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Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · Em · C
Originally by Old Crow Medicine Show and popularized by Darius Rucker, this modern folk anthem is a campfire essential. Four chords and a singalong chorus that never gets old.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Emphasize beat 1 of each measure and keep the up-strums light. This gives the song its country-folk bounce.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need G, D, Em, and C. The same four chords used in dozens of popular songs.
2
Get the country bounce
This song has a happy, bouncing rhythm. Think of a wagon rolling down a country road — steady, rhythmic, joyful.
3
Learn the structure
Verse: G-D-Em-C. Chorus: G-D-Em-C (same chords, bigger energy). The repetition makes it easy to memorize.
4
Make it a singalong
The chorus is built for group singing. “Rock me mama like a wagon wheel” should be sung at full volume with friends.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
G D
Headed down south to the land of the pines
Em C
I’m thumbing my way into North Caroline
G D Em C
Staring up the road and pray to God I see headlights
Chorus
G D
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em C
Rock me mama any way you feel
G D Em C
Hey, mama, rock me
G D
Rock me mama like the wind and the rain
Em C
Rock me mama like a south-bound train
G D Em C
Hey, mama, rock me
Practice tip: This is THE campfire song. Learn it well enough to play without thinking and you will be the hero at every bonfire, beach party, and road trip.