The Old Rugged Cross

G intermediate
The Old Rugged Cross
intermediate

The Old Rugged Cross

Key: G
Chords: 4
The Grass app includes adjustable backing tracks with bass, guitar, and mandolin — a built-in chromatic tuner — a metronome with count-in — chord charts in any key — lyrics with chorus highlighting — demo videos — jam-along practice recordings — shareable setlists — and a finder for 700+ bluegrass jam circles near you. Free on iOS and Android.

Jam Along

Chord Chart

Verse

GG
GG
CC
CC
DD
D7D7
GG
GG
GG
GG
CC
CC
DD
D7D7
GG
GG

Chorus

DD
DD
GG
GG
CC
CC
GG
GG
GG
GG
CC
CC
DD
DD
GG
GG
Chords used: C D D7 G

Lyrics

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown.
Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above, To bear sin on dark Calvary. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; For twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He'll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share.

Demo Videos

About This Song

The Old Rugged Cross is a traditional bluegrass song in the key of G. Using 4 chords, it's approachable for intermediate players.

Standard verse-chorus structure. The chord progression changes between sections, so practice the transitions.

Practice with Grass Free backing tracks & tuner
Get App