“Wagon Wheel” is a song that resonates with many guitar players, from beginners strumming their first chords to seasoned musicians looking for a crowd-pleaser. Its simple yet catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a staple around campfires, at parties, and even on bigger stages. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to play this timeless tune on your guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides you with the complete “Wagon Wheel” guitar tab, breaking down the song into easy-to-follow sections so you can master it in no time.
Understanding the Chords in Wagon Wheel
“Wagon Wheel” is built around a progression of four basic chords, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels. These chords are G, D, Em (E minor), and C. These are all open chords, meaning they utilize open strings and are fundamental in many genres, especially country and folk music. Familiarizing yourself with these shapes is the first step to unlocking countless songs, and “Wagon Wheel” is a fantastic song to practice them with.
“Wagon Wheel” Guitar Tab and Chords
Here’s the guitar tab for “Wagon Wheel”, presented in a verse-chorus structure, just like the song itself. Follow along, practice each section, and soon you’ll be playing the full song.
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 Mastering “Wagon Wheel” on Guitar
- Start Slow: Don’t rush to play at full speed right away. Begin by practicing the chord changes slowly and smoothly. Focus on clean transitions between G, D, Em, and C.
- Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern works perfectly for “Wagon Wheel”. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, incorporate this rhythm. Experiment with variations as you progress.
- Listen to the Song: Listen to recordings of “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show or Darius Rucker to get a feel for the timing and rhythm. Playing along with the song is a great way to improve your timing and develop an ear for the music.
- Sing Along: “Wagon Wheel” is a fantastic song to sing along to. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, try singing while you play. This will help you internalize the song’s structure and make your performance more engaging.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, even for short periods each day, is more effective than long, infrequent sessions. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of practice daily to see steady progress.
Conclusion
“Wagon Wheel” is a must-learn song for any guitarist venturing into country, folk, or Americana music. With its repetitive and straightforward chord progression, it’s both accessible to beginners and enjoyable for experienced players. Use this guitar tab, practice diligently, and you’ll be rocking out to “Wagon Wheel” in no time. Keep exploring more guitar tabs and lessons here at guitarplayers.net to expand your repertoire and hone your skills!
