Top acoustic country songs: timeless hits like "Jolene," "Wagon Wheel," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

I remember sitting on a porch at dusk, guitar in hand, trying to find the perfect country songs to play that sound full with just one acoustic. If you want songs that translate well to simple chords, singable melodies, and real crowd-pleasers, the right song choices solve that problem. These songbooks and collections help players learn the best country songs for acoustic guitar quickly, whether you’re a beginner practicing campfire jams or an experienced player arranging stripped-down covers.

First 50 Country Songs Songbook

I rely on this songbook when I need a quick set list. It includes 50 country songs arranged for guitar with chords, lyrics, and basic tabs. The layouts are clean, and chord diagrams make it practical for beginning players. It helps me move from learning to performing fast.

The selection spans classic and modern country tunes that work well on one acoustic. I like how songs translate to simple strum patterns and occasional fingerstyle parts. If you teach or lead singalongs, this book is a compact resource to keep on hand.

Pros:

• Clear chord charts for common keys
• Good mix of classic and modern songs
• Portable for gig bags and lessons
• Includes basic tab for melody lines
• Works well for singalongs and practice

Cons:

• Arrangements are basic for advanced players
• Some songs lack detailed strumming patterns

My Recommendation

I recommend this songbook for beginners and teachers who need a solid set of the best country songs for acoustic guitar. It’s best for quick learning and group play. The value comes from portability and the broad song mix that covers many playing situations.

Best for	Why
Beginners	Simple chords and clear layouts
Teachers	Good variety for lesson planning
Jam leaders	Easy-to-follow lyrics and chords

Great American Country Songbook

This easy guitar songbook focuses on 50 classic country tunes arranged with notes and tab. I use it when I want authentic-sounding chord voicings that still stay beginner-friendly. The fingerings are clear and often conservative, which keeps the songs playable.

The book emphasizes timeless songs that sound great on solo acoustic. It’s useful for players who want to study phrasing and melodic lines alongside basic chords. If you want reliable arrangements of country standards, this is a dependable choice.

Pros:

• Authentic classic song choices
• Notes and tab for melodic lines
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate players
• Clear notation and easy-to-read layouts
• Works well for practice and small gigs

Cons:

• Limited modern country hits
• Some arrangements may feel too simple

My Recommendation

I favor this for players who want classic country arrangements that translate well to acoustic sets. The Great American Country Songbook is best for those building a repertoire of trusted classics. It adds depth to any collection of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with reliable transcriptions.

Best for	Why
Classic lovers	Focus on timeless country hits
Melody students	Notes and tab included
Solo performers	Arrangements fit solo acoustic

Taylor Swift: Really Easy Songbook

This beginner-friendly Taylor Swift book collects 22 songs in very simple chord layouts. I use it to teach new players pop-country crossover songs that are easy to sing. The chord boxes and stripped-down tabs make quick practice productive.

While not a pure country collection, many Taylor Swift songs translate perfectly to acoustic country sets. I recommend it for players who want modern, singable material that audiences recognize. The arrangements encourage confident strumming from day one.

Pros:

• Very easy chord layouts
• Popular songs that engage crowds
• Great for vocalists learning guitar
• Compact and beginner-focused
• Quick to learn for performances

Cons:

• Limited tablature detail
• Not focused on traditional country

My Recommendation

I recommend this Taylor Swift collection for beginners looking to add crowd-pleasing songs to acoustic sets. It’s best for vocalists and newer guitarists who want easy arrangements. If you want the best country songs for acoustic guitar with a modern twist, this book helps bridge pop and country nicely.

Best for	Why
Beginners	Super-simple chord shapes
Vocalists	Singable, crowd-friendly tunes
Pop-country fans	Modern crossover material

Taylor Swift: Easy Guitar Anthology

This anthology offers 23 songs for beginner players with chords and tabs. I use it for students who want slightly more detail than a “really easy” book. The arrangements include simple tabs for intros and fills that make songs sound fuller on solo guitar.

The book blends pop and country eras of Taylor’s work and suits players transitioning from beginner to intermediate. I appreciate how it teaches how to add little licks to basic strumming. It helps build the skills needed for more advanced country arrangements.

Pros:

• Good balance of chords and tab
• Teaches small fills and intros
• Easy to follow for progressing students
• Modern songs that audiences love
• Solid for practice and performance

Cons:

• May be too pop-focused for purists
• Not comprehensive for advanced players

My Recommendation

I recommend this anthology for students who want to refine skills on modern country-leaning songs. It’s best for players moving beyond absolute beginner level. For anyone building a playlist of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with modern appeal, this book is a practical step up.

Best for	Why
Progressing beginners	Includes tabs for simple fills
Practice-focused players	Teaches song structure
Modern fans	Popular Taylor Swift hits

Acoustic Hits: 60 Timeless Songs

This collection gathers 60 acoustic hits that suit a wide range of players. I found it helpful for building varied sets that include country-leaning acoustic standards. The arrangements are simple and focused on playability across skill levels.

For solo guitar players who want a broad repertoire, this book gives many quick wins. The song choices often match campfire and café settings. If you want a single resource for many of the best country songs for acoustic guitar and other acoustic hits, this is efficient.

Pros:

• Large song count for variety
• Easy arrangements for fast learning
• Good for solo and duo performances
• Compact format for travel
• Covers acoustic-friendly hits

Cons:

• Not deeply detailed per song
• Some songs are pop rather than country

My Recommendation

I recommend this for players who value variety and portability. It’s best for gigging musicians who need lots of song options quickly. The book complements any collection of the best country songs for acoustic guitar by adding broader acoustic hits that fit many venues.

Best for	Why
Gigging players	Lots of songs to fill sets
Travel musicians	Compact and portable
Acoustic enthusiasts	Acoustic-friendly arrangements

First 50 Songs: Acoustic Songbook

This beginner-friendly book lists 50 songs with easy tab and chord voicings. I use it when new students want a predictable learning curve. The clear structure helps learners internalize chord changes and melody support.

The arrangements lean toward simplicity but still sound full on one guitar. It’s a practical starter book for anyone building a core repertoire of the best country songs for acoustic guitar. Teachers will find it reliable for early lessons.

Pros:

• Beginner-focused arrangements
• Clear tab and chord diagrams
• Good song selection for practice
• Easy to teach and learn from
• Helps build stage-ready songs quickly

Cons:

• Limited nuance for advanced play
• Few alternate tunings covered

My Recommendation

I suggest this songbook for absolute beginners and teachers starting new students. It’s best for learning foundation chords and simple strumming that fit the best country songs for acoustic guitar. The straightforward approach makes early wins likely and enjoyable.

Best for	Why
Absolute beginners	Simple chord progressions
Music teachers	Structured lesson material
Practice routines	Quick to learn songs

Country Classics Easy Guitar

This songbook focuses on 100 timeless country songs arranged for easy guitar. I use it when I need authentic-sounding classics in accessible keys. The collection helps players expand traditional country knowledge with playable parts.

It’s especially useful for learners who want to capture the feel of country phrasing. The arrangements keep chord shapes simple while preserving the songs’ character. For those building a deep list of the best country songs for acoustic guitar, this book is a core resource.

Pros:

• Huge selection of country classics
• Arranged in beginner-friendly keys
• Good for learning country phrasing
• Great reference for crews and jams
• Well organized for quick lookup

Cons:

• Large book can be bulky
• Not deep on advanced techniques

My Recommendation

I recommend Country Classics Easy Guitar for players who want a deep dive into traditional country songs. It’s best for students and performers building a comprehensive repertoire. This book strengthens any collection of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with many authentic choices.

Best for	Why
Traditionalists	Focus on classic country
Repertoire builders	Large track list
Jam groups	Many singalong options

Easy Guitar Fake Book

This fake book offers 200 hits across rock, pop, and country for beginner guitarists. I keep it in my teaching kit for its breadth; it’s great when students ask for varied song choices. The format is simple and quick to scan during lessons or rehearsals.

The advantage is sheer variety—plenty of country-leaning hits are included that work well on acoustic guitar. I use it for last-minute set changes or to adapt to crowd requests. If you want a wide pool of the best country songs for acoustic guitar alongside other hits, this is a flexible choice.

Pros:

• Huge song library in one volume
• Easy to use during lessons
• Cross-genre value
• Good for versatile performers
• Compact notation for quick reading

Cons:

• Not deep on individual arrangements
• Some songs need personal tweaking

My Recommendation

I recommend the Easy Guitar Fake Book for multi-style players and teachers who need options. It’s best for anyone who values variety and wants many of the best country songs for acoustic guitar alongside other genres. The convenience and song count deliver great practical value.

Best for	Why
Versatile players	Cross-genre hits in one book
Teachers	Quick reference during lessons
Session players	Many songs to choose from

First 60 Popular Songs Book

This book compiles 60 popular acoustic-friendly songs that are easy to memorize. I turn to it when I need dependable acoustic staples for small shows. The arrangements are playable and focus on strumming and simple fingerpicking.

It’s useful for players who perform a mix of country and mainstream acoustic hits. The layout helps me plan setlists that keep audiences engaged. If you want a variety that includes the best country songs for acoustic guitar, this collection is a good fit.

Pros:

• Well-chosen acoustic-friendly songs
• Clear chord charts for quick learning
• Suitable for small live sets
• Good mix of tempos and moods
• Portable and easy to use

Cons:

• Some songs require capo or key changes
• Limited tab detail

My Recommendation

I recommend this for solo acoustic performers and cafe players. It’s best for those who want a reliable set list that includes many of the best country songs for acoustic guitar. The book’s variety helps keep shows interesting without extra arranging work.

Best for	Why
Cafe performers	Compact acoustic set choices
Solo artists	Simple arrangements for one guitar
Setlist builders	Good tempo and mood variety

60 Greatest Acoustic Hits

This collection of 60 acoustic hits gives players a broad palette of songs for many situations. I use it for practice and gig prep when I need songs that are proven to work well on acoustic guitar. The arrangements focus on chords and simple fills.

The book blends easy fingerpicking and strum patterns to create fuller sounding solo pieces. It’s a handy supplement to any collection of the best country songs for acoustic guitar. The songs are arranged to be accessible yet satisfying to perform.

Pros:

• Balanced mix of fingerpicking and strumming
• Great for varied acoustic sets
• Easy-to-read charts and lyrics
• Good for practice and performance
• Well organized by song type

Cons:

• Not specialized to country alone
• Some songs lack advanced technique tips

My Recommendation

I recommend this for players seeking a balanced acoustic repertoire that includes many country-friendly songs. It’s best for performers who want variety and playability. Use it to round out your list of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with adaptable arrangements.

Best for	Why
Balanced players	Mix of picking and strum
Practice sets	Versatile songs to rehearse
Small gigs	Works well solo

Guitar Song Books Acoustic Hits

This acoustic hits collection overlaps with many useful songs for the solo guitarist. I keep it alongside my country books to add variety when audiences want non-country selections. The chord charts are practical and easy to transpose.

It’s a solid backup volume for anyone compiling the best country songs for acoustic guitar plus other acoustic staples. The arrangements are simple, which makes it easy to adapt songs into country-styled versions. I find it useful for quick sets and impromptu requests.

Pros:

• Good backup repertoire for gigs
• Easy transposition for singer comfort
• Simple and adaptable arrangements
• Useful for casual performances
• Clear lyrics and chord diagrams

Cons:

• Not focused strictly on country
• Some songs need creative rearrangement

My Recommendation

I recommend this for players who want a flexible set book to pair with country songbooks. It’s best for performers who field varied audience requests. Use it to expand your list of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with adaptable pop and folk material.

Best for	Why
Backup book	Wide variety when needed
Transposers	Easy to change keys
Request-driven sets	Quick to adapt songs

Country & Acoustic Greatest Hits

This compilation emphasizes acoustic hits that suit country and folk sets. I use it for shows where audiences expect a warm, unplugged feel. The arrangements tend to be straightforward, focusing on singable melody lines.

It works well paired with dedicated country collections for a fuller repertoire. The book keeps songs accessible and audience-friendly. I often recommend it to players building the best country songs for acoustic guitar list who also want folk-leaning material.

Pros:

• Warm acoustic arrangements
• Great for unplugged performances
• Audience-friendly song choices
• Simple chord and lyric layout
• Useful for duo and solo acts

Cons:

• Limited advanced techniques shown
• Some overlap with other collections

My Recommendation

I recommend this for performers seeking cozy, unplugged material. It’s best for small venues and coffeehouse sets. Add it to your library if you want more of the best country songs for acoustic guitar with a folk-like vibe.

Best for	Why
Coffeehouse gigs	Unplugged, intimate arrangements
Duo acts	Supports vocals and harmony
Folk-country mixes	Blends genres well

Acoustic Guitar Songbook: Greatest Hits

This greatest hits guitar book offers a curated set of acoustic-friendly songs. I pull it out when I need reliable standards for mixed audiences. The songs are arranged to be playable and sound full on a single guitar.

The focus on playability makes it a natural companion to country-specific collections. I use it to fill gaps when a country song needs pairing with other acoustic favorites. It supports learning the best country songs for acoustic guitar while adding broader song craft.

Pros:

• Curated acoustic-friendly hits
• Good for mixed audience sets
• Easy to read and play
• Solid for quick practice sessions
• Supports learning song dynamics

Cons:

• Less depth per song for advanced players
• Not focused on a single genre

My Recommendation

I recommend this for players who want a balanced acoustic toolbox to support country songs. It’s best for mixed-genre sets and casual performance. Use it to complement books dedicated to the best country songs for acoustic guitar and round out your repertoire.

Best for	Why
Mixed-genre performers	Balances country with other hits
Quick learners	Simple, playable arrangements
Rehearsal use	Good for practice planning

FAQs Of best country songs for acoustic guitar

What makes a song ideal for acoustic guitar?

A great acoustic song has clear chord progressions, a strong melody, and singable phrasing. I choose songs that sound full with basic strumming or simple fingerpicking. These qualities help when compiling the best country songs for acoustic guitar.

Which easy country songs should beginners learn first?

Start with songs using G, C, D, Em, and Am. Tracks like “Wagon Wheel” or “Take Me Home, Country Roads” adapt well. I recommend those as they are among the best country songs for acoustic guitar for new players.

Can I play modern country on acoustic alone?

Yes. Many modern country songs work well stripped down. I often simplify arrangements to open chords and a capo. That lets me perform contemporary hits among the best country songs for acoustic guitar without extra gear.

Do these books teach strumming patterns?

Most include basic rhythm suggestions and occasional tab for intro riffs. I find that they give enough guidance to build confidence. For deeper rhythm work, supplement with a short online lesson or metronome practice.

How do I choose the right songbook?

Pick one that matches your skill level and performance goals. If you want classic country, choose a classics book. If you need modern hits, pick a pop-country anthology. I choose books that help me increase my setlist of the best country songs for acoustic guitar efficiently.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For beginners, the “First 50” and “First 50 Songs You Should Play on Acoustic Guitar” books give the fastest wins. They teach core chords and simple arrangements that build confidence quickly.

If you want depth and classic tone, pick the “Country Classics for Easy Guitar” or “Great American Country Songbook.” These are strong choices to round out your catalog of the best country songs for acoustic guitar.