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Top John Hiatt Guitar Songs You Can Learn Today
John Hiatt is one of those rare songwriters whose music blends storytelling, soul, blues, and roots rock with effortless charm. From emotional ballads like Have a Little Faith in Me to blues-driven tracks like Memphis in the Meantime, Hiatt’s catalog offers a rich mix of guitar-friendly songs that are both fun to play and rewarding to master.
This page features seven of his most iconic tunes, with each one broken down into easy-to-follow acoustic guitar lessons.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, these lessons will help you capture the signature vibe and rhythm of Hiatt’s heartfelt sound.
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John Hiatt Guitar Lesson Titles
All The Lilacs In OhioBack Of My Mind
Feels Like Rain
Have A Little Faith In Me
Memphis In The Meantime
Real Fine Love
Tennessee Plates
John Hiatt Bio
John Hiatt is a famous American singer-songwriter known for his long career in rock and folk music. He was born on August 20, 1952, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and started making music from a young age.
He became well-known for his ability to write songs that connect with people, drawing from his own life experiences.
John Hiatt has released many albums over the years, including "Bring the Family" (1987), "Slow Turning" (1988), and "Stolen Moments" (1990), which got a lot of praise.
People love his soulful voice and the way he tells stories in his songs. He's won awards for his songwriting, like the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association.
Lots of other artists have covered his songs, showing how much his music means to people.
John Hiatt's music blends rock, folk, and country, and he's still making great songs that touch people's hearts. He's a respected figure in the music world, loved by fans and fellow musicians alike.
1. All The Lilacs In Ohio
- Learn To Play On Guitar
All The Lilacs In Ohio is a song on John Hiatt's 2021 album "Leftover Feelings." It's a collaboration with the Jerry Douglas Band. Even though the song didn't become a hit on its own, the album got good reviews for mixing folk, Americana, and bluegrass styles. "All The Lilacs In Ohio" is especially liked.
The song is about memories and longing, with nice words and great music. John Hiatt wrote it himself, showing his talent as a songwriter. It's a good example of his lasting influence on music.
Chords And Strumming
This on is in standard tuning using the chords G, C, D, Em and an Am with a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A little bit of lead in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. Back Of My Mind - Learn To Play On Guitar
Back Of My Mind was a track from the 1990 album "Stolen Moments". Hiatt released four singles off of this album but this track was not one of them.
I play this one with a capo on the 2nd fret with Drop D Tuning, which of course is always optional.
Chords And Strumming
The chords you'll need are a D, G, A or an A7, Em, Gb and a Bm with a down down up down up and repeat with a simple riff throughout.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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3. Feels Like Rain
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Feels Like Rain is a big song from John Hiatt's 1988 album "Slow Turning." It's one of his most famous songs and has made a big impact on his career.
Even though it wasn't a hit on its own, fans love "Feels Like Rain." It's a special part of John Hiatt's music collection. The whole "Slow Turning" album got praised by critics and helped John Hiatt become even more popular as a talented songwriter and singer.
Lots of famous singers have covered "Feels Like Rain" over the years, making it a classic. Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy both did versions that people really enjoy. The song is known for its deep words and the way John Hiatt sings them, capturing the feeling of a stormy love story.
Chords And Strumming
Using the chords Cmaj7, G, B7, Em, C, G and D you can play this song in standard tuning and a bit of lead. For rhythm, play a down down up down up down - down up down up down up and repeat pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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4. Have A Little Faith In Me
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Have A Little Faith In Me is one of John Hiatt's most famous songs, found on his 1987 album "Bring the Family." People really connect with its emotions and lasting appeal.
Even though it wasn't a big hit on its own, "Have A Little Faith In Me" is one of John Hiatt's most loved songs. The whole album, "Bring the Family," got praised a lot and helped John Hiatt become even more famous as a songwriter.
Lots of different singers have done their own versions of "Have A Little Faith In Me." Joe Cocker made a popular one that many people know. It's a song that's often chosen for special occasions like weddings because of its message of love and trust.
"Have A Little Faith In Me" is known for its comforting words and has become one of John Hiatt's most famous and cherished songs.
Chords And Strumming
Put a capo on the 3rd fret using the chords D, Bm, G, A/Db, Bm/A, A7, A, E, A/Ab, Gbm, Gbm and Esus for this one. No picking required here and use a down strokes pattern throughout.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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5. Memphis In The Meantime - Learn To Play On Guitar
Memphis In The Meantime is a track on John Hiatt's 1987 album "Bring The Family. John never released this song as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I like to play a steady down up down up rhythm pattern here in standard tuning and with no lead work. The chords you'll need are E, A, B7, D/A and a G/A.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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6. Real Fine Love
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Real Fine Love is a well-known song by John Hiatt, found on his 1988 album "Slow Turning." Even though it wasn't a hit single, fans really like it and it's still a favorite in John Hiatt's collection.
Different artists, like Steve Earle, have covered "Real Fine Love" over time. Its happy and catchy vibe, along with its positive lyrics, make it a popular choice for reinterpretation.
"Real Fine Love" is praised for its upbeat feeling and cheerful words. It's a song that brings joy and positivity, often played at John Hiatt's live shows. Fans love its catchy chorus and lively music.
John Hiatt is known for writing great songs, and "Real Fine Love" is a good example of his talent. Its place on the "Slow Turning" album shows how much fans enjoy it and how it's become a classic in John Hiatt's music.
Chords And Strumming
Four chords in this one are D, A, Bm and G with Drop D Tuning and all down strokes for rhythm. I do have a bit of lead in this song.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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7. Tennessee Plates - Learn To Play On Guitar
Tennessee Plates is a catchy song from John Hiatt's 1988 album "Slow Turning." It's known for its storytelling style, adding charm to the album.
Even though it was released as a single, "Tennessee Plates" didn't make it onto the charts. But the whole "Slow Turning" album got praised a lot and helped John Hiatt become well-known in Americana and rock music in the late '80s.
While "Tennessee Plates" hasn't been covered by many artists, fans still love it.
The song's humor and storytelling are what people like about it. It tells the funny story of a guy who needs a fake ID and gets help from a character called "Little Joe" to get "Tennessee plates." This amusing tale has made "Tennessee Plates" stand out in John Hiatt's songs.
Chords And Strumming
Another one with some Drop D Tuning and all down strokes for rhythm. A bit of lead here with this three chord song of D, G., and A.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
John Hiatt’s songwriting continues to resonate with guitarists who appreciate raw emotion, clever lyrics, and soulful melodies. With these lesson tutorials, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to bring his music to life on your own acoustic guitar. Be sure to check out the video snippets and consider downloading the full tutorial package for a deeper dive.
If you enjoyed this collection, you might also like our lessons on artists like Jackson Browne, Van Morrison, or Bonnie Raitt — all known for their introspective, guitar-driven sound.
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