Few songs have captured the hearts of guitarists and singers alike quite like “Tennessee Whiskey”. Originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, the song was made famous by country legends David Allan Coe, George Jones, and more recently, Chris Stapleton. With its soulful melody and slow, bluesy feel, it’s a favorite for guitarists looking for something emotional yet simple to play. In this guide, we’ll break down the Tennessee Whiskey chords on guitar, strumming patterns, variations, and tips so you can play this classic confidently, whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage.
Tennessee Whiskey Chords on Guitar
One of the reasons this song is so popular with beginners is its simplicity. The entire song revolves around just two chords:
- A Major (A)
- B minor (Bm)
Yes, that’s it—two chords! The progression repeats throughout the entire song, making it a perfect choice for players learning how to transition between chords smoothly.
Chord Shapes
- A Major: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the D, G, and B strings. Strum from the A string down.
- B Minor: A barre chord. Place your index finger across all strings at the 2nd fret, then build an Am shape with your other fingers on the 4th fret (D, G, B strings).
Some beginners struggle with B minor because it’s a barre chord. If that’s the case, try the easier B minor 7 (Bm7) variation:
- Bm7: Barre the 2nd fret and put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. It’s easier to play and still fits the song perfectly.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming is slow and bluesy. A good pattern to start with is:
- Down – Down-Up – Down – Down-Up
You can also experiment with letting the chords ring out to capture the soulful atmosphere of Chris Stapleton’s version.
Alternative Keys
If A and Bm feel tricky for your vocal range, you can transpose the song into another key. A common alternative is the key of G:
- G Major and Am replace A and Bm.
Or, use a capo to shift the pitch without changing the chord shapes. For example:
- Put a capo on the 2nd fret and play G and Am shapes—it will sound like A and Bm.
Quick Picks – Best Guitars for Playing Tennessee Whiskey
- Fender CD-60S – Budget-friendly, warm tone, great for beginners.
- Yamaha FG800 – Reliable and balanced, perfect for strumming soulful ballads.
- Taylor Academy 10 – Premium beginner/intermediate choice with excellent playability.
Buyer’s Guide: Why This Song is Perfect for Beginners
- Only Two Chords: Easy to remember and master transitions.
- Slow Tempo: Gives you time to switch chords cleanly.
- Emotional Expression: Great practice for dynamics and singing while playing.
- Universal Appeal: Works in country, blues, and soul settings.
Detailed Guitar Reviews – Premium Models for Tennessee Whiskey (All $2,000+)
Martin OM-28
Why it’s great: A balanced, articulate acoustic that complements soulful songs like Tennessee Whiskey.
- Pros: Rich mids, excellent for fingerstyle and strumming.
- Cons: Expensive for casual players.
Final Verdict: Perfect for vocal accompaniment. Check price.
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Taylor 814ce
Why it’s great: Grand Auditorium shape with clarity and projection.
- Pros: Stage-ready ES2 electronics, versatile tone.
- Cons: Premium price point.
Final Verdict: Excellent choice for singer-songwriters. See details.
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Gibson SJ-200
Why it’s great: Jumbo body with unmatched projection for soulful performances.
- Pros: Full sound, great stage presence.
- Cons: Large body may not suit smaller players.
Final Verdict: A true powerhouse guitar. View price.
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Comparison Table – Tennessee Whiskey Chords in Different Keys
| Key | Chords | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| A Major | A, Bm | Stapleton version, original key |
| G Major | G, Am | Lower vocal range, capo on 2 |
| D Major | D, Em | Higher vocal range, capo on 7 |
FAQ – Tennessee Whiskey on Guitar
Is Tennessee Whiskey hard to play on guitar?
No. With just two chords, it’s one of the easiest songs for beginners.
Do I need a capo to play it?
No, but a capo can help match your vocal range more comfortably.
What strumming pattern should I use?
Start with a slow down-down-up pattern. You can add dynamics once you’re comfortable.
Can I play this song fingerstyle?
Yes. Many players use an arpeggiated picking pattern to give it a softer, more soulful vibe.
Does it work on electric guitar?
Absolutely. The soulful blues feel translates well to both acoustic and electric guitars.
Conclusion
Learning the Tennessee Whiskey chords on guitar is a fantastic way to build confidence as a beginner while enjoying a modern classic. With only two chords—A and Bm—you can play the entire song, focus on your strumming, and even practice singing along. Add a capo to fit your voice, explore fingerpicking variations, and soon you’ll have one of the most crowd-pleasing songs in your repertoire. Browse guitar chord guides on Amazon to keep expanding your song list and skills.