The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a classic among guitar players. This tune is a great example of how to use simplicity to convey raw emotion. The guitar arrangement is not complex, but its use of the Am chord and its variations sets the melancholic tone of the song. With its continuous strumming pattern, this song offers beginners an opportunity to improve their strumming skills, while also giving them a feel for basic country music chord progressions.

Parton’s distinctive ability to mesh melody and storytelling so seamlessly is largely due to the guitar parts in “Jolene.” The guitar echoes the desperation in the lyrics and makes the song stand out among others. Ultimately, mastering “Jolene” on guitar could give any player a better understanding about the fundamental relationship between the rhythm of strumming, chord changes and the overall mood of a song.