D
D7
G
A7
A
E
E7
B7
Good Hearted Woman
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson
Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson’s “Good Hearted Woman” is a country classic known for its laid-back, storytelling vibe. The original features a steady, rhythmic groove that matches the song’s easygoing feel, making it inviting for beginner guitarists.
Chords
The song uses basic open chords:
D, D7, G, A7, A (and modulates to E, E7, A, B7 in the last chorus/outro).
Practice switching between D, D7, and G, as well as A7 to A transitions—these are common in country music.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
(D, D-U, U-D-U)
Keep your strumming relaxed and even, matching the song’s moderate tempo. Try to accent the first beat of each measure for a country swing.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice chord changes slowly, especially the D to D7 and A7 to A switches.
- For a classic country sound, try “boom-chicka” strumming: play the root note with a downstroke, then strum the rest of the chord (down-up).
- Listen to the original to feel how the rhythm locks in with the vocals.
- When the song modulates to E, the same patterns and techniques apply—just move to E, E7, A, and B7 chords.
Enjoy playing and let the steady rhythm guide your singing!
Intro
D
Verse 1AD long time forgotten with dreams that justD7 fell by theG way
TheA7 good life he promised,A ain't what she's living toD day
But she never complains, of the bad times or theD7 bad things he'sG done Lord
She justA7 talks about the good times they'veA had and all the good times toD come
ChorusShe's aD good-hearted woman in love with aD7 good-timin'G man
SheA7 loves him in spite of hisA ways she don't underD stand
Through teardrops and laughter they'll pass through thisD7 world hand inG hand
AA7 good-hearted woman,A loving her good timingD man
Verse 2HeD likes the bright lights the night life and,D7 good-timin'G friends
And when theA7 party's all overA she'll welcome him, back home aD gain
Lord knows she don't understand him but, she does theD7 best that sheG can
ThisA7 good-hearted woman,A lovin' her good timin'D man
ChorusShe's aE good-hearted woman in love with aE7 good-timin'A man
SheB7 loves me in spite of my wicked ways that she don't underE stand
Through teardrops and laughter they'll pass through thisE7 world hand inA hand
AB7 good-hearted woman, loving her good timingE man
OutroShe's aE good-hearted woman in love with aE7 good-timin'A man
SheB7 loves me in spite of my wicked ways that she don't underE stand
Through teardrops and laughter they'll pass through thisE7 world hand inA hand
AB7 good-hearted woman, loving her good timingE man