Jason Aldean - Let Your Boys Be Country Chords & Play Along Tutorial

Want to pick up how to play Jason Aldean's new song, 'Let Your Boys Be Country,' but need a more detailed tutorial? You have come to the right place.

Here, learn step-by-step how to play the song, from chords, strumming patterns, embellishments, and how to put everything together.

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 The End Result

This is what we will be working towards:

Guitar lesson played on the Zager ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric Guitar.  

Excited much? Let's get started!

Chords Needed To Play The Song

This is one of those songs that may sound hard but is surprisingly easy. You only need 3 easy chord positions to play the song - G, A, and D. 

We will be using a capo on this one. Go get one, and then clamp the capo onto the third fret of your guitar. When applying the capo, set it closer to the fret line to ensure good sound and tone. 

Here's how you can play the chord positions we need.

D chord

To play the basic D Chord: 

• Place your index finger (1st finger) on the 2nd fret of the G string (the 3rd string).
• Place your ring finger (3rd finger) on the 3rd fret of the B string (the 2nd string).
• Place your middle finger (2nd finger) on the 2nd fret of the high E string (the 1st string).
• Strum the guitar from the D string (the 4th string) downwards.

Avoid the two thickest strings (E and A) for a cleaner sound.  

G Chord

To play the basic G Chord: 

• Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string).
• Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (E string).
• Your ring finger goes on the 3rd fret of the 1st string (high E string).
• Strum downwards and let it ring.

A Chord

To form the A chord, place:

• Your index finger on the fourth string, on the second fret (D string)
• Your middle finger on the third string, on the second fret. (G string)
• Your ring finger on the second string, on the second fret. (B string)
• Strum downwards from the fifth string and hear how the chord rings out.
• Keeping the first and fifth strings open ensures the chord sounds full and clear.

Strumming Patterns

Now that you know and can play the chords, let's go and work on the strumming patterns. 

There are two major strumming patterns to pick up here and one extra if you want to add more color to your playing. These patterns are the backbone of the song and a gateway to its soulful narrative.

Verse

The initial strumming pattern is an all-down strum sequence, which is quite accessible. You strum down a steady triplet beat, slightly emphasizing the first beat to add some color to your playing.

Repeat the pattern four times, and then change your chord. You should end up with a pattern like this:

• DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down
• Change chord
• DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down-DOWN-down-down
• Change chord
• Repeat until chorus.

Once you have that, apply some palm muting. Use the meaty part on your strumming palm and touch the strings. 

This should create a muting effect, but not too much so that the strings cannot vibrate and produce nice-sounding chords. 

For the final strum, right before entering the chorus, you can allow the chord to ring to produce a slight difference. It will also hint nicely that you will be entering the chorus.

Get these played together, and you should sound something like this:

See Strumming Example Here 

The whole playing should lay down a rhythm that feels like the heartbeat of a quiet country evening. 

The subtle touch mutes should also add a textured, rhythmic backdrop that makes the song come alive, reminiscent of the dusty trails and red dirt roads that Aldean often sings about.

Chorus

As the song progresses into the chorus, you can either retain the previous strumming pattern or change it up.

If you prefer the latter, the strumming pattern retains the overall triplet feel, with faster, half-time strumming on the 2nd and third part of the triplet. You'll also stress a little on the first triplet note.

Essentially something like this:

• DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up
• change chord
• DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up - DOWN-down up-down up
• change chord
• repeat until the chorus ends.

Check your strumming pattern with the demo video: 

Strumming Example Here 

Chorus strumming isn't just a change in tempo; it's an invitation to express the song's uplifting spirit. 

The chorus, after all, is where the song's message shines brightest, urging listeners to embrace the rugged, unrefined parts of life that define country living. 

The strumming here acts as a catalyst, transforming simple chords into a powerful anthem for country boys and their unbridled freedom.

Embellish With Some Hammer-Ons 

If you wish to add a little more color to your playing, you can apply hammer-ons on some of the chords while playing. 

It may be the easiest to do this while playing the D chord. Just perform a hammer on with your ring finger, the one that presses the high-E string (1st string). 

You may not want to do it all the time, but add some as you play along for a bit of variation in sound. The hammer-ons will help to break the monotony of just playing the chords at times.

Here's one example for you to try out:

Hammer Example 

Putting Everything Together With Music And Lyric

Now that you have figured out the strumming pattern and the chords let's try to put everything together.

Start with the verse strumming pattern while following the chords in the lyrics. Once you get the hang of it, play the video below, play along with me, and see if you can catch up.

Full Play Though 

Think you are good enough to play? Try to play along with the official lyric music video itself: 

Let Your Boys Be Country 

Take Your Guitar Playing To The Next Level

Lessons like these are part of my Learn Guitar Favorites All Access Program. Inside, learn to master country guitar playing and develop that confidence to take your playing to the next level.

With a monthly fee as low as the price of your regular morning coffee, get:

• Discounts to all music sheets and collections
• Early access to videos and sheets not available to the public

Level up your country guitar today. See you at the Learn Guitar Favorites All Access Program.

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