Townes Van Zandt Guitar Lessons – 7 Songs to Learn on Acoustic Guitar

Townes Van Zandt was one of the great storytellers of American folk and country music, known for his haunting melodies, poetic lyrics and deeply personal songs.

In this collection, I'll walk you through seven Townes Van Zandt songs I've arranged for acoustic guitar, combining rhythm playing, chord progressions and picking where it fits.

Have a listen to these short samples, and if there's a song you'd like to learn, you'll find the complete video lesson and chord sheet on my website.

Be Here to Love Me by Townes Van Zandt was released in 1969 as the title track of Van Zandt's second studio album, "Our Mother the Mountain".

The song's sparse acoustic guitar arrangement and Van Zandt's soulful, emotive vocals add to its emotional impact.

"Be Here to Love Me" has been covered by various artists over the years, including Norah Jones, Kathleen Edwards, and Steve Earle, among others, further attesting to its enduring appeal. The song is often regarded as one of Van Zandt's signature works and is recognized as a classic in the singer-songwriter canon.

Despite Townes Van Zandt's tragic and troubled life, his music continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate his poetic lyrics, unique voice, and emotional authenticity.

Come Tomorrow hails from his 1969 album "Our Mother the Mountain," which is considered one of his classic albums.

"Come Tomorrow" a soul-stirring and introspective composition that reflects Van Zandt's trademark style of deeply personal and emotionally raw songwriting. It features Van Zandt's evocative lyrics, poetic imagery, and soulful vocals, accompanied by his intricate fingerpicking guitar style. The song's bittersweet melody and melancholic tone create a sense of longing and reflection.

Lyrically, "Come Tomorrow" touches on themes of love, loss, and existential contemplation. The lyrics depict a sense of yearning for a better future while acknowledging the transient and unpredictable nature of life.

"Come Tomorrow" has been covered by several artists, further attesting to its enduring appeal and the significance of Townes Van Zandt's songwriting. It remains a beloved song among his fans and a testament to his enduring legacy as a folk music icon.

Don't You Take It Too Bad was released on Van Zandt's third studio album, "Our Mother the Mountain," in 1969.

The song is sad and thoughtful song which comes from his heart. The lyrics talk about how life can be hard sometimes, but we should keep going even when things are tough. The song makes you feel like it's okay to be sad and that you're not alone. Townes Van Zandt was really good at writing songs that make you feel things, like love and loss, and this one is just like that.

Despite its sorrowful tone, "Don't Take It Too Bad" has been widely regarded as a classic among Van Zandt's fans and fellow musicians alike. It has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a beloved folk song.

If I Needed You is a popular and widely recognized song by Townes Van Zandt which was originally released on his 1972 album "The Late Great Townes Van Zandt." It has since been covered by numerous artists, becoming one of Van Zandt's most lasting and cherished compositions.

"If I Needed You" is a tender and heartfelt love song that showcases Van Zandt's poetic songwriting and soulful vocals.

Lyrically, "If I Needed You" expresses themes of love, companionship, and dependency. The lyrics depict a deep emotional connection between two individuals who rely on each other for support and comfort. Van Zandt's lyrics are rich in imagery and evoke a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing the listener into the heartfelt sentiment of the song.

"If I Needed You" has been covered by many artists, including Emmylou Harris, Don Williams, and Lyle Lovett, among others.

Snake Mountain Blues appears on his second studio album, "Delta Momma Blues," which was released in 1971.

"Snake Mountain Blues" is a bluesy folk song that showcases Van Zandt's intricate fingerpicking guitar style and distinctive vocal delivery. The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of a desolate landscape and convey a sense of loneliness and longing.

The song's title, "Snake Mountain Blues," refers to Snake Mountain, a prominent peak in Vermont, USA, known for its rugged and remote wilderness. Van Zandt's lyrics evoke a sense of isolation and yearning, drawing on the scenes of nature to explore complex emotions.

"Snake Mountain Blues" is considered a classic among Townes Van Zandt's body of work and is beloved by his fans for its haunting melodies, poetic lyrics, and emotive performance. The song has been covered by various artists.

Tecumseh Valley was written by Townes Van Zandt,appears on his debut studio album, "For the Sake of the Song," which was released in 1968.

Tecumseh Valley  tells the story of a young woman living in poverty in the impoverished Tecumseh Valley region of Ohio. Van Zandt's lyrics vividly portray the struggles and hardships faced by the woman, including poverty, addiction, and societal neglect.

The song's bittersweet lyrics are accompanied by Van Zandt's smooth vocals and acoustic guitar, showcasing his heartfelt storytelling and songwriting skills.

The song was never released as a single.

White Freightliner Blues was written by Townes Van Zandt in the early 1970s and first appeared on his 1977 album Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas, recorded in 1973.

Despite its lively, driving rhythm, the song carries a darker message about loneliness, troubled friendships and the desire to escape life's difficulties. Its references to Houston, New Mexico and the open highway reflect Van Zandt's wandering lifestyle. Over the years, it became a favourite among folk, country and bluegrass musicians, with notable versions by New Grass Revival, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Its simple blues-based chord progression and energetic tempo have also made it a popular acoustic jam-session favourite.

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.

Explore more of Kirby's work at Kirby's Guitar Lessons, watch his performances and tutorials on his YouTube Channel or follow him on Facebook. You can also learn more about his teaching background on the About Me page.