Learn to Play "Country Roads" by John Denver: A Step-by-Step Guitar Lesson

Welcome to our guitar lesson on the timeless classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver! This beloved song is a staple in country music and a favorite sing-along for many. In this article, we’ll break down the song’s chords in the key of A, provide a detailed lesson, and share some fun facts that enhance your appreciation of this iconic track. Let’s get started!

Why "Country Roads"?

Released in 1971, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has become a quintessential Americana anthem. Its themes of nostalgia and longing for home resonate with listeners of all ages. John Denver’s heartfelt lyrics, combined with a catchy melody, make it a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned guitarists.

Chords You'll Need

To play "Country Roads" in the key of A, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following chords:

• A

• F#m

• E

• D

• C#

Chord Diagrams

Here’s a quick reference for each chord:

• A:

  E|-0-

  B|-2-

  G|-2-

  D|-2-

  A|-0-

  E|-x-

• F#m:

  E|-2-

  B|-2-

  G|-2-

  D|-4-

  A|-4-

  E|-2-

• E:

  E|-0-

  B|-0-

  G|-1-

  D|-2-

  A|-2-

  E|-0-

• D:

  E|-2-

  B|-3-

  G|-2-

  D|-0-

  A|-x-

  E|-x-

• C#:

  E|-x-

  B|-x-

  G|-6-

  D|-6-

  A|-4-

  E|-x-

Playing the Song: Step-by-Step

Intro

Start by strumming the A chord for four beats to set a welcoming tone.

Verse 1

The first verse follows this chord progression:

• A - F#m - E - D - A - E - A

Strum each chord for four beats, letting the melody shine through.

Chorus

The chorus features the same chords but adds an emotional lift. Here’s the progression:

• A - F#m - E - D - A - E - A

Repeat this progression, emphasizing the transition from D to A for that uplifting feel.

Tips for Strumming

• Strumming Pattern: A simple down-up strumming pattern works well. For beginners, start with downstrokes, then incorporate upstrokes as you feel more comfortable.

• Feel the Rhythm: Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the tempo and feel.

Fun Facts About "Country Roads"

1. Chart Success: The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been covered by numerous artists, including Toots and the Maytals and Olivia Newton-John.

2. West Virginia Anthem: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is considered an unofficial anthem of West Virginia. The state adopted it as one of its official state songs in 2014.

3. Inspiration: John Denver wrote the song with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, who were inspired by the scenery of West Virginia during a road trip.

4. Cultural Impact: The song has been featured in various films and TV shows, solidifying its place in American culture. It often evokes feelings of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times.

5. Memorable Performances: Denver famously performed the song at the 1971 inaugural concert for President Jimmy Carter, further cementing its legacy.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to play "Take Me Home, Country Roads" in the key of A, it’s time to practice! Remember, the key to mastering this song is patience and practice. Gather your friends and family for a sing-along, and let the heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody transport you to the West Virginia countryside. Don’t forget to subscribe for more guitar lessons and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest tutorials!

Happy strumming! 🎸