song showcases Cash’s distinctive baritone voice and introspective lyrics.
With its relaxed strumming pattern and modified arpeggios, “I Walk the Line” offers beginner guitarists a gentle introduction to Cash’s signature sound.
The song’s simple chord progression and steady rhythm make it accessible for novice players, while still providing a satisfying challenge for those looking to refine their fingerpicking technique.
7. Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton
“Boys ‘Round Here” by Blake Shelton is a modern country favorite, released in 2013. This upbeat anthem celebrates the joys of rural living and camaraderie among friends.
With its simple power chords and easy strumming patterns, “Boys ‘Round Here” is a perfect choice for beginner guitarists looking to build their repertoire.
The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, while its straightforward structure allows novice players to quickly master its performance.
8. Country Girl (Shake It for Me) By Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” is an energetic anthem that embodies the spirit of contemporary country music.
Released in 2011, this upbeat track encourages listeners to let loose and embrace their inner party animal. With its basic chords and strumming techniques, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” is perfect for novice guitarists looking to add some fun to their repertoire.
The song’s infectious groove and sing-along chorus make it a hit at parties and gatherings, while its simplicity ensures that beginners can quickly learn to play along.
9. You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis
“You Are My Sunshine” is a beloved classic with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, this timeless tune has been covered by countless artists and remains a staple of the country music canon.
With its simple three-chord progression, “You Are My Sunshine” is an ideal starting point for beginners learning to play country songs.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody make it a favorite for sing-alongs and campfire gatherings, while its accessible structure allows novice guitarists to quickly master its performance.
10. Jolene By Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a timeless hit, released in 1973. This haunting ballad tells the story of a woman pleading with Jolene not to steal her man.
With its capo on the 5th fret and straightforward chord progressions, “Jolene” is an accessible choice for beginner guitarists. The song’s emotional depth and powerful storytelling make it a standout in Parton’s discography, while its simplicity ensures that novice players can quickly learn to play along.
“Jolene” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and heartbreak.
11. Blown Away by Carrie Underwood
“Blown Away” stands as one of Carrie Underwood’s captivating masterpieces, released in 2012. This powerful song showcases Underwood’s vocal prowess and storytelling ability.
With its simple composition, “Blown Away” offers beginner guitarists an opportunity to practice fundamental techniques such as chord transitions and strumming patterns. The song’s emotive lyrics and dynamic melody make it a standout in Underwood’s repertoire, while its accessibility ensures that novice players can quickly learn to play along.
“Blown Away” serves as a captivating introduction to country music for aspiring guitarists, inviting them to explore the genre’s rich storytelling tradition.
Therefore, focus on the fingerpicking before moving on to the more complex techniques and fundamentals.
12. When You Say Nothing at All by Keith Whitley
Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing at All” is a heartfelt ballad that epitomizes the essence of country music. Originally released in 1988, this timeless song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a favorite among fans.
With its easy chord progressions and strumming patterns, “When You Say Nothing at All” is perfect for beginners looking to hone their guitar skills. The song’s emotive lyrics and gentle melody create an intimate atmosphere that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Novice guitarists can immerse themselves in the beauty of Whitley’s classic hit, discovering the joy of playing along to its heartfelt melody.
13. Ocean Front Property by George Strait
“Ocean Front Property” is a classic tune by George Strait, released in 1987. This upbeat song features just three chords and a midtempo rhythm, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
With its catchy melody and sing-along chorus, “Ocean Front Property” is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Novice guitarists can quickly learn to play along to this timeless hit, mastering basic chord progressions while enjoying the laid-back vibe of Strait’s music.
“Ocean Front Property” offers beginner guitarists a chance to experience the joy of playing country music, providing a solid foundation for further exploration of the genre.
14. Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
“Friends in Low Places” stands as an iconic hit by Garth Brooks, released in 1990. This anthemic song celebrates friendship and camaraderie, with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics. Featuring basic chords and straightforward chord progressions, “Friends in Low Places” is perfect for beginner guitarists looking to master the basics.
The song’s sing-along chorus and memorable hook make it a favorite at parties and gatherings, while its simplicity ensures that novice players can quickly learn to play along.
“Friends in Low Places” offers beginner guitarists a chance to connect with the spirit of country music, embracing the joy of playing music with friends.
Besides, it only involves G, Am, and D chords making it pretty simple, easy country songs on guitar.
15. There Was This Girl by Riley Green
“There Was This Girl” is a modern country gem by Riley Green, released in 2018. This catchy song features simple chords and strumming patterns that any novice guitarist can tackle.
With its upbeat tempo and infectious melody, “There Was This Girl” is sure to get toes tapping and heads bobbing. Novice guitarists can quickly learn to play along to this feel-good hit, mastering basic techniques while enjoying the laid-back vibe of Green’s music.
“There Was This Girl” serves as an introduction to the contemporary sound of country music, inviting beginner guitarists to join in the fun and excitement of playing along to their favorite songs.
This song has also had just three chords; G, A, and D. Therefore, if you’re looking for simple, easy country songs on guitar, then you should opt for it.
So just your skills on strumming patterns, and here you go, skillful with it.
Conclusion – Easy Country Songs on Guitar
In this guide, we’ve explored a curated selection of easy country songs that are perfect for beginner guitarists.Whether you’re strumming along to classic hits or discovering modern favorites, these songs offer a gateway into the rich and vibrant world of country music.
So grab your guitar, tune up those strings, and let’s make some music together!
