Printable Scarborough Fair Guitar Chords
A modal English ballad that sounds far more advanced than it is. Four open chords and a rolling 3/4 picking pattern. Scarborough Fair is in the Dorian mode, which gives it that floating, slightly ancient sound. You do not need to understand modes to play it. What you get from this song is a rolling 3/4 picking pattern and a chord sequence that stays mostly on Am, which means you have time to think between changes. This printable song sheet has every chord shape you need, the chord order bar by bar, the picking pattern and simple steps to learn it. The song is in the public domain and the arrangement is Fretwork's own.
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What’s inside
- Chord diagrams for Am, C, G, Em, D
- Chord order, bar by bar
- Strumming or picking pattern
- Step-by-step learning plan
How to use it
- Print the sheet and learn the chord shapes first.
- Practice the chord changes slowly, then add the strum or picking pattern.
- Play along with the free click track on the song page, raising the tempo as you improve.
Learn it step by step, free
Fretwork turns sheets like this into short daily lessons with audio, a play-along and a quick check for every skill. Stages 0 and 1 are free.
Questions
What key is Scarborough Fair in?
It is usually played in A Dorian, which uses the same notes as A minor but with a raised sixth. That raised note is what gives the song its distinctive sound.
What chords does Scarborough Fair use?
Am, C, G and Em cover the standard arrangement, with D sometimes added as a passing chord.
Should I fingerpick or strum Scarborough Fair?
Fingerpicking suits it better and is how it is usually played, but strumming three beats per bar works perfectly well while you are learning the chord changes.
Is this printable really free?
Yes. Enter your first name and email once and every Fretwork printable unlocks on your device. There is nothing to pay and no card needed.
Can I share it with students or friends?
Yes, for personal and classroom use. Please share the link to this page rather than the PDF file, so everyone gets the latest version.
Keep learning
Free for classroom use. Linking to this page keeps your students on the latest version.
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