The Ultimate George Strait Guitar Songbook: 44 Tutorials
Welcome to the largest collection of George Strait guitar songs on the web.
Whether you're looking for the signature Texas swing of Amarillo By Morning or the smooth picking style of I Cross My Heart, this page covers the King of Country's extensive catalog from the 80s to today.
I have broken down over 40 hits into easy-to-follow video tutorials, complete with free George Strait chords and lyrics to help you master these country classics.
Grab your acoustic, pick a section below, and let's get started.
🎸 Overview Videos -
“Watch All 4 Preview Videos Below
Best Of George Strait On Guitar”
⭐ The Essentials (Must-Learn Hits)
Check Yes Or No
Give It Away
I Can Still Make Cheyenne
I Cross My Heart
Ocean Front Property
Run
The Chair
Troubadour
Write This Down
🔥 Up-Tempo & Honky Tonk
AdalidaAll My Exes Live In Texas
Heartland
Here For A Good Time
Honky Tonk Time Machine
I Gotta Get To You
If It Wasn't For Texas
Living For The Night
Love Without End Amen
The Fireman
Wrapped
💔 Ballads & Love Songs
A Showman's LifeBlue Clear Sky
Carrying You Love With Me
Desperately
Drinkin Man
Give It All We Got Tonight
God And Country Music
He Must Have Hurt You Really Bad
I Hate Everything
I Just Wanna Dance With You
It Just Comes Natural
Seashores Of Old Mexico
The Best Day
Three Nails And A Cross
Where Have I Been All My Life
You Look So Good In Love
You'll Be There
🤠 80s & 90s Classics
A Fire I Can't Put OutBlame It On Mexico
Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
Easy Come Easy Go
Fool Hearted Memory
It Ain't Cool
Nobody In His Right Mind
The Nerve
Unwound
⭐ The Essentials (Must-Learn Hits)
Amarillo By Morning - Learn To Play On Guitar
Amarillo By Morning was written by Terry Stafford and Paul Frasier and they recored it in 1973 and had a top 30 hit. This song was actually a B-side to a song called "Say Has Anybody Seen My Gypsy Rose", which was the A-Side when Staffed released the single in June of 73. By October, they realized Amarillo By Morning was getting more airplay, so they re-released the single and flipped sides, putting Amarillo By Morning on the A-Side.
George Strait recorded the song in 1982 for his album "Strait From The Heart" and released the single in 1983, scoring a #4 hit on the country charts in the US and hit #1 in Canada.
Chris Ledoux also covered the song before George Strait back in 1975.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead required. For chords play a D, Gbm, G, A7, Gmaj7, A, E, Abm, A, B7 and an Amaj7.
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Check Yes Or No - Learn To Play On Guitar
Check Yes Or No hails from his 1995 album, "Strait Out Of The Box" where George scored another #1 hit with the release of this song in both Canada and the US.
There was a music video also for this song.
Chords And Strumming
Another one here with a capo 3rd fret but no lead, just a few riffs and bass runs. For rhythm I use a few chops to get this one going and then a root up down up root up down up or use a shuffle in the ch which is a root down up down up root up down up and repeat. Chords needed are a D, A, G and a Bm.
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Give It Away - Learn To Play On Guitar
Give It Away was the song that broke Conway Twitty's record of 40 No hits by becoming the #41st hit back in 2006 of George Strait.
The song is from his album It Just Comes Natural.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret on this number and drop D tuning. Some lead with the chords D, G, A and a G7 while playing a root up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
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I Can Still Make Cheyenne - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Can Still Make Cheyenne was released in August 1996 as the third single from the album Blue Clear Sky.
While it became a massive fan favorite, it technically peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart rather than hitting number one. The song has a unique backstory as it was co-written by George Strait’s longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, alongside Aaron Barker.
The concept originated from a real phone call Woolsey overheard years earlier, where a rodeo cowboy told his significant other he wasn't coming home yet because, despite his bad luck, he could "still make Cheyenne" for the finals.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a capo 1st fret and with drop D tuning. You can play a combo of arpeggio and rhythm by playing a 1-2-3 up down up down up or rhythm where 1-2-3 are notes of the chord you are on. I have a small picking break near the end of this song.
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I Cross My Heart - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Cross My Heart is a song from 1992. This one was the first single release from the album Pure Country and also appeared in the movie of the same name at the end.
It was a #1 hit for George Strait in both the US and Canada.
When the song became available as a digital download it racked up nearly a million downloads since 2015.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here you can play a down down up down up and repeat with some lead in standard tuning and the chords D, D/Gb, G, A, Asus, Bm, Gbm, A7, Em, F and C.
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Ocean Front Property - Learn To Play On Guitar
Ocean Front Property was co-written by Dean Dillon in 1987 and scored another #1 hit for George Strait in both the US and Canada. It was also the name of the album which set a record at the time being the first Country album to debut at #1 on Billboards Top Country Albums chart.
Of course Arizona is a landlocked state with no body of water next to it so the writers used is as a play on words with the line "Ocean front property in Arizona, from my front porch you can see the sea."
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here play a root down root up down up and repeat pattern with some lead and in standard tuning. The chords are D, Gmaj7, G, A and an A7.
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Run - Learn To Play On Guitar
Run hit the airwaves in October 2001 as the lead single from the album The Road Less Traveled. This atmospheric track reached number two on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, finishing the year as one of his most acclaimed vocal performances.
Written by Anthony Smith and Tony Lane, the song marked a slight sonic shift for Strait, incorporating a more modern, driving rhythm compared to his traditional western swing style.
It remains one of his most popular songs to perform live, often appearing late in his setlists to energize the crowd.
Chords And Strumming
I play this in standard tuning with a steady down up down up shuffle pattern as I move across the chords here. No lead in this one as you play the chords Em, Gmaj7, G, A7, Asus, Dmaj7, Bm, A/Db, D and an A.
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The Chair - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Chair is one of George Strait’s most iconic ballads, released in August 1985 as the lead single from his album Something Special. The track was written by Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran, a songwriting duo responsible for many Strait classics.
What makes "The Chair" stand out is its clever lyrical structure—it's essentially a one-sided conversation in which the singer charms a woman by pretending to have approached her only to tell her she’s sitting in his chair. The storytelling is subtle, intimate, and unfolds entirely through the man’s words, drawing the listener into the moment without ever hearing the woman’s responses.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning and a capo 2nd fret. For chords you'll need a G, Am7, D, D7, C, G6, D/Gb, Em, E7. No lead here just a few riffs.
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Troubadour - Learn To Play On Guitar
Troubadour was a single release back in 2008 from the album of the same name. Country singer Vince Gill sang backup vocals on the song which reached #7 on the country charts in the US and #3 in Canada. A music video was created for the single.
Below you'll find my George Strait Troubadour guitar chords listed and as a free chord sheet. There is also a full George Strait troubadour guitar lesson available on video for a small fee.
Chords And Strumming
A capo 4th will give you the original key in standard tuning. Play a root down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a few riffs with the chords C, G and Em.
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Write This Down - Learn To Play On Guitar
Write This Down was released the album "Always Never The Same" in 1999 as the 2nd single.
It was the 35th #1 country song from George Strait and crossed over to #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song also hit #1 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
This one you can play in standard tuning playing a root down root up down up rhythm pattern with the chords G, A, C, D, D7, A7 and Bm. Some lead is required.
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🔥 Up-Tempo & Honky Tonk
Adalida - Learn To Play On Guitar
Adalida was a #3 hit in the US and a #2 in Canada when it was released back in 1995.
The song can be found on the album "Lead On".
Chords And Strumming
For this tune I play a drop D tuning with a capo 2nd fret while playing a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. Some lead with the the chords D, G, C and a D7.
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All My Exes Live In Texas - Learn To Play On Guitar
All My Exes Live In Texas hails from the 1986 album Ocean Front Property.
The song topped the country charts in both Canada and the US.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning with the chords G, D, Am, C, Cm, D7, A7 and C#. Some lead in this one while playing a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
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Heartland - Learn To Play On Guitar
Heartland was a #1 for George Strait in 1993 and was also the soundtrack for the movie Pure Country. The song was the second single from the album.
George Strait starred in the film as Dusty Chandler about a small town country artist with big dreams.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a drop D tuning with some lead and a down up down up with a rock and roll strum for a rhythm pattern. Some lead with the chords D, G, A, Bm, C, Gb and an E.
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Here For A Good Time - Learn To Play On Guitar
Here For A Good Time hails from the 2011 album of te same name. 9 of the 11 tracks were written by George Strait, his son Bubba and Dean Dillon.
The song peaked at #2 in both Canada and the US.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this one in standard tuning with a capo 4th for me and playing a steady down up down up rhythm pattern. The chords in this one are D, A, G, A/Db, Bm and a Bm/A. There is no lead in this one.
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Honky Tonk Time Machine - Learn To Play On Guitar
Honky Tonk Time Machine is from the 2019 album of the same name.
Two singles were released from the album but this track was not one of them.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with a steady down up down up rhythm pattern with some lead involved. The chords here are A, A7, D, E and a D7.
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I Gotta Get To You - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Gotta Get To You was written by three writers in Nashville, this song hails from the 2010 George Strait album entitled "Twang".
The song reached #3 on the Billboard US Country Chart also at the time when his song Twang was also on the charts.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret on this number in standard tuning and no lead, but some quick bass runs. For chords you'll need a G, Am, D, G7, C, and a G6 while playing a root up down up bass up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
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If It Wasn't For Texas - Learn To Play On Guitar
If It Wasn't For Texas hails from the 2005 album Somewhere Down In Texas and this particular song was written by Guy Clark.
What was confusing me is that on the album the song is simply called "Texas" and the writers listed are Steven Dale Jones and Phillip White. So I'm not really sure about the actual song title or if Guy Clark wrote this one.
Chords And Strumming
For chords here play a G, D/Gb, A7, D, A and a Bm with a capo 3rd fret in standard tuning. A little bit of picking while playing a root up root up down and repeat rhythm pattern.
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Living For The Night - Learn To Play On Guitar
Living For The Night was co-written by George Strait and his son Bubba with Nashville writer Dean Dillon for the 2009 album Twang. The song was the lead single from that album.
There was also a music video for the song showing George performing it in concert. The song eventually made it to the #2 position in the U and #4 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo first here in standard tuning with the chords C, Em7, F, G, Fmaj7, Am and a G/E. Some lead here while playing a shuffle down down up down up down down up down down and repeat pattern for rhythm.
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Love Without End Amen - Learn To Play On Guitar
Love Without End Amen came out in 1990 from the "Livin' It Up" album. Of all the George Strait hit songs over the years, most spent only one week at the top of the country charts. But this one spend a whopping 5 weeks tie-ing a record set by Dolly Parton 13 years earlier in 1977.
The song also reached #1 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
No lead in this one in standard tuning as you play a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords D, G, A7, B7 and an E.
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The Fireman - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Fireman has an up tempo beat and came out in 1985 from the album "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind".
The song was a #10 hit in Canada and a #5 hit in the US.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in standard tuning with some lead and a root up up down up and repeat rhythm pattern or a down up down up will work as well. For chords play an A, E, D7 and E7.
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Wrapped - Learn To Play On Guitar
Wrapped was written by Bruce Robison (brother of Texan artist Charlie Robison) and recorded his own version for this song. George Strait picked up the song for his album "It Just Comes Natural" and had a #2 hit with his version.
Kelly Willis also covered the song.
Chords And Strumming
I use a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning while playing a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern, or use a root down up bass up down up pattern. The chords needed here are D, Bm, G, A, E, Dbm and a B7 with some lead required.
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💔 Ballads & Love Songs
A Showman's Life - Learn To Play On Guitar
A Showman's Life is a track on George;s 2011 album Here For A Good Time. The song was written by Jessie Winchester and originally recorded by him in 1978.
Three tracks were released from this album as singles but this track was not one of those.
Chords And Strumming
This one is in F so I play a capo 3rd fret in standard tuning with the chords D, A, Bm, G, Em and a D/Gb. Play a down down up down up and repeat for rhythm with a bit of lead required.
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Blue Clear Sky - Learn To Play On Guitar
Blue Clear Sky was the title of the album by the same name which came out back in the spring of 1996. The single from the album went to #1 on the country charts and the album itself won several industry awards as the best country album from 1996.
If the title seems backwards, it is because that title came from Forrest Gump. Even George asked Bob DiPiero, who co-wrote the song, about this odd title. But in the end they kept it as is instead of changing it to Clear Blue Sky.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret here with drop D tuning and some lead. The rhythm is mainly all down strokes in a rock & roll type play with the chords D, G, A and a Bm.
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Carrying Your Love With Me - Learn To Play On Guitar
Carrying Your Love With Me was the title of the 17th album released by George Strait in Apr of 1997.
This song was released in May and peaked at #1 on the country charts.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret on this one in standard tuning and some lead required. For rhythm play a down down up down up and repeat pattern with some riffs blended in and the chords G, D, C, D/Gb, Em, Dsus and a D7 (optional).
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Desperately - Learn To Play On Guitar
Desperately was written by Texan Bruce Robison, brother of Charlie Robison.
George Strait put this number on his 2003 album Honkytonkville, and the song peaked at #6 in 2004 on the US Country charts.
One of those cool George Strait guitar songs to learn acoustically.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning here with a root down up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead. The chords here are A, D, G, Em and an A7.
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Drinkin Man - Learn To Play On Guitar
Drinkin Man was written by George Strait, his son George Strait Jr (a.k.a. Bubba) and Dean Dillon, who wrote "Unwound" for George way back in 1981.
This song peaked at #37 on the country charts in 2012 and can be found on his Here For A Good Time album.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 4th fret here in standard tuning and use a steady shuffle with a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern as I move thru the chords. No lead here and the chords are Asus4, A, Asus2, D, Esus, E and a D/Gb.
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Give It All We Got Tonight - Learn To Play On Guitar
Give It All We Got Tonight hails from the 2013 album Love Is Everything and was released as a singles in late Oct of 2012.
Written by Mark Bright, Tim James, and Phil O’Donnell, the track showcases Strait’s signature blend of traditional country charm and contemporary polish.
It climbed to #7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and was part of a fan-driven movement known as the “60 for 60” campaign, which aimed to secure Strait his 60th number-one single before his 61st birthday.
Chords And Strumming
You can play a down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern for this one in standard tuning. A little bit of lead here near the end of the song with the chords G, Am, C and D.
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God And Country Music - Learn To Play Guitar Songs
God And Country Music as of Jan 2022, was one of three last singles released by George Strait which was released back in 2019 from his album Honky Tonk Time Machine. The song reached #36 on the country charts.
George Strait's last top 10 was back in 2012 and his last #1 was in 2008.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning and I play a capo 3rd fret with just a riff and no lead required. For rhythm, arpeggio a few notes and play a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. The chords here are G, Em, C, D, Em, Am and a G6.
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He Must Have Hurt You Really Bad - Learn To Play On Guitar
He Must Have Hurt You Really Bad came in as a request by a customer but as I discovered, it was never released as a single. The song can be found on the album It Just Comes Natural which was released back in 2006 and produced four singles, but not this one.
Give It Away and Wrapped were two big singles from this album along with the title track.
Chords And Strumming
Another capo 3rd fret tune in standard tuning and no lead required. Play an arpeggio 1,2 up down up and repeat or a down down up down up rhythm pattern with the chords G, C/G, Am7, G6, C, Em, Bm, D/Gb, Dsus and a D.
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I Hate Everything - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Hate Everything was the lead single form the 2004 George Strait album "50 Number Ones" and went on to peak at #1 on the US Country charts.
The song was also a #3 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
The chords in this one are Am, G6, C, D, G, D/Gb and am Em in standard tuning while playing a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead required in this one.
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I Just Wanna Dance With You - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Just Wanna Dance With You was a John Prine and Roger Cook song and was recorded by George Strait for his album One Step At A Time, which was released in 1998.
George scored another #1 hit with this song which John Prine recorded back in 1986 and it also became a hit in 1992 for Daniel O'Donnell in the UK reaching #20.
Chords And Strumming
Play a root down up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern for this one in standard tuning and with some lead. The chords are C, G7, F and a C7.
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It Just Comes Natural - Learn To Play On Guitar
It Just Comes Natural serves as the title track for Strait's 2006 album and was released as a single in September of that year.
The song successfully climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 2007, further cementing his legendary status on country radio.
A fascinating aspect of this track, and the album it appears on, is that it was recorded at Jimmy Buffett's Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, Florida. This change in scenery from Nashville contributed to the song's incredibly relaxed, organic groove that matched the breezy lyrics perfectly.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a capo on the 3rd fret in standard tuning, There are several rhythm patterns here from down strokes, a quick shuffle and a down up pause up and repeat. A few riffs and some picking in this number. The chords are Em-C-G-D and an Adim.
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Seashores Of Old Mexico - Learn To Play Guitar
Seashores Of Old Mexico was written by Merle Haggard who recorded his version in 1974 and again with Willie nelson in 1987.
Freddy Weller and Hank Snow also did covers in the 1970's.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with no lead and the chords D, A/Db, Bm, A, Em, A7, Am7, D7 and a G. For rhythm play a root up up down up and repeat pattern.
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The Best Day - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Best Day was written by Dean Dillon and Carson Chamberlain and was a #1 hit back in 2000.
The song can be found on the album Latest Greatest Straitest Hits.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret with this one in standard tuning and no lead, just a riff. Play a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords G, G/D#, C, D, A7, A7sus, D7, Am7 and a G7.
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Three Nails And A Cross - Learn To Play On Guitar
Three Nails And A Cross hails from the "Here For A Good Time" album which was released in 2011.
George co-wrote this song with his son, Dean Dillon and Bobby Boyd.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a capo 1st in standard tuning. For rhythm I play a root down up down up root down up down up pattern with no picking. For chords play a G, Em, C, A7, D6, Am7, D, Em/Db and an Em7.
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Where Have I Been All Of My Life - Learn To Play On Guitar
Where Have I Been All My Life can be found on the 2009 album entitled "Twang".
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning with a capo 1st fret to put you into the original key. Some lead required with the chords G, Em, Gbm, D, Bm, A7sus, A7 and a Gb.
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You Look So Good In Love - Learn To Play On Guitar
You Look So Good In Love was the first music video put out by George Strait in 1983. He didn't like the final result and refused to do music videos for several years because of the slow pace of this one.
The song was a #1 country hit when it was released from his album Right Or Wrong.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with a down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. For chords you'll want a G, Am7, C, D, Bm, D7, E, Dbm, A and an E7. No lead here.
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You'll Be There - Learn To Play On Guitar
You'll Be There was a #4 hit for George Strait pure country back in 2005 from his album "Somewhere Down In Texas".
The song was written by Cory Mayo.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning with no lead. For rhythm play a root down up down up down up and repeat and blend in some a arpeggio. No lead with the chords D, D/Gb, G, Asus, A, Bm and an F.
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🤠 80s & 90s Classics
A Fire I Can't Put Out - Learn To Play On Guitar
A Fire I Can't Put Out was a #1 hit back in 1983 with this single from the album "Strait From The Heart".
Other songs with this same album cover below are also found on this album.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here play a root up down up root up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning and with some lead required. The chords are G, A7, D, D7, Bm and an A.
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Blame It On Mexico - Learn To Play On Guitar
Blame It On Mexico was one of four songs recorded at the very beginning of George Strait's career, even before he had a recording contract way back in 1981. It was Feb, and George entered the Waxwork Recording Studio in Berry Hill Tennessee.
Unwound, Blame It On Mexico, Perfect Mind and Nobody In His Right Mind Would Have Left Her were recorded. Blame It On Mexico was recorded later in June of 1981.
Chords And Strumming
No lead in this one with the chords C, G6, Am, Am/G, Fmaj7 and a Dm and played in standard tuning. For rhythm play a root up down up with a shuffle as you decend thru the chords. In the chorus there is a chop in the rhythm.
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Does Forth Worth Ever Cross Your Mind - Learn To Play On Guitar
Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind is a 1984 song from the album of the same name.
This song was a big #1 hit for George Strait and has become one of his most beloved songs down through the decades. The song was written by Sanger and Darlene Shafer.
Chords And Strumming
The rhythm here is a root down up root up down up and repeat pattern with a bit of lead and a few riffs in standard tuning. The chords you'll need are a C, G, F and a C7.
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Easy Come Easy Go - Learn To Play On Guitar
Easy Come Easy Go was released in August 1993 as the lead single and title track from George Strait’s multi-platinum album of the same name. The song quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking his 25th career chart-topper.
While famously associated with the King of Country, the song was co-written by legendary songwriter Aaron Barker (who also wrote "Easy Come Easy Go" while living in his car). Interestingly, the song features a distinct "shuffle" rhythm that became a blueprint for 90s country-pop.
Though George owns the definitive version, the song has remained a staple in Texas honky-tonks, famously covered by various country "revivalist" artists who admire its classic "Strait-style" structure and relatable "no-hard-feelings" breakup theme.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning in this one and some lead here with the chords D, G, A7, Em and an A7sus. For rhythm in the verse I play a down (mute down up down) up up down up and repeat and down up stop up in the chorus.
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Fool Hearted Memory - Learn To Play On Guitar
Fool Hearted Memory was George's first #1 hit from way back in 1982.
This song hails from his 2nd album as the first album did not product any #1 hits.
Some of these early songs are truly George Strait pure country at it's finest.
Chords And Strumming
This one you can play in standard tuning while playing a root down root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. Some picking and riffs here with the chords A, Amaj7, D, Esus, E, Bm and a Dm.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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It Ain't Cool - Learn To Play On Guitar
It Ain't Cool is another Dean Dillon collaboration which resulted in this one from 1986 and another #1 hit song. Only two singles were released from the album #7 and this was his 9th number one at the time.
Country artist Kenny Chesney also released a version in 2007 but only as a B-Side to his single Never Wanted Nothing More.
Chords And Strumming
You can play down strokes in the verse and a root down up down up root up down up in the chorus for rhythm in this one. Played in standard tuning with just a riff and the chords G, D, A, A7sus, A7, Adim, Gbm and an Em.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Nobody In His Right Mind - Learn To Play On Guitar
Nobody In His Right Mind was written and recorded by Dean Dillon himself and released in 1980, peaking at #25.
But George Strait added his magic to the song in 1986 and took it to #1 in the US and Canada. The song is found on the #7 album. Keith Whitley recorded a version in 1985, but never released is as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret here with some lead work and a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. For chords play a D, Bm, G, A, Bm/A, A7sus, A7 and a Gmaj7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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The Nerve - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Nerve is a song written by Bobby Braddock and appeared on George Strait's 1997 album Carrying You Love With Me.
The song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are E, A, B7, Abm, Dbm, B and a Gbm. You can start with some arpeggio and then move into a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Played in standard tuning and no lead required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Unwound - Learn To Play On Guitar
Unwound was released in 1981 and was his debut career single from the album Strait Country. It never reached #1 but it did make it to #6. And that will draw radio play and exposure, which of course it sure did.
The song was actually written for Johnny Paycheck, but he was in jail at the time. So Blake Mervis managed to get the song for George. And since then, Dean Dillon has helped write more than 40 George Strait songs. Imagine if Paycheck was not in jail that day.
Chords And Strumming
The three chords here are A, E and D with some lead and in standard tuning. For rhythm you can play a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Thanks for stopping by my George Strait songbook. I hope these tutorials help you keep the traditional country sound alive. If you are looking for a specific George Strait song that isn't listed here, feel free to reach out—I’m always adding new covers to the library. Don't forget to check out my other country guitar lessons for more honky-tonk favorites!
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