“Scarborough Fair” Guitar Chord Chart & Easy Guitar Tutorial
This Scarborough Fair guitar chord chart and web page will guide you through this classic song. The strumming is very easy, and it uses some basic chords. An excellent guitar song for beginners!
Scarborough Fair Guitar Tutorial:
This song uses 4 basic chord shapes: Am, Em, D, G. They are all fairly simple to switch to and from, although Am to G tends to give beginners some issues, so it’s worth working on that chord switch by itself. If you need more help with “how to practice” please check out my free eBook, or even consider trying my premium course Learn Guitar Once-and-for-all.
Scarborough Fair Guitar Chords:
Scarborough Fair Strumming Pattern:
The strumming pattern for this one couldn’t be simpler. Since this song is in 3-4 time we have to count it a particular way. 1+2+3+ (one and two and three and). In the Scarborough Fair free sheet music (below) you will play the strumming pattern one time per chord symbol.
How To Practice Guitar Songs
Just want to see the chords & lyrics? Scroll down a bit more — BUT I encourage you to do this first – it’ll improve your success rate.
Jumping straight into playing a song can be frustrating, even after learning the chords and strumming pattern. That’s why I recommend this step: use downstrokes while counting the beats. This ensures accurate timing and smooth chord changes—then simply add the strumming pattern, and you’re all set!
d = downstroke
Am Am Em Am Am
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
Am Am D Am Am
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
Am Em Am Gm Gm
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d
Am G Em
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
d d d d d d d d d
Am Am Am Am
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
d d d d d d d d d d d dTo summarize:
- Learn the chords
- Practice them with downstrokes only & count through the song
- Learn the strumming pattern
- Play the song!
Scarborough Fair Guitar Chord Chart
You may follow along on this website, but I also have a clean (FREE!) Scarborough Fair Chord Chart PDF for you as well!
[Verse 1]
Am Am Em Am Am
Are you going to Scarborough fair?
Am Am D Am Am
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Am Em Am G G
Remember me to one who lives there,
Am G Em Am Am Am Am
She once was a true love of mine.
[Verse 2]
Am Am Em Am Am
Tell her to make me a cambric shirt,
Am Am D Am Am
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Am Em Am G G
Without any seems, nor needlework,
Am G Em Am Am Am Am
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
[Verse 3]
Am Am Em Am Am
Tell her to find me an acre of land,
Am Am D Am Am
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Am Em Am G G
Between the salt water and the sea strand,
Am G Em Am Am Am Am
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
[Verse 4]
Am Am Em Am Am
Tell her to plough it with a sickle of leather.
Am Am D Am Am
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Am Em Am G G
And bind it all in a bunch of heather,
Am G Em Am Am Am Am
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
Who has covered the song Scarborough Fair?
“Scarborough Fair” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, showcasing its enduring popularity. Some notable covers include:
- Simon & Garfunkel: Their rendition, featured on their 1966 album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” is perhaps the most famous version of the song.
- Celtic Woman: The Irish musical ensemble covered “Scarborough Fair” on their album “A New Journey” released in 2007.
- Sarah Brightman: The English soprano included a version of “Scarborough Fair” on her 2008 album “Symphony.”
- Hayley Westenra: The New Zealand soprano recorded a version of the song for her 2003 album “Pure.”
- Loreena McKennitt: The Canadian singer-songwriter included a rendition of “Scarborough Fair” on her 1991 album “The Visit.”
When was Scarborough Fair written?
The exact date of when “Scarborough Fair” was written is unclear, as it is a traditional English ballad that has been passed down through oral tradition over many centuries. The song likely originated during the Middle Ages, and its precise origins are difficult to trace.
Who wrote Scarborough Fair?
“Scarborough Fair” is a traditional English ballad that dates back to the Middle Ages. Its authorship is unknown, as it has been passed down through oral tradition over centuries. The song has been covered by various artists throughout history, including Simon & Garfunkel, whose rendition is one of the most well-known versions.
