G
G7
C
F
D7
Settin' The Woods On Fire
Hank Williams
Original Version
This classic Hank Williams tune is a lively, upbeat country song, originally played with a honky-tonk feel. The original recording features a swinging rhythm and energetic strumming, making it a great choice for practicing country-style guitar.
How To Play
Chords Used:
C, F, G, G7, D7
All are open chords, suitable for beginners. Practice switching between them, especially C–F and F–G, as these transitions happen frequently.
Strumming Pattern:
Use a basic boom-chicka or alternating bass strum for a country feel. Try:
Down (bass note) – Down-Up (chord) – Down (bass note) – Down-Up (chord)
Count as 1 – 2& – 3 – 4&.
Keep it light and bouncy, matching the song's upbeat tempo.
Tips For Beginners:
- F Chord: If barre F is hard, use the easy F (xx3211) or mini-barre on the first two strings.
- G7 Chord: Place your index on 1st fret high E, middle on 2nd fret A, ring on 3rd fret low E. Practice moving between G and G7 smoothly.
- D7 Chord: Standard open D7. Practice moving from G to D7, aiming for a clean transition.
General Advice:
Keep your strumming hand moving steadily. If chord changes feel rushed, slow down and practice the transitions in isolation. Try playing along with the recording for timing. Use palm muting lightly to add a percussive, country swing.
Intro
G G7 G G7 G C
Verse 1C Comb your hair and paint and powder.F You act proud and I'll act prouder.
G You sing loud and I'll sing louder. Tonight we're settin' the woods on fire.
C You my gal and I'm your feller.F Dress up in your frock of yeller.
G I'll look swell but you'll look sweller. Settin' the woods onC fire.
Chorus 1We'llF take in all the honkey tonks. Tonight we're havingC fun.
We'llD7 show the folks, a brand new dance, thatG never has been done.
Verse 2C I don't care who thinks we're silly.F You be Daffy and I'll be Dilly.
We'llG order up two bowls of chili. Settin' the woods onC fire.
InstrumentalC C F F G G7 G G7
C C F F G G G C
F F F C D7 D7 G G
C C F F G G G C
Verse 3C I'll gas up my hot rod stoker.F We'll get hotter than a poker.
G You'll be broke but I'll be broker. Tonight we're settin' the woods on fire.
Verse 4C We'll sit close, to one another.F Up one street and down the other.
G We'll have a time oh brother. Settin' the woods onC fire.
Chorus 2We'llF put aside a little time, to fix a flat orC two.
MyD7 tires and tubes are doin' fine, but theG air is showin' through.
Verse 5C You clap hands, and I'll start bowing.F We'll do all the law's allowin'.
ToG morrow I'll be right back plowin'. Settin' the woods onC fire.