How to Play "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show
"Wagon Wheel" is a modern folk classic, a song that has captivated audiences for years with its simple yet heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody. Written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, the song gained popularity through the Old Crow Medicine Show’s rendition, becoming a staple at campfires, weddings, and music festivals worldwide. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of how to play "Wagon Wheel" on guitar, covering everything from the basic chords and strumming patterns to more advanced techniques and variations.
I. Understanding the Song’s Structure
Before diving into the specifics of playing the song, it’s crucial to understand its structure. "Wagon Wheel" primarily follows a verse-chorus format, with a few variations and instrumental sections. Here’s a breakdown:
- Intro: Typically, the song starts with a simple guitar riff that establishes the song’s tempo and key.
- Verse 1: Introduces the story and sets the scene.
- Chorus: The catchy, sing-along chorus is the heart of the song.
- Verse 2: Continues the narrative.
- Chorus: Repeated for emphasis.
- Bridge: A short section that often introduces a new melodic idea or changes the feel.
- Chorus: Repeated.
- Instrumental Section: (Optional) A break for instrumental solos, usually featuring banjo or fiddle.
- Chorus: Repeated to fade out.
II. Essential Elements: Chords and Tuning
"Wagon Wheel" is typically played in the key of A major. However, it can be played in a variety of keys. The most common tuning for the guitar is standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). Here are the essential chords you’ll need:
- D Major (D): x-x-0-2-3-2 (x = Don’t play the string)
- A Major (A): x-0-2-2-2-0
- E Major (E): 0-2-2-1-0-0
- G Major (G): 3-2-0-0-0-3
III. Basic Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for "Wagon Wheel" is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for beginners. The most common pattern is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up. This pattern can be broken down as follows:
- Down: Strum downwards across all the strings.
- Down: Strum downwards across all the strings.
- Up: Strum upwards across all the strings.
- Up: Strum upwards across all the strings.
- Down: Strum downwards across all the strings.
- Up: Strum upwards across all the strings.
Practice this pattern slowly and consistently while changing between the chords. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
IV. The Chords in Detail
-
Verse:
- The verse typically follows a pattern of D – A – E – A.
- Example:
- D – "Headin’ down south…"
- A – "…to the land of the pines…"
- E – "…and I’m thumbin’ my way…"
- A – "…into North Caroline…"
-
Chorus:
- The chorus is based on a pattern of D – A – G – D.
- Example:
- D – "Rock me mama like a wagon wheel…"
- A – "…Rock me mama anyway you feel…"
- G – "Hey mama rock me…"
- D – "…rock me mama…"
-
Bridge:
- The bridge often uses a variation of the verse chords, but the pattern is sometimes adjusted. It can be D – A – E – A or D – A – D – A. Listen to the song to determine the exact arrangement.
V. Putting It All Together: The Song Structure
Now, let’s apply the chords and strumming pattern to the song’s structure:
-
Intro: (Use a D chord riff or just play D chord for a while.)
-
Verse 1:
- D – Headin’ down south to the land of the pines
- A – And I’m thumbin’ my way into North Caroline
- E – Starin’ up the road and pray to God I see
- A – A wagon wheel
-
Chorus:
- D – Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
- A – Rock me mama anyway you feel
- G – Hey mama rock me
- D – Rock me mama
-
Verse 2:
- D – I met my baby in the city streets
- A – She said, "Hey daddy, don’t you come around me."
- E – "I have been on the run for my life."
- A – "And the wagon wheel’s my only home."
-
Chorus:
- D – Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
- A – Rock me mama anyway you feel
- G – Hey mama rock me
- D – Rock me mama
-
Bridge:
- D – Run away, run away, run away
- A – Run away, run away
- D – Run away, run away
- A – Run away, run away
-
Chorus:
- D – Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
- A – Rock me mama anyway you feel
- G – Hey mama rock me
- D – Rock me mama
-
Instrumental Section: (Optional: You can improvise a D, A, G, D progression here.)
-
Chorus:
- D – Rock me mama like a wagon wheel
- A – Rock me mama anyway you feel
- G – Hey mama rock me
- D – Rock me mama (fade out)
VI. Tips for Improvement and Variations
- Practice Slowly: Don’t rush the process. Start slowly, focusing on clean chord changes and a consistent strumming pattern. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more proficient.
- Listen to the Original: Pay close attention to the Old Crow Medicine Show’s recording. Notice the nuances in their strumming and the timing of the chord changes.
- Vary Your Strumming: Once you’re comfortable with the basic pattern, experiment with variations. Try adding a slight emphasis on certain strums or incorporating palm muting.
- Sing Along: The best way to learn the song is to sing along while you play. This will help you develop your timing and coordination.
- Fingerpicking: For a more intricate sound, try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming. You can find tutorials on YouTube for fingerpicking patterns.
- Use a Capo: If you find the key of A challenging, you can use a capo to play in an easier key. For example, placing the capo on the second fret transposes the song to the key of G.
- Add a Bass Line: If you’re playing with other musicians, a bass line can significantly enhance the song. The bass typically follows the root notes of the chords (D, A, E, G).
- Embellish: Add some embellishments like hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to give your performance a more personal touch.
VII. Conclusion
Learning to play "Wagon Wheel" is a rewarding experience. It’s a fun song to play, easy to learn, and always a hit. By following these steps and practicing consistently, you’ll be strumming along to this timeless classic in no time. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to master the song. Keep practicing, have fun, and enjoy the journey of learning! With patience and dedication, you’ll be able to share the joy of "Wagon Wheel" with others for years to come.
