“Wagon Wheel” is a song that resonates with countless guitar players, from beginners strumming their first chords to seasoned musicians adding it to their setlist. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics about travel and longing, and simple yet effective chord progression make it a staple around campfires, jam sessions, and even on big stages. Let’s dive into what makes “Wagon Wheel” such a fantastic song to learn and play on guitar.
“Wagon Wheel” Guitar Chords and Lyrics: Play Along
Here are the chords and lyrics to get you started playing “Wagon Wheel”. The song primarily uses a repeating chord progression in the verses and chorus, making it easy to memorize and follow along.
Verse:
G D
Headed down south to the land of the pines
Em C
And I’m thumbin’ my way into North Caroline
G D C C
Starin’ up the road And pray to God I see headlights
G D
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Em C
Pickin’ me a bouquet of dogwood flowers
G D C C
And I’m a hopin’ for Raleigh so I can see my baby tonight So
Chorus:
G D
Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G D C C
Heeeey, 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 C C G, D, Em, C G, D, C, C
Heeeey, mama rock me
Verse:
G D
Runnin’ from the cold up in New England
Em C
I was born to be a fiddler in an old-time stringband
G D C C
My baby plays the guitar, I pick a banjo now
G D
Oh, the North country winters keep a gettin’ me now
Em C
Lost my money playin’ poker so I had to up and leave
G D C C
But I ain’t a turnin’ back To livin’ that old life no more So
Chorus:
G D
Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G D C C
Heeeey, 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 C C G, D, Em, C G, D, C, C
Heeeey, mama rock me
Verse: (One Strum Each)
G D
Walkin’ to the south out of Roanoke
Em C
I caught a trucker out of Philly Had a nice long toke
G D
But he’s a headed west from the Cumberland Gap
C C
To Johnson City, Tennessee and I
(Continue strumming) G D
Gotta get a move on fit for the sun
Em
I hear my baby callin’ my name
C
And I know that she’s the only one
G D C C
And if I die in Raleigh At least I will die free So
Chorus:
G D
Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
Em C
Rock me mama anyway you feel
G D C C
Heeeey, 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 C C G, D, Em, C G, D, C, C
Heeeey, mama rock me
Tips for Playing “Wagon Wheel” on Guitar
“Wagon Wheel” is fantastic for guitarists of all levels. Here are some tips to help you master this song:
Simple Chord Progression for Beginners
The song is based around four chords: G, D, Em (E minor), and C. These are fundamental chords that every guitarist should learn. If you’re just starting out, “Wagon Wheel” is an excellent song to practice these chord changes.
- G Chord: A foundational major chord, often one of the first learned.
- D Chord: Another common major chord, used in countless songs.
- Em Chord: Your first minor chord! It adds a touch of melancholy and is essential in many popular songs.
- C Chord: The C major chord rounds out the progression and provides a satisfying resolution.
Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Strumming Patterns for “Wagon Wheel”
For a basic strumming pattern, you can use a simple Down, Down, Up, Down, Up pattern for each chord. Once you get comfortable, experiment with variations to add more groove:
- Basic Pattern: D-D-U-D-U (Down-Down-Up-Down-Up)
- Adding Bass Notes: Emphasize the bass note on the down strums for a fuller sound.
- Listen to the Song: Pay close attention to the rhythm in the original recording and try to emulate it. This will give you a better feel for the song’s groove.
Singing and Playing Simultaneously
“Wagon Wheel” is a sing-along classic! Once you’re comfortable with the chords and strumming, try singing along. This can be challenging at first, but it’s a crucial skill for any guitarist who wants to perform or jam with others.
- Start Slowly: Practice singing the melody while just strumming simple downstrokes on each chord change.
- Break it Down: Focus on small sections of the song at a time.
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice singing and playing together, the easier it will become.
The Enduring Appeal of “Wagon Wheel”
“Wagon Wheel,” popularized by Darius Rucker but with roots stretching back to Bob Dylan and Old Crow Medicine Show, has become a modern classic. Its themes of travel, home, and love are universal, and the singable chorus and infectious rhythm make it a crowd-pleaser wherever it’s played. For guitar players, it’s a rewarding song to learn because it’s fun to play, relatively easy to master, and instantly recognizable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, “Wagon Wheel” deserves a spot in your guitar repertoire.
