April 3, 2026 by Klaus Crow
Top 10 Best Jason Isbell Guitar Songs (Incl. Chords & Tabs)
When it comes to modern singer-songwriters, few have made as strong an impact as Jason Isbell, whose songs are known for their honesty, elegance, and beautifully live feel recordings.
Alongside Ryan Adams and Damien Rice, Jason has become one of my favorite singer-songwriters.
Jason Isbell began his career in the early 2000s as a member of Drive-By Truckers. He established himself as a standout songwriter before leaving to pursue a solo career.
After a few early solo records, his breakthrough came with Southeastern. It marked a turning point both personally and artistically following his sobriety.
Since then, he has released a series of critically acclaimed albums with The 400 Unit. The earned multiple Grammy Awards and becoming one of the leading voices in modern Americana music.
Today we’ll explore some of the best Jason Isbell guitar songs for you to enjoy!
Cover Me Up
“Cover me up” was written for Jason’s wife Amanda Shires. The song reflects Isbell’s struggles with addiction and how her love helped him rebuild his life. The song was released in 2013 as the opening track on his album Southeastern. Isbell has said the song was so personal he initially had trouble performing it without breaking down. The song uses the chords: D – G – Bm – Em Chords
If We Were Vampires
“If we were vampires” was released in 2017 on the album The Nashville Sound. Isbell often performs it live as a quiet, stripped-down moment in his shows. It has become especially powerful when his wife and bandmate Amanda Shires joins him, adding extra weight to the song. The chord for the song are : Em – Bm – C – G – Dsus4. The guitar is tuned down 2 half steps so the strings are D – G – C – F – A – D Chords
Speed Trap Town
“Speed Trap Town” is a somber, story driven song about growing up in a small, declining town where opportunities are limited and people often feel stuck. The song was released in 2015 on the album “Something More Than Free”. Isbell has said songs like this draw heavily from his own upbringing in small-town Alabama. The song contains a beautiful slide guitar solo. The chords are D – G – D/B – Em – A Chords
Stockholm
“Stockholm” by Jason Isbell is an upbeat, rootsy love song. It was released in 2013 on the album Southeastern. The recording has a loose live in the room feel. And Isbell has been associated with using vintage-style Gibson acoustics particularly a Gibson J-45 around that era. The chords for the song are G – C – Em – D – G/F#. The capo is on the 2nd fret. Chords
Flying Over Water
“Flying Over Water” is an energetic, rock-leaning song about restlessness, risk, and the pull to chase something beyond the familiar. It uses the image of leaving land and “flying over water” as a metaphor for stepping into the unknown. The song was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios. This studio in Nashville is where most of the album Southeastern was tracked. Isbell worked with producer Dave Cobb who is known for creating a very live, organic recording environment. He often has musicians play together in the same room rather than layering everything separately. The chords for the song are A – E – F#m – Bm – D Chords
Elephant
The song “Elephant” is about friendship, illness, and confronting mortality. It tells the story of a woman battling cancer and the quiet, often unspoken emotional weight that comes with it. It was released in 2013 on the album Southeastern. The song chords are Em7 – G6 – A7sus4 – Cadd9 – Dsus2 – Dsus2/F# Chords
24 Frames
“24 Frames” is a driving, introspective song about living with intention and recognizing how quickly life can change. It emphasizes the idea that every moment matters. It was released in 2015 on the album Something More Than Free. The track was recorded in Nashville with producer Dave Cobb. Isbell has described writing it as a reminder to stay present and accountable in his own life. During this period, he was often playing a Gibson ES-335. The song uses mostly four chords G – C – Em – D with an occasionally D7sus4 chords
Decoration Day
“Decoration Day” is about a long-standing family feud, exploring themes of violence and loyalty. Isbell has said it was inspired by real events from his own family history. It was released in 2003 on the album Decoration Day by Drive-By Truckers. The song was recorded at Chase Park Transduction Studios in a mostly live, quick session. Isbell used Gibson-style electric guitars and tube amps typical of the band’s Southern rock sound. The chords for the song are C – C/B – Am – Am/E – G – G/B – Em Chords
Something More Than Free
“Something More Than Free” by Jason Isbell is a reflective song about working-class life and finding dignity beyond just making a living; in interviews, Isbell has said it was inspired by his own background and respect for hard work. It was released in 2015 on the album Something More Than Free. The song was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios with Dave Cobb in live studio sessions, with Isbell using Gibson electrics and Martin acoustics Chords are G – C – G/F# – Em7 – Am7 – Cmaj7 – Dadd4add9 Chords
Hope the High Road
“Hope the High Road” is an uplifting, politically tinged song about choosing empathy and integrity even in divided times; in interviews, Isbell has said it reflects his frustration with public discourse and his desire to “take the high road” rather than respond with anger. It was released in 2017 on the album The Nashville Sound. The track was recorded at RCA Studio and the song contains a really nice slide guitar solo. The chords for the song are F#m – A – D – Bm – E Chords
Leave a Reply