Great Johnny Cash Guitar Songs
On The Acoustic

This collection of great Johnny Cash guitar songs features ten more fan-favorite tracks that showcase the storytelling, rhythm, and timeless charm of The Man in Black.

Whether you're drawn to his outlaw attitude, stripped-down country sound, or his deep vocal delivery, these songs will keep you strumming with soul.

You'll find helpful chord sheets, rhythm guidance, demo videos, and lesson options for every tune on this list.

Goodbye Little Darlin is a heartfelt song by Johnny Cash featured on his 1959 album "Greatest." With its timeless melody and emotional lyrics, the song reached a commendable position at #22 on the US Country Charts.

Cash's distinct voice brings out the emotional depth of the farewell narrative, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotions to take center stage, showcasing Cash's ability to connect with his audience on a personal level.

Guess Things Happen That Way is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous." Jack Clement wrote this track, which became Cash's fourth song to reach number one on the country charts, holding that position for eight weeks.

The song tells the story of a man who is going through a tough time after losing the love of his life. It explores the feelings of struggle and loneliness after such a significant loss. Interestingly, when the song was released in 1958, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) banned it because the person in charge of religious broadcasting objected to certain lines.

Hey Porter marks the inaugural recording by Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two. Collaborating with bandmates Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant, Cash penned the song after their initial audition with "I Was There When It Happened" was rejected by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records.

Phillips, known for his keen ear, expressed a preference for an up-tempo track reminiscent of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right," steering away from a gospel sound.

 "Hey Porter" became the pioneer in a series of railroad-themed songs that would characterize Cash's illustrious career. Following closely was the release of "Folsom Prison Blues," another composition echoing the rhythmic resonance of train tracks.

Hey Porter was recorded in 1954 and wasn't released until 1955. This track also was not on the original debut album from Johnny Cash in 1955 but was added later as a bonus track when the album was re-released.

Home Of The Blues is also is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous. It was co-written by Johnny Cash, along with Lillie McAlpin and Glenn Douglas Tubb, and produced by Jack Clement.

Johnny recorded the song in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 1, 1957, and it became a single in August of the same year reach #3 on the charts

Other artists have also recorded their versions of the song. Dwight Yoakam did a cover in 1988, Laughing Hyenas in 1995, and Owl City in early 2012. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix recorded the song for the 2005 film "Walk the Line."

Hurt is a song from Nine Inch Nails and was recorded by Johnny for his last album in 2002 entitled American IV:The Man Comes Around.

The song reached #56 on the charts. The video is a very moving piece of work.

I Walk The Line is a classic hit by Johnny Cash that achieved remarkable success, reaching the coveted #1 spot on the country charts in 1956 and making its mark at #17 on the Pop charts. This early triumph not only catapulted Cash to stardom but also became one of his signature songs.

Featured on his debut album "With His Hot And Blue Guitar," the song's simple yet powerful melody and Cash's distinctive voice made it an instant favorite. Known for its unique blend of country and rockabilly influences, "I Walk the Line" carries a timeless quality that has resonated with audiences for decades.

I Would Like To See You Again is a track from the album of the same name which was released back in 1978 and was Johnny's 57th album.

The song did manage to reach #12 and another song on that album called There Ain't No Good Chain Gang (with Waylon Jennings) hit #2.

If I Were A Carpenter was recorded with June Carter Cash in 1970 for Johnny's album "Hello I'm Johnny Cash".

The song peaked at #2.

In The Jailhouse Now is a lively and memorable song recorded by Johnny Cash, released as a single in 1962. The track, showcasing Cash's distinct blend of country and folk influences, achieved success by reaching the impressive position of #8 on the US Country charts.

This spirited song is known for its energetic tempo and playful lyrics, telling the humorous story of a person who finds themselves in and out of trouble, ending up in the jailhouse. The song is part of Cash's album "The Sound of Johnny Cash," which features a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions.

It Ain't Me Babe is a remarkable duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1964. This compelling song, which reached an impressive #4 on the country charts, showcases the chemistry between Cash and Carter, both musically and romantically.

The track is featured on the album "Orange Blossom Special," adding a touch of folk and country charm to the collection. 

"It Ain't Me Babe" not only became a chart success but also marked an early collaboration between Cash and Carter, foreshadowing their future musical and personal journey together.

I've Been Everywhere is a spirited and travel-infused song that found its way into Johnny Cash's repertoire when he included it on his 1996 album "Unchained." Originally written by Australian singer Lucky Starr in 1962, the song showcased a unique concept by listing numerous Australian place names in its lyrics.

However, it gained further popularity when the American version was crafted and first recorded by Hank Snow in the same year. The song became a musical journey across both Australia and the United States, featuring a rapid-fire recitation of various locations.

Jackson is a distinguished vibrant and well-loved duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1967. This spirited song, featured on the album "Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits Vol 1," not only showcases the musical chemistry between Cash and Carter but also highlights their real-life romantic connection.

"Jackson" climbed to an impressive #2 on the US country charts, attesting to the popularity of the duet. The song became a signature piece for Cash and Carter, symbolizing their deep connection and shared musical journey.

Long Black Veil is a classic song originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1959, achieving notable success with a #6 hit. Johnny Cash, known for his adeptness at storytelling through music, later covered the song for his "Folsom Prison Blues" album.

Cash's rendition not only brought a renewed energy to the song but also showcased his ability to connect with diverse audiences, as demonstrated when he played it on his own television show in 1969.

"Long Black Veil" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song, especially when delivered by an artist of Johnny Cash's caliber.

Luther Played The Boogie was a single from the Johnny Cash album of 1958 entitled "Greatest". The song was written by Johnny Cash about his guitarist at the time called Luther Perkins.

It charted at #8 on the country charts.

Ring Of Fire is one of Johnny Cash's most famous songs, released in 1963. It was co-written by June Carter Cash, Johnny's future wife, and Merle Kilgore. The song's distinctive mariachi-style horns and Cash's deep, emotive vocals contributed to its iconic status.

It's believed that June Carter was inspired to write the song by her feelings for Johnny Cash while he was still married to his first wife.

The song became a massive hit for Cash, reaching No. 1 on the country charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well.

San Quentin stands as a powerful song written and performed by Johnny Cash during his legendary live show at the San Quentin State Prison in 1969. The song captures the raw energy and intensity of that performance, showcasing Cash's unique ability to connect with his audience, especially in the challenging setting of a prison.

While "San Quentin" became a standout track on the album titled "At San Quentin," it's noteworthy that, despite its popularity, the song was never released as a single.

The live recording not only resonated with the audience at San Quentin but also became a symbol of Cash's commitment to using his music to reach people in unconventional settings.

Still In Town hails from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.

This track was the B-side to the song The Matador, listed below, which reached #2 on the charts.

Tennessee Flat Top Box is a captivating song penned and recorded by the legendary American country music singer Johnny Cash. Released as a single in late 1961, the song achieved significant success, reaching the 11th position on the Billboard country singles charts and making a notable appearance at 84 on the pop charts.

The title of the song, "Tennessee Flat Top Box," is a nod to the steel-stringed acoustic guitar that plays a central role in the narrative. Cash's rich baritone voice, coupled with the catchy melody and rhythmic guitar strumming, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

The Matador is a song from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.

This number was written by Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash and reached #2 on the country charts.

Understand Your Man is from the 1964 album "I Walk The Line" and was the first single from that album.

The song hit #1 on the country charts.

Wanted Man is a notable song with a unique history, written by Bob Dylan for his friend Johnny Cash. The song was first recorded during Cash's iconic live performance at San Quentin in 1969, which was later released as the live album "At San Quentin."

Although "Wanted Man" wasn't initially released as a single, it gained recognition for its collaboration between two music legends. Years later, in 1991, Johnny Cash included the song in his album "The Mystery of Life," but unfortunately, the single release did not chart.

Kirby Swinemar is an acoustic guitar instructor, performer and song arranger who has taught online for 21 years and created more than 4,000 original acoustic guitar lessons. He specialises in song-based acoustic guitar instruction, rhythm guitar techniques, and creating full-sounding solo arrangements that help beginner and intermediate players move beyond basic strumming.

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