One of the many things that attracts people to Austin is its vibrant music scene and musical history. And it’s the city’s connection to music that inspires many residents to seek Austin guitar lessons. However, it can be challenging for many beginner guitarists to find songs relevant to Austin that also suit their skill level. So I have compiled this list of appropriate songs for those who want to learn guitar in Austin.

5 Songs for Beginners Taking Austin Guitar Lessons

Deep in the Heart of Texas

With only two chords, this simple song can be performed by beginners with only a few months of experience. Its straightforward strum pattern is also a great introduction to mixing downstrokes and upstrokes. This song is such a staple of Texas culture that the Longhorn Band performs it at the University of Texas at Austin’s sporting events.

Devil Town by Daniel Johnston

During the 1980s, Daniel Johnston became an Austin music legend by handing out self-recorded cassettes to people he met. His music is such a symbol of the city of Austin that a mural of his “Hi, How Are You?” frog Jeremiah, The Innocent, still stands near the UT campus. Though this song was initially recorded acapella, it was later set to guitar chords by Bright Eyes.

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain by Willie Nelson

If you walk around Austin, you will see Willie Nelson’s face all over the city. The city’s burgeoning psychedelic scene influenced his brand of Outlaw country. This simple two-chord song is an accessible starting point for beginning guitarists interested in Willie’s music.

Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin spent part of her early music career performing with an acoustic guitar around Austin. Though this song was originally written by fellow Texan Kris Kristofferson, Joplin’s rendition remains indelible. All of the chords and the strum pattern in this song are fairly easy, but the key change allows a beginner to use more of their open chord vocabulary.

Pancho and Lefty by Townes Van Zandt

A one-time resident of Austin, Townes Van Zandt has been hailed as one of the greatest songwriters to have ever lived. He may have been a cult musician, but his songs were recorded by many mainstream artists, including this ballad, which became a hit for Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. It is typically fingerpicked, but can also be strummed and performed most easily in the key of G.