Johnny Cash Greatest Hits
On The Acoustic

Goodbye Little Darlin is a heartfelt song by Johnny Cash featured on his 1959 album "Greatest." With its timeless melody and emotional lyrics, the song reached a commendable position at #22 on the US Country Charts.

Cash's distinct voice brings out the emotional depth of the farewell narrative, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotions to take center stage, showcasing Cash's ability to connect with his audience on a personal level.

I use a capo 2nd fret for this song in standard tuning while playing a down up down up down up rhythm pattern with some walking bass. A bit of picking required in this number while playing the chords G, D, C, G7.

Guess Things Happen That Way is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous." Jack Clement wrote this track, which became Cash's fourth song to reach number one on the country charts, holding that position for eight weeks.

The song tells the story of a man who is going through a tough time after losing the love of his life. It explores the feelings of struggle and loneliness after such a significant loss. Interestingly, when the song was released in 1958, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) banned it because the person in charge of religious broadcasting objected to certain lines.

Play this one using a root down up root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. There is some picking required with the chords C, G, F, C7 and G7.

Hey Porter marks the inaugural recording by Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two. Collaborating with bandmates Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant, Cash penned the song after their initial audition with "I Was There When It Happened" was rejected by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records.

Phillips, known for his keen ear, expressed a preference for an up-tempo track reminiscent of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right," steering away from a gospel sound.

 "Hey Porter" became the pioneer in a series of railroad-themed songs that would characterize Cash's illustrious career. Following closely was the release of "Folsom Prison Blues," another composition echoing the rhythmic resonance of train tracks.

Hey Porter was recorded in 1954 and wasn't released until 1955. This track also was not on the original debut album from Johnny Cash in 1955 but was added later as a bonus track when the album was re-released.

I play this one with Drop D Tuning and a capo on the 3rd fret. The rhythm pattern required is a root down up down up down up and repeat playing the chords D, E7, A7, D7 and G. There is some picking in this song.

Home Of The Blues is also is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous. It was co-written by Johnny Cash, along with Lillie McAlpin and Glenn Douglas Tubb, and produced by Jack Clement.

Johnny recorded the song in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 1, 1957, and it became a single in August of the same year reach #3 on the charts

Other artists have also recorded their versions of the song. Dwight Yoakam did a cover in 1988, Laughing Hyenas in 1995, and Owl City in early 2012. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix recorded the song for the 2005 film "Walk the Line."

The rhythm for this one is a root down up down up down up  and repeat  pattern with no lead work required. Played in standard tuning using the E, A, Gb and B7 chords.

Hurt is a song from Nine Inch Nails and was recorded by Johnny for his last album in 2002 entitled American IV:The Man Comes Around.

The song reached #56 on the charts. The video is a very moving piece of work.

No capo required here ans no lead work. Just a combo rhythm pattern of 1-2 up where 1-2 is arpeggio notes - then down-strokes while playing the chords Am, C, D, G and an Fmaj7.

I Walk The Line is a classic hit by Johnny Cash that achieved remarkable success, reaching the coveted #1 spot on the country charts in 1956 and making its mark at #17 on the Pop charts. This early triumph not only catapulted Cash to stardom but also became one of his signature songs.

Featured on his debut album "With His Hot And Blue Guitar," the song's simple yet powerful melody and Cash's distinctive voice made it an instant favorite. Known for its unique blend of country and rockabilly influences, "I Walk the Line" carries a timeless quality that has resonated with audiences for decades.

Another Johnny classic in standard tuning and no picking using the chords A, D, E and B7. For rhythm, play a root down up root down up and repeat pattern.

I Would Like To See You Again is a track from the album of the same name which was released back in 1978 and was Johnny's 57th album.

The song did manage to reach #12 and another song on that album called There Ain't No Good Chain Gang (with Waylon Jennings) hit #2.

For rhythm play a root down up bass down up and repeat pattern in standard tuning using the chords A, D, E and a Gbm. There is some lead required for this song.

If I Were A Carpenter was recorded with June Carter Cash in 1970 for Johnny's album "Hello I'm Johnny Cash".

The song peaked at #2.

I play this in standard tuning using a root down up down up down up rhythm pattern. There is a little lead work to cover using the three chords D, C and G.

In The Jailhouse Now is a lively and memorable song recorded by Johnny Cash, released as a single in 1962. The track, showcasing Cash's distinct blend of country and folk influences, achieved success by reaching the impressive position of #8 on the US Country charts.

This spirited song is known for its energetic tempo and playful lyrics, telling the humorous story of a person who finds themselves in and out of trouble, ending up in the jailhouse. The song is part of Cash's album "The Sound of Johnny Cash," which features a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions.

I play this one using the chords C, G, F, C7 and D7 with a capo on the 1st fret. Use a root down root up down up rhythm pattern. You'll pick a few riffs as you play through the rhythm.

It Ain't Me Babe is a remarkable duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1964. This compelling song, which reached an impressive #4 on the country charts, showcases the chemistry between Cash and Carter, both musically and romantically.

The track is featured on the album "Orange Blossom Special," adding a touch of folk and country charm to the collection. 

"It Ain't Me Babe" not only became a chart success but also marked an early collaboration between Cash and Carter, foreshadowing their future musical and personal journey together. The song's enduring popularity reflects the timeless quality of their partnership and the emotional depth they brought to their duets.

A capo on the 4th fret is where Johnny is on this song playing the chords G, C, G6, D, Am and D7 while blending in a bit of picking. The rhythm pattern used here is a root down up down up down up and repeat.

I've Been Everywhere is a spirited and travel-infused song that found its way into Johnny Cash's repertoire when he included it on his 1996 album "Unchained." Originally written by Australian singer Lucky Starr in 1962, the song showcased a unique concept by listing numerous Australian place names in its lyrics.

However, it gained further popularity when the American version was crafted and first recorded by Hank Snow in the same year. The song became a musical journey across both Australia and the United States, featuring a rapid-fire recitation of various locations.

You can play this song in standard tuning with the three chords E, A and B7. No picking required while you play through the root down up down up down up rhythm pattern.