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5 Classic Hank Williams Songs Every Beginner Guitarist Should Learn

Check out these five popular Hank Williams songs!

Musicnotes

• 4 min read
hank williams guitar music

Hank Williams is widely considered to be the first superstar in the country music world. He made his radio debut when he was only 13 years old. As his success grew so did his dependence on alcohol. During his short time in fame, he wrote several smashing hits. While he sadly passed due to a heart attack at only 29 years old, his fame grew even more post-mortem. Hank Williams guitar chords have been covered by well-known artists, such as Norah Jones and Bob Dylan. Every new guitarist should learn how to play Hank Williams songs to add to his or her repertoire.

5 Popular Hank Williams Songs for Beginners

These songs are easily recognizable by any fan of classic country music. Widen your personal collection of guitar tabs with these hits. Easy guitar tabs are available along with instructions on how to read sheet music online.

Song 1: “Hey, Good Lookin''

This song's arrangement details are as follows:

  • Original published key: C Major
  • Tempo: Moderate
  • Metronome: h = 72

Originally written for his friend. Jimmy Dickens, "Hey, Good Lookin" is a fun, catchy song that Hank Williams recorded for his album, "Memorial Album," in 1951. This song made it to the top of the Billboard charts and was inducted into the Grammy's Hall of Fame.

This song is about a man asking a woman to make their relationship more official. Throughout this flirty song, there are quirky double entendres related to cooking and food. By the end, the man promises an exclusive commitment to the woman. Learning how to play Hank Williams, "Hey, Good Lookin," is a lighthearted way to woo your crush and is an easy song to smash.

Song 2: “'Honky Tonk Blues”

This song's arrangement details are as follows:

  • Original published key: F Major 
  • Tempo: Moderately slow 
  • Metronome: h = 66

The "Honky Tonk Blues" told the unfortunate background tale of Hank Williams' life. Throughout his life, Williams endured a series of personal hardships: chronic pain from spina bifida, an abusive mother, a turbulent marriage, alcohol dependence, and drug addiction.

After several attempts, Hank recorded and performed this song in 1952. It later became a hit cover by superstar, Charley Pride. Williams' version hit number 2 on the Billboard charts. This honest song showcases the blues and gospel side of this country legend and sings about a young boy who leaves his family's farm for the city, only to become beaten down and jaded by city life.

Song 3: 'Your Cheatin’ Heart' 

This song's arrangement details are as follows:

  • Original published key: C Major
  • Tempo: Moderate
  • Metronome: h = 56

Learning how to play Hank Williams, "Your Cheatin' Heart," can be a cathartic way to get over a bad breakup. Williams wrote this song shortly after his divorce from his first wife, Audrey Mae Sheppard. Their tumultuous marriage came to an end due to Williams' alcohol addiction. He had described his first wife as a "cheatin' heart" to Billie Jones, who would later become his second wife.

He recorded this song in September 1952 during his last session at Castle Records in Nashville. It was released after his death in 1953 and would go on to top the Country Billboard Charts for six weeks. Throughout the years, many artists have covered this sad ballad, including Louis Armstrong and Ray Charles.

Song 4: 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' 

This song's arrangement details are as follows:

  • Original published key: F Major
  • Tempo: Moderate
  • Metronome: h = 112

This sad song has been praised for its hauntingly poignant lyrics. Hank Williams recorded "I'm So Long Lonesome I Could Cry" in 1949. It reflects his tormented feelings toward his first wife. Rather than directly stating the problems he had, he uses various scenes in the world around him to showcase how every sight and sound is a reflection of his misery.

This melancholy ballad was among the top five country songs in 1949 and was even ranked as the third-greatest country song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. These sorrowful Hank Williams guitar chords have been covered by iconic artists, such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.

Song 5: 'I'll Never Get Out of this World Alive'

This song's arrangement details are as follows:

  • Original published key: F Major
  • Tempo: Moderate
  • Metronome: h = 60

Hank Williams recorded "I'll Never Get out of this World Alive" in 1952 and it was one of the last songs he ever created. Ironically released less than a month before his actual death, this poignant, folksy tune became a hit and lasting classic song about the shortness of life.

William's health was in a downturn around the time this song was recorded. He had suffered from a minor heart attack the previous year and was in the middle of a grueling tour. Chet Akins, an electric guitarist who was present during the studio recording, stated that Williams would have to sit down after singing just a few lines.

The Guitar Chords to Master Hank Williams Songs

If you conquer the F Major and C Major scales, learning how to play Hank Williams songs will get easier.

Quick F Major Tips

  • The F Major chord contains the notes F, A, and C and is the first chord in this key.
  • This scale contains only one flat, Bb. 
  • The seven F Major chords are F, G minor, A minor, Bb, C, D minor, and E diminished. 
  • The first fret on the sixth string is an F note. 

Quick C Major Tips

  • The C Major chord contains the notes C, E, and G and is the first chord in this key. 
  • There are no flats or sharps in this scale. 
  • The seven C Major chords are C, D minor, E minor, F, G, A minor, and B diminished. 

Your Go-To Source for Guitar Tabs

Musicnotes has an expansive inventory of over 50 million sheet music downloads. All arrangements have been transposed and proofed by musicians. If you are itching to master iconic Hank Williams guitar chords, our online sheet music database is the place to go. Visit our site for all of your favorite arrangements!