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Learn These Timeless Guy Clark Songs on Guitar
Guy Clark was more than just a songwriter—he was a storyteller with a poet’s heart and a Texan’s grit. His songs reflect honesty, wisdom, and a deep understanding of life’s ups and downs. In this guitar-focused lesson page, you’ll learn how to play nine of Guy Clark’s most memorable tracks.
Whether you’re drawn to the raw emotion of “My Favourite Picture of You” or the quirky philosophy of “Stuff That Works,” these arrangements are perfect for intermediate guitarists looking to dig into meaningful lyrics and chord-based playing.
🎸 Overview Video - “Watch This Preview of My songs by Guy Clark Guitar”
Guy Clark Guitar Lesson Titles
Desperados Waiting For A TrainDublin Blues
I Don't Love You Much Do I
LA Freeway
Maybe I Can Paint Over That
My Favourite Picture Of You
She Ain't Going Nowhere
Stuff That Works
The Cape
1. Desperados Waiting For A Train - Learn To Play On Guitar
Desperados Waiting For A Train was recorded by several artists including Jerry Jee Walker, David Allan Coe and Tom Rush before Guy recorded his own version in 1975 for his debut album Old No 1.
Guy Clark never released this song as a single but The Highwaymen did in 1985 and had a #15 with their version in the US.
Chords And Strumming
I play this tune in standard tuning with a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern. No lead here as you play through the chords D, C, A, Bm, Bm/A, G, D/Gb, Em, A/Gb, A7sus and A7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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2. Dublin Blues - Learn To Play On Guitar
Dublin Blues is a song that hails from the album of the same name which was released back in the spring of 1995.
Guy Clark only ever released three singles in his entire career and this wasn't one of them.
Download my free Guy Clark Dublin Blues lyrics sheet below.
Chords And Strumming
For this song I use drop D tuning, which is always optional, and a capo 2nd fret. Only D, G and A required for chords with some lead. You'll play a down strokes pattern in combo with a down down up down down up and repeat pattern for rhythm.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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3. I Don't Love You Much Do I
- Learn To Play On Guitar
I Don't You Much Do I can be found on the 1992 album "Boats To Build".
As I mentioned on this page, none of the songs on this page were ever released as a single but this is a great tune to learn on the acoustic.
Chords And Strumming
In this one I play a capo 4th fret in standard tuning with G, C and D as the chords needed along with a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead required.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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4. LA Freeway - Learn To Play On Guitar
LA Freeway is from the 1975 album by Guy Clark called "Old No. 1" and was written by him in 1970 when he re-located to Nashville from California.
Jerry Jeff Walker recorded a version a few years before Guy in 1972 and Steve Earle also recorded his version of this song.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one with a capo 2nd fret with the chords G, C, D, D/Gb and D7. A little picking blended into the rhythm of down down up down up down up and repeat.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
5. Maybe I Can Paint Over That - Learn To Play On Guitar
Maybe I Can Paint Over That hails from the 2009 album Somedays The Song Writes You. This song does not appear to have been released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with the chords C, F and G, you can play a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a bit of lead work as well.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
6. My Favorite Picture Of You - Learn To Play On Guitar
My Favorite Picture Of You is a track from the album of the same name that was released back in 2013.
The song was never released as a single but the album did win best Grammy Folk Album in 2014.
Chords And Strumming
In this song you'll play mainly down strokes for rhythm with a bit of a shuffle thrown into the mix with the chords A, D, Edim, Bm and an E. There is a bit of a rhythm melody break at the beginning but I moved it between the verse as an arrangement change. A capo 2nd fret in standard tuning is the original key for this number.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
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7. She Ain't Going Nowhere - Learn To Play On Guitar
She Ain't Going Nowhere is a track from his first album Old No. 1 released back in 1975.
The song doesn't appear to have been a single release but a laid back vibe about a girl hitchhiking along the side of a road.
Chords And Strumming
Use a down down up down up down up and repeat for a rhythm pattern with the chords C, F, G, Am and Dm. The original key is with a capo 2nd fret using these chords. A small bit of picking in this one.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
8. Stuff That Works - Learn To Play On Guitar
Stuff That Works is a song found on the Guy Clark Debut album "Old No. 1" from 1975.
This song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play this song in standard tuning using a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead in this one with the chords C, F and G7.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
9. The Cape - Learn To Play On Guitar
The Cape is a track you'll find on the 1995 album "Dublin Blues" album.
This track was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
For chords here you'll need a C, G6, Am, G and an F and played in standard tuning with some riffs blended into the rhythm. For rhythm play a root up down up root up down up and repeat pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details - (chords & lyrics sheet incl with lesson)
Back To Song List
These Guy Clark songs are a masterclass in songwriting—and a joy to play on acoustic guitar. From introspective ballads to dusty road anthems, each one teaches something new about timing, phrasing, and feel. If you’ve enjoyed this collection, be sure to check out other classic songwriters in our country section.
And don’t forget—each full lesson includes a chord chart and rhythm tips to help you truly make these songs your own.
If you liked this songs by Guy Clark guitar page you might also like ... (click images)
Guy Clark Documentary / Interview
Fun Folk Songs To Sing