Learn to play Folsom Prison Blues - Guitar Lesson
Guitar lesson for this song by Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
Step into the heart of classic country with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. This LickLibrary exclusive dissects the iconic playing style that underpins one of Cash’s most enduring hits. Ideal for guitarists looking to expand their rhythm and lead skills, this lesson walks you through each lick, riff, and solo section with precision and clarity. Whether you’re new to country guitar or looking to refine your skills, learning “Folsom Prison Blues” will give you a deeper appreciation for the blend of rhythm, melody, and storytelling that defined Johnny Cash’s sound. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song
Released in 1955, “Folsom Prison Blues” quickly became one of Johnny Cash’s signature tracks. With its gritty storytelling and chugging rhythm, the song captures the essence of the outlaw country sound. The guitar work is as important to the mood as the lyrics themselves — combining railroad-style rhythm with bluesy lead phrases that are instantly recognisable. Our lesson brings this style to life, allowing players to explore not only the structure of the song but also the playing style that made it so influential.
Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson
Travis Picking
One of the key techniques in this lesson is Travis Picking, a fingerpicking style that alternates bass notes with melody lines. This technique provides the driving rhythm that mimics the sound of a train — a theme central to the song’s narrative. Learning Travis Picking helps develop independence between your thumb and fingers, laying a foundation for countless folk, country, and blues songs.
Alternate Picking
Another important element is Alternate Picking, especially in the lead guitar breaks. This technique enables fluid, precise picking of single-note lines at speed, giving your solos a cleaner and more dynamic sound. Mastering alternate picking will improve your overall picking efficiency and speed.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
This lesson also includes the use of Hammer-ons and Pull-offs, which add fluidity and a bluesy flavor to the lead lines. These legato techniques allow you to connect notes smoothly and expressively, making your solos sound more lyrical and natural.
Slides
You’ll also encounter tasteful use of Slides, which help create that flowing, melodic lead sound that characterizes much of early country and blues guitar. Learning to slide accurately between notes adds expression and movement to your playing.
Double Stops
Double Stops — the act of playing two notes simultaneously — are used to add texture and harmony in both the solo and rhythm parts. This technique is invaluable for adding fullness to your sound, especially in solo performances or smaller ensembles.
Chord Progressions
Finally, understanding the underlying Chord Progressions of the song is essential. The structure is deceptively simple, rooted in the I-IV-V format common in blues and country. Mastering this progression not only helps you with “Folsom Prison Blues” but also gives you insight into thousands of other songs across genres.
The Guitarists Behind the Sound
While Johnny Cash is the iconic voice of “Folsom Prison Blues,” the guitar work on his original and live recordings owes much to Luther Perkins, a core member of Cash’s backing band, The Tennessee Three. Perkins’ minimalist, rhythmic approach became known as the “boom-chicka-boom” sound, forming the backbone of Cash’s style. His playing may appear simple, but it was deeply influential, especially in country and rockabilly circles.
Later live performances — notably the legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968 — showcased a slightly more dynamic approach to the lead lines, but always stayed true to that tight, punchy rhythm that Perkins pioneered. Learning this style offers players a gateway into the roots of Americana and country guitar, as well as insights into how rhythm and simplicity can be used for maximum impact.
Why Learn "Folsom Prison Blues"?
This song is a masterclass in economical playing — delivering maximum emotion and groove with minimal flash. For guitarists, it’s a chance to build foundational skills like Travis picking, alternate picking, and chord movement, all while adding expressive techniques such as slides and double stops. It also provides valuable experience playing in the country-blues crossover style, which is a cornerstone of modern guitar music.
By working through this lesson, you'll improve your finger independence, picking accuracy, and rhythm timing — while gaining the confidence to inject your own feel into similar songs. It's not just about replicating the song; it’s about internalising a classic technique vocabulary that can be applied across many styles.
Techniques Used in This Lesson
Learn these techniques with clarity and precision, and bring the legendary sound of “Folsom Prison Blues” to your own guitar playing.
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