The easiest country songs to learn on guitar

If you’ve learned a few chords on guitar, you can play a ton of songs! Many well-loved country songs can be played on acoustic guitar with just a few chords. Here are some of the easiest country songs to learn on guitar:

Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash

This three-chord song was made popular by the Man in Black – but it was originally recorded by June Carter Cash’s sister Anita in 1963. June wrote the song with Merle Kilgore.

Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

This song, popularized by Darius Rucker, is made up of a simple four-chord progression. The chorus and melody were written by Bob Dylan in the 1970s, and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show wrote the verses 25 years later.

The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

In 1976, 23-year-old songwriter Don Schlitz penned “The Gambler”, a ballad about a train passenger who gets advice from a gambler. He recorded it himself and shopped it around to other artists, including Johnny Cash, but Kenny Roger’s version became a hit and crossed over into the pop charts, a rare occurrence at the time.

Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

This simple song is one of West Virginia’s four official state anthems. It was selected to go in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2023.

Strawberry Wine – Deana Carter

The “wine” referenced in this song is Boone’s Farm Strawberry wine, a cheap, sweet wine preferred by teens, according to songwriter Matraca Berg. Berg wrote the song in less than four hours.

Jolene – Dolly Parton

It only takes four chords to play this Dolly Parton hit. Parton said she wrote both “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day!

It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill