From modern pickers like Billy Strings to bluegrass legends such as
Ralph Stanley and The Osborne Brothers, this page highlights a
collection of easy and intermediate bluegrass guitar songs you can learn on acoustic guitar.
Each
lesson includes chords, rhythm guidance, song details, and a demo video
to help you master that classic high-lonesome sound.
Browse the list below to jump directly to any artist’s lesson.
Footprints In The Snow was not written by Bill Monroe even though he apparently had made that claim. The song dates back to 1880 and was written by Harry Wright with the title "Footmarks In The Snow".
The song was first recorded in 1931 Ernest Branch & The West Virginia Ramblers but they called it "Little Footprints". Bill Monroe recorded his version in Feb of 1945 in Nashville. He re-recorded the song again.
in 1952 with different musicians. Monroe released his 1952 version as a single and later appeared on his Greatest Hits album.
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Songs - Learn To Play On Guitar
Help Is On The Way is the title track from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's 2008 gospel bluegrass album Help Is On the Way, released by Horizon Records. Written by Angela Renee Arnold and Doyle Lawson, the song delivers a reassuring message of faith through biblical stories and traditional bluegrass harmonies.
While it was not released as a charting single and no official music video accompanied it, the recording quickly became a favorite among gospel bluegrass audiences and a regular part of the group's live performances. Its uplifting lyrics and polished vocal blend reflect the style that made Doyle Lawson one of the most respected figures in modern bluegrass and Southern gospel music.
Chords And Strumming
In this song most bluegrass players and bands play this with a capo 3rd fret so they can blend in those lovely harmonies. But this is too high for my vocal range here, so I'm capo less in standard tuning with the chords G, C, D and D7. Some picking is required in this one.
Old Home Place is an old bluegrass standard that has been recorded by
most bluegrass artists including JD Crowe And The New South and was a
track from their 1975 album of the same name.
I play this one with a capo 3rd fret with a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Because this is a sol guitar piece here, there are several picking segments required. For chords you'll need a G, B7, C, D, D7 and an A7.
Sweet Heaven is a much faster song some heavy intense picking breaks all throughout the song. My version here is slower and very light on the picking compared to the original.
Chords & Lyrics sheet with full lesson found in the zip file below.
Whether you’re a long-time bluegrass fan or discovering these songs for the first time, these lessons make it easy to bring traditional acoustic music into your own playing. When you're ready, follow the links above to view full tutorials, download chord sheets, and explore more country, gospel, and Americana guitar resources across the site. Enjoy the pickin’!