Learn Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash Guitar Lesson (with TAB)
Ready to learn a classic country song? Today’s guitar tutorial breaks down Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash – a must-know tune for any guitarist. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple three-chord country song, or a more experienced player wanting to master alternate bass note rhythm for that authentic country bounce, this lesson has something for you.
We’ll explore the I–IV–V chord progression, break down the song structure, and keep things simple yet musical. I’ve included chord diagrams, rhythm charts, and TAB to make learning as smooth as possible.
🎸 Bonus: Learn the iconic Folsom Prison Blues intro and outro riffs with full TAB.
Watch the full video lesson on YouTube
Time Signature: 4/4
Key: E
Capo: 1
THE SONG
Chords:
Rhythm & Chord Sequence:
The following rhythm plays for each Section (VERSE)
Rhythm Note – (To attain the alternate bass note sound).
- E7 chord – (whilst fretting the E7 chord) pick the E string (beat 1) then strum the rest of the strings in the chord (1 +), pick A string (beat 2), strum the rest of the strings in the chord (2+) etc
- A7 – (fret A7 chord) pick A string (beat 1), then strum remaining strings (1+), pick E string (beat 2), strum remaining strings (2+) etc
- B7 – (fret B7) pick A string, strum remaining strings, pick E string, strum remaining strings etc. WATCH VIDEO LESSON FOR HELP WITH THIS
INTRO:
OUTRO:
Song Structure:
INTRO | VERSE 1 | VERSE 2 | GUITAR MELODY | VERSE 3 | GUITAR MELODY | VERSE 4 | OUTRO
🎸 For additional video lesson help with this lesson ⤵️
🎸FULL SONG PLAY THROUGH⤵️