Worship

Old Rugged Cross Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Guitar

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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Ukulele

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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Piano

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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Banjo

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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Mandolin

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

Old Rugged Cross Chords – Harmonica

A traditional Christian hymn about devotion to the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Chords used: G, C, D, Em · Key: G · Difficulty: Beginner

Basic Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a slow, steady tempo to match the hymn’s solemn feel.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C – G

D7 – G

C – G – D7 – G

C – G – D7

Chorus

G – C

G – D7 – G

C – G

D7 – G

Verse 2

G – C – G

D7 – G

C – G – D7 – G

C – G – D7

Chorus

G – C

G – D7 – G

C – G

D7 – G

Verse 3

G – C – G

D7 – G

C – G – D7 – G

C – G – D7

Chorus

G – C

G – D7 – G

C – G

D7 – G

Verse 4

G – C – G

D7 – G

C – G – D7 – G

C – G – D7

Chorus

G – C

G – D7 – G

C – G

D7 – G

Practice tip: Master the G to D7 and C to G transitions, as they are the most common changes in this song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Old Rugged Cross"?

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

Is "Old Rugged Cross" 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 "Old Rugged Cross" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Old Rugged Cross"?

It was written by George Bennard, and released in 1913.