HEART OF GOLD (NEIL YOUNG)
GUITAR LESSON
Original Tempo: 85bpm - Video Tempo: 50bpm
“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young, featured on his classic album Harvest, is one of the most iconic acoustic guitar songs of all time. This lesson includes chord diagrams, strumming patterns, and a chord guide with timestamps to help you learn the song step by step. It’s an excellent choice for beginner guitarists who want a bit of a challenge while building confidence with chord changes and rhythm. The YouTube video below breaks it all down so you can follow along at your own pace and start playing this timeless song on acoustic guitar.
CHORDS
STRUMMING PATTERNS
Intro 1 - Part 1 Strumming Pattern
Verse Strumming Pattern (also Intro 1 - Part 2)
Chorus Strumming Pattern
CHORD GUIDE
INTRO 1 - PART 1 (0:00)
|Em7 |D Em | (x2)
INTRO 1 - PART 2 (0:11)
|Em7 C |D G | (x3)
|Em7 |D Em |
VERSE 1 (0:35)
Em C D G
I wanna live, I wanna give,
Em C D G
I've been a miner for a heart of gold.
Em C D G
It's these expressions I never give
CHORUS 1 (0:51)
Em G
that keep me searching for a heart of gold,
C G
And I'm getting old.
Em G
Keep me searching for a heart of gold,
C G
and I'm getting old.
INTRO 2 (1:13)
|Em7 C |D G | (x3)
|Em7 |D Em |
VERSE 2 (1:35)
Em C D G
I've been to Hollywood, I've been to Redwood,
Em C D G
I'd cross the ocean for a heart of gold,
Em C D G
I've been in my mind, it's such a fine line
CHORUS 2 (1:52)
Em G
that keeps me searching for a heart of gold,
C G
And I'm getting old.
Em G
Keeps me searching for a heart of gold,
C G
And I'm getting old.
INTRO 3 (2:15)
|Em C |D G |
FINAL CHORUS (2:32)
Em7 D Em
Keep me searching for a heart of gold,
Em7 D Em
You keep me searching and I'm growing old.
Em7 D Em
Keep me searching for a heart of gold,
Em G C G
I've been a miner for a heart of gold.
ENDING (2:48)
|C |C G |
Copyright Disclaimer
This file is the authors work and represents my interpretation of the song. It is intended solely for private study, scholarship, or research. The chord charts and lesson sheets provided are simplified resources to support online learning. For official sheet music, I highly recommend purchasing from licensed publishers such as Hal Leonard or Musicnotes.