Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy

"Fields of Gold," as performed by Eva Cassidy, is a breathtaking rendition of Sting's original composition, celebrated for its intricate fingerstyle guitar work and emotional depth. At Licklibrary.com, our guitar lesson on "Fields of Gold" delves deeply into the nuanced techniques used in this iconic track, enabling guitarists to capture the spirit and artistry of the performance.

With this lesson, you’ll learn not only to replicate the song note for note but also gain mastery of several key guitar techniques that will elevate your overall playing. Let’s explore what makes this piece special, the techniques you'll focus on, and the benefits they offer. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Eva Cassidy and Her Guitar Style

Eva Cassidy’s interpretation of "Fields of Gold" showcases her unparalleled ability to blend soulful vocals with delicate yet commanding guitar playing. Her arrangements are marked by their warmth, expressiveness, and a deft touch, which require a blend of technical precision and emotional connection. Cassidy’s influence stems from her unique way of enhancing simple melodies with rich harmonic textures and subtle embellishments. Learning this piece not only connects you with Cassidy’s legacy but also provides insights into a style that marries folk, jazz, and classical guitar influences.

Key Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Finger-Picking

Finger-picking is central to this arrangement, offering a soft and flowing quality to the song’s melody. By learning finger-picking, you'll develop better independence between your thumb and fingers, enabling you to tackle complex patterns with ease and control.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

This song heavily relies on arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of a chord are played sequentially rather than simultaneously. Mastering this technique enhances your sense of timing and enables you to create more dynamic and textured arrangements.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, adding expressiveness and fluidity to your playing. Incorporating slides into your guitar vocabulary can significantly improve your phrasing and melodic continuity.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs provide a legato feel to the notes, allowing for a smooth and connected sound. These techniques are crucial for creating a lyrical quality in your guitar playing, akin to vocal lines.

Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in "Fields of Gold" are harmonically rich and convey the song's emotive core. Studying these will not only improve your chordal knowledge but also enhance your ability to create arrangements with emotional depth.

Sustain

Sustain is used masterfully in this arrangement, allowing notes to resonate fully and adding to the piece's immersive quality. Understanding sustain helps you control your tone and lets your playing breathe.

Capo Placement

The capo is used to adapt the guitar to the original key while maintaining open chord shapes. This enhances the harmonic richness of the arrangement. Learning to use a capo effectively broadens your range and versatility as a guitarist.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques showcased in "Fields of Gold," you'll not only replicate an iconic piece but also develop skills that can be applied to a wide range of musical genres. These techniques will improve your dexterity, musical expression, and ability to convey emotion through your playing. Furthermore, the lesson offers practical insights into crafting beautiful finger-style arrangements and deepening your understanding of harmonic and melodic interplay on the guitar.

Comprehensive List of Techniques Used in "Fields of Gold"

Here’s a complete list of the techniques covered in this lesson:

• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Capo

Whether you're a beginner looking to develop your finger-style technique or an experienced guitarist seeking to refine your expressive playing, this lesson provides everything you need to bring "Fields of Gold" to life. Join us at Licklibrary.com and start mastering this beautiful piece today!