How To Play Country Music? – Every Detail You Need
Are you tired of playing the same genres? You want something different, something that will lift your spirits.
That’s why you’re interested in country music. You want to play those distinctive melodies and emotional solos on your acoustic guitar.
As a guitarist, this presents an opportunity to explore fingerpicking, flatpicking, and slide guitar techniques. However, the challenge lies in not knowing where to begin and what to learn to become an expert.
That’s what we’re covering. This guide will equip you with the skills, learning, and inspiration to become a true country guitarist.
Quick Picks On How to Play Country Music?
- Learn basic country music chords G, C, D, E, A, and Em.
- Use acoustic or electric guitar for country music.
- Try these hybrid picking, bends and slides, open tuning, capo placement, fingerstyle techniques, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and double stops.
- Use different strumming patterns to bring out the country’s essence
- Focus on regular practice and finger dexterity to speed up the strumming or picking techniques.
The Fundamentals of Country Guitar
Before things get musically technical, how about reminiscing the sweet old history of country music?
Back in the 1920s, both America’s South and the Southwest took rural life as an inspiration for country music. The whole genre is filled with American rural life stories, experiences, values, and challenges, all with a distinctive sound. Since the roots of country music were connected with the life stories of rural people, it was relatable to many listeners.
What makes country music apart from other music genres are its :
- Storytelling narratives that audiences love
- Power to evoke strong emotions with a heart-wrenching, uplifting, or simply comforting tone.
- American traditional roots such as family, faith, patriotism, and nature.
- Unique sounds are defined by instrumentation, vocal style, and songwriting.
The Guitar: The Heart of Country Music
Guitar is arguably the most important instrument in country music. Of course! This instrument is what gives that particular style its unique sound in the genre.
- Acoustic Guitar: The most common and musician’s favorite instrument to bring out that warmth and rich tone from country music. It is perfectly set with the vocals to create a sense of intimacy.
- Electric Guitar: Another hero that is also used in country music, particularly in modern styles. It is to create more aggressive and energetic music for the song.
Country Guitar Chords: The Backbone of the Genre
You don’t have to learn complex chords with country music. It takes relatively small sets of chords. These chords are typically open chords. Open chords mean you don’t have to use one finger on all the strings at once, like barred chords. You can easily press that exact string to get the tone.
Anyways, here are some of the most common country guitar chords:
| G | This one is the most used chord in countless country music |
| C | Another very common chord, often paired with G. |
| D | A major chords that add a bright and upbeat feel to the music. |
| E | Shapeshifter chords can be used in major and minor keys. |
| A | Another familiar chord to provide a solid foundation |
| Em | This is a minor one that gives a touch of bluesiness. |
So, these chords are the basic ones. They get used to making a combination of effective chord progressions. It might seem simple, but mastering these chords will open the gate to countless country classics.
How To Play These Chords?
It’s time to play these chords. We want to assure you that after practicing each chord, playing country music will become much easier. Let us show you the basic breakdown of the finger placement for each chord:
G String
- Index Finger: Put the finger on the 2nd fret of A string (5th string)
- Middle Finger: It will go on the 3rd fret of E string (6th string)
- Ring Finger: Use it on the 3rd fret of B string (2nd string)
- Pinky Finger: The last finger will be on the 3red fret of the high E string (1st string)
C String
- Index Finger: Go over the 1st fret of B string (2nd string)
- Middle Finger: Put it on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string)
- Ring Finger: Press the 3rd fret of A string (5th string)
D String
- Index Finger: It will go over the 2nd fret of the G string ( 3rd string)
- Middle Finger: Put it on the 2nd fret of E string (1st string)
- Ring Finger: Press it on the 3rd fret of B string (2nd string)
A String
- Index Finger: Press it on the 2nd fret of D string (4th string)
- Middle Finger: Put on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string)
- Ring Finger: Use it for the 2nd fret of B string (2nd string)
Em String
- Middle Finger: It will go on the 2nd fret of A string (5th)
- Ring Finger: This one will be used on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th)
So, these chords are primely the easiest to learn and are versatile. This is the reason why most country music includes them. They also add so much creativity to the chord progression. You can actually fit into any melodic structure of country songs.
On top of that, these chords are open. It means once you get the hang of them, you’ll see overall progress in your guitar skills. You will be ready to make any complex chord progressions, fingerpicking techniques, and other advanced playing styles.
How to Sound Country on Guitar? – Essential Techniques
If you want to mimic the natural feel of country music, you will need to know techniques that are synonymous with the genre.
Hybrid picking
Being hybrid means combining two picking styles, one fingerpicking, and the other Flatpicking. It basically involves picks for the bass string and the fingertips for the treble string. Due to its versatility, hybrid picking is utilized in various country styles, ranging from bluegrass to honky-tonk.
Example: Listen to tracks like “Rocky Top” by the Osborne Brothers to hear hybrid picking in action.
Bends and Slides
The soulful, expressive emotion you feel from country music actually comes from these techniques. Where bends raise the note’s pitch, slides glide between the notes. This is how the emotional buildup happens to the country songs.
Example: Listen to “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd for classic examples of bends and slides.
Open Tuning
Country music uses Open G or Open E tuning. It gives the listener a unique and distinctive sound. These tunings tune the guitar’s non-standard pitches.
Example: Listen to tracks like “I Just Don’t Like This Kind Of Livin ” by Hank Williams Jr. to hear the effects of open tunings.
Capo Placement
Capo gives the freedom to change the key without re-tuning. While playing country music, you can easily take advantage of capo to adapt different vocal ranges or create a specific tonal quality.
Example: Try listening to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. You will hear how a capo is used to transform the key of a song.
Fingerstyle Techniques
Fingerstyle playing allows you to use both hands to pluck the strings individually. It creates intricate patterns and rhythms to play country blues and folk music.
Example: Listen to “Dust on the Bottle” by David Lee Murphy for a classic example of fingerstyle guitar playing.
Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and double stops
You will need these methods to get the iconic “twang” of a country guitar. When you use hammer-ons, you hit the notes with your finger without picking. Pull-offs involve pulling a finger off a string to make notes, and double stops let you play two notes at the same time.
Example: Listen to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” to hear how these techniques create a country twang.
Country Music Strumming Patterns
Strumming patterns work as a rhythm in country music. While you are getting into the genre, how about practicing these common patterns or techniques?
| Patterns | Description |
| Downstrokes | A simple pattern for the primary rhythms. It goes like Down-down-down-down-up-down-up-down. |
| Altering bass | This pattern switched between downstrokes on the bass string and upstrokes on the treble strings. The rhythm will be like Down-up-down-up-down-up-down-up. |
| Shuffle rhythm | It gives the rhythm a twirl or a grove. The syncopated pattern plays three notes per beat, with a subtle intensity on the first note. |
| Boom-chick strumming | This one is similar to altering bass. The only difference is that after the downstrokes, it is followed by a series of upstrokes: Down-up-up-up-up-up-up-up-up. |
Related Read: Essential 5 Guitar Strumming Patterns.
25 Easy Country Songs to Play on Guitar
There goes your list of songs that you can start practicing on as a beginner. All of them are popular country music. You will find the link to the tutorial attached.
- “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
An effortless chord progression and a repetitive trimming pattern.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: C, G, Am, Em
Link to tutorial: Jolene Easy Guitar Lesson Dolly Parton
- “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
It’s a classic country song with easy-to-learn chords.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D
Link to tutorial: Ring Of Fire by Johnny Cash – EASY 3 Chord Song Guitar Tutorial
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Famous country melody with simple chords.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, D, Em, C
Link to tutorial: Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver – Chords
- “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
A modern country hit with a catchy melody.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: A and B
Link to tutorial: Tennessee Whiskey-Chris Stapleton-Acoustic Guitar Lesson/Tutorial(Chords+Strumming+Embellishments)
- “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
Another iconic John Cash song with a simple chord structure.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: E, A, D
Link to tutorial: Johnny Cash Guitar Lesson – I Walk The Line Intro Lick – How to Play on Guitar – Tutorial
- “Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams
A timeless country song with an easy chord structure.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: C, F, G
Link to tutorial: Hank Williams “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Easy Country Songs Lesson!
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
A classic rock with a country influence.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D
Link to tutorial:Sweet Home Alabama – Easy 3-Chord Song For Absolute Beginners
- “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show
A folk country song with straightforward chord progressions.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D, E
Link to tutorial: How to play “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show (Guitar Chords & Lesson)
- “I’ve Just Seen a Face” by The Beatles
Easy to learn modern country songs.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D, Em
Link to tutorial: The Beatles – I’ve Just Seen a Face – Guitar Lesson
- “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
Classic and rhythm are on point, with the same chord progression.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: E, A, B
Link to tutorial: Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash | EASY Beginner Acoustic Guitar Tutorial + 3-Chord Guitar Song
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
A popular pop culture song with a simple to moderate chord structure.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: E, A, D
Link to tutorial:Sweet Caroline – Guitar Lesson – Neil Diamond Easy 3 chord Song Tutorial
- “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
Another memorable melody with just three chords.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D
Link to tutorial: Kenny Rodgers – The Gambler guitar tutorial w/ chords on screen
- “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams
Another country song from Hank’s Treasure.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: E, A, B
Link to tutorial: How to Play Hank William’s I’m So Lonesome: Acoustic Guitar Lesson and Chords
- “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
The easiest song to learn has the same chord progression and requires just strumming.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: A and E
Link to tutorial: Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus Guitar Lesson + Tutorial + TABS
- “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley
A soulful country ballad with basic chords.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: G, C, D, Em and Am
Link to tutorial: Don’t Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley Guitar Lesson Play Along: How to Play Country Guitar Classics
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
A fantastic country music to go smooth on the chords.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: A, B, E, D
Link to tutorial: How To Play “Friends in Low Places” on Guitar – Garth Brooks
- “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
A fun and upbeat country song with less complicated chords.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: E, A, B7
Link to tutorial: Easy Country Songs On Guitar – Boot Scootin’ Boogie on Guitar | Brooks & Dunn
- “Good Ol’ Boys” by Waylon Jennings
A fun-loving and breezy country music and not-so-hard chords.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: E, A, B7
Link to tutorial: Waylon Jennings – Good Ol Boys – Dukes Of Hazzard Theme Song – GuitarTutorial
- “The Wreck of the Old 97” by Johnny Cash
Another gem from Johnny Cash.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D, Am7
Link to tutorial: Tablature Thursday #1: How to Play Wreck of the Old 97 by Johnny Cash With Tabs
- “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles
This is a famous country song covered by Ray Charles worldwide.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: C, G, F
Link to tutorial: Learn to Play: I Can’t Stop Loving You by Ray Charles
- “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
It’s a classic country song with easy-to-learn chords.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D, E, B
Link to tutorial: The Dance – Garth Brooks – Guitar Lesson | Tutorial
- “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger
A classic rock song that has been covered by many country artists.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: A, D, E
Link to tutorial: Old Time Rock And Roll Easy Guitar Lesson | Bob Seger
- “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Another popular Southern rock song with easy-to-learn chords.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: G, D, E, F, C
Link to tutorial: How To Play Lynyrd Skynyrd – Freebird
- “How Great Thou Art” by Passion
It’s a classic hymn that has been adapted for country music.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords: C, D, Em
Link to tutorial: How Great Thou Art – Tutorial
- “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash
A popular hymn turned into country music.
Difficulty: Easy
Chords: G, C, D, EmLink to tutorial: Amazing Grace (Hymn) Strum Guitar Cover Lesson in G with Chords/Lyrics
How to Play Country Lead Guitar? – Mastering the Licks
Country lead guitar is a style of playing guitar that highlights melody, emotion, and technical parts. The twangy tone and beats are due to the combination of various picking techniques, bends, slides, and harmonics.
You will see how rhythm guitar sets the stage for country music. However, the actual melodic tone comes from the lead guitar, which is why the lead guitarist plays it on solos, fill-ins, and melodic introductions to give that musical experience.
Essential Country Guitar Licks
It isn’t easy at first to learn the lead guitar skills in country music. First, you must sharpen your skills by practicing iconic licks from famous country guitarists. Let’s see the examples below here.
| The “Twangy” Lick | The “Bluegrass” Lick | The “Slide Guitar Lick” |
| This lick is a mixture of bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. The distinctive sound we have been talking about is generated from the twangy lick. | This lick technique combines a fast-paced, syncopated rhythm with double stops. | This lick uses a slide bar to produce a smooth and expressive tone. |
Introduction to Country Soloing Techniques
The soloing approach is the best in country music. It creates the perfect engaging and express solos with various methods. Soloing techniques basically offer:
- Chicken picking involves using your index finger and middle finger to pick each note, creating a percussive sound.
- Flat Picking requires a pick to strum the strings. It gives more of a rhythmic sound.
- Hybrid Picking is a blend of fingerpicking and flatpicking. It exists to give you the maximum flexibility and versatility.
Practice them slowly and gradually increase your speed. Don’t rush yourself; take your time and focus more on accuracy and clean playing.
Country Guitar Scales: What You Need to Know
Another essential understanding of country music. Guitar scales are important when making country solos. Without this, you can’t bring the melody and expression of stories from your country’s music. Here are the standard scales that are played in country guitar:
| Major Scale | Major pentatonic scale | Mixolydian scale |
| The scale behind the upbeat, bright, and cheerful melodies. | This one simplifies the major scales. It has five notes, and you will mostly hear them in country solos for their bluesy sound. | This scale is identical to the major scale. The only difference is it uses flattened seventh notes. The sound of this scale is more soulful and expressive. |
Check out Guitar Scales for Beginners: Start Your Solo Journey.
Popular Country Guitar Chords and Progressions
The fundamental base of any chord progression is the I-IV-V. This chord progression is used as a building block in many music genres, and country music is no different. Here, we take the G major, for example. The progression would be G-C-D. The popularity behind this progression is that it sounds pleasing to the ear and is very easy to play.
The I-IV-V progression works so well with country music. When played, the chords create a comfortable atmosphere, giving a sense of familiarity and a strong sense of forward motion.
Adding a Country Flavor with 7th Chords
Seventh chords add a bluesy and soulful quality to country music, creating more depth and complexity. Their chord progression makes the sound more sophisticated and exciting.
Some common 7th chords used in country music include:
- G7: This chord is a dominant one. It leads the sound to the resolution of the G major chord.
- D7: Another dominant chord. It takes the sounds to the resolution of the A major chord.
- Em7: This one is minor 7th chords. It adds a melancholy or bluesy feel to a progression.
A simple example of chord progression using 7th chords:
- G-G7-C-C7-D-D7-G
- A7-D7-G-C
- E7-A7-D-G
Relatable Read: Top 10 Guitar Chord Progressions Every Musician Should Know
How to Get That Authentic Country Guitar Tone?
Done with learning techniques and methods, it is time to get the right instrument to strum the country music. If you really want to play the exact tone of country music, choose the right guitar. Here is our recommendation:
- Guitar: Acoustic guitar should be the first choice for country music, especially a dreadnought or a concert guitar. But if you are into electric guitar, then a Telecaster-style guitar can also be used. It will go well with the rock-influenced country sound.
- Amplifier: For a clean and crisp sound, you must invest in a good tube amp or a modeling amp. Constantly adjust the gain to a moderate level or use a normal tone.
- Effects: Revered, delayed, and compression pedals can keep you ahead with a more authentic country sound. Where reverb can add a hint of space and depth, the delay can create a rhythmic effect. Subconquestly, compression will even out the tone.
How to Emulate the Sound of Famous Country Guitarists?
Study the playing styles of famous guitarists like Chet Atkins, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban to emulate their sounds. Chet Atkins is known for his fingerpicking prowess and smooth, melodic playing. Next, Brad Paisley’s tone is brighter and twangier. Keith Urban, on the other hand, uses a crisp, clean sound and veracity of playing style.
To actually mimic the sound of their iconic country music, you will have to:
- Listen to their recordings carefully
- Learn their signature licks and solos
- Experiment with different gear
- Practice regularly
Tips for Practicing and Improving Your Country Guitar Skills
We aren’t done yet. To make your learning journey easier, we have a few tips for you. These tips will help you understand and learn country music easily and quickly.
Relatable Read: Guitar Finger Exercises: Build Strength, Speed, & Dexterity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can try learning “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, as they are the easiest for beginners to play.
You should concentrate on open tuning and fingerpicking techniques and explore country-specific effects such as reverb and delay.
They aren’t, actually. You just start with a simple song and, depending on your skill level, increase the difficulty.
You can learn country-specific techniques by using open tuning, fingerpicking, and effects.
Wrapping Up: Keep Your Country Hat On!
Congratulations on completing your journey through the country music world. We have included all the basic fundamentals, from technicians to song tutorials and tips, to help you begin with. If you still need help, Zager has an extensive library of guitar lessons that will help you easily practice at home anytime.
