Best Hank Williams Songs To Learn On Guitar
If you're looking to explore the timeless catalog of Hank Williams on acoustic guitar, this collection features 11 of his most iconic songs — perfect for intermediate players wanting to blend rhythm and heart.
From jukebox staples like Hey Good Lookin’ and Your Cheatin’ Heart to gospel-infused classics like I Saw The Light, these lessons showcase the brilliance of a songwriter who shaped the sound of country music. Whether you're strumming along solo or adding these tunes to your next gig setlist, they’re guaranteed to bring nostalgia and soul to your playing.
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Hank Williams Guitar List
1. Cold Cold Heart2. Dear John
3. Half As Much
4. Hey Good Lookin
5. Honky Tonkin
6. House Of Gold
7. I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You
8. I Saw The Light
9. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
10. Jambalaya
11. Lonesome Whistle
1. Cold Cold Heart - Learn To Play On Guitar
Cold Cold Heart was a #1 hit for Hank Williams in 1951. The song didn't appear on any album as Hank only recorded 2 albums in his short 6 year career but it didi appear on compilation albums after his death.
This one is on the "Memorial Album".
Chords And Strumming
I like to play this one with drop D tuning with the chords A7, D and G with some lead work required. For rhythm you can play a root down up root up down up repeat pattern.
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2. Dear John - Learn To Play On Guitar
Dear John hit the airwaves in 1951 and reached #8 on the country charts for Hank. It was written by Tex Ritter and was the A-side to Cold Cold Heart, which became the #1 hit.
The track can be found on "The Unforgettable Hank Williams" album.
Chords And Strumming
This one I also play a drop D tuning with a capo 3rd fret. The rhythm here is a root down root up down up and repeat with some lead and only two chords which are D and A7.
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3. Half As Much - Learn To Play On Guitar
Half As Much was not a favourite of Hank's, in fact he only recorded the songs because his producer Fred Rose insisted he record the song. Hank listened and ended up with a #2 hit in 1952.
The track can be found on the "Memorial Album".
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are A, D, A7, E7 and a G with some lead required. I play this one with drop D tuning also using a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
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4. Hey Good Lookin - Learn To Play On Guitar
Hey Good Lookin was a single back in 1951 and doesn't appear to have been on any album until the Memorial Album was released.
The song itself was written by Hank for Little Jimmy Dickens initially, but then Hank jokingly told him the song was too good for him, and he recorded the song himself.
Chords And Strumming
This tune can be played in standard tuning with a root down up bass up down up rhythm pattern and the chords D7, G, C and an F. Some lead required here.
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5. Honky Tonkin - Learn To Play On Guitar
Honky Tonkin was released in 1948 as a single from the album of the same name and the song peaked at #14 on the US country chart. In 1982, Hank Williams Jr released his version and had a #1 country hit.
Chords And Strumming
Only two chords here and they are E and a B7 with a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Played in standard tuning and lots of picking.
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6. House Of Gold - Learn To Play On Guitar
House Of Gold was a hymn written by Hank Williams and was recorded as a demo only sometime between 1948 and 1949. MGM Records put the song as a B-side to the single "How Can You Refuse Him Now".
Hank Never recorded the song with his band.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning and no led in this one with the chords D, D7, G and an A. For rhythm you'll need a root down root up down up and repeat pattern.
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7. I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You made it all the way to #2 on the US country charts in 1951 from the album Ramblin Man.
Chords And Strumming
Play a root down root up down up rhythm pattern with the chords A, D, D7, G and a D dim. Some lead required in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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8. I Saw The Light - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Saw The Light was released as a single in 1948 and was the 2nd song Hank had recorded for his new label MGM. The song did not chart but has gone on to become a standard country gospel tune down through the decades.
Chords And Strumming
You'll need a root down up down up down up rhythm pattern played in standard tuning. You can play this one in G, C and D. Some lead can added into the mix.
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9. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Learn To Play On Guitar
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry was a another great song from the 1948 album Moanin The Blues and scored Hank a #2 hit in 1949.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo on the 4th with the chords C, C7, F, G, G7, Am and an Em. Played in standard tuning you'll need some lead work here. For rhythm play a root up down up down up and repeat.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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10. Jambalaya - Learn To Play On Guitar
Jambalaya went to #1 on the country charts for hank Williams in 1952. Hank wrote the lyrics but many think the melody he used came from a song called Grand Texas.
You'll find this one on an album called "Honky -Tonkin".
Chords And Strumming
I use a drop D tuning in this number with a capo 2nd fret. Some lead with the chords G and D while playing a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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11. Lonesome Whistle - Learn To Play On Guitar
Lonesome Whistle is believed to have been written by Hank Williams and Jimmie Davie in the early part of 1951 and it became a #9 country hit in the US.
The track is on the album "Ramblin Man".
Chords And Strumming
This one is in standard tuning with a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead required with the chords A, D, D7, A7 and a G.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
With rich lyrics and straightforward chord progressions, these Hank Williams guitar songs are ideal for fans of traditional country and Americana music. If you enjoy heartfelt storytelling paired with classic country strumming, dig into these lessons and bring these enduring tracks to life.
And don’t forget to check out Volume 2 for more gems from Hank’s legendary songbook.
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