Learn How to Play "Fields of Gold" by Sting on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Fields of Gold on the guitar. I'm thrilled to take you through this beginner-friendly version of Fields of Gold. Originally, Dominic Miller, Sting's guitar player, played it fingerstyle. In this simplified version for beginners, the key has changed, and we'll be strumming instead of playing it fingerstyle. This arrangement is perfect for those just getting started, though it has a unique rhythm twist that might be a little challenging at first. But don't worry, it's not too tricky!

Chord Progression

Let's kick off by getting familiar with the chords. We're starting simple here, with just four down strums to the bar.

The intro consists of four bars of an A minor chord. The verse starts with A minor, followed by F, then back to A minor. After that, we have an F chord for a bar, another bar of F, then a C chord, then A minor again, followed by F for half a bar, and then C for half a bar. We then return to half a bar of F, then half a bar of G leading to A minor for a whole bar, two beats on A minor, then two beats on F leading to C for two bars.

This chord sequence might seem a little unusual, but that's the beauty of Sting's music. It's a good idea to jot down these chord progressions to help you remember.

Verse Structure

For the second time through, the A minor and the A minor to F bar are omitted, making the second verse a bit different. The second verse is an A minor for a bar, F for a bar, another bar of F, then a C chord, then to A minor, then F to C to F to G to C. This shortens it a little, but the result is a beautiful, slightly unusual chord structure that makes this song stand out.

The Bridge

The only other section we need to talk about for the chords is the bridge, which is a bar of F, a bar of C, a bar of F, a bar of C, a bar of F, a bar of C, then half a bar of F, half a bar of G, a bar of C, half a bar of F, half a bar of G, and a bar of C.

Perfecting Your Timing

A key aspect of this song is that many of the chord changes don't happen on the beat. The second chord, in particular where we've got two chords in a bar such as F and C, and F and G, changes on the 'and' after two, rather than exactly on beat three where you would normally expect a chord to change.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to remember when learning any song is to keep practicing. Repetition is the key to muscle memory. And remember, keeping a solid rhythm is more important than if you pick an extra string or the wrong string. You're on the right track as long as you keep in time.

I hope this lesson gives you a deeper understanding of the chord progression in Fields of Gold. Remember, practice makes permanent! So grab your guitar, watch the video, and let's get strumming.

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