Scarborough Fair - E Minor
Public domain – lyrics and melody
Purpose
This traditional song is used purely as a musical learning tool, helping you explore minor-key harmony and practise chord changes using slow, expressive lyrical phrasing as timing cues.
Song Overview
Key: E minor
Time feel: Slow and flowing
Chord focus: Minor harmony, modal movement
Skill level: Beginner → Advanced versions available
Version 1 – Beginner
Simple minor harmony. Very slow chord changes.
This version keeps the harmony intentionally minimal, allowing you to focus on the sound and feel of the minor key without rhythmic or technical pressure.
[Verse 1]
[Em]Are you going to [D]Scarborough [Em]Fair
Parsley, sage, rose[G]mary and [Em]thyme
Remember [G]me to one who lives [D]there
For [Em]once she was a [D]true love of [Em]mine
[Verse 2]
[Em]Tell her to [G]make me a [D]cambric [Em]shirt
Parsley, [G]sage, rosema[A]ry and [Em]thyme
Without no [G]seams nor needle [D]work
[Em]Then she’ll [A]be a [D]true love of [Em]mine
Practice notes
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Let each chord last for the full lyric phrase.
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Do not rush the changes — this song rewards patience.
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If needed, play left hand E and D as single bass notes.