Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
Learn to Play His Country Hits
Welcome to my Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs page! If you’re a fan of Alan Jackson’s classic country hits and want to learn to play them on acoustic guitar, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find some of his most popular songs with easy chords, strumming patterns, and step-by-step lessons to help you sound just like the original.
If you enjoy Alan Jackson’s music, be sure to check out my Alan Jackson Gospel guitar songs page for even more great songs to learn on guitar!
Learn to Play Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
Chords, Strumming & Tutorials
1976
A House With No Curtains
A Little Bluer Than That
Bug In My Margarita
Chasin That Neon Rainbow
Chattahochee
Don't Rock The Jukebox
Drive
Gone Country
Had It Not Been You
Here In The Real World
Home
I Wish I Could Back Up
I'll Try
It Must Be Love
It's Five o'Clock Somewhere
Jim & Jack & Hank
Just As I Am
Little Man
Livin On Love
Love's Got A Hold On You
Midnight In Montgomery
Pop A Top
Precious Memories
Remember When
She's Got The Rhythm
Someday
Small Town Southern Man
The Older I Get
The One You're Waiting On
Tonight I Climbed The Walls
Tryin Not To Love You
Where Were You When ...
You Can Always Come Home
1. 1976 - Learn To Play On Guitar
1976 ... info soon.
Video demo and chords sheet in zip file below.
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2. A House With No Curtains - Learn To Play On Guitar
A House With No Curtains was the last single from the 1998 album Everything I Love.
Alan Jackson had 27 consecutive singles in the top 10 but this one broke that streak, only reaching #18 on the US country charts.
Chords & Strumming
For rhythm here play a root up down up down up and repeat in standard tuning with the chords D, A, G, A7, Bm, E, and a Dbm. There is some picking in this one and a key change if you want to add that in. A great song for beginners.
Guitar Lesson Details
Follow along with my demo video and purchase my step-by-step tutorial to master this Alan Jackson classic.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
3. A Little Bluer Than That
- Learn To Play On Guitar
A Little Bluer Than That hails form the 2008 album "Good Time".
This one was never was released as a single.
Chords & Strumming
This one I play with a capo on the 3rd fret in standard tuning using the chords D, G, A7, A/Db, Bm, Bm/A, E, and an Em. When the song changes key you'll use an E, A and B7.
The normal rhythm pattern is a root up down up and repeat, or a root down down bass up down up. A bit of lead in this song.
Guitar Lesson Details
Learn the smooth chord transitions and gentle strumming that bring out the heartfelt emotion in this deep-cut favorite.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
4. Bug In My Margarita (Long Way To Go)
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Bug In My Margarita was inspired after Alan Jackson watched a bug land in his drink. He made a mental note of it and on a cold day in Nashville, put pen to paper and wrote this song.
The official name is "Long Way To Go" and can be found as the lead single from his 2011 album "Thirty Miles West". The song reached #24 on the US country chart.
Chords And Strumming
The rhythm here is a simple root up down up and repeat with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning. You'll need the chords D, G and A or A7 if you prefer and some lead required here.
Guitar Lesson Details
A fun, laid-back song that’s easy to strum—perfect for working on steady rhythm and relaxed chord changes.
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5. Chasin That Neon Rainbow
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Chasin That Neon Rainbow was from the 1990 debut album "Here In The Real World" and was the 4th single.
The song peaked at #2 on the US Country Charts.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning and using a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern, be prepared so some picking in this song.
The chords you'll need are a G, C, D, D/Gb, Em, A7 for the first half of the song. When the key change kicks in you'll use an A, D, E, A/Ab, Gbm and a B7.
Guitar Lesson Details
Master the lively country shuffle rhythm that drives this honky-tonk classic. A great song for practicing quick chord changes.
Chords & Lyrics
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6. Chattahoochee
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Chattahoochee
came about while Jim McBride and Alan Jackson were trying to come up
with an up-tempo type song back in 1993. Jim came up with the line "way
down yonder on the chattahoochee" and the song evolved from there.
Neither Jackson or McBride ever thought the song was going to be the
monster hit that it became.
The
song became a #1 in both Canada and the US in 1993 and also won the
Country Music Awards (CMA) Song Of The Year and Single Of The Year.
There was a music video for the song which featured Alan Jackson water
skiing on the Chattahoochee River.
The song hails from the 1993 album "A Lot About Livin". Download the free Alan Jackson Chattahoochee lyrics below.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with the chords C, G, F, D7 a G7 you'll be picking a riff as you strum using a root up down up root up down up or root up down up bass up down up rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
A high-energy country hit with a driving rhythm. Work on your up-tempo strumming and perfect those signature Alan Jackson chord progressions.
Chords & Lyrics
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7. Don't Rock The Jukebox
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Don't Rock The Jukebox was the album from 1991 which produced four #1 hits and a $3 hit. This song was one of the four #1 hits by Alan Jackson and was co-written by him, Keith Stegall and Roger Murrah.
George Jones made a guest appearance near the end of the music video.
Chords And Strumming
Play a down up down up steady rhythm pattern for the chorus and a root down up root up down up pattern for the verse. Some riffs and lead in here with the chords G, C, D or D7, A or A7, and a C7.
Guitar Lesson Details
Get into the groove of this country barroom favorite by learning its punchy rhythm and essential country chord voicings.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
8. Drive
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Drive became a #1 hit when it was released back in 2002. It's a song about Alan and his dad Eugene Jackson.
The song is from the album of the same name. Download the free Alan Jackson Drive lyrics below.
Chords And Strumming
I play this with a capo on the 4th fret in standard tuning with the chords G, C, D, Em and A7. You'll pick a little as you play a root up down up root up down up rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
A sentimental favorite that’s great for fingerpicking practice. Learn how to capture the song’s nostalgic feel with simple yet effective techniques.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
9. Gone Country
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Gone Country was written by Bob McDill, a songwriter active from 1960 to 2000. Alan Jackson recorded the song for his album "Who Am I," released in November 1994. McDill had 31 number one hits during his career and had songs recorded by artists like Ray Charles, Don Williams, and Joe Cocker.
Alan Jackson praised McDill as one of his favorite writers, saying he wished he had written the song himself.
The song "Gone Country" was the third single from Jackson's album. His previous singles, "Summertime Blues" and "Livin' On Love," both reached number one. "Gone Country" also topped the charts in the US and reached number two in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
A simple root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in all you need with the chords G, C, D and Em in standard tuning and a bit of lead.
Guitar Lesson Details
Work on strong downstrums and chord accents to bring out the confident swagger in this country anthem.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
10. Had It Not Been You
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Had It Not Been You hails from the album "Like Red On A Rose" which was a bit of a commercial flop. Alan Jackson only wrote one song on this record and it changed direction away from traditional country and went in a pop direction.
Had It Not Been You was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
A capo 1st fret in standard tuning and a combination or arpeggio and rhythm playing root up down up for rhythm. A little picking required as you play the chords E, B7, A, Dbm, Gbm and an Edim.
Guitar Lesson Details
A smooth ballad that helps develop dynamic strumming and soft chord transitions for a heartfelt performance.
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11. Here In The Real World
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Here In The Real World hails from the debut album of the same name which was released in Feb of 1990.
This was the 2nd of 5 singles off of that album ad became Alan Jackson's first top 10, peaking at #3 on the charts.
Chords And Strumming
Play a root up down up or you could use some bass notes and play root up down up bass up down up for rhythm. A capo 1st fret in standard tuning with the chords D, G, A, Em and a Gbm with a little lead work.
Guitar Lesson Details
A slow, classic country tune with a waltz-like rhythm—perfect for working on timing and emotional playing.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
12. Home
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Home was recorded in 1989 was was originally slated for his debut album the following year but instead was used as a B-side to several singles.
It wasn't until 1995 that it was released as an A-side song and peaked at #3. This song is also from the "Here In The Real World" album.
Chords And Strumming
For the rhythm here play an arpeggio beginning and then a root up root up down up then a root down up root up down up and repeat. A few riffs in standard tuning with the chords C, F and G.
Guitar Lessons Details
Learn the heartfelt picking pattern and strumming style that give this tribute song its warm and nostalgic feel.
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13. I Wish I Could Back Up
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I Wish I Could Back Up hails from Jackson's 2008 album "Good Time".
This song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with a basic rhythm using a shuffle pattern and arpeggio picking and some lead. The chords here are G, C, D, Am, Em and a B7.
Guitar Lesson Details
Work on expressive chord transitions and controlled strumming to capture the song’s reflective tone.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
14. I'll Try
- Learn To Play On Guitar
I'll Try was a single release back in 1996 and can be found on his Greatest Hits Compilation album.
The song reached #1 in the US and #5 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning with a piano riff blended in as you play a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Play the three chords of G, C and D.
Guitar Lesson Details
Master steady, flowing strumming with well-placed accents to enhance the melody in this love ballad.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
15. It Must Be Love
- Learn To Play On Guitar
It Must Be Love was another Bob McDill composition and in 1979 Don Williams had a #1 record. Fast Forward to 2000 and history repeated itself when Alan Jackson had his version also reach #1 on the country charts.
The song is found on his "Under The Influence" album.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret here with a down up stop up down up stop up rhythm pattern and a riff for lead. I also use drop D tuning in this one with the chords D, G and A.
Guitar Lesson Details
A great song for beginners, this lesson focuses on smooth chord changes and light, rhythmic strumming.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
16. It's Five o'Clock Somewhere
- Learn To Play On Guitar
It's Five o'clock Somewhere was recorded as a duet with Jimmy Buffett ... a Florida boy and a next door neighbor Georgia boy but neither of them wrote the song.
It got Jackson on the pop charts for the first time at #65 and became Buffett's first top 10 song since the 1970's when it came out in 2003. The song was a #1 hit on the country charts.
The song is from his Greatest Hits Vol II album.
Chords And Strumming
Another song I like to play with drop D tuning while playing a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Various riffs throughout with the chords D, G, A7, Asus, Bm, A/Db and an Em.
Guitar Lesson Details
Capture the island-country feel with relaxed down strumming and an easy-going rhythm pattern.
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17. Jim And Jack And Hank
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Jim And Jack And Hank hails from the 2015 album called Angels and Alcohol and 7 of the 10 songs were written by Alan Jackson.
This song was a single from the album but only peaked at #41 on the country charts. Jim and Jack and Hank chords and lyrics are below.
Chords And Strumming
For chords here play a D, G and an A with some lead work with a capo 2nd fret in drop D tuning. For rhythm play all down strokes.
Guitar Lesson Details
Work on your country down stroke strumming and chord progressions to lock into the upbeat, fun groove of this drinking song.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
18. Just As I Am
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Just As I Am comes from the poet Charlotte Elliott, who wrote this song back in 1835 and Jackson included it on his 2013 album "Precious Memories Vol II".
The song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
This number I play with a capo 4rh fret with some lead and the chords G, G7, C, D and a Dsus. For rhythm play arpeggio down over the strings followed by a 1-2-3 up down up and repeat. Or skip the arpeggio and just strum in a root up down up down up root up down up down up pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
A slower ballad that’s great for practising emotional phrasing and chord dynamics to match the lyrics.
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19. Little Man
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Little Man was one of four singles released from Alan Jackson's 1999 album High Mileage.
This one peaked at #3 in the US and $4 in Canada.
Chords And Strumming
There are only four chords in this one and they are C, F, G and Am and played with a capo on the first fret for the original key of C#. This is a simple root down up root up down up country rhythm pattern with only a few riffs here and there and a picking section that follows the melody line.
Guitar Lesson Details
Play along with the distinctive chord voicings and steady rhythm that make this small-town anthem a fan favorite.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
20. Livin On Love
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Livin On Love is from Jackson's 1994 album "Who I Am".
The song topped the country charts and became a huge #1 at that time.
Chords And Strumming
This one I play with a capo 2nd fret in drop D tuning. Some lead and hammer on / pull offs with the chords G, C, D, G7 and a D7. The rhythm for the verse is a root up down up bass up down up and the chorus is a root down down root up down up and repeat.
Guitar Lesson Details
Learn how to keep a steady rhythm and bring out the melody with smooth strumming and easy transitions.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
21. Love's Got A Hold On You
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Love's Got A Hold On You strangely enough was not written by Alan Jackson. The song became a #1 hit from his 1992 "Dont Rock The Jukebox" album.
The songwriters were Carson Chamberlain and Keith Stegall.
Chords And Strumming
The three chords here are E, A and B7 with a bit of lead required in standard tuning. For rhythm play a root up down up bass up down up and repeat.
Guitar Lesson Details
This track’s bouncy groove is a great way to practice syncopation and light percussive strumming.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
22. Midnight In Montgomery
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Midnight In Montgomery came about one stormy night in Montgomery Alabama when Alan Jackson spent an evening there and payed a visit to the local cemetery to pay his respects to Hank Williams who is buried there.
Upon returning to Nashville, Jackson sat down with a writing friend of his, Don Sampso,n and together co-wrote this song called Midnight In Montgomery as a tribute song to Hank Williams.
The song hails from the 1991 album "Don't Rock The Jukebox".
Chords And Strumming
This one is mainly arpeggio picking of the strings as you play thru the chords or play a down down up up down up down up in the chorus. In standard tuning with no lead and the chords Dm, C, A#, A and an A7.
Guitar Lesson Details
A haunting classic that introduces atmospheric picking patterns and eerie chord voicings.
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23. Pop A Top
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Pop A Top may surprise many people to know that it was first recorded back in 1966 by Nat Stuckey.
Jim Ed Brown had a #3 hit in 1967 and Alan Jackson's version reached #6 on the country charts in 1999. The song hails from his album "Under The Influence".
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with some lead required. For rhythm play a walking bass line while the right hand does a steady down up down up rhythm pattern. The chords here are G, C , D, A and E.
Guitar Lesson Details
A fun, barroom-style tune that helps with upbeat strumming and adding a rhythmic snap to your playing.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
24. Precious Memories
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Precious Memories is a traditional gospel song that was written back in 1925 by JBF Wright. Many artists besides Alan Jackson have recorded this one over the years including Aretha Franklin, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and a few others.
This song was the title of the album that Alan Jackson released back in 2006 which contained a collection of 15 old traditional gospel songs. No single were released from that album but reached #1 on the Top Country Albums chart as well as obtaining a Platinum status in sales.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 3rd fret on this one with a drop D tuning with a root down up root up down up rhythm pattern. Some lead here with the chords D, G, A7, A/Db, Bm and an E or E7.
Guitar Lesson Details
Work on soft rhythm and controlled dynamics to bring out the song’s gospel-inspired warmth.
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25. Remember When
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Remember When hit the airwaves in the fall of 2003 and by Feb 2004 the song was a #1 country hit.
The songs can be found on his Greatest Hits Vol II album. Download the free Alan Jackson Remember When lyrics below.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm play a simple root up down up, chord change, root up down up and so on rhythm pattern. In standard tuning with the chords G, Em, C, D, Am, F, Esus, E, A and Gbm with some lead required.
Guitar Lesson Details
Learn this delicate pattern and chord voicings that enhance the song’s deeply nostalgic lyrics.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
26. She's Got The Rhythm
- Learn To Play On Guitar
She's Got The Rhythm was co-written by Alan Jackson and Randy Travis and they were going to pitch it to B.B. King. But in the end, Jackson decided he'd like to record the song.
Good choice as it turned out to become a #1 hit in 1993 from his album "A Lot About Livin".
Chords And Strumming
This one is in standard tuning with down stokes for the rhythm pattern and a few riffs with some picking. The chords here are A, D E and a B7.
Guitar Lesson Details
Master a punchy rhythm and quick chord changes to match the upbeat, toe-tapping groove.
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27. Someday
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Someday became a second #1 hit from his 1992 album "Dont Rock The Jukebox". The song was a #2 hit in Canada.
The official music video for this song is posted below.
Chords And Strumming
Played in standard tuning and no lead, this one has a root up down up bass up down up rhythm pattern or play a root down up down up bass up down up pattern. The chords here are C, F, G, Am and Em.
Guitar Lessons Details
Develop bass note strumming technique and well-placed accents to highlight the emotional build-up in this heartfelt song.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
28. Small Town Southern Man
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Small Town Southern Man was released by Alan Jackson in Nov of 2007 . The song was written by Jackson himself for the album "Good Times".
He had a three year drought since his previous #1 which was Remember When, so this one topped the Country Charts for him in the US. Small Town Southern Man chords and lyrics below.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning here with a capo 1st fret and some lead. Play a play a root up down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a D, G and A chord.
Guitar Lesson Details
A song with a driving country rhythm—great for practicing steady root up down up pattern and chord transitions.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
29. The Older I Get
- Learn To Play On Guitar
The Older I Get was released by Alan Jackson in 2017 as a single but it never charted. That should tell you something about the state of country music when great country songs don't get radio play and chart at all.
This song is on the 2017 album "Where Have You Gone".
Chords And Strumming
You can mix in some arpeggio note picking with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern for this one in drop D tuning. Some lead with the chords D, G and A7, Dsus and an A7sus.
Guitar Lesson Details
Learn how to add subtle arpeggio to your strumming for a more emotional, storytelling-style performance.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
30. The One You're Waiting On
- Learn To Play On Guitar
The One You're Waiting On is from the Angels And Alcohol album from 2016.
This song was released as a single in 2016 but failed to chart.
Chords And Strumming
I play a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning with some lead in this number. Play a steady up and down bass up down up rhythm pattern with the chords G, D/Gb, C, Am and Em.
Guitar Lesson Details
Practice gentle chord progressions and a flowing rhythm to enhance this introspective ballad.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
31. Tonight I Climbed The Wall
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Tonight I Climbed The Wall was written by Alan Jackson and released as a single back in 1993 from his album "A Lot About Livin'.
This song reached #4 on the country charts in both Canada and the US.
Chords And Strumming
This one has a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning with the chords G, C, D and a D7 with a few riffs throughout.
Guitar Lesson Details
Work on slow, deliberate chord changes and soft strumming to capture the song’s intimate feel.
Chords And LyricsBack To Song List
32. Tryin' Not To Love You
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Tryin Not To Love You was a dedication song to a Merle Haggard album that Alan Jackson recorded back in 1994.
This song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
The chords in this song are E, D, Db, Gbm, B7, B7/G and a Ddim played with a basic root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of picking in standard tuning.
Guitar Lesson Details
A great song for beginners to practice consistent rhythm and soft, country-style chord changes.
Chords And LyricsBack To Song List
33. Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning was written by Alan Jackson about the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001 and hails from the album "Drive".
Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning chords and lyrics below.
Chords And Strumming
For rhythm you can play this with arpeggio in the verses and then use a down down up down up down up rhythm pattern in the chorus. Or you can do some arpeggio and some strumming and mix up the two patterns.
I play this in standard tuning with the chords C, F, G, Am and Am/G and no lead.
Guitar Lesson Details
Learn gentle arpeggio and chord dynamics to bring out the song’s powerful storytelling.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
34. You Can Always Come Home
- Learn To Play On Guitar
You Can Always Come Home hails from the Angels and Alcohol album of 2015.
This number was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
I play a drop D tuning here with a capo 2nd fret and some lead. Play a root down up down up repeat rhythm pattern with the chords D, G, Bm and A7.
Guitar Lesson Details
A soothing ballad that’s perfect for working on expressive strumming and steady tempo control.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Top Alan Jackson Guitar Songs
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