I Walk The Line

Learn to play an easy version of "I Walk The Line" on the guitar

In this easy lesson, you'll learn how to play a simplified version of I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash on the acoustic guitar. If you're following my free Beginner Guitar Course, this song will be great practice for Grade 1+ Students.

 

🎤 Let me apologize for my singing attempt - no one can do it quite like Johnny! I Walk the Line is tricky to sing, but I promise: it's so easy to play! If you're not familiar with Johnny Cash, check him out! He's an American icon.

 

There are a few different ways you can play this tune. The original recording has key changes and loads more tasty guitar elements. You'll most likely want to revisit this song as you progress to add some fancy strumming patterns!

But it's always better to keep it simple and build that confidence. Now, grab your guitar, and let's get stuck in.

 

You only need 3 Easy Chords to play this Johnny Cash classic!

You'll need the E, A, and D chords to play I Walk The Line. Your challenge here is to make those chord changes without stopping!

If you're still struggling with your chord changes - don't worry; that's a common problem for many beginner guitar players! Check out how you can force chord changes to improve your overall rhythm. 

 

🎶 This song is available in the JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs app. You'll be able to play along with the backing tracks and full lyrics to this song - and over a 1000 more!  If you haven't downloaded it yet, it's free to try out. :) 

 

I Walk The Line - Time Signature & Strumming

The time signature for this tune is 4x4, meaning you'll be evenly strumming four down strums per bar. Use a metronome to make sure you're strumming g on the beat!

And - remember, keep your strum smooth and relaxed. The goal is to keep your hand moving! :)

The best way to do that is to keep your strumming simple. Make sure you can get those chord changes in without stopping your strumming!

 

💡 Strumming is a skill that needs to become an automatic motion! Keeping that hand moving will give you loads more strumming options down the line! With practice and confidence, you'll get there. :)

 

Level-Up Your Strumming Pattern

You might want to build on the basic strumming pattern as you progress, giving your rhythm more flavor and making your sound more interesting! But - hold off if you're still in your beginner guitar stages - keep it simple for now!

 

🚨 Ready to level up you're strumming like Johnny Cash? You'll get a sense of that classic iconic Boom Chicka Strumming. To spice things up, try hitting the first down strum on the bass strings of the chord - then a down-up strum on the thinnest strings. Explore and have fun with it!

 

👉 Play easy songs along with the JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs App and optimize your progress! Get started for free. :)