Scarborough Fair - Chords & Structure Guide
Original FretCompare guide - no tab or lyrics reproduced. First line (public-domain incipit): Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
| Key | D minor (Dorian colour) |
|---|---|
| Capo | Capo 2 with Dm shapes can brighten it (sounds in E minor) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate beginner - 3/4, minor key |
| Chords used | Dm, C, F, Am (optional) (fingerings in our chord library) |
Section chord map
Verse (repeats)
Dm (2 bars) - C (1 bar) - Dm (1 bar) | F (1 bar) - C (1 bar) - Dm (2 bars)
Our own simple harmonisation: dwell in Dm, answer with C, lift through F and settle home.
Strumming suggestion
In 3/4: bass on 1, soft down-strums on 2 and 3; let the minor mood breathe. See our strumming patterns and practise slowly with the metronome.
Easier / substitute chords
Drop the optional Am; play Dm and C only for a first pass.
Practice tip
Count 1-2-3 out loud for two verses before trying to sing over it.
Public-domain basis
Traditional English ballad, in print by around 1670 and older in oral tradition; public domain. Modern counter-melodies/arrangements by later artists are not used here.
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