I have been practicing this song for a while and it is time to make a recording. I am copying Justin’s arrangement that he plays in the intro for the video song lesson. As I mention in my intro to the song, the guitar skill elements are the extensive use of an F chord, a new 8th note strum pattern and some slash chord usage, Amin to Asus2 and new for me a Csus4 chord with hammer on note.
You may notice me without my glasses. I’ve had cataract surgery on both eyes a couple of years ago. I noticed the glare on my glasses in the videos and found that I can manage without the glasses for this video. In the instrumental section I decided to pick out a arpeggiated chord pattern with my pick or plectrum.
Nice job Steve, particularly with the single string picking for the bridge, really smooth transition into and out of that.
It felt like you relaxed more comfortably into the song as it went on! I can hardly call that a criticism though, I think most of us do similar, I know I do!!
Hi Steve,
It’s a beautiful song and you are already very well on your way and your beautiful voice definitely helps this song, as far as playing the guitar is concerned this was one of the hardest yet for you I think and it didn’t go automatically (from memory) I see.
I would definitely say play this one a lot more often and I know 100% that in time when you have the rhythm/chords guitar in your head and the transitions come naturally you will have an absolutely gig worthy song,
Greetings,Rogier
@Notter Mark, thanks! There were definitely nerves at the beginning. That’s the real reason I played the chords for the first verse without vocals. It gave me a chance to settle the nerves before I started singing.
@DavidP and @CateB I’m happy you enjoyed the arpeggiated chords (individually picked chord notes). I had practiced this technique for several years but just decided to add to the song yesterday and played a semi-random pattern. Everyone seems to like this so I may have to record videos for California Dreamin’ and Sounds of Silence as an arpeggiated 2 song packaged post next month, since I have been working on them even longer than Fields of Gold.
@roger_holland Rogier, thanks for the kind words. I’m not sure if I will be gig-worthy, but perhaps open mic worthy. I have the chord progressions memorized but I have always had problems remembering lyrics.
Hi Steve,
Excellent video!
This is the way to do it!
Singing and playing is what I think players need to do to improve in their playing.
Keep on playing, and the smooth chord transitions will simply happen, like magic!
I always say, the right hand/strumming hand has the soul and spirit of the song.
Very nice singing, I love this version!
Respectfully,
Rene
Hello Steve, oh wow, you did a really good job on this song .
I love the strumming pattern and the picking part in the bridge .
Your voice suited perfectly to the song. All in all very enjoyable.
I’m also practicing this song from time to time. Although, I play it in another key (without F chord ) and in a picking only- and much simpler version as yours.
But I love this song and its melancholy .
Great performance, Steve
@ReneAsologuitar@BigLuc@SgtColon@NicoleKKB@Socio Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement. It makes the playing and singing so much more meaningful when you know that others are enjoying the music.
That sounded great, Steve. Your strumming is really good, keep the song in your practice rotation for awhile longer and it’ll be … golden!! Your strumming sounds very confident, and confidence is very very helpful to just keep on playing, any small mistakes are often not even noticed. And finally - I love your voice! You definitely did justice to the vocals on this song.
Very good 
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) and in a picking only- and much simpler version as yours.
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Your strumming sounds very confident, and confidence is very very helpful to just keep on playing, any small mistakes are often not even noticed. And finally - I love your voice! You definitely did justice to the vocals on this song.