25 Easy Country Songs To Play On Guitar For New Players

Want to learn country songs on guitar but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Many beginners feel stuck picking their first songs, especially with so many choices out there.

That’s why this guide lists 25 easy country songs you can play with just a few basic chords. You’ll find songs from legends like Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers, and newer stars like Maren Morris and Parker McCollum.

Each one is fun, simple, and perfect for beginners. No tricky stuff – just songs that sound great and help you get better fast. Let’s get ready to strum along to some of country’s best hits!

25 Easy Country Songs on Guitar

Here are some easy and popular country songs to learn when you’re just starting out.

1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) by Hank Williams

Single by Hank Williams (1952) | Guitar Chords | Guitar Tabs

A slow and easy country song to play on the guitar is Jambalaya by Hank Williams. It was so popular that many artists covered it over the years.

One of the easy songs on our list with a great melody and simple fingerpicking style. You wouldn’t even expect that the chords for it are just C and G. Yep, you read that right. That’s perfect for you as a beginner guitarist. And its strumming is basic enough for you to master fast.

The name is, of course, inspired by the Cajun dish Jambalaya because why not? It’s a great, delicious dish.

2. Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus

Album: Some Gave All (1992) | Guitar Chords | Guitar Tabs

Who does not recognize this groove? Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus was a smash hit back then and even today’s generation would be left dancing if they hear the famous riff from this tune.

But what’s amazing about this Achy Breaky Heart song is that it’s only a 2 chord country song. All you need to play are chords A and E and you have yourself one groovy song to hype up everybody.

3. Tulsa Time by Eric Clapton

Album: Just One Night (1980) | Guitar Chords

Got dreams of strumming easy country songs on a front porch somewhere? You’re gonna love this one. Eric Clapton’s take on Tulsa Time from the 80s is pure country music gold—laid-back, catchy, and cool as a glass of sweet tea.

Originally sung by Don Williams, Clapton’s version keeps it simple and lively, perfect for beginners who want easy to learn songs that still pack a punch.

This one’s a classic 2 chord country song – just A and E (or A5 and E5 if you want that extra twang). The steady rhythm, super simple strumming, and slow tempo make it a breeze.

4. Take Me Back to Tulsa (Traditional)

Single by Bob Wills (1941) | Guitar Chords

If you’re itching to kick up some dust with classic country songs, this one’s your ticket. Take Me Back To Tulsa brings that old-school Western Swing vibe that just feels like a Saturday night dance hall.

It’s a staple for beginner guitar lessons because it’s crazy simple—no twists, no turns, just pure, toe-tapping fun.

You’ll be bouncing between two easy chords, G and D, all song long. Steady strumming, slow tempo, no tricky moves to trip you up. It’s standard tuning too, so no tuning headaches. Lock in that two-beat rhythm, keep it light and lively, and you’re good to go.

5. Honky Tonkin’ by Hank Williams

Single by Hank Williams (1947) | Guitar Chords

Honky Tonkin’ by Hank Williams is pure country gold – laid-back, catchy, and packed with that old-school blues swagger. One of the easiest classic tunes you’ll ever strum, it ranks high on any list of easy country guitar songs.

You’ll love how low the song difficulty is: just two chords, E major and B7, and a steady boom-chick rhythm. Alternating bass notes keep things lively without melting your brain.

Check a few chord charts, grab your guitar, and you’ll be honky tonkin’ like a pro in no time!

6. Waltz Across Texas by Ernest Tubb

Album: Another Story (1967) | Guitar Chords

Nothing beats kicking back with some old country songs that make you wanna grab your guitar and play all night. Waltz Across Texas has that dreamy, slow-dance magic that made Ernest Tubb a legend among country music artists.

It’s a perfect pick if you’re itching to learn a song that’s easy to learn but still packs a punch. All you gotta do is lock down two super simple cowboy chords like G and D7, and keep a steady “one two three” waltz beat.

Easy, smooth, and slow strumming patterns make this song a total beginner win.

7. Deep in the Heart of Texas by Gene Autry

Single by Ted Weems and His Orchestra (1942) | Guitar Chords

Nothing brings a smile quite like this toe-tapping country song that celebrates the Lone Star State. Gene Autry’s version of Deep in the Heart of Texas is a feel-good classic, filled with catchy lines and clap-along moments that make it hard to forget.

As far as traditional country tunes go, this one’s as inviting as they come. You’ll only need two chord shapes, D and A7, which keep things simple and fun.

With its steady rhythm and repetitive structure, it’s one of the easiest country songs to learn on guitar.

8. Guitars, Cadillacs by Dwight Yoakam

Studio Album by Dwight Yoakam (1986) | Guitar Chords

Dwight Yoakam brought Bakersfield back in style with a twang that hits like a steel-toed boot—and Guitars, Cadillacs is his signature move.

The opening riff? Guitarist Eugene Edwards calls it “the history of country music all in one really catchy riff.” It’s one of those beginner country guitar songs that sounds fancy but keeps things easy under the hood.

You’ll stick to just two main chords, A and E, and ride that steady rhythm like an old freight train. Wanna nail the vibe? Focus on the strum feel and those punchy little bends.

Great pick if you’re browsing country guitar tutorials for beginners and want something fun, fast, and full of attitude.

9. Pay Me My Money Down by Bruce Springsteen

Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (2006) | Guitar Chords

Pull up a chair by the campfire – Bruce Springsteen’s got a crowd-pleaser that hits like a shot of tradition with a splash of fun. Pay Me My Money Down may be a classic folk tune, but The Boss gave it new boots with his 2006 Seeger Sessions.

It’s a great way to tap into traditional country music genres without needing a full toolkit. You’ll only need two simple chords—either G and D or C and G.

With a steady rhythm and some optional fingerpicking, you’re set. It’s easy, catchy, and perfect for passing the guitar around.

10. You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis

Single by Jimmie Davis (1940) | Guitar Chords

Here’s a tune that’s been shining through porches, pickin’ circles, and lazy afternoons for over 80 years. Covered by everyone from Jimmie Davis to Johnny Cash, this timeless hit is a must-have on your list of easy acoustic country songs to learn.

It’s got that sweet, familiar melody—and the kind of simple charm that never wears out. You’ll only need an easy 3 chord combo – A, D, and E – and some basic, simple country guitar strumming patterns.

11. I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash

Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! (1956) | Guitar Chords

Straight from the Man in Black’s early catalog, this tune’s a pledge of loyalty wrapped in steady rhythm and grit. Released in 1956, I Walk the Line was Johnny Cash’s first No. 1 hit—and it still walks tall.

Lyrically, it’s about staying true despite temptations on the road, and musically, it’s gold for beginners.

With just A, D, and E, it checks the box for easy country songs on guitar for beginners. The Boom Chuck strumming patterns add that signature train-track pulse. Try a simplified version and you’ll be switching chords smoother than a Sunday drive.

12. The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

Album: The Gambler (1978) | Guitar Chords

Kenny Rogers didn’t just sing The Gambler—he turned it into a life lesson set to music. This timeless tune tells the story of a chance encounter on a train, where a gambler dishes out advice that sticks with listeners for decades.

Its storytelling charm and smooth rhythm have made it easier to learn and play on guitar.

You’ll only need D, G, and A chords for most of the song. With a capo on the first fret and steady rhythm, it’s beginner gold. Check guitar tabs for the intro or try the lead guitar line later.

13. Should’ve Been A Cowboy by Toby Keith

Album: Toby Keith (1993) | Guitar Chords

Few popular country songs capture the cowboy spirit quite like this breakout hit from Toby Keith.

With its catchy melody and singalong chorus, Should’ve Been A Cowboy became the most played country and western song of the entire 1990s – a true modern classic that still gets crowds singing.

This one’s a solid pick for beginners thanks to its easy 3 chord structure. You’ll only need G, D, and C – three of the first chord shapes most players learn. Add in simple strumming patterns, and you’ve got a song that’s fun and quick to master.

14. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash

Album: Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash (1963) | Guitar Chords

Few voices are as unforgettable as Johnny Cash’s, and this song is proof of why he became a legend. Known for its fiery lyrics and mariachi horns, Ring of Fire stands tall as one of his biggest country hits and a staple of country song playlists.

It’s also another Johnny Cash tune that’s perfect for new players. With just G, C, and D chords, you can play the entire song.

Add a thumping percussive rhythm using simple down strums or a basic boom-chick pattern, and you’ll sound stage-ready in no time.

15. Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina

Album: Jo Dee Messina (1996) | Guitar Chords

Few songs capture that road trip spirit quite like this ‘90s country anthem from Jo Dee Messina. With its catchy chorus and story of ditching a dead-end town for adventure, it’s a fun one to strum and sing along to.

You’ll only need a handful of easy chords – either G, D, C, or E, B, and A – to play through the whole thing. Start with four simple down strums per chord, then build up to more rhythmic patterns. Add a capo to match your voice, and you’re good to go.

16. A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash

Album: At San Quentin (1969) | Tutorial Video | Guitar Chords | Guitar Tabs

Our list won’t just include easy country songs to play on guitar, but quite famous ones. Obviously, songs need not be complex for it to become a hit and none embodies that concept better than A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash.

A generational artist, Johnny Cash mixes fun storytelling with his singing and this tale tells a story of a boy named Sue and the trials that that brings.

This is a 3-chord country song for guitar and you’ll learn the guitar chords A, D, and E if you practice this tune. That’s super easy with an upbeat tempo, you’ll be on your way to being a charismatic country guitar player.

17. I’m Gonna Be Somebody by Travis Tritt

Album: Country Club (1990) | Tutorial Video | Guitar Chords

Another song with a moderate tempo that will help you play more complex country songs is I’m Gonna Be Somebody by Travis Tritt. A country song in all aspects, this smash hit is about someone who aspires to reach his dreams despite tough times.

This song employed guitar chords G, C, D, B7, Am7, G/B, and Am. It’s got a structure closer to newer songs, so even guitarists of this generation can surely appreciate it.

18. King of the Road by Roger Miller

Album: The Return of Roger Miller (1965) | Guitar Chords

Roger Miller’s King of the Road rolled out in 1965 and became one of the most iconic songs about hobo pride—no mansion, no meal plan, just freedom and four wheels.

Born in Texas, Miller picked up stories from the road and turned them into gold. This tune snagged two Grammys and still gets toes tappin’.

With a moderate tempo and just three chords – A, D, and E – it’s a breeze for beginners. Add it to your setlist and strum like a king without a castle.

19. My Church by Maren Morris

Album: Hero (2016) | Guitar Chords

Maren Morris brought a fresh voice to country with My Church, a track that blends soulful vibes with radio-cranked joyrides. As one of the standout modern country songs, it celebrates the healing power of music and feels like an anthem for solo drives with the windows down.

You’ll love learning it on guitar because it mostly sticks to three open chords – A, D, and E – making it beginner-friendly. There’s one F minor barre chord, but you can focus on the easier shapes first.

Try simple strumming like “down down down down up” to start, then build up to fuller patterns as you improve.

20. Jolene by Dolly Parton

Album: Jolene (1973) | Guitar Chords

With its haunting melody and heartfelt plea, this country classic helped define Dolly Parton’s legacy as a master songwriter. Jolene speaks to raw emotion, wrapped in a simple, catchy groove that made it one of the most-covered country songs ever.

The song is more upbeat and has this aggressive approach, reflecting the thoughts of the singer about its theme. You’ll only need a few chords like Am, C, and G to get started.

Stick to easy down strums or try fingerpicking once you’re comfortable. Add a capo on the fourth fret to match the original or play in open position.

21. Blown Away by Carrie Underwood

Album: Blown Away (2012) | Tutorial Video | Guitar Chords

Speaking of more country pop hits, Blown Away by Carrie Underwood already incorporates modern rock elements into country music, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn it rather easily.

This is a 3 chord country song for guitar, as it only employs Em, G, and D for the entirety of it. This song is classified as country-pop and is part of the genre’s popularity during the 21^st century. You may check out Carrie Underwood’s contemporaries like Kelly Clarkson or the Band Perry.

22. I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton

Album: Jolene (1973) | Guitar Chords | Tutorial Video

Dolly Parton, with her unmistakable voice and heartfelt lyrics, made I Will Always Love You a timeless classic long before Whitney Houston’s powerful cover. This acoustic country ballad captures raw emotion with quiet strength, making it one of the most moving breakup songs ever written.

You can play it using simple chords like G, C, D, and E minor. The strumming pattern is steady, but you can also try fingerpicking for a softer touch. Add a bass note before each strum to match Dolly’s gentle rhythm and bring the song’s sweetness to life.

23. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver

Album: Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971) | Guitar Chords

John Denver had a gift for writing feel-good songs, and this one became a sing-along anthem the moment it hit the airwaves. It’s one of the most recognisable country songs and even earned a spot as one of West Virginia’s official state anthems.

You’ll be switching from G, D, Em, and C with this classic tune, so it’s fit for you to practice basic chords with just the right beat to learn the ropes of guitar playing. The rhythm is simple, and you can start with single strums or use the “Old Faithful” pattern.

It’s also one of those country songs with easy guitar riffs that feel great to play anytime.

24. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show/Darius Rucker

Album: O.C.M.S. (2004) | Guitar Chords | Guitar Tabs

If you noticed a trend in country music, it’s the fact that they’ve been covered by multiple artists over and over again. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show is one such country music song, written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor in 1970.

A slow tempo song that employs the G, D, Em, and C harmonic progression is sure to get you to learn the ropes in guitar playing.

25. What Kinda Man by Parker McCollum

Album: What Kinda Man (2024) | Guitar Chords

Closing out our list of easy country songs is a track that brings grit and emotion together with raw honesty. Parker McCollum’s What Kinda Man captures that push-pull between past mistakes and the desire to become better for someone who matters.

Its sound feels different – more stripped-down, more real – standing apart from typical country radio hits with slide guitar touches and a Dylan-style harmonica. You’ll recognize the same chords used in several songs we’ve covered earlier – G, C, D, and Em chords make it a smooth final pick.

Use this one to strengthen your strumming flow and chord transitions at your own pace.

What makes a song easier to learn for beginners?

As we have ended our list of country songs to learn, let’s go through some valuable advice about learning the guitar the easy way.

• Learn the songs that you love. It’s easier to play the rhythm of a song you already know by heart. It’s easier to learn the guitar chords and the whole experience would just be more enjoyable, so you won’t quit on it altogether rather easily.
• Go with beginning acoustic guitar songs with only 3 to 4 chords in a progression. Learning some basic chords first, especially with common progressions like G-Em-C-D or D-Bm-G-A, would first help you familiarize yourself with the basic chords and the feel for the fretboard. Also, your body rhythm as you strum would improve as that’s a skill that most beginners struggle with and is quite hard to teach.
• You don’t necessarily have to go for bands or music genres that you love either. While we said that you need to play the songs you love, we also encourage you to explore easier songs from a different genre. Pop songs, pop rock, country, and classic love songs are much easier to learn at first compared to say, metal or rock.
• Work your way from basic chord progressions to practicing how to solo if you want to be a lead guitarist. Be patient. You must nail the fundamentals down first before you go for anything advanced. You’ll just make it harder for yourself.
• Familiarize yourself with the country music tab and learn from a mentor. You don’t necessarily need to pay for guitar lessons. There are tons of materials on the internet, tutorials on YouTube, and even access to famous guitarists’ best practices. Model your playing style after a known guitar player, then develop your own style from there.
• Learn how to tune your instrument and practice, practice, practice! music genres.

Final Words

There you have it! These are some of the easiest and most enjoyable country songs to learn on guitar. You don’t need to listen to or practice all of them. When I was starting out, I learned about a dozen basic songs then proceeded to practice or rehearse the ones I really loved to play.

Remember, the most important thing is to nail the fundamentals of the craft down like rhythm, tuning, notes, and chords, and everything else will follow. You never know, you’d be composing your own songs in no time. So keep on practicing!

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