Country,Folk

Wagon Wheel Chords

Darius Rucker Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Guitar

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Ukulele

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Ukulele 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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Piano

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Piano 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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Banjo

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Banjo 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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Mandolin

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Mandolin 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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Harmonica

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Harmonica 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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Violin

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)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

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 — Violin 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.