Country Bands In The 80s
On The Acoustic

Bad Timing is track from the 1994 album Five Days In July by Blue Rodeo. This song is the anthem song for Blue Rodeo fans.

The song reached the top 20 in Canada and won a Juno Award in 1994 for the band. The song has been in several films and TV shows and has been covered by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan.

Trashy Women was first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1989 but he failed to break into the top 40 with his version. Four years later in 1993, Confederate Railroad scored a #10 on the Billboard Country charts.

The song is from their debut album "Confederate Railroad".

The rhythm you'll need here is a down up down up down up down up in standard tuning. The chords are A, E and D with some lead required.

Norma Jean Riley was not the original title for this song. It was to be called Pretty Little Lady, but a female name won out. It was one of 5 singles from their 1992 album "Diamond Rio"

The song peaked at #2 in the US and #3 in Canada.

This one in standard tuning and a simple root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There is some lead work while playing the chords G, D, C, A#, F, C and C7.

Honky Tonk Heart this song was co-written by Russel Smith from The Amazing Rhythm Aces and was recorded by Highway 101 for their 1989 album "Highway 101".

The song peaked at #6 on the US country charts.

This one in standard tuning with some lead to learn while playing the chords C, G, F and A#. For rhythm I'm playing a down up down up with a walking bass combo.

Amy's Back In Austin was a single release back in 1994 from the album "Kick A Little"

The song reached #4 in the US and #6 in Canada on the country charts. The song also picked a Grammy nomination for best song by a group.

Play this one in standard tuning with a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There is some lead in this lesson using the chords G, C, D, Am, Em and D7.

My Love is a song by the American country band Little Texas. It was written by band members Brady Seals, Porter Howell, and Tommy Barnes. Released in January 1994, it was the third single from their album "Big Time" and became their only Number One hit on the Billboard country charts.

Brady Seals, the band's keyboardist, sang the lead vocals. The song first appeared at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on January 15, 1994. It also became popular in Brazil because it was featured in the soundtrack of the famous soap opera "A Viagem" meaning (The Journey).

You and Forever and Me is a song by the American country band Little Texas. It was released in June 1992 as the third single from their debut album, "First Time for Everything." The song was written by lead guitarist Porter Howell and Stewart Harris.

It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 18 on the Canadian RPM country chart.

This one only has a few riffs in it in standard tuning with a down down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. The chords you'll need are G, Cmaj7, G6, Am7, Dsus, D, E m6 and A7.

Feed Jake was the bands highest ranking single when it came out in 1991 and reached #15 on Billboards US country chart.

The track is on their debut album "Pirates Of The Mississippi".

I play this with Drop D Tuning with a capo on the 2nd fre. The rhythm pattern for this one is 1-2-3 up down up down up  where 1-2-3 are arpeggio notes. No picking required as you play through the chords D, G, A and Bm.

Church on Cumberland Road is a country music song by Shenandoah, which was released as a single in 1989 and became the band's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It remained at the top of the chart for two weeks.

The song was written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill, and Dennis Robbins.

"The Church on Cumberland Road" was featured on Shenandoah's second studio album, "The Road Not Taken," which was released in 1989.  this day.

Apparently, when Rascal Flatts was forming as a group, this was the song they sang to work on their harmonies.

I play this one in drop D tuning with a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Some lead with the chords D, G, E, A and a B.

Ghost in This House is a beautiful ballad from Shenandoah's 1990 album "Extra Mile." The song was written by Hugh Prestwood and was later covered by Alison Krauss, who had a hit with the song in 1999.

"Ghost in This House" became a hit for Shenandoah, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The song's success helped cement Shenandoah's status as one of the leading country music bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The Dixie Chicks, a.k.a.The Chicks, also covered this song.

The chords here are D, G6, Bm, A7sus, A7, Em, G and Dmaj7. Played in standard tuning with no lead but with a 1-2-3 up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

If Only was recorded with country singer Ashley McBride for their album "Every Road" which was released in 2020.

It also featured several new artists such as Luke Bryan, Zac Brown, Cody Johnson and a few seasoned artists like Zac Brown, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton.

Played with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning this one is plated with a down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and a few riffs in the rhythm. Chords needed are G, Am, C, D and a G6.

Next to You, Next to Me was released in 1990 as the lead single from Shenandoah's album "Extra Mile." It was written by Robert Ellis Orrall and Curtis Wright.

The song features a lively, upbeat melody with a classic country sound and is notable for its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs.

"Next to You, Next to Me" was a commercial success for Shenandoah, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1990.

Rascal Flatts also covered this one as a bonus track from their 2012 changed album.

Played in standard tuning with the D, G, A7, A and E7 chords and a capo 6th fret for the original key. Some lead with a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

See If I Care hails from Shenandoah's 1989 album "The Road Not Taken." The song was written by Stan Munsey and Mark Nesler.

This number was a hit for Shenandoah, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1990, and has become one of their most popular songs.

For chords here you'll need a C/G, G, Cmaj7, D, G6, Am7, Bm, Dsus and a D/Gb but no lead and in standard tuning. For rhythm play a down down up down up down up and repeat.

Sunday in the South is from Shenandoah's 1989 album "The Road Not Taken."

This track was a commercial success for Shenandoah, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1990. The song's catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics struck a chord with country music fans, and it has become one of Shenandoah's most beloved hits.

I play this one in standard tuning with a shuffle rhythm in the verses and then a simple down up down up for the other areas of the song. No lead but a few riffs with the chords G, C, D, Em, D7sus and a D7.

The Moon Over Georgia is a ballad from Shenandoah's 1990 album "Extra Mile." The song was written by Mark Narmore and features Marty Raybon's soulful vocals.

" The Moon Over Georgia" was a hit for Shenandoah, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1991. The song's success helped to solidify Shenandoah's status as one of the top country bands of the early 1990s.

Country artist Larry Boone had recorded the song a year earlier.

The chords here are G, D/Gb, Em, C, Am, Dsus, D, B7, A7, Am7 with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning. Play some arpeggio with a 1-2-3 up down up down up and then a root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

The Road Not Taken is the title track of Shenandoah's second album, which was released in 1989. Despite being the album's namesake, the song was never released as a single.

I play a capo 2nd fret here in standard tuning with the chords G, D/Gb, Em, C, D, Am, Dsus, B7, A7 and Am7. No lead while you play a down up down up down down up and repeat rhythm with some arpeggio in places.

Then a Girl Walks In is a track from Shenandoah's 2020 album "Every Road." The song was written by Marty Raybon, Michael Curtis, and Mike McGuire and features Raybon's signature vocals.

"Then a Girl Walks In" has been well-received by fans and critics alike and is a standout track on the "Every Road" album. The song's positive message and infectious energy make it a great addition to the Shenandoah discography, and it shows that the band is still capable of creating fresh and exciting music after more than three decades in the business.

Two Dozen Roses is a track which can be found on Shenandoah's second studio album, "The Road Not Taken," which was released in 1989. The song was written by Robert Byrne and Mac McAnally and features Marty Raybon's powerful lead vocals.

This track was a commercial success for Shenandoah, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1989. The song's popularity helped to solidify Shenandoah's status as one of the top country bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

For chords play a G, Em, D, C, E, Gbm, A, A/B and an A/Db with a few riffs. A capo 2nd in standard tuning with a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern will work here.

Dumas Walker reached the #15 spot on the country charts for The Kentucky Headhunters in the US when it was released as a single back in 1990.

The track can be found on their album Pickin On Nashville.

Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine was the first single from the bands 1989 album "Pickin On Nashville".

The song made it to #25 on the US country chart.

Here is another three chord song using A, D and E in standard tuning. You'll pick a little in this one while playing a down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern.

All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down is a popular song by the American country music band The Mavericks. The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and bassist Robert Reynolds, and it was released in 1996 as the second single from their album "Music for All Occasions."

The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1996. The song's popularity helped to establish The Mavericks as one of the leading acts in the country music scene of the mid-1990s.

I play a drop D Tuning in this one with a capo 2nd fret. Use a down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with some lead and the chords G and D.

Back In Your Arms Again hails from The Maverick 2013  album "In Time". The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and features a unique blend of country, rock, and Latin influences.

"Back In Your Arms Again" received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the band's musical skills and Malo's vocals. The song also achieved commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Overall, "Back In Your Arms Again" is a testament to The Mavericks' ability to blend genres and create music that is both unique and universally appealing. The song remains a fan favorite and continues to be a popular choice for the band's live performances.

Dance the Night Away is a popular song by The Mavericks, which was released in 1998 as the lead single from their album "Trampoline." The song was written by the band's lead singer Raul Malo and features a unique blend of country, rock, and Latin influences.

"Dance the Night Away" was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1999.

Play the three chords of E, A and B7 for this one in standard tuning and some lead. You'll play a root up down up root up down up rhythm pattern.

Foolish Heart was included in the soundtrack of the 1996 film "From Dusk Till Dawn," directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino. The song was not written specifically for the film, but its inclusion in the soundtrack helped to increase its popularity.

The song was not released as a single, but it received significant attention after the release of the film. The "From Dusk Till Dawn" soundtrack was a commercial success, and it included several other notable tracks by artists such as ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Tito & Tarantula.

Backup singers on this track included Trish Yearwood, Shelby Lynn and Lari White.

I play a down up down up rhythm pattern with some bass and some lead. You'll  need the chords D, A, G7, G, E and a D7.

There Goes My Heart is a country song recorded by the American country music band The Mavericks, released as a single in 1994. The song was written by Kostas and was featured on the band's third studio album, "What a Crying Shame."

The song became a hit, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Canada and Australia.

The album earned platinum certification in the United States and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1995.

I play a capo 2nd fret with drop D tuning and a down up down up rhythm pattern with walking bass and some lead. The chords here are D, A, D7 and a G.

What a Crying Shame is a country song recorded by The Mavericks, released as the lead single and title track of their third studio album of the same name in 1994. The song was written by band members Raul Malo and Kostas, along with bassist Robert Reynolds.

The song became a major hit for The Mavericks, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Canada and the United Kingdom. The success of "What a Crying Shame" helped propel the album to platinum certification in the United States.

For rhythm on the verse it's down down down up - down down down up and repeat. In the chorus its down down up down down up down up and repeat with a few down strokes also.

Played in standard tuning but no lead, play the chords D, G, C and an A.

World Without Love was a remake by The Mavericks'  of the Peter and Gordon hit song "World Without Love" was included on their 1999 album, "The Mavericks Greatest Hits." The original song was written by Paul McCartney and recorded by Peter and Gordon in 1964, where it became a hit in the US and UK.

For chords here play an E, Gbm, B7, C, Ab, Dbm, Am and a Db7. Play a root down up down up root up down up rhythm pattern to get you through this one. Play this one in standard tuning with no lead.

Baby Likes To Rock It was released back in 1994 by The Tractors and was a #11 hit in the US and a #8 in Canada.

The song can be found on the album "The Tractors".

I use Drop D Tuning here with a capo on the 3rd fret. The chords are D, G, A7 and an A with some lead work. Play a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with a rock and roll vibe.