How to Play "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show
"Wagon Wheel," a song that has become a modern folk anthem, is a tale of a hitchhiker’s journey, longing for home and a reunion with his beloved. Though written in part by Bob Dylan, it was the Old Crow Medicine Show who transformed it into the iconic tune we know and love today. Its simple yet powerful chords and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite for campfires, sing-alongs, and stages worldwide. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play "Wagon Wheel" on your guitar, from the chords and strumming patterns to the song’s structure and some tips for adding your personal touch.
Understanding the Song
Before diving into the chords, let’s understand the song’s essence. "Wagon Wheel" is a folk-rock song that blends elements of bluegrass and country music. It’s known for its catchy chorus, simple verse structure, and sing-along appeal. The song’s core lies in its straightforward chord progression, making it accessible for beginners while still offering room for experienced players to add their flair.
Key and Tuning
The song is typically played in the key of A major, which is the original key used by Old Crow Medicine Show. You can also play it in the key of G major, which is a common and easier key for beginners. For the sake of simplicity, we will focus on playing the song in the key of G major. Your guitar should be in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e).
The Chords
The beauty of "Wagon Wheel" lies in its simplicity. The entire song relies on just four chords:
- G major: (3-2-0-0-0-3) – Place your middle finger on the low E string (6th string) at the 3rd fret, your index finger on the A string (5th string) at the 2nd fret, and your pinky finger on the high E string (1st string) at the 3rd fret.
- C major: (x-3-2-0-1-0) – Place your index finger on the B string (2nd string) at the 1st fret, your middle finger on the D string (4th string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the A string (5th string) at the 3rd fret.
- G major: (3-2-0-0-0-3)
- D major: (x-x-0-2-3-2) – Place your index finger on the high E string (1st string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the G string (3rd string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the B string (2nd string) at the 3rd fret.
Strumming Patterns
The strumming pattern is another aspect that makes "Wagon Wheel" easy to learn. Here are a few variations you can use:
- Basic Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up: This is a simple pattern that works well for beginners. Strum down on beats 1 and 2, up on beat 3, up on beat 4, down on beat 5, and up on beat 6.
- Alternating Down-Up: A more straightforward pattern, you can alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes.
- Bluegrass Strumming: For a more authentic feel, you can try a bluegrass strumming pattern. This often involves a more rhythmic, syncopated pattern with emphasis on the downbeats. Experiment with different patterns to find what suits your style.
The Song Structure
"Wagon Wheel" follows a straightforward structure, making it easy to memorize and play. The song consists of verses, a pre-chorus, and a chorus.
- Verse 1: (G – C – G – D)
- "Head on down to the crossroads…"
- Pre-Chorus: (G – C – G – D)
- "Walkin’ up to the truck stop…"
- Chorus: (G – C – G – D)
- "Rock me Mama like a wagon wheel…"
- Verse 2: (G – C – G – D)
- "I got a woman in a shack…"
- Pre-Chorus: (G – C – G – D)
- "Walkin’ up to the truck stop…"
- Chorus: (G – C – G – D)
- "Rock me Mama like a wagon wheel…"
- Bridge: (G – C – G – D)
- "So I’m a-hopin’ for a good time…"
- Chorus: (G – C – G – D)
- "Rock me Mama like a wagon wheel…"
- Outro: (G – C – G – D)
- Repeated chorus, often fading out.
Playing the Song
Here’s how to put it all together:
- Start with the Verse: Play the G chord for the first two measures, then the C chord for one measure, and then the G chord again for one measure and then the D chord for one measure.
- Transition to the Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus uses the same chord progression as the verse.
- Hit the Chorus: The chorus also follows the same G-C-G-D progression.
- Repeat: Continue through the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.
- The Bridge: The bridge also uses the G-C-G-D progression.
- Chorus and Outro: End with the chorus, repeating it until the song fades out.
Tips for Improvement
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Aim to play for at least 15-30 minutes each day.
- Slow Down: Start by playing the song slowly to ensure you can change chords smoothly and accurately. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you maintain a steady rhythm.
- Listen to the Song: Familiarize yourself with the song’s rhythm and timing by listening to the Old Crow Medicine Show version repeatedly.
- Sing Along: Singing along while you play helps you coordinate your strumming with the lyrics and rhythm.
- Vary Your Strumming: Experiment with different strumming patterns to add interest and dynamics to your playing.
- Add Fingerpicking: Once you are comfortable with the chords and strumming, you can add fingerpicking to the verses and bridge for a more intricate sound.
- Use a Capo: If you’d like to play it in a different key, use a capo on the second fret to play the song in A.
Adding Your Personal Touch
Once you have mastered the basic chords and strumming, you can add your personal touch to the song. Here are a few ideas:
- Improvise: Experiment with adding short instrumental breaks or solos between verses or during the bridge.
- Harmonize: If you’re playing with others, harmonize the vocals to create a fuller sound.
- Experiment with Tempo: Adjust the tempo to suit your style or the mood you want to create.
- Change the Strumming Pattern: Add a different strumming pattern to parts of the song to create interest.
Conclusion
"Wagon Wheel" is a fantastic song to learn on the guitar. Its simple chords and catchy melody make it accessible to beginners, while its structure and room for improvisation offer opportunities for more experienced players to shine. By following the steps outlined in this guide, practicing regularly, and adding your personal touch, you’ll be playing this modern folk classic in no time. Happy strumming!
