Tutorial Pricing: $3.25ea OR any 10 for $10
(use code "Any10410" at checkout)
Paid Requests for $25ea
(comes with any 8 freebies -> so 9 for $25)
100's Of Free Demos & Chord Sheets
Learn to Play the Best JJ Cale Guitar Songs
JJ Cale’s laid-back, bluesy grooves and stripped-down style have influenced generations of guitarists — from Eric Clapton to Mark Knopfler. On this page, you’ll find acoustic guitar lessons for five of the best JJ Cale’s guitar songs, featuring simplified chords and rhythm patterns that capture his signature feel.
Whether you're into swampy blues, shuffle rhythms, or rootsy Americana, these JJ Cale guitar songs offer plenty of groove and soul to add to your playing.
After MidnightCall Me The Breeze
If I Had A Rocket
It's Easy
Trouble In The City
JJ Cale Songs
Lyrics, Chords, Demos & Tutorials
After Midnight
- Learn To Play On Guitar
After Midnight was first released by JJ Cale back in 1966. A few years later, Eric Clapton covered it for his Eponymous album. Because of Clapton's success with the song, Cale re-recorded it in 1971 for his album "Naturally".
His re-release peaked at #42 on Billboards Hot 100 chart in te US. This was also the first song Cale had heard of his on the radio. Although it was Clapton's version, he was happy as it also brought in some needed money.
In 1987, Clapton used the song in a Michelob beer commercial. Download the free JJ Cale After Midnight chords and lyrics sheet below.
Chords And Strumming
I play this one in standard tuning with a down down up down down up and repeat rhythm pattern and a a little picking. The chords you'll need are D, F, G and an A.
Guitar Lesson Details
Cale’s original version of “After Midnight” is more subdued and bluesy than Clapton’s famous cover, but the rhythm is pure JJ Cale. This lesson uses simple open chords with a mid-tempo strumming pattern that blends in some light arpeggio picking to capture the song’s mellow groove.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Call Me The Breeze
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Call Me The Breeze appeared on Cale's 1972 album "Naturally" and was one of the early songs to incorporate a drum machine. Many artists have covered this song including
Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bobby Bare and Johnny Cash to name a few.
Clapton also did a tribute to Cale in 2014 as well as a music video. Download the free JJ Cale Call Me The Breeze chords and lyrics sheet below.
Chords And Strumming
Only a three chord song here using a D, G and an A with drop D tuning and a capo 2nd fret. Some lead required while playing a a steady down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
This driving shuffle is a favorite for guitarists who love blues rock. The main progression revolves around a boogie-style rhythm in E, with a laid-back strum that locks in with the groove. You’ll also learn a few simple walk-ups that give the rhythm a bit of swing and momentum.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
If I Had A Rocket
- Learn To Play On Guitar
If I Had A Rocket hails from the 1996 album "Guitar Man". After the release of this album, in which Cale played all of the instruments except for the drums, he would not release another album for eight years.
Hi wife played some guitar and backup vocals on Death In The Wilderness. Cale never had much success with single releases after the mid 1970's and this song was never released as a single.
Chords And Strumming
For chords here you'll need a G, C, C7 and a D7 with a capo 1st fret in standard tuning. Some lead required as you play a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
One of JJ Cale’s deeper cuts, this song plays with a hypnotic, syncopated rhythm that’s surprisingly fun to play once you get it going. It’s based on a few repeating chord shapes and a groove-heavy strum — no lead work here, just pocket and feel.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best JJ Cale Guitar Songs
It's Easy
- Learn To Play On Guitar
It's Easy was never released as a single but can be found on the album "The Road To Escondido" which was a collaboration with Eric Clapton that was released in Nov of 2006.
It was also the last album Billy Preston recorded where he passed away in the summer of 2006, a few month before the recorded release. Album won The Best Contemporary Blues Award in 2008.
Chords And Strumming
This one is played in standard tuning with an E, A and a B7 with some lead work required. I play a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.
Guitar Lesson Details
True to the title, this is one of the most approachable JJ Cale songs on guitar. We use a relaxed tempo, standard tuning, and a blend of down-strokes and light arpeggio work to mirror the track’s breezy vibe. Great for beginners looking to tap into that laid-back Tulsa Sound.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List
Trouble In The City
- Learn To Play On Guitar
Trouble In The City was another JJ Cale song that was never released as a single but can found on JJ Cale's 1983 album "#8" and takes about the rough living of urban life. This was JJ Cale's first album to not make the charts, which many speculate was the reason he took some time off.
Chords And Strumming
You can play this one in standard tuning and a capo 2nd fret with mainly all down strokes or with some quick shuffle up strokes. A little bit of lead here with the chords A, D, D7, G, and a C.
Guitar Lesson Details
This funky, blues-soaked track is built around a tight rhythm part that sounds great on acoustic. In this lesson, you'll focus on the core chord progression and a few muted strums that give the groove its bite — ideal for players wanting to expand their feel in blues-rock.
Chords & LyricsBack To Song List For Best JJ Cale Guitar Songs
These JJ Cale guitar lessons are perfect for players who want to slow down and groove with intention. Cale’s minimalist style proves that you don’t need flashy solos to create magic — just a strong rhythm, good tone, and feel. Be sure to check out the free chord charts and demo videos below each lesson. If you're ready to go deeper, grab the full tutorials and bring that JJ Cale sound to your acoustic set.
If you liked this best JJ Cale guitar songs page you might also like ... (click images)
