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Learn to Play the Best Gene Watson Songs on Guitar
Gene Watson is one of country music’s most soulful and underrated vocalists.
His smooth voice and traditional style make his songs a perfect fit for acoustic guitar.
This page features guitar lessons for eight of his best-loved tracks, with demo videos, chords, rhythm patterns, and full tutorials.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering his deep catalog, you'll enjoy learning and playing these country classics.
🎸 Overview Video - “Watch This Preview of My Best Gene Watson Guitar Songs”
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Gene Watson Guitar Lesson Titles
14 Carat MindCool Ole Fool
Farewell Party
I Don't Need A Thing At All
I Got No Reason
Nothing Sure Looked Good On You
Turn Out The Lights
You're Out There Doin What I'm Here Doin' Without
1. 14 Carat Mind - Learn To Play On Guitar
14 Carat Mind was Gene Watsons only #1 hit song during his career.
Released back in 1981 from the album "Old Loves Never Die", Fourteen Carat Mind was a #1 for one week and stayed on the country charts for 15 weeks.
The Osbourne Brothers and Daniel Donato both covered this song. The song was written by Dallas Frazier and Larry Lee.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a Drop D Tuning using a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of picking required here using the chords Bm, G, D, A, A7 and E7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. Cool Ole Fool
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Cool Ole Fool is a track from his 2005 album "Uncharted". The song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play a root down root up down up rhythm pattern for this one with the chords C, Edim, D#, G, C7 and a D7 in standard tuning.
Some lead work required for this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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3. Farewell Party - Learn To Play On Guitar
Farewell Party was released by Gene Watson from his 1979 album Reflections. Over the course of his career, this song has become his signature song.
The song wasn't his top charting song but it peaked at #5 in the US and #9 in Canada. The song was first recorded by the writer of the song, Lawton Williams back in 1960.
Several artists recorded the song before Watson including Little Jimmy Dickens, Johnny Bush and Waylon Jennings. After Watson's release in 1979, Alan Jackson, Joe Nichols and Heidi Hauge also released their versions of the song.
Chords And Strumming
A few chords in this one including A, D, D7, G, A7, B7, E and Am with a capo on the 2nd fret for the original key. A little picking in this one using a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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4. I Don't Need A Thing At All - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Don't Need A Thing At All hails from Genes 1977 album "Gene Watson's Beautiful Country".
The song reached #4 in Canada and #8 in the US.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here you'll need to play a root up down up root up down up and repeat pattern with the chords E, B7, A, Gb, Db and Gbm. A little picking required in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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5. I Got No Reason Now For Going Home - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Got No Reason Now For Going Home was written by Johnny Russell, who also wrote Act Naturally for Buck Owens.
Gene Watson recorded this in 1984 as his first single from the album "Heartaches And Love And Stuff". The song peaked at #7 on the US country charts.
Chords And Strumming
I'm using a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern while strumming the chords G, D, D7, C, G6 and Am in standard tuning. So lead work in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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6. Nothing Sure Looked Good On You - Learn To Play On Guitar
Nothing Sure Looked Good On You was released by Gene Watson from his 1979 album called "Should I Come Home" and from it, this 2nd single which peaked at #4 on the charts in the US and #3 in Canada.
Alan Jackson also covered this song later in his career for the album Under The Influence in 1999 but the song was dropped from the album. It did appear later on his 2009 compilation album Songs Of Love And Heartache.
Chords And Strumming
A simple three chord song using C, F and G in standard tuning while strumming a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A little picking to cover off in this song.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
7. Turn Out The Lights - Learn To Play On Guitar
Turn Out The Lights is a track on Gene's 2014 album My Hero's Have Always Been Cowboys. There were no singles released from this album.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning using the chords C, C7, F, G and a G7. The song doesn't have a picking break but I added one for the acoustic player to my version. You can strum this one with a root down up root up down up pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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8. You're Out There Doin' What I'm Here Doin' Without - Learn To Play On Guitar
You're Out There Doin What I'm Here Doin' Without was almost Gene's second #1 hit when it was released as a single in 1983 from his album "Sometimes I Get Lucky".
Unfortunately it had to settle as a #2 hit song. Allen Frizzell and Bo Roberts co-wrote this one.
Chords And Strumming
In standard tuning, this one has some picking in the song while playing all all down-strokes like a rock and roll song or play and up and down pattern. The chords you'll need here are G, C and D.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
These Gene Watson songs capture everything that’s great about classic country — heartfelt lyrics, smooth melodies, and timeless stories. Each guitar lesson comes with an optional full tutorial and a free chord chart to help you learn the song quickly.
Explore the videos below and start playing your favorite Gene Watson songs today.
Gene Watson Official Website
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