"Jolene" Guitar Tutorial – Dolly Parton | Easy Fingerpicking + Strumming + Intro (VIDEO)

Hey everyone! In this lesson we show you how to play “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. It’s simple as far as the chords are concerned, so we’ll be spending our time building up some fingerpicking dexterity.

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Are you interested in MASTERING THE BASICS?

You might want to check out the GoodGuitarist Beginner Guitar Course! More information here: https://goodguitarist.com/beginner-guitar-course/

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In the video I mention our free eBook, if you need any help with the chords. You can find it here: http://goodguitarist.com/learn-rhythm-guitar
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The chords are just Am, C and G. That’s it! We show you some tips for switching through them seamlessly and practice playing them in order, nice and slow.

After that, we show you a simple fingerpicking pattern that you can use over the whole thing. On the original recording, the pattern changes ever-so-slightly at certain times. We’ve opted to keep it consistent and give you something to work off of as you improve your fingerstyle chops.

After that, we show you all a simple strumming pattern that you can substitute for the fingerpicking. This is for those of you who simply want to be able to play and sing the tune, and the pattern we’ve chosen uses the exact same rhythmic feel, so there’s definitely no shame in simply strumming along!

At the very end of the tape, as a bonus, I show you how to play the intro exactly like it is on the recording. This part is a bit more difficult than the rest of the tune, so if you’re looking for a challenge, here it is!

Enjoy playing along and workin’ out those fingerpicking chops! See ya next week!

James

How to play Jolene on guitar?

“Jolene” is a classic song by Dolly Parton that has been a favorite for guitarists since its release. Here’s a basic guide on how to play “Jolene” on the guitar:

1. Chords: The primary chords used in “Jolene” are Am, C, G, and Em. Ensure you’re comfortable transitioning between these chords before diving into the song.
2. Verse Progression: The chord progression for the verses is Am – C – G – Am. This sequence is repeated throughout the verses.
3. Chorus Progression: For the chorus (“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene”), the progression is Em – A – C – G – Am.
4. Strumming Pattern: A common strumming pattern for “Jolene” is down-down-up-up-down-up. This pattern captures the rhythmic feel of the original song, but you can adjust it to your preference.
5. Tempo: “Jolene” has a distinctive moderate tempo with a pulsating rhythm. It’s essential to maintain a steady pace to capture the song’s essence.
6. Capo: If you want to play along with Dolly Parton’s original version, place a capo on the fourth fret. This will allow you to use the chords mentioned above while matching the original key.
7. Practice: Start by practicing the chord transitions, ensuring you can move smoothly between them. Once you’re comfortable, incorporate the strumming pattern.
8. Tutorials and Tabs: There are many online tutorials and guitar tabs available for “Jolene.” These resources can offer visual guidance, alternate chord versions, and additional playing tips.

Remember, the key to mastering any song on the guitar is consistent practice and patience. “Jolene” is a song with a lot of emotion, so feel the music as you play and make it your own. Happy strumming!