Learn to play "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Heart of Gold by Neil Young on the guitar. This classic song is a great choice for both novice and experienced players, offering a variety of levels to challenge your skills. Whether you want to keep it simple or strive for a note-for-note recreation of the original, this lesson has you covered.

Heart of Gold has three main sections: the introduction, the verses, and the chorus. The introduction features a small riff, followed by a chord sequence that forms the basis for the verses and the chorus. The song exhibits a certain dynamism, allowing you to either keep it simple or add complexity to make it sound closer to the original record.

Introduction

The introduction starts with the E minor seven chord, then briefly switches to the D chord, and then transitions back to the regular E minor. This sequence is then embellished with a little hammer-on technique that adds a touch of flair to the progression. The rhythm for this part emphasizes down picks, creating a steady and straightforward beat that sets the tone for the song.

Verses

The verses follow a similar progression, switching between the E minor, C, and D chords and the occasional G. It's important to note that the rhythm in the verses is not set in stone. Neil Young himself frequently changes his strumming pattern, making the song feel more organic and human.

Chorus

The chorus maintains the rhythm of the verses while incorporating a bit of variation. It follows a progression from E minor to G, then to C. As with the verses, you can add extra strums to enrich the rhythm and give it your personal touch.

Making the Song Your Own

One of the beauties of Heart of Gold is its flexibility. The chord progression and strumming patterns are not rigid and allow for a certain degree of personal interpretation. Listen to the original recording and play along with it to get a feel for the song's "time feel" - the human element that makes it groove. You can also check out various live versions of the song to see how Neil Young varies his performance and perhaps adopt some of his variations to make your rendition unique.

Wrapping Up

Learning to play Heart of Gold on the guitar is a rewarding experience. The song's structure and progression provide a solid foundation, while its flexible rhythm allows for personal expression. So grab your guitar, tune up, watch the video, and get ready to add this classic song to your repertoire. And remember, practice makes permanent!

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