Popular Merle Haggard Guitar Songs
Step into the heartfelt world of Merle Haggard with this handpicked collection of 16 popular songs tailored for acoustic guitar.
These lessons spotlight some of Haggard’s most emotionally resonant tracks—from the lonesome laments of I’m A Lonesome Fugitive to timeless ballads like Today I Started Lovin’ You Again.
Whether you're chasing the melody of Always Wanting You or strumming the honest chords of Daddy Frank, this page gives you everything you need: rhythm breakdowns, chord diagrams, lead riffs, and performance demos.
It’s the perfect way to connect with the soul of classic country storytelling through your guitar.
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Popular Merle Haggard Song List
Almost PersuadedAlways Wanting You
All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers
Daddy Frank
Goodbye Comes Hard For Me
I Threw Away The Rose
I Wont Give Up My Train
I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
Misery and Gin
Nobody’s Darlin
Old Fashioned Love
Someday When Things Are Good
Take Me Back and Love Me One More Time
Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa
The Farmer’s Daughter
What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana
Deep Cuts
Family Bible
Footlights
High On A Hilltop
Hobo's Meditation
I Never Go Home Anymore
I'm So Tired Of It
In My Next Life
It's All Goin To Pot
Kern River
Kern River Blues
Let's Chase Each Other Round The Room Tonight
1Mama's Hungry Eyes
Ol Country Singer
Pray
Rainbow Stew
The Silver Ghost
The Way I Am
Thirty Again
More Classic Merle
Big City
Branded Man
I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am
I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
If We Make It Through December
Mama Tried
My Favorite Memory
Okie From Muskogee
Ramblin Fever
Silver Wings
Sing Me Back Home
Swingin Doors
The Bottle Let Me Down
That's The Way Love Goes
The Fightin Side Of Me
The Running Kind
Things Aren't Funny Anymore
When Times Were Good
White Line Fever
Workin Mans Blues
Almost Persuaded - Learn To Play On Guitar
Almost Persuaded though most famously associated with David Houston’s 1966 chart-topping version, Merle Haggard later recorded “Almost Persuaded” and included it in some of his compilation or deeper album tracks, including Out Among the Stars (1986).
Haggard’s version didn’t chart as highly, but it showcased his talent for interpreting emotionally complex material.
The song itself is a classic in the country canon, exploring themes of temptation and regret — a good fit for Haggard’s expressive vocal style.
Chords And Strumming
This song does a one fret key change so it starts in Gb and then moved up to the G. Played in standard tuning with no lead and a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern, the chords here are Gb, B, Db, Gb7, G, G7, C, D7, Em, Am, A dim and an Gdim.
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Always Wanting You - Learn To Play On Guitar
Always Wanting You was released as a single in February 1975 and became one of Merle Haggard’s most personal and successful hits.
It topped the U.S. country charts for two weeks and marked his 20th No. 1 single.
The song appeared on the album Keep Movin’ On and was famously written about Haggard’s unrequited affection for Dolly Parton during a tour they shared.
According to Haggard, he once even called her in the middle of the night and sang it to her over the phone, hoping to capture her attention. Dolly never reciprocated the feelings, but the song stands as one of Haggard’s most emotionally vulnerable works.
Chords And Strumming
This one has a simple root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning and no lead but a few riffs. Played with the chords G, C, D and Am.
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All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers - Learn To Play On Guitar
All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers was Haggard’s breakout success, released in late 1964 and featured on his 1965 album Strangers.
Written by Liz Anderson, the track became his first Top 10 country hit and was a turning point in his career. The success of the single also led to the naming of his backing band — The Strangers — which would go on to support him for decades.
The song’s blend of vulnerability and defiance resonated with listeners and laid the foundation for Haggard’s rise as a major country star.
Chords And Strumming
I play a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in this one while in standard tuning and a bit of lead required. For chords play a simple E, E7, A and a B7.
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Daddy Frank - Learn To Play On Guitar
Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)” was released in 1971 and became a No. 1 country single for Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
It later appeared on the 1972 album Let Me Tell You About a Song, which was structured around Haggard introducing each track with brief spoken segments.
The song tells the story of a musical family with a blind father and deaf mother — a fictional narrative filled with empathy and detail. It became one of Haggard’s signature family-themed story songs and reflected his skill as a storyteller through music.
Chords And Strumming
Just a few riffs in this one with a steady root down up bass up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead with the chords D, G, A7, Bm, D7 and an E7.
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Goodbye Comes Hard For Me - Learn To Play On Guitar
Goodbye Comes Hard For Me has little official data available about it suggesting that it may not have been released as a prominent single. However, fans of Haggard’s more introspective side often gravitate toward this lesser-known track. The song is featured on the 1972 album It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad).
It’s a slow, emotional piece that touches on the difficulty of letting go — a recurring theme in his music.
While not a chart hit, it remains a poignant deep cut appreciated by longtime listeners.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning and with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. No lead to worry about with the chords C, F, G, C7 and a D7.
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I Threw Away The Rose - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Threw Away The Rose was recorded back in 1967 from the album "Branded Man".
Merle managed a #2 on the US country charts with this song.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. Some lead required while playing through the chords G, C, A7, D and a D7.
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I Won't Give Up My Train - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Won't Give Up My Train is another obscure gem in Haggard’s catalog that did not appear to chart or get released as a single.
Its themes echo Haggard’s fascination with trains and the working-class life, which were constants throughout his career.
Songs like this reflect his pride in independence and blue-collar values. Though not a commercial success, it adds depth to his legacy as a chronicler of American grit and freedom.
Chords And Strumming
Only three chords here in this one and they are C, F and a G with a steady down up down up rhythm pattern with accents in the right places. A little bit of lead required and in standard tuning.
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I'm A Lonesome Fugitive - Learn To Play On Guitar
I'm A Lonesome Fugitive was a single back in 1966 from the album of the same name.
This was the very first of many Merle Haggard #1 hits on the US country charts.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo on the 4th for this one and use drop D tuning. Some lead required with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. Only three chords which are D, G and A7.
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Misery And Gin - Learn To Play On Guitar
Misery And Gin was released in 1980 as part of the soundtrack for the Clint Eastwood film Bronco Billy. It also appeared on Merle Haggard’s own album Back to the Barrooms that same year.
Written by Snuff Garrett and John Durrill, the song reached #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The lyrics reflect a classic honky-tonk theme — drowning heartache in whiskey — and Haggard’s delivery made it one of his most memorable barroom ballads.
It has since become a staple among fans of his more sorrowful material.
Chords And Strumming
Odd for a country tune to start and stay in F but that's what happens here with standard tuning and a with a 1-2 up down up rhythm pattern where 1-2 are arpeggio notes of the chord you're on. Some picking her with the chords F, A#, G7, C7, F7, A7, Dm and a Dm7.
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Nobody's Darlin But Mine - Learn To Play On Guitar
Nobody's Darlin was originally written and recorded by Jimmie Davis in 1934, “Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine” is a traditional country ballad that Merle Haggard later revived.
His version was featured on the 1986 album A Friend in California. Though not released as a single or charting hit, Haggard’s rendition pays homage to classic country roots.
His smooth phrasing and emotional tone helped breathe new life into this vintage tune, offering a respectful nod to the genre’s early pioneers.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play in drop D tuning with a capo 3rd fret and some lead required. Play a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords D, G, Em, A7 and a D7.
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Old Fashioned Love - Learn To Play On Guitar
Old Fashioned Love is an old Texas swing style tune by Bob Wills as far as I can tell, but he didn't write the song.
Merle Haggard recorded a live album in Austin Texas back in 1978 and this track can be found on that record.
Chords And Strumming
This one I turned into a 3 song medley with two other songs from the 1920s and then blend together well in standard tuning and played with a root down up down up down up and repeat in a fast shuffle. Some lead in here and with the chords D, A7, D7, G, Gb, Bm, E7, b7, Db and a C.
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Someday When Things Are Good - Learn To Play On Guitar
Someday When Things Are Good was a #1 songs in both Canada and the US when it was released in 1984.
The song is from the album "That's The Way Love Goes".
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are C, Cmaj7, C7, D/F, Dm, G7, F and an A# and played in standard tuning. Some lead required as you play a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern.
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Take Me Back And Love Me One More Time - Learn To Play On Guitar
Take Me Back And Love Me One More Time is a lesser-known song in Haggard’s catalog and was not released as a single.
It’s often regarded as a deep cut and reflects the emotional vulnerability typical of Haggard’s heartbreak ballads.The track is found on The Way I am album
While no official chart history is attached to this track, it has gained appreciation among longtime fans for its simple plea for reconciliation and the raw, aching delivery that defined so many of his slower songs.
Chords And Strumming
For this one you'll play a root down up down up down up rhythm but the chords feel like they jump in a few places until you gt used to it. Played in standard tuning with a bit of picking. For chords you'll play a C, C7, F and a G.
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Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa - Learn To Play On Guitar
Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa was originally recorded by Merle Haggard and included on his 1986 album Out Among the Stars. While Haggard’s version didn’t chart, the song gained more attention in 2003 when George Strait released a cover that climbed to #11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The song is a wistful reflection on love, memory, and regret — classic storytelling wrapped in smooth melody.
Haggard’s original rendition is cherished by fans for its sincerity and quiet sadness.
Chords And Strumming
For this one play a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern but no lead and played in standard tuning. For chords you'll need a D, Gbm, Bm, Bm/A, Gmaj7, G, D/Gb, Em and an A7.
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The Farmers Daughter - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Farmers Daughter appeared on Merle Haggard’s 1971 album Hag.
Though not released as a single, it’s a beautifully crafted narrative about young love and longing in a rural setting.
The song features a gentle acoustic arrangement and showcases Haggard’s strength as a storyteller.
It stands out as a tender, almost cinematic piece, painting a vivid picture of innocence and heartache on the American frontier.
Chords And Strumming
A small lead break in this one with drop D tuning and played with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. The chords here are D, G, A, A7, E7 and a D7.
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What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana - Learn To Play On Guitar
What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana is a tack from Merle's 1976 album The Roots Of My Raising.
This song was a B-side single to the A-side single Cherokee Maiden.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here I play a down down down up down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning. Some lead required here as you play the chords D, G, Em and an A7.
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Family Bible - Learn To Play On Guitar
Family Bible was written by Willie Nelson back in the 60's. Ernest Tubb I believe was one of the first to record the song and of course Willie has recorded the song.
In fact him and Merle put the track on their collaboration 2015 album Django and Jimmy. Merle has never released the song as a single.
Chords And Strumming
This one is in standard tuning with a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and no lead to deal with as you play through the chords C, F, G, Am, D7, G7 and an A#.
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Footlights - Learn To Play On Guitar
Footlights, like the song below called High On A Hilltop, never got released as a single.
The track is also found on Merle's album Down Every Road 1962-1994.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a capo 2nd but Merle's version is one fret lower. Played in standard tuning with a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and some lead. The chords you'll need are A, Dm, D, E and an A7.
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High On A Hilltop - Learn To Play On Guitar
High On A Hilltop was never released as a single by Merle Haggard and was first released on his 1966 album Swinging Doors And The Bottle Let Me Down.
Merle did a bluegrass album but this song was not on that album. You can also find the track on his album Down Every Road 1962-1994.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo on the 2nd here for this old bluegrass number in standard tuning. The chords here are a D, A, A7 and a G with a short lead break. For rhythm play root down up down up and repeat as you move through the chords.
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Hobo's Meditation - Learn To Play On Guitar
Hobos Meditation is an old Jimmy Rodgers song that Merle recorded in 1969 from his tribute album to Rodgers called Same Train A Different Time.
Merle never released this song as a single.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one with a simple root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead required as you play the chords C, G7, F, D7, G and an E7.
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I Never Go Home Anymore - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Never Go Home Anymore is a track from Merle's 1984 album It's All In The Game.
This song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
For this one play a root up down up down up and repeat for rhythm and in standard tuning. Some lead required here with the chords G, D, Em, Bm, G7 and a C.
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I'm So Tired Of It All - Learn To Play On Guitar
I'm So Tired Of It All is a song written and recorded by Hank Williams back in 1948. Merle Haggard recorded the song for an album by Don Was which was called Forever Is A Long Long Time and was apparently covers of old Hank tunes by Was himself.
The original album was released under the name Orquestra Was.
A short film was also produced starring Kris Kristofferson.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in C in standard tuning with a simple root down up root up down up rhythm pattern and the chords C, G, G7, F and a C7. A little bit of picking in this one.
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In My Next Life - Learn To Play On Guitar
In My Next Life was a single from Merle's album entitled 1994, which was released in 1994.
The song peaked at #58 on the US country charts.
Chords And Strumming
No lead needed in this one but it does do a key change near the end. For rhythm play root down up down up down up and repeat in standard tuning with the chords C, F, G, G7, C7, A7 and a D. No lead required here.
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It's All Goin To Pot - Learn To Play On Guitar
It's All Goin To Pot was a duet Willie did with Merle Haggard in 2015. The song reached #48 on the country chart.
The track was on the album Django And Jimmie.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with a root down up down up down up and repeat pattern and some lead. For chords you'll need a D, G and a C.
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Kern River - Learn To Play On Guitar
Kern River was the only single from this album of the same name back in 1985 and the song peaked at #10 on the Billboard country chart.
The song was written by Merle himself.
Chords And Strumming
This one is in standard tuning with the four chords A, D, E and a Dbm. You can play a root down up down up bass down up down up for rhythm and a short picking break in the middle of the song.
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Kern River Blues - Learn To Play On Guitar
Kern River Blues was released in 2016 as a non album single.
The song failed to chart on the county scene.
Chords And Strumming
A three chord song here with a C, F and G with some lead. For rhythm play a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a capo on the 3rd fret in standard tuning.
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Let's Chase Each Other Round The Room Tonight - Learn To Play On Guitar
Let's Chase Each Other Around The Room was a single released from the 1984 album It's All In The Game.
The single reached #1 in the US and #9 in Canada. Merle co-wrote this song with two other writers.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a drop D tuning and a steady down up down up rhythm pattern because it's a walking bass kinda tune. Only a G, D and a D7 for chords in this one and a little bit of melody lead required.
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Mama's Hungry Eyes - Learn To Play On Guitar
Hungry Eyes was a single release back in 1969 from the album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. The song went to #1 in the US and #2 in Canada.
Some people refer to this song as Mama's Hungry Eyes but the official title is simply Hungry Eyes.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this one in standard tuning with a shuffle rhythm using a root down up down up root up down up. A bit of melody lead can be used for the break while playing the chords D, D7, G and A7 in standard tuning.
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Ol Country Singer - Learn To Play On Guitar
Ol Country Singer sounds like an old song from the 30's to me, but apparently it was written by Merle Haggard and is found on his Live From Austin Texas album and on Youtube.
Chords And Strumming
This song sounds like something from the 1930s and is played with a root down up down up root down up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead to deal with as you ply the chords G, Gb, G7, C, E7, A7, D, Gdim, D7, A, Ab, B7 and an Adim. There is a key change in this one so that explains all of the chords.
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Pray - Learn To Play On Guitar
Pray is a track on Merle Haggard's 2007 album entitled The Bluegrass Sessions. The song is about focusing on others and not on yourself.
Chords And Strumming
A nice mellow vibe here from Merle with a capo 2nd fret and a simple root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. Some lead required in this one with the chords C, G, G7, C7 and an F.
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Rainbow Stew - Learn To Play On Guitar
Rainbow Stew is a track from his 1981 live album called Rainbow Stew Live at Anaheim Stadium. The song was released as a single and made it to #4 on the US country charts.
Chords And Strumming
You can play a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern or in the verse I play a root up down up down up but you can play it either way all the way through, or change it up. In standard tuning and a capo 2nd fret this one has some lead with the chords G, C, D and a D7.
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The Silver Ghost - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Silver Ghost is a track from Merle's 1976 album My Love Affair With Trains.
Only one single was released from this album but this song was not that single.
Chords And Strumming
A train song here from Merle and in his version he does a key change but here in mine I do not. Played with a capo 3rd fret and playing root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern you'll need to do some picking in this one. Only four chords here and they are Am, C, G and a Dm.
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The Way I Am - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Way I Am is a track from the 1980 album of the same name. Merle scored a #1 in Canada and a #2 in the US with this number.
Chords And Strumming
For this one in standard tuning play a down down up down up and repeat for rhythm. Some lead in this one in standard tuning with the chords G, C,
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Thirty Again - Learn To Play On Guitar
Thirty Again is a track from Merle's 1987 album Chill Factor.
There were four singles released from this alb
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with a root down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of melody lead playing in the middle of the song with the chords Dbm, C7, Bm, E7, E, A, D, E, Adim and an A6.
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Big City - Learn To Play On Guitar
Big City was the title track from Merle Haggard’s 1981 album Big City, released shortly after he signed with Epic Records.
It became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and remains one of Haggard’s most iconic odes to working-class frustration.
Co-written with his longtime bassist Dean Holloway, the song is a defiant anthem about escaping urban life and heading for wide-open country — a sentiment that resonated deeply with blue-collar America in the early '80s.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo on the 2nd fret for this one with the three chords D, G and A. I play a drop D tuning here with a bit of lead picking. You'll play a steady down up down up rhythm pattern for this one.
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Branded Man - Learn To Play On Guitar
Branded Man was a #1 hit for Merle Haggard back in 1967.
The song is from the album of the same name.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played with a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. No lead here as you play through the chords G, G7, C, D, A7 and a D7.
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I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am hails from the album "Pride In What I Am" album from 1968.
The song hit #1 in Canada and #3 in the US.
Chords And Strumming
The chords you'll need here are C, Cmaj7, Em7/C, Dm, G, C7, F, Fmaj7, Dm/F played in standard tuning. No lead but a few riffs blended into the rhythm as you play a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a steady shuffle.
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I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink - Learn To Play On Guitar
I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink was a #1 song for Merle Haggard when it hit the airwaves in 1980.
The song hails from the album "Back To The Barrooms'.
Chords And Strumming
For this one play a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some lead required and in standard tuning. For chords play an A, D7, E and an E7.
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If We Make It Through December - Learn To Play On Guitar
If We Make It Through December was released in 1973 as the lead single from the album Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present and later included on If We Make It Through December (1974).
It went on to become a #1 hit and one of Haggard’s most beloved songs, spending four weeks at the top of the country charts.
Though technically a holiday-themed tune, its themes of hardship, unemployment, and hope struck a much broader chord during an economic downturn, making it timeless.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with a steady root up down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. For chords you'll need a C, Dm, F, Fm, G6, Am, Am/G, Dm7, A# and a C7. Some picking required in this one.
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Mama Tried - Learn To Play On Guitar
Mama Tried was released in 1968, “Mama Tried” was the lead single from the album of the same name and quickly became one of Haggard’s most enduring hits.
It topped the country charts and earned a Grammy Hall of Fame induction in 1999. The semi-autobiographical song tells of a rebellious son who ends up in prison despite his mother’s efforts — a reflection of Haggard’s own troubled youth, which included time in San Quentin.
It’s widely considered one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning and with a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some lead required here. Only four chords which are D, G, A and Bm.
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My Favorite Memory - Learn To Play On Guitar
My Favorite Memory is a romantic ballad was released as the lead single from the 1981 album Big City.
It reached #1 on the Billboard country chart, marking yet another chart-topper during Haggard’s successful run with Epic Records.
The song showcases his softer side, reflecting on tender moments from a past love. While overshadowed by “Big City,” it remains a fan favorite for its simplicity and heartfelt emotion.
Chords And Strumming
This one you'll play a root down up down up bass down up down up and repeat for rhythm in standard tuning. Only need a D, G and A7 for chords for this one. Some picking required in this one.
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Okie From Muskogee - Learn To Play On Guitar
Okie From Muskogee is perhaps Haggard’s most controversial and culturally iconic song.
“Okie From Muskogee” was released in 1969 and soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It was the title track of the Okie From Muskogee live album and became a defining moment in Haggard’s career.
Whether taken as satire or sincerity, the song sparked nationwide debate for its patriotic tone and critique of 1960s counterculture. Either way, it solidified Haggard’s place as a voice for conservative, working-class Americans.
Chords And Strumming
I have a capo on the 3rd fret for this one while playing a root down up bass up down up and repeat for rhythm in standard tuning. A major song with only two chords, C and G.
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Ramblin Fever - Learn To Play On Guitar
Ramblin Fever was the title track from Haggard’s 1977 Ramblin’ Fever album, marking his first release under MCA Records.
Although the song surprisingly wasn't released as a single, the album itself was a commercial success and helped transition Haggard into a new phase of his career.
The track became a fan favorite and a staple in his live shows for its autobiographical lyrics about life on the road.
Chords And Strumming
The chords here are G, C, C7 and a D7 in standard tuning and you can play either a root up down up down up and repeat or a root down up down up down up rhythm pattern. Some lead required in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Silver Wings - Learn To Play On Guitar
Silver Wings was originally released on the 1969 A Portrait of Merle Haggard album,.
“Silver Wings” was never officially issued as a single, but it became one of Haggard’s most beloved tracks. The soaring melody and emotional lyrics made it a favorite for both fans and other artists, and it has since become a classic, often covered in tribute performances.
Its enduring popularity stands as a testament to its emotional resonance despite not charting.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm here play a root down up down up root up down up in standard tuning. For chords you'll play an E, Gbm and a B7. A little picking in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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Sing Me Back Home - Learn To Play On Guitar
Sing Me Back Home is the 1967 title track from the Sing Me Back Home album and was released as a single and became one of Merle Haggard’s most poignant and powerful hits.
It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song was inspired by Haggard’s time in San Quentin prison and was based on fellow inmate and executed friend, Jimmy "Rabbit" Hendricks.
It’s widely praised for its emotional depth and is considered one of the greatest country songs ever written.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret and with drop D tuning while playing a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern with the chords D, A and G. You can pick a little in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Swingin Doors - Learn To Play On Guitar
Swingin Doors was released in 1966 as a single and became the title track of the Swinging Doors and the Bottle Let Me Down album.
It climbed to #5 on the Billboard country chart, helping to solidify Haggard’s honky-tonk reputation.
The song paints a vivid picture of a man trying to get over a breakup with nothing but his barstool surroundings — a theme that would define much of Haggard’s early work.
Chords And Strumming
Some drop D tuning in this number but as I've said many times, drop D is usually optional and not required. This song works well with a steady down up down up pattern as we more thru the walking base notes created with the drop D tuning. Some picking required in this song as you play the chords D, D7, G and A.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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The Bottle Let Me Down - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Bottle Let Me Down was also featured on the 1966 album Swinging Doors and the Bottle Let Me Down.
This track was a Top 3 hit on the country charts and remains one of Haggard’s quintessential barroom anthems.
With its clever lyrical twist — the bottle let him down just like his lover did — the song became a jukebox favorite and showcased Haggard’s lyrical wit and emotional honesty.
Chords And Strumming
For this one I'm also playing a drop D tuning with the chords D and A7 while playing a root down up bass up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A little picking required in this standard tuning two chord song.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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That's The Way Love Goes - Learn To Play On Guitar
That's The Way Love Goes was originally written by Lefty Frizzell and Sanger D. Shafer.
This song had been recorded by several artists before Haggard made it his own. His 1983 version became a #1 hit and the title track of the That’s the Way Love Goes album.
The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, demonstrating Haggard’s ability to take a well-known standard and deliver a smooth, heartfelt rendition that made it timeless.
Chords And Strumming
Play a root down up down up root up down up pattern here for rhythm with a capo on the 1st fret but that's optional. Some lead in this one in standard tuning with the chords D, Am7, D7, G, A7 and an E7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
The Fightin Side Of Me - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Fightin Side Of Me was released in 1970 as a single and the title track of the live album The Fightin’ Side of Me.
This patriotic anthem became one of Merle Haggard’s most controversial yet defining songs. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and spent three weeks at the top.
Written during the Vietnam War era, it echoed the sentiments of the “silent majority” and was seen as a follow-up to “Okie from Muskogee.”
Haggard himself later admitted the song was a reflection of the time, not necessarily a lifelong viewpoint, showing his complexity as a writer.
Chords And Strumming
This one played in standard tuning with root down up down up down and repeat rhythm pattern and a little bit of picking required and a few riffs. This one starts in E and then to A and B7 and near the end moves up one fret to an F, C and A#.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
The Running Kind - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Running Kind was released in 1978 on the album A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today and later featured on Serving 190 Proof.
As a minor hit, it reached #12 on the country charts. The song reflects Haggard’s constant need to move on — both literally and emotionally — a recurring theme in his music.
Its blend of restlessness and regret has made it a fan favorite and a staple in tribute performance.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played with root down up root up down up with no capo but I use one here because it get a bit low vocally in spots. Pick a little in this one with the chords G, G7, C, D and D7 in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Things Aren't Funny Anymore - Learn To Play On Guitar
Things Aren't Funny Anymore is an introspective ballad that was released as a single in 1974 and became another #1 hit for Haggard, featured on the album Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album.
The song showcases a more somber and vulnerable side, chronicling a relationship slipping into silence and emotional distance.
It was praised for its subtle, understated delivery and marked a shift in tone from Haggard’s earlier honky-tonk themes.
Chords And Strumming
Merle recorded this one in C# so a capo 1st is where I am on this one with the chords C, F, G, Dm, C7 and a Gdim in standard tuning while playing root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. Some lead playing required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
When Times Were Good - Learn To Play On Guitar
When Times Were Good appeared on the 1986 album A Friend in California, a record that reflected a mix of new material and nostalgic themes.
Though not released as a major charting single, the song is cherished for its reflective lyrics and smooth production.
It stands as a heartfelt look back at simpler times — a theme that resonated with Haggard’s maturing audience in the mid-’80s.
Chords And Strumming
One that was collaborated on with Willie Nelson with a simple root down up root up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning playing the chords C, F, G and a C7. Some picking required and near the end it's jazzed up a bit or you can leave that out.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
White Line Fever - Learn To Play On Guitar
White Line Fever was originally featured on Haggard’s 1969 album A Portrait of Merle Haggard.
“White Line Fever” is a hard-driving trucker song that wasn’t released as a single but became a cult favorite. It captures the weariness of constant travel, with “white line fever” referring to the hypnotic effect of long-distance highway driving.
Its gritty realism and driving rhythm made it a precursor to the outlaw country movement.
Chords And Strumming
You can play either a root down up down up root up down up rhythm pattern with a quick shuffle or play a root down up root up down up pattern. I play both in my version here in standard tuning using the chords C, F, G, G7, C7 and an F7 near the end. A little melody picking in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Workin Mans Blues - Learn To Play On Guitar
Workin Mans Blues is one of Merle’s signature songs that was released in 1969 and quickly rose to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
It appeared on the album A Portrait of Merle Haggard and became a blue-collar anthem, celebrating the dignity of hard work with a catchy rhythm and bluesy guitar lines.
The song remains one of Haggard’s most enduring classics and helped cement his image as the voice of the American working class.
Chords And Strumming
Play this one in standard tuning with a capo 4th fret with the chords E, A and B7. Some picking needed in this one as you play a steady root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern,
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
These Merle Haggard songs blend heartache, grit, and redemption—delivered through simple yet powerful guitar arrangements. Whether you're revisiting old favorites like Old Fashioned Love or discovering deep cuts such as What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana, every lesson here is designed to keep your fingers on the fretboard and your spirit in the music.
Scroll through, watch the video snippets, and grab the full lesson packages to truly master Haggard’s signature sound. If you're enjoying these lessons, be sure to explore more from our growing country guitar series.
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