Wagon Wheel Chords

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Guitar

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Ukulele

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Piano

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Banjo

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Mandolin

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · D · Em · C

Wagon Wheel Chords – Harmonica

Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
G
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.

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

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
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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.


Song Details

Key, Tuning & Capo

Original key: A  ·  Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)  ·  Capo: 2nd 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.

Chords & Structure

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

 
G – D
Em – C
G – D – Em – C
 

Chorus

 
G – D
Em – C
G – D – Em – C
G – D
Em – C
G – D – Em – C
 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Wagon Wheel"?

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

Is "Wagon Wheel" 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 "Wagon Wheel" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Wagon Wheel"?

It was written by Darius Rucker.