“Tennessee Whiskey” Chris Stapleton Ukulele CHORDS

“Tennessee Whiskey” is a song written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, and it was popularized by Chris Stapleton.

The song was originally recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981, but it gained widespread recognition when Chris Stapleton performed it as part of his debut solo album, “Traveller,” released in 2015.

Ukulele Tutorial Video

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for “Tennessee Whiskey” can vary depending on your preference and the style you want to play it in. However, the song’s tempo and soulful feel generally lend themselves to a smooth and flowing strumming pattern. Here’s a basic strumming pattern you can try:

D – Down strum
U – Up strum

D D U U D U

This pattern provides a good starting point, but feel free to adjust it to match the rhythm and feel of the song.

Official Music Video

Song Facts

1. Original Release Date: Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” was included in his debut studio album, “Traveller,” which was released on May 5, 2015.
2. CMA Awards Performance: Chris Stapleton’s performance of “Tennessee Whiskey” at the 2015 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards became a defining moment for his career. The performance, featuring Justin Timberlake joining him on stage, garnered widespread attention and helped introduce Stapleton to a broader audience.
3. Chart Success: After the CMA Awards performance, “Tennessee Whiskey” experienced a significant surge in popularity. The song reached the top of the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales chart and also climbed the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
4. Certifications: The song’s popularity translated into commercial success. “Tennessee Whiskey” has been certified multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling millions of copies in the United States.
5. Distinctive Sound: One of the reasons for the song’s uniqueness is its fusion of traditional country and soulful blues elements. Stapleton’s raw and powerful vocals, combined with the song’s rich instrumentation, create a memorable and evocative sound.
6. Songwriters: “Tennessee Whiskey” was originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. The song was first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981. Stapleton’s version paid homage to the original while infusing his own style.
7. Influence: The song’s lyrics draw on the metaphor of “Tennessee Whiskey” as a symbol of love and the passage of time. This theme resonates with listeners and contributes to the song’s emotional impact.
8. Cover and Interpretation: Chris Stapleton’s cover of “Tennessee Whiskey” is an example of how an artist can take a well-known song and give it a fresh interpretation. His rendition brought renewed attention to the track and introduced it to a new generation of listeners.
9. Live Performances: “Tennessee Whiskey” has become a staple of Chris Stapleton’s live performances. It’s often a highlight of his concerts, showcasing his vocal prowess and stage presence.
10. Legacy: The success of “Tennessee Whiskey” helped establish Chris Stapleton as a respected and influential figure in the modern country music scene. The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release, leaving a lasting mark on both the genre and Stapleton’s career.

Text Version of Chords

[Intro]
A Bm
A D/A A
 
 
[Verse 1]
A                                      Bm
 I used to spend my nights out in a barroom
                                   A D/A A                                               Bm
Liquor was the only love I've known       But you rescued me from reachin' for the bottom
                                           A D/A A
And brought me back from being too far gone
 
 
[Chorus]
          A                          Bm
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
                                  A D/A A
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
                                   Bm
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
                                                  A D/A A
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
 
 
[Verse 2]
A                                            Bm
 I've looked for love in all the same old places
                                       A D/A A
Found the bottom of a bottle always dry
                                                  Bm
But when you poured out your heart I didn't waste it
                                                    A
'Cause there's nothing like your love to get me high
 
 
[Chorus]
          A                          Bm
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
                                  A D/A A
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
                                   Bm
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
                                                  A D/A A
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
 
 
[Solo]
A Bm A D/A A Bm
 
 
[Chorus]
A D/A A          A                          Bm
       You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
                                  A D/A A
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
                                   Bm
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
                                                  A D/A A
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
 
 
[Outro]
          A                          Bm
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
                 A D/A A
Tennessee whiskey
                                     Bm
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
                 A
Tennessee whiskey

Frequently Asked Questions about “Tennessee Whiskey” on Ukulele

1. What are the basic ukulele chords used in “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton?
   • The basic ukulele chords used in the song are A major (A), E major (E), D major (D), and B minor (Bm).
2. Is “Tennessee Whiskey” originally a country song?
   • Yes, “Tennessee Whiskey” is a country song originally performed by David Allan Coe and later popularized by Chris Stapleton.
3. What is the strumming pattern for “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele?
   • The strumming pattern for this song can vary, but a common pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up for each chord change.
4. Who wrote “Tennessee Whiskey” and when was it first released?
   • “Tennessee Whiskey” was written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove and was first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981.
5. Can “Tennessee Whiskey” be played in different keys on the ukulele?
   • Yes, you can transpose the song to different keys on the ukulele to suit your vocal range or preference.
6. Is “Tennessee Whiskey” a love song?
   • Yes, “Tennessee Whiskey” is a love song known for its soulful and heartfelt lyrics.
7. Are there alternative chord progressions for “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele?
   • While the basic chords are A, E, D, and Bm, some players may use variations or embellishments to add their unique touch to the song.
8. What is the tempo of “Tennessee Whiskey”?
   • “Tennessee Whiskey” is typically played at a slow to moderate tempo, allowing for a soulful and bluesy feel.
9. What is the significance of the song in country music?
   • “Tennessee Whiskey” is considered a modern country classic and has been covered by many artists. It showcases the genre’s rich storytelling tradition.
10. Can “Tennessee Whiskey” be played using fingerpicking on the ukulele?
    • Yes, you can use fingerpicking or arpeggio picking to create a more intricate arrangement of “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele.
11. Who are some notable artists who have covered “Tennessee Whiskey”?
    • In addition to Chris Stapleton and David Allan Coe, other artists like George Jones, Justin Timberlake, and Adele have covered the song.
12. Are there any tutorials or resources for learning to play “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele?
    • There are online tutorials and chord sheets available for learning to play “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele. Websites and YouTube tutorials can be helpful resources for beginners.
13. What is the overall mood and style of “Tennessee Whiskey” on the ukulele?
    • “Tennessee Whiskey” has a soulful and bluesy mood, making it a great song for showcasing vocal and instrumental expression on the ukulele.
14. Is “Tennessee Whiskey” suitable for beginners on the ukulele?
    • While the song can be challenging for beginners due to its chord changes, it can be learned with practice and dedication.
15. What is the song’s connection to whiskey and Tennessee?
    • The song’s lyrics use whiskey as a metaphor for love and longing, and the reference to Tennessee pays homage to the state’s whiskey-making heritage.
16. Can “Tennessee Whiskey” be played on different types of ukuleles, such as soprano, concert, or tenor?
    • Yes, “Tennessee Whiskey” can be played on soprano, concert, or tenor ukuleles with the same chord progressions and strumming patterns.
17. What are some other songs with a similar style or vibe to “Tennessee Whiskey” that can be played on the ukulele?
    • Other songs with a soulful, bluesy vibe that can be adapted for ukulele playing include “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles.
18. Is “Tennessee Whiskey” often performed in live music settings or at karaoke events?
    • Yes, “Tennessee Whiskey” is a popular choice for live performances and karaoke due to its emotional and captivating nature.
19. What is the emotional impact of “Tennessee Whiskey” on listeners and performers?
    • The song is known for evoking deep emotions and often connects with listeners on a personal level, making it a memorable and moving piece of music.
20. Can you recommend any specific ukulele cover versions of “Tennessee Whiskey” for inspiration?
    • There are numerous ukulele cover versions of “Tennessee Whiskey” on platforms like YouTube. Watching and listening to different interpretations can provide inspiration for your own rendition.