Heart of Gold

How to play Heart of Gold by Neil Young on guitar

This is a great beginner song because it stays relaxed and steady, with a simple feel that lets you focus on clean changes and timing. You get a classic acoustic groove that is easy to recognize and satisfying to play once the pattern settles in.

All of the shapes are open, so you can keep your hand in first position and avoid barre chords entirely. The main thing to watch is the move through Em, C, D, and G, since that change can feel quick at first even though the shapes are simple.

Start by fretting each chord cleanly one at a time, then switch between Em, C, D, and G slowly until the motion feels smooth. After that, practice the opening progression in a loop, and only then bring it up to full song speed.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.