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Play the Best John Anderson Songs on Acoustic Guitar
John Anderson's unmistakable voice and blend of traditional country with Southern storytelling helped define the sound of '80s and '90s country music. If you're learning acoustic guitar and want to play some of his biggest hits, this page is a great place to start.
From the heartfelt ballad “1959” to the foot-stomping favorite “Swingin’,” these eight guitar lessons offer a mix of nostalgic storytelling, catchy rhythms, and classic country chord progressions.
Each lesson includes chords used, rhythm guidance, and a short demo snippet to help you get started.
🎸 Overview Video - “Watch This Preview of My Best John Anderson Guitar Songs”
John Anderson Guitar Lesson Titles
1959I Will Cross Ov'er The River
I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal
Seminole Wind
Someday I'm Gonna Go Fishin
Straight Tequila Night
Swingin'
Walkin In The Shadow
1. 1959 - Learn To Play On Guitar
1959 was a single from John Anderson back in 1980 when it was released from his album John Anderson.
The song reached #7 on the Billboard Hot Country charts. John Prine also covered this song as part of the John Anderson Tribute album which was released in Aug of 2022. Prine had recorded this song years ago and it made it onto this album which is made up of other artists performing John Anderson songs over the years.
Chords And Strumming
I play a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning and no lead work. The chords needed here are C, Dm, G, A# and an F.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. I Will Cross O'er The River - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Will Cross Over The River is a track found on the John Anderson album 40th Anniversary Of Swingin'.
The track was never released as a single to my knowledge.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this number in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead here with the chords D, G, A, Bm, E7 and A7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
3. I'm Just And Old Chunk Of Coal - Learn To Play On Guitar
I'm Just And Old Chunk Of Coal was Anderson's first song to break into the top 5, peaking at #4 back in 1981.
The song can be found on his album "John Anderson 2".
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret on this tune with some lean and the chords D, G, A, Gb, Bm, E7 and a D7. For rhythm play a root down up root up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
4. Seminole Wind - Learn To Play On Guitar
Seminole Wind was a #2 in the US and a #1 in Canada for John Anderson in 1992. James Taylor also covered this song.
The song hails from the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning and with some lead, play a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. The chords here are Em, G, D and an A.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
5. Someday I'm Gonna Go Fishin' - Learn To Play On Guitar
Someday I'm Gonna Go Fishin' is a track from the 40th Anniversary Swingin' album.
The song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning for this one with a capo 2nd fret. For rhythm play a root down root up down up and repeat pattern with some lead required. For chords play a G, C, A7 and a D.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
6. Straight Tequila Night - Learn To Play On Guitar
Straight Tequila Night hit the top of the charts in both Canada and the US back in 1991. Up to this point, John Anderson had not had a number one song in 8 years.
The song is from his album "Seminole Wind".
Chords And Strumming
Some lead work in this one with the chords Em, C, D and G in standard tuning. I play a capo 2nd fret on this one with a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
7. Swingin' - Learn To Play On Guitar
Swingin' was a #1 hit for John Anderson in 1983. The song wasn't quite finished and John needed a 4th song, so he went downstairs and wrote out the 3rd verse, came upstairs and recorded the song.
It can be found on his "Wild & Blue" album.
Chords And Strumming
In this one you'll play a down strokes pattern with an upstroke at the end of the line for rhythm in standard tuning. Some lead with the chords E, B, A#, A and a G.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
8. Walkin' In The Shadow - Learn To Play On Guitar
Walkin' In The Shadow is another song from the 40th Anniversary Swingin' album.
This track was not released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
For chords here play an E, A, Dbm, B7 and a Gb with some lead required and played in standard tuning. For rhythm play a root down root up down up and repeat pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song Titles
Whether you're drawn to the soulful lyrics of “Seminole Wind” or the humor in “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal,” John Anderson’s music translates beautifully to acoustic guitar. These lessons are designed to make each song accessible—even if you're not an advanced player.
Use the overview demo at the top of the page to preview all the songs, then scroll through the individual tutorials. When you're ready to go deeper, grab the full lesson packages, which include the chord sheets and full walkthroughs. Let’s keep classic country alive—one song at a time.
If you liked this best John Anderson guitar songs page you might also like ... (click images)
Great Swingin' Story From John 2018
Very Easy Country Guitar Songs