Country,Folk

Nose to the Grindstone Chords

Tyler Childers 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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Guitar

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Ukulele

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Piano

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Banjo

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Mandolin

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Harmonica

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

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

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Violin

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Range

Varies by singer

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Nose to the Grindstone Chords – Vocal

Tyler Childers’ relentless working-class anthem about keeping your head down and pushing through. The driving rhythm mirrors the grind the lyrics describe.

Driving Country (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Keep the strumming steady and relentless — the rhythm should feel like hard work. This isn’t a delicate song; give it energy.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Four open chords

You need G, C, D, and Em. Simple open chords that let you focus on the rhythm.

2

Driving verse rhythm

The verse uses G-C-G-D in a steady, driving pattern. Think of a train rolling down the tracks.

3

Chorus energy

The chorus keeps the same energy with Em-C-G-D. Don’t let up on the strumming intensity.

4

Flatpicking option

For a more authentic sound, try flatpicking the melody notes between chord changes, Appalachian style.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D

Working hard every day

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And working my life away

Verse 2

G C G

I been running around this old coal town

G D

Getting up before the sun

G C G

I been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

And not having any fun

Chorus

Em C

Lord it’s hard living down on your luck

G D

When your dollar ain’t worth a dime

Em C

I’ve been putting my nose to the grindstone

G D G

Since I was a young boy

Practice tip: Listen to the album version on Purgatory to catch the intensity. Tyler Childers plays with conviction — match that energy with a strong, steady strum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Nose to the Grindstone"?

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

Is "Nose to the Grindstone" 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 "Nose to the Grindstone" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Nose to the Grindstone"?

It was written by Tyler Childers, and released in 2017.