John Prine Guitar Lessons

Learn how to play the songs by John Prine note-for-note on guitar with The John Prine Guitar Lessons. Each lesson includes the playthru, video lesson, songsheet with chords and tab.
John Prine’s down-to-earth country/folk style musings on the world almost defined the Americana genre from the moment his first album hit the stores. That album was so good that four of its tracks are included in this collection.
You’ll get well-acquanted with his guitar style as you learn each of these pieces. They’re not especially challenging but they reward players and listeners alike because of the greatness of the songs and the way the guitar accompaniment complements the simple, earthy qualities of the songs.
You’ll find some strummers and some pickers amongst these songs. Whenever he fingerpicks he always falls back on his favourite Travis picking style.
So if you’re a Prine fan, or a guitar newbie looking for some legitimate songs that are likely to be within your ability level, this is the set for you.
Click on any of the song titles to see a clip from the start of the lesson. (The free one you can download in its entirety.)
You’ll receive at least two videos per song, one lesson and one performance-standard play-through. You’ll also receive the chords/lyrics and guitar tabs as PDF files.
The videos are mp4 format and should play on PC’s, Macs and most mobile devices.
They will download as Zip files. If you don’t have a Zip program on your PC you’ll need to install one to open the file. .
If you want to download to an iPad or iPhone, please read here.
John Starrs says
Caravan of Fools would be a much appreciated addition to the excellent collection of John Prine songs you’ve provided instruction for to date.
Thanks in anticipation.
John Starrs
Rob says
I have been searching for tab from Mexican Home for a long time. I would love to see your lesson for it.
Jerry says
That’s the next song to appear on the site, Hopefully tomorrow.
Kenny M Felder says
I would love to learn Fish and Whistle by John Prine. It seems like it wouldn’t be too hard.
Laura says
Long Monday is the John Prine song I would like to learn. Thanks!
Nick says
I would absolutely love to learn ‘Jesus, the missing years’
Thanks for the amazing lessons, Jerry!
tony davies says
How about “I just wanna dance with you” or ‘one red rose”. It truth all John Prine is welcome!
George Welch says
Mexican Home, please
Jerbo Grayson says
Greetings Jerry – Safety Joe is my kids fav – love to see that lesson too! Huge thank you for introducing me to John Prine!
Tim Jones says
Please, John Prine, My Mexican Home
Liz says
How Lucky would be awesome. You’re tutorials are great.
David Hancock says
At the rate you create new lessons, do you have a rough idea when ‘How Lucky’ will reach the top of the pile, Jerry?
Jerry says
It’s still a little way away yet David.
There are other Prine songs ahead of it.
John says
Late John Garfield Blues Please!
Ronald W Rolle says
Could you please do Other Side of Town?
M.ROBERT MICHEL says
I hope maybe paradise one day.
Thank you.
Ralph Lyman says
Jerry,
Could you please put Unwed Fathers on the list? Thank you.
Kathy says
Hi Jerry, I have recently purchased Little Green and see you use different fingering in the video to the tab. ie second bar and subsequently you play 2nd string 3rd fret I think but on tab it is printed as open first string. I take it the video is correct and it’s just a typo? But just want to confirm it is second string third fret please? Thanks
Jerry says
Hi Kathy
I just looked again at the videos and tab and I’m playing what the tab says. Joni frets the 2nd string 3rd fret in bar 2, but doesn’t play it. She frets it partly out of the habit of making that shape, but partly because in her style, she may pick the first string but just brush across the 2nd string at the same time, so she needs the second string to be fretted correctly in case it sounds. But you’re not trying to play it.
Make sense?
ja says
thank you for doing these! could you do one for Long Monday?!?
Jerry says
It’s on the to-do list
Tony Davies says
How about Storm Windows?
Jerry says
Now added
Jordan says
Jerrys, is Six O’Clock News on the list? Thanks.
Jerry says
It wasn’t. I’ve added it now.
Patrick Beach says
John Prine
Everybody Wants to Feel Like You (from the Missing Years)
I really don’t know how to pick it, but it’s great.
David says
Christmas in prison
Summers end
Please
I love your lessons
Jerry says
Christmas in Prison 910 on the list. Summer’s End 672.
B A says
The Late John Garfield Blues for solo acoustic as played on Souvenirs. One of his best.
Jerry says
It’s at number 412 on the list.
Anonymous says
Please make a tab for John Prine’s “Daddy’s Little Pumpkin”.
All the current tabs you have for him are great but man, do I love that song.
Jerry says
It’s on the (long) to-do list along with many other Prine songs.