Folk, Country

Rock Salt and Nails Chords

Utah Phillips Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Rock Salt and Nails Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Rock Salt and Nails Chords – Ukulele

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Rock Salt and Nails Chords – Piano

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Rock Salt and Nails Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play

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Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Rock Salt and Nails 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

Rock Salt and Nails Chords – Harmonica

A haunting folk ballad by Utah Phillips about a man’s bitter loneliness and heartbreak. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

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

Folk Strum (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

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Tip: Use a slow, steady tempo to match the somber mood of the song.

Chords & Structure

Full Song

Verse 1

G – C

G – D – G

G – C – G

D – G

Chorus

C – G – D – G

C – G – D

G – C – G – D

G – C – D – G

Verse 2

G – C

G – D – G

G – C – G

D – G

Chorus

C – G – D – G

C – G – D

G – C – G – D

G – C – D – G

Verse 3

G – C

G – D – G

G – C – G

D – G

Chorus

C – G – D – G

C – G – D

G – C – G – D

G – C – D – G

G – C

G – D – G

G – C – G

D – G

C – G – D – G

C – G – D

G – C – G – D

G – C – D – G

Practice tip: Focus on the chord progression G, C, D, and G, as it forms the backbone of the entire song. Practice switching between C and D smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Rock Salt and Nails"?

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

Is "Rock Salt and Nails" 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 "Rock Salt and Nails" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Rock Salt and Nails"?

It was written by Bruce "Utah" Phillips, and released in 1969.