9 Easy Country Guitar Songs for Beginners
If you’re a beginner guitarist and a fan of country music, you’re in luck! Here are 9 easy country beginner guitar songs to get you started.
We curated this selection by handpicking songs and personally trying out the chord progressions. You will notice that we simplified some of the chords from the original to make it easier to start. If you are completely new to the chord world, you can check out our quick article on how to read guitar chord diagrams.
Country music is all about storytelling, and you can’t go wrong with a great story and simple chords. In this article, we’ll introduce you to nine easy country guitar songs that don’t require extensive knowledge of music theory or complex finger placement. Each song has five chords or fewer, making them perfect for beginners. We’ll also include a chord progression section for each song and a link to listen to the original track. So grab your acoustic guitar and let’s get started!
Feel free to explore the entire list or jump directly to the song you’re interested in by clicking on its title here:
Remember, some of these songs have a bit of a variation from the original to make it easier to play. But as you increase your skills, feel free to experiment.
Keep reading to browse the songs.
1. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show
About the Song:
This song is a modern-day classic with a simple yet catchy tune. With only four chords (G,D,Em, and C), you can master this song as a beginner. Furthermore, the chord progression repeats, making it easy to remember. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
Chords used – G, D, Em, C
Main Chord Progression:
The main chord progression for “Wagon Wheel” is super simple: G – D – Em – C for the intro and verse, and G – D – Em – C – G – D – C – G – D – Em. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, and once you’re feeling confident, add a basic strumming pattern to get the rhythm right.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to Old Crow Medicine Show’s original “Wagon Wheel” to get the vibe and rhythm down:
2. “Take It Easy” by Eagles (Cover by Tavis Tritt)
About the Song:
This song is a perfect introduction to the country-rock genre with its upbeat tempo and memorable lyrics. With only five chords (G, D, C, Em and Am), it’s an easy song for beginners to sing and play. The chord progression is easy to follow too. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
Chords used – G, D, C, Am, Em
Main Chord Progression:
While is a bit fast pace, for the verse you will mainly be doing G – D – C – G – D – C – G. And for the chorus gets a bit more involved with the progression been Em – C – G – Am – C – Em – C – G – C – G – Am – C – G.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Take It Easy” cover by Travis Tritt original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
3. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
About the Song:
Despite its darker lyrics, this song has a simple structure when it comes to the chords. With only five chords (G, D, Em, C, A), it’s easy to play and perfect for beginners. Ok, so technically is 6 chords with B7 if you want it to sound closer to the original, is kinda optional, but we believe in you! Go for it! Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
Chords used – G, D, Em, C, A (B7 Optional)
Main Chord Progression:
The intro and Verse progressions is Em – G – D – C – Em – G – D – C – D, and the chorus is C – Em – C – Em – C – Em -B7 (Go for it!) – C – Em – C – C – Em – C – D – Em.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
4. “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks (Simplified)
About the Song:
This country classic is a fan favorite and is guaranteed to get the party started. With only four chords (G, C, D, and Am), it’s an easy song for beginners to play while belting out the lyrics. Listen to the song on the link below. Keep in mind, this is a simplified variation of the original chords.
The Chords You’ll Need:
Chords used – G, C, D, Am
Main Chord Progression:
Chord Progression for the Intro and Verse is G – G (or G#dim7 if you want to get fancy 🙂) – Am – D – D – G. For the Chorus it is G – G – G – G – Am – Am – D – D – G – G -G – G – Am – D – G.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
5. “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
About the Song:
This song is a tribute to all things Southern with its easygoing melody and simple chords. With only four chords (G, D, and C), it’s an excellent song for beginners to play and sing along to. The chord progression continues throughout the song. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
Chords used – G, D, C
Main Chord Progression:
Intro goes like G – D – C – G – D, transitioning to the verse which is G – D – C – D – G – D – C – D – G – D – C – D – G – D – C – D, pheww that’s a lot, BUT it is the same cords plying over and over. Chorus is G – D – C – G – D – G – D – C – G – D. Again Looks like a lot, but comes down to the same 3 chords.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
6. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
About the Song:
This song is a modern country favorite with its catchy chorus and simple chord structure. With only four chords (G, D, Em7, and C), it’s an easy song for beginners to learn. The chord progression repeats throughout the song. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
G, D, Em7, C
Main Chord Progression:
For the chord progression, the intro and verse are G – D – Em7 – C, and the chorus G – D – Em7 – C also.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
7. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
About the Song:
With its soulful melody and simple chords, this song is perfect for blues and country fans alike. With only four chords (G, D, C, and Em), it’s an easy song for beginners to play. The chord progression is easy to follow too. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
G, D, C, Em
Main Chord Progression:
Chord Progression – Intro and verse and the chorus is pretty much G – D – C – Em – C – G. You can also try G – D – C – G – C – G if it is easier to start with.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
8. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
About the Song:
This song is a classic and beloved by generations with its soothing melody and captivating lyrics. With only three chords (C, G, and Am), it’s an easy song for beginners to practice their finger placement. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
C, G, Am
Main Chord Progression:
So guess? Yes the whole song can be played by repeating Am – C – G – Am! If you feel lancy you could add an Em before the last Am.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
About the Song:
This song is an iconic track that combines rock and roll with country. With only four chords (G, C, and D), it’s an easy song for beginners to play. The chord progression repeats throughout the song. Listen to the song on the link below.
The Chords You’ll Need:
G, C, D
Main Chord Progression:
The main chord progression for “Ring of Fire” is nice and easy: G – C – G – D. and chorus D – C – G – D – C – G – D – G – D -G. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, and once you’re feeling confident, add a basic strumming pattern to get the rhythm right.
Listen to the Original:
Before you start strumming away, make sure to listen to “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash original song to get the vibe and rhythm down:
What next?
Learning to play country music on the guitar doesn’t have to be difficult, and these nine songs prove it. By using easy chords and straightforward progressions, beginner guitarists can play along with their favorite tunes in no time. Keep practicing and have fun while you’re at it. Happy strumming!
