Best Country Music to Learn Guitar in 2024
Country music has a unique sound that is often attributed to the guitar. The right guitar can make all the difference in creating the perfect country sound. Finding the best guitar for country music can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the genre.
When it comes to choosing the best guitar for country music, there are a few critical things to consider. The type of wood used in the guitar’s construction is one of the most critical factors. The wood can significantly affect the guitar’s tone, and certain woods are better suited for country music than others. The guitar’s body shape and size can also impact the sound it produces.
Another important factor to consider when choosing the best guitar for country music is the type of strings used. The strings can affect the guitar’s tone and playability. It’s also essential to choose a guitar that is comfortable to play, especially if you plan on playing for extended periods.
After researching and testing various guitars, we have identified the top options for the best guitar for country music. In the following sections, we will provide an in-depth analysis of each guitar and its features, highlighting what makes it stand out from the rest.
Best Country Music for Playing guitar
If you’re looking to play country music, you’ll need a guitar that can produce the distinctive twang and bright tones that are characteristic of the genre. We’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best guitars for country music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the top guitars for country music.
Country Classics for Easy Guitar (Easy Guitar with Notes & Tab)
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow country guitar book, Country Classics for Easy Guitar might be worth considering.
Pros
- Provides complete melody with string numbering for fret and string to be played.
- Includes guitar chords and strum patterns.
- Great collection of classic country songs.
Cons
- Some songs are harder to read than expected.
- Not suitable for advanced guitarists.
- Some songs are basic arrangements.
The book features 20 classic country songs from various artists and country song singers. It includes notations for guitar chords, strum patterns, and tablature. The book is easy to follow and is suitable for beginners who want to learn how to play country songs on guitar.
The songs included in this book are a mix of easy and challenging pieces. Some of the songs are easy to play, while others will require more practice. The book has every classic country song you could want in it, making it an excellent resource for country music lovers.
The book is not without its flaws, though. Some songs are harder to read than expected, and the arrangements can be basic. It’s not suitable for advanced guitarists who are looking for more challenging pieces to play.
Overall, Country Classics for Easy Guitar is a great book for beginners who want to learn how to play classic country songs on guitar. It’s easy to follow, and the collection of songs is excellent. However, if you’re an advanced guitarist, this book might not be challenging enough for you.
The Great American Country Songbook (Easy Guitar with Notes & Tab)
If you are a beginner guitar player looking to learn some classic country songs, then The Great American Country Songbook is a great option. With easy guitar tablature and notes, this book makes it easy to learn some of the most iconic country songs.
Pros
- Easy to follow guitar tablature and notes
- Large print for easy reading
- Includes classic country songs that are fun to play
Cons
- May not be challenging enough for more experienced guitar players
- Some songs may not be accurate to the original recordings
- Limited number of songs included in the book
As a beginner guitar player, I found The Great American Country Songbook to be a helpful tool in learning some classic country songs. The guitar tablature and notes were easy to follow and made it simple to learn the songs. I also appreciated the large print, which made it easy to read the music.
However, more experienced guitar players may find the book to be too simplistic and not challenging enough. Additionally, some of the songs may not be completely accurate to the original recordings, which could be frustrating for more advanced players.
Overall, I would recommend The Great American Country Songbook to beginner guitar players who are looking to learn some classic country songs. It’s a fun and easy way to get started with playing guitar.
Country Sheet Music 2010-2019: Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook
If you’re a fan of country music and looking for a comprehensive songbook, the Country Sheet Music 2010-2019 is a great choice.
Pros
- Wide variety of country songs from the past decade
- Easy-to-read sheet music for piano, vocal, and guitar
- Great gift for country music fans
Cons
- No tab notation, requires understanding of sheet music
- Some songs may be difficult for beginners
- Large and heavy book, not ideal for travel
As someone who has played guitar for years and loves country music, I can confidently say that this songbook is a great resource. The book includes a wide variety of songs from the past decade, ranging from popular hits to lesser-known gems.
One of the best features of the book is the easy-to-read sheet music for piano, vocal, and guitar. The arrangements are well-done and accurate, making it easy to learn and play along with your favorite country songs.
While the lack of tab notation may be a downside for some, I appreciate the focus on sheet music as it allows for a deeper understanding of the music. However, it’s important to note that some songs may be difficult for beginners, especially those with complex chord progressions or fingerpicking patterns.
Overall, the Country Sheet Music 2010-2019 is a great choice for any country music fan looking to expand their repertoire. It would make a great gift for a fellow musician or a nice addition to your own collection.
Popular Country Sheet Music: 27 Hits from 2020-2022 Arranged for Piano/Vocal/Guitar
If you’re looking for a great collection of country hits from 2020 through 2022, then Popular Country Sheet Music has got you covered. With nearly 30 of the top country songs from artists like Jason Aldean, Gabby Barrett, and Luke Combs, this collection is perfect for anyone who loves country music and wants to play it on their guitar.
Pros
- The collection features some of the most popular country hits from the past few years, so you’re sure to find something you love.
- Each song is arranged for piano and voice with chord frames, making it easy to play along.
- The book is published by Hal Leonard LLC, which is one of the most trusted names in music instruction and materials.
Cons
- If you’re looking for tab notation, you won’t find it in this book.
- Some of the songs may be too challenging for beginners.
- The book is only 184 pages long, so it may not have every country hit you’re looking for.
We’ve been using Hal Leonard LLC’s materials for years, and we’ve always been impressed with the quality of their products. Popular Country Sheet Music is no exception. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, which makes it a great resource for anyone who wants to learn to play country music on their guitar.
One thing we really like about this collection is that it includes some of the most popular country hits from the past few years. This means that you’re sure to find something you love, whether you’re a fan of Luke Bryan or Maren Morris. Plus, each song is arranged for piano and voice with chord frames, which makes it easy to play along.
Of course, there are a few downsides to this book. For one thing, it doesn’t include tab notation, so if you’re not comfortable with sheet music, you may struggle a bit. Additionally, some of the songs may be too challenging for beginners. Finally, the book is only 184 pages long, so it may not have every country hit you’re looking for.
Overall, we think Popular Country Sheet Music is a great resource for anyone who loves country music and wants to play it on their guitar. If you’re looking for a collection of popular country hits from the past few years, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
Best Country Hits: Guitar Play-Along Volume 96
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to playing some of the best country hits on guitar, the Best Country Hits: Guitar Play-Along Volume 96 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The book features eight popular country songs, including hits from Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, and Chris Stapleton.
- The separate backing tracks make it easy to practice playing along with the music.
- The audio player allows you to slow down the audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Cons
- The book is only 80 pages long, so it may not provide as much in-depth instruction as some other guitar guides.
- The audio tracks are only accessible online, so you’ll need an internet connection to use them.
- The book may not be suitable for beginners who are just starting to learn how to play guitar.
We found the Best Country Hits: Guitar Play-Along Volume 96 to be a great resource for intermediate guitar players who are looking to improve their skills and learn some popular country songs. The backing tracks and audio player make it easy to practice playing along with the music, and the included tab and lyrics are helpful for following along.
The book is well-organized and easy to read, with clear notation and chord diagrams. However, the book is relatively short, so it may not provide as much instruction as some other guitar guides. Additionally, the online-only access to the audio tracks may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the Best Country Hits: Guitar Play-Along Volume 96 to intermediate guitar players who are looking to learn some popular country songs and improve their skills.
Buying Guide
When it comes to finding the best guitar for country music, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your purchase:
Body Type
The body type of a guitar can greatly affect the sound it produces. For country music, we recommend looking for a guitar with a dreadnought or jumbo body type. These larger body types provide a fuller and richer sound, which is ideal for country music.
Neck Shape
The shape of a guitar’s neck can greatly impact playability and comfort. For country music, we suggest looking for a guitar with a C-shaped neck, which is comfortable for most players and allows for easy chord transitions.
Pickups
Pickups are responsible for capturing the sound of the guitar and transmitting it to an amplifier. For country music, we recommend looking for a guitar with a single-coil pickup, as this type of pickup provides a bright and twangy sound that is typical of country music.
Materials
The materials used to make a guitar can greatly affect its sound and durability. For country music, we suggest looking for a guitar with a solid wood top, as this provides a warmer and more resonant sound. Additionally, a guitar with a mahogany or maple neck and rosewood fingerboard can provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
By considering these features when making your purchase, you can find the best guitar for country music that meets your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential features to look for in a guitar suitable for country music?
When looking for a guitar suitable for country music, there are several essential features to consider. Firstly, the guitar should have a bright and clear tone that can cut through the mix. It should also have a solid top for better resonance and projection. Additionally, a guitar with a comfortable neck and low action will make it easier to play intricate country-style fingerpicking and strumming patterns.
Which acoustic guitar models are preferred by professional country music artists?
Professional country music artists often prefer guitars with a traditional look and sound. Some of the most popular acoustic guitar models among country musicians include the Martin D-28, Gibson J-45, and Taylor 814ce. These guitars are known for their warm and balanced tone, as well as their durability and playability.
How does the sound differ between jumbo and standard-sized acoustic guitars in country genres?
Jumbo-sized acoustic guitars are often favored by country musicians for their loud and boomy sound. They are ideal for playing rhythm guitar in a band setting, as they can cut through the mix and provide a solid foundation for other instruments. Standard-sized acoustic guitars, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used for both rhythm and lead playing. They have a brighter and more focused sound that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing and intricate solos.
Can you recommend some top guitar brands that are favored by country musicians?
Some of the top guitar brands favored by country musicians include Martin, Gibson, Taylor, and Fender. These brands are known for their high-quality construction, excellent tone, and playability. Other brands to consider include Collings, Bourgeois, and Santa Cruz.
What are the differences in playability and tone between electric and acoustic guitars for country music?
Electric guitars are often favored by country musicians for their versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones. They are ideal for playing lead guitar and can be used to achieve a variety of effects, such as distortion and reverb. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, have a more natural and organic sound that is well-suited for rhythm guitar and fingerstyle playing. They are also more portable and require less setup than electric guitars.
What specific guitar models are used by country artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton?
Luke Combs is known for playing a Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar, while Morgan Wallen often plays a Taylor GS Mini. Chris Stapleton is known for playing a Martin D-28 and a Gibson J-200. These guitars are all popular among country musicians for their warm and balanced tone, as well as their durability and playability.
