How to Play "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams – A Step-by-Step Guitar Lesson

If you're a fan of classic country music, chances are you’ve heard the timeless hit "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams. Released in 1953, this song became one of the most iconic tracks in country music history, and it's a favorite for guitarists who want to dive into traditional country stylings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, learning how to play "Your Cheatin' Heart" on guitar is a must!

In this comprehensive guitar lesson, we'll break down the chords, strumming pattern, and key techniques used in this classic song, all while keeping it beginner-friendly. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to play this heartbreaking ballad just like Hank himself. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

1. Intro to "Your Cheatin' Heart"

2. Essential Guitar Chords

3. The Chord Progression

4. Strumming Pattern

5. Step-by-Step Breakdown

6. Tips for Playing Like Hank

7. Conclusion

1. Intro to "Your Cheatin' Heart"

"Your Cheatin' Heart" was written by Hank Williams and became an instant hit. Its simple yet emotional melody and lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades. The song is in the key of C major, and it follows a classic 4/4 time signature.

The beauty of this song is in its simplicity, which is why it’s perfect for beginner to intermediate guitarists. While Hank’s original recording features subtle guitar work, the song is played with a few basic chords that are easy to master.

2. Essential Guitar Chords

Before diving into the song, let’s go over the basic chords you’ll need to play "Your Cheatin' Heart":

• C Major (C)

• A Minor (Am)

• D7 (D Dominant 7)

• G Major (G)

Here’s a quick refresher on how to play these chords:

• C Major (C)

  • Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.

  • Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.

  • Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.

• A Minor (Am)

  • Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.

  • Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.

  • Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.

• D7 (D7)

  • Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.

  • Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.

  • Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.

• G Major (G)

  • Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.

  • Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.

  • Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.

  • Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.

3. The Chord Progression

The main chord progression for "Your Cheatin' Heart" follows a simple structure that repeats throughout most of the song. Here’s the basic progression for the verse:

C - Am - D7 - G

Each chord is played for one measure (four beats), and this progression is repeated for each verse.

Example:

• C (4 beats)

• Am (4 beats)

• D7 (4 beats)

• G (4 beats)

The chorus follows the same chord structure, so once you’ve got the verse down, the chorus will be easy to pick up.

4. Strumming Pattern

Now that we have the chords and the progression, let’s talk about the strumming pattern. Hank Williams often used a slow, steady strum that gives the song its mournful, melancholy feel. The key here is to keep the strumming relaxed and even, matching the heartache in the lyrics.

For beginners, try this simple strumming pattern:

Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up

• Down: Strum downward across the strings.

• Up: Strum upward across the strings.

This pattern will give you a solid rhythm, but feel free to experiment with your strumming dynamics as you become more comfortable with the song. The key to sounding like Hank is to keep the strumming light, rhythmic, and soulful.

5. Step-by-Step Breakdown

Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing through the first verse of "Your Cheatin' Heart":

1. Start with the C chord. Strum it four times with the pattern “Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up.”

2. Move to Am. Strum it four times, using the same pattern.

3. Now switch to D7, and strum it four times.

4. Finally, move to G, and strum it four times to complete the first line of the progression.

5. Repeat this progression for the next lines of the verse.

Example Verse (with chords):

C
Your cheatin' heart
Am
Will make you weep
D7
You'll cry and cry
G
And try to sleep

Repeat this progression throughout the song, and as you get more comfortable, try to add dynamics to your strumming, such as softer strums on the verses and stronger strums on the chorus.

6. Tips for Playing Like Hank

To truly capture the spirit of Hank Williams’ performance, try to incorporate some of these subtle techniques into your playing:

• Pick with a Light Touch: Hank’s guitar playing often had a gentle, almost ethereal quality. Try to pick the strings with a light touch to avoid harsh, sharp sounds.

• Use Fingerpicking for Emphasis: While the basic lesson uses a flatpick, you can experiment with fingerpicking certain parts of the song for a more authentic feel. This was common in Hank's style.

• Express Emotion: “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is a song of heartbreak. To convey the emotion of the song, focus on the feel of the strumming rather than perfection in the notes.

• Listen to the Original Recording: Hank’s phrasing and tone are irreplaceable. Listen closely to his version and try to mimic his vocal and guitar timing to bring out the true feeling of the song.

7. Conclusion

Learning how to play "Your Cheatin' Heart" on guitar is a rewarding experience for any musician, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. With its straightforward chord progressions and emotional melody, it’s the perfect song to add to your repertoire.

By mastering the chords, strumming pattern, and techniques outlined in this lesson, you'll be able to perform this country classic with style and confidence. Remember to keep your strumming relaxed and focus on the emotional weight of the song. The more you practice, the closer you'll get to capturing that unmistakable Hank Williams vibe.

Ready to play "Your Cheatin' Heart"? Grab your guitar, follow along with the lesson, and keep practicing until you've got it just right. If you found this lesson helpful, be sure to check out our other classic country guitar tutorials and share this post with your friends. Happy playing! 🎸