Country

Heading South Chords

Zach Bryan Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Guitar

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Ukulele

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Piano

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Banjo

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Mandolin

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Heading South Chords – Harmonica

Zach Bryan’s heartfelt country folk song about moving on and finding direction. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Country Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Play with a steady, driving folk strum. Zach Bryan’s style is raw and honest — focus on emotion over perfection.

Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: C♯m · Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E) · Capo: 4th fret to play along with the original recording.

Playing tip: Loop the two hardest chord changes slowly before adding the strum — clean, in-time changes beat speed.

How to Play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the chords

This version uses 4 chords: G C D Em. Get each shape clean first.

2

Practice the changes

Loop the two hardest chords slowly until the switch is smooth.

3

Add the strumming

Bring in the strumming pattern once the changes feel automatic.

4

Play along

Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I’ve been heading south for a while now

Em D

Looking for a place to lay my bones

G C

Tired of running from the cold wind

Em D

Tired of sleeping all alone

G C

Pack my bags and hit the highway

Em D

Nothing but the stars to guide me home

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Verse 2

G C

Mama told me, “Boy, you’re restless

Em D

Got your daddy’s wandering soul”

G C

But the road keeps on a-calling

Em D

And these northern winds are cold

G C

So I’ll keep on driving southward

Em D

Till I find where I belong

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

Bridge

Am

Every mile behind me

Em

Feels like letting go

C

Every town I pass through

G D

Gets me closer to my soul

Chorus

C G

Heading south where the sun shines

Em D

Heading south where the rivers flow

C G

Heading south, leave the hard times

Em D

Heading south is all I know

G

Practice tip: The G-C-Em-D progression is one of the most common in country-folk music. Once you nail these four chords smoothly, you can play hundreds of songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Heading South"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Heading South" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Heading South" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Heading South"?

It was written by Zach Bryan, and released in 2022.