Country chords
When it comes to country guitar, it's not so much about learning new chords, but congenial techniques and strumming patterns. You can use the typical "cowboy chords" in most cases, but to make it sound country there are some new concepts to look closer at.
If you need some advice for chord and diagrams, here are nevertheless three central chords in the style:
G
C
D
You could strum the chords, but should as well try plucking which will distinguish the style to a higher degree. A tip is to sometimes include the bass note on the string above the root (see and listen to the following examples with tabs and sounds below).
Learn from video
Country in 3/4 time
Country, and sometimes specified as country waltz, has a special touch and since the tempo often is quite low, this can be considered as a relatively easy concept. The following example splits the chord into the bass note and the rest of the notes, a common feature in country.
Country in 4/4 time
The second example is in 4/4 time and alternating between bass note and the rest of the chord.
Chord lick
A typical figure in bluegrass and country styles based on the G major chord.
Progressions
Examples of progressions suitable for country:
G - C - D7 - G
C - A7 - D
A - D - A - E
Lessons
Free guitar lessons for this style.
Country
- Lesson 1
- Lesson 2 coming soon
Country artists
Listen to country music with guitar as a central instrument to get more familiar with the style. Here are some great artists listed:
- Johnny Cash
- Gram Parsons
- Merle Haggard
- Willie Nelson
- Hank Williams
Drum tracks
Here are sound tracks with only drums to jam with in country style.