What key is "The Old Rugged Cross" in?

"The Old Rugged Cross" by Rev. George Bennard is in the key of C with a tempo of 108 BPM. Difficulty: easy.

Is "The Old Rugged Cross" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

Can I play "The Old Rugged Cross" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

How long does it take to learn "The Old Rugged Cross" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Rev. George Bennard can I play here?

Try "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

On a (Cdim)hill far a (C)way stood an (Fdim)old rug ged (F)cross, the (G7)em blem of suf f’ring and (C)shame.

And I (Cdim)love that old (C)cross where the (Fdim)dear est and (F)best for a (G7)world of lost sin ners was (C)slain.

So I’ll (G7)cher ish the old rug ged (C)cross,

till my (F)tro phies at (F#dim7)last I lay (G7)down.

I will (C)cling to (C)the (A7)old rug ged (Dm)cross,

(Fm)and ex (C)change it some (G7)day for a (Ebdim7)crown.

To the (Cdim)old rug ged (C)cross I will (Fdim)ev er be (F)true, its (G7)shame and re proach glad ly (C)bear.

Then He’ll (Cdim)call me some (C)day to my (Fdim)home far a (F)way, where this (G7)glo ry for ev er I’ll (C)share.

So I’ll (G7)cher ish the old rug ged (C)cross,

till my (F)tro phies at (F#dim7)last I lay (G7)down.

I will (C)cling to (C)the (A7)old rug ged (Dm)cross,

(Fm)and ex (C)change it some (G7)day for a (Ebdim7)crown.

To the crown.

The Old Rugged Cross by Rev. George Bennard

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 108 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “The Old Rugged Cross”

What key is "The Old Rugged Cross" in?: "The Old Rugged Cross" by Rev. George Bennard is in the key of C with a tempo of 108 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "The Old Rugged Cross" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "The Old Rugged Cross" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
How long does it take to learn "The Old Rugged Cross" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Rev. George Bennard can I play here?: Try "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross", "The Old Rugged Cross". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.