Scarborough Fair Chords

Learn how to play Scarborough Fair!

Scarborough Fair’s chords take full advantage of the II chord.

By using the extensions sus2 and 6sus4 we get the clear message of Dorian ringing through.

It would be very hard to play Scarborough Fair using different shapes than what you see in the video lesson since it is the shape and the incorporated open strings that gives the arrangement its distinctive sound.

Using a capo we can adjust to the singers key should we have to.

Before you begin, make sure you know all your chords in the key of G, using open position chords.

It is from this perspective that you should look at Scarborough Fair’s chords.

Chord shapes in open G

As you can see, it is the Am chord that is chord II, and that we manipulate into producing the different chord colors.

Notice how the first chord is basically a IIIm7 using the open strings of chord II.

This is a great way of producing any modal drone chord; keep the root going, switch between the chord and the chord above.

In the case of Scarborough Fair, switch between II and III, maintaining the root of the II chord.

Apart from the seriously clever II chord manipulation, did you notice the b6th flick over the VI chord? and the sus4 over the V chord?

Can you see all these connections?

Put all the pieces together with the Guitar Conspiracy!