Johnny Cash Top Songs
On The Acoustic

Jackson is a distinguished vibrant and well-loved duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1967. This spirited song, featured on the album "Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits Vol 1," not only showcases the musical chemistry between Cash and Carter but also highlights their real-life romantic connection.

"Jackson" climbed to an impressive #2 on the US country charts, attesting to the popularity of the duet. The song became a signature piece for Cash and Carter, symbolizing their deep connection and shared musical journey. With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, "Jackson" remains a classic example of the magic created when Cash and Carter harmonize together.

For rhythm here you'll want a root down bass down root down bass down and repeat pattern while in standard tuning and playing the chords C, C7, F and G. You will need to pick a little in this song.

Long Black Veil is a classic song originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1959, achieving notable success with a #6 hit. Johnny Cash, known for his adeptness at storytelling through music, later covered the song for his "Folsom Prison Blues" album.

Cash's rendition not only brought a renewed energy to the song but also showcased his ability to connect with diverse audiences, as demonstrated when he played it on his own television show in 1969.

"Long Black Veil" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song, especially when delivered by an artist of Johnny Cash's caliber.

Another one in standard tuning with a root down root up down up and repeat rhythm pattern and three chords C, G and F. Some picking to learn in this number.

Luther Played The Boogie was a single from the Johnny Cash album of 1958 entitled "Greatest". The song was written by Johnny Cash about his guitarist at the time called Luther Perkins.

It charted at #8 on the country charts.

I play this with a capo 2nd fret with a root down root up down up rhythm and insert a bit of picking in the middle. For chords you'll need an E, A, Gb and a B7.

Ring Of Fire page is here.

San Quentin stands as a powerful song written and performed by Johnny Cash during his legendary live show at the San Quentin State Prison in 1969. The song captures the raw energy and intensity of that performance, showcasing Cash's unique ability to connect with his audience, especially in the challenging setting of a prison.

While "San Quentin" became a standout track on the album titled "At San Quentin," it's noteworthy that, despite its popularity, the song was never released as a single.

The live recording not only resonated with the audience at San Quentin but also became a symbol of Cash's commitment to using his music to reach people in unconventional settings.

A capo on the 2nd fret will work here playing a root down up bass down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Picking is required in this song while playing the chords A, E and D.

Still In Town hails from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.

This track was the B-side to the song The Matador, listed below, which reached #2 on the charts.

Johnny played this song with a capo on the 2nd fret in standard tuning. For the rhythm pattern you can play a root down up root  up down up and repeat and some picking is required. For chords play G, D, D7, G7, C and an A7.

Sunday Morning Coming Down was written by Kris Kristofferson and was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969.

Johnny Cash performed the song on his television show and it became a track on his 1970 album The Johnny Cash Show. The song was also released as a single and hit #1 on the country charts and won a CMA award that year.

There is no picking in this one but you will play a few riffs to fill in here and there while playing with a capo on the 3rd fret. Use a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern with the chords G, C, D, D7, Em and a G7.

Tennessee Flat Top Box is a captivating song penned and recorded by the legendary American country music singer Johnny Cash. Released as a single in late 1961, the song achieved significant success, reaching the 11th position on the Billboard country singles charts and making a notable appearance at 84 on the pop charts.

The title of the song, "Tennessee Flat Top Box," is a nod to the steel-stringed acoustic guitar that plays a central role in the narrative. Cash's rich baritone voice, coupled with the catchy melody and rhythmic guitar strumming, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

No drop D in this one but a capo on the 2nd fret is where this one is and picking throughout. Use the rhythm pattern root down up root up down up and the three chords C, F and G.

The Matador is a song from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.

This number was written by Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash and reached #2 on the country charts.

Use a simple G, C and D in this one with a capo on the 2nd fret. Play the rhythm pattern down up down up down down and repeat and be prepared for a little bit of lead picking.

Understand Your Man is from the 1964 album "I Walk The Line" and was the first single from that album.

The song hit #1 on the country charts.

This song is played in standard tuning with a root down up down up down up  and repeat rhythm pattern in standard tuning. A bit of picking here while playing the chords G, Em, C, D, G7 and A7.

Wanted Man is a notable song with a unique history, written by Bob Dylan for his friend Johnny Cash. The song was first recorded during Cash's iconic live performance at San Quentin in 1969, which was later released as the live album "At San Quentin."

Although "Wanted Man" wasn't initially released as a single, it gained recognition for its collaboration between two music legends. Years later, in 1991, Johnny Cash included the song in his album "The Mystery of Life," but unfortunately, the single release did not chart.

The track, marked by Cash's distinctive voice and Dylan's songwriting prowess, carries a sense of storytelling that is characteristic of both artists. "Wanted Man" serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and creative exchange between Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, two influential figures in the world of music.

I play this one in standard tuning with a root down up bass up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. A bit of lead required with the four chords G, A, D and a C.