Song practice guide
How to Practice Heart of Gold
Neil Young's 'Heart of Gold' is one of the most-played acoustic singer-songwriter songs ever written. The harmonica-and-acoustic-guitar arrangement, the simple chord progression, and the contemplative lyric have made it a cornerstone of folk and singer-songwriter repertoire.
Song Details
- Key
- Em
- Tempo
- 80 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
Structure
This song is still under copyright, so we publish its form rather than its chord chart. Add it to your library and you can enter or attach your own chart, and Repertoire will schedule it either way.
What to Focus On
Simple chord changes (typically Em-D-G in original). Steady acoustic strumming. Singing the contemplative melody with breath support.
Practice Tips
- 1
Three or four chords, no excuses. Master the changes and the rhythm is what's left.
- 2
The harmonica solo is iconic but optional for most cover versions.
- 3
Neil's vocal is high and reedy. If you can't sing high, transpose down.
Why This Song
It's the great Neil Young singer-songwriter standard, and a folk-bar staple.
Practice Heart of Gold Daily
Repertoire uses spaced repetition to keep your songs sharp. Add this song to your collection and the system schedules your practice automatically.
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