Learn to Play Simon & Garfunkel

Embark on a memorable musical journey with tutor Lee Hodgson with the enchanting folk-rock melodies of Simon & Garfunkel. Our latest product, "Learn to Play Simon & Garfunkel", will guide you through their iconic songs note by note. Get ready to delve into the deep layers of intricacies and expressions embedded in these timeless tunes.

Mrs. Robinson

Released in 1968, "Mrs. Robinson" is a bright and upbeat song. Our guitar lesson focuses on the key D major scale throughout, yet it's far from a simple tune. The two-part harmony found in the chorus is a good workout for your finger positioning and transitions. Playing this song requires fluidity in chord progressions and a sense of rhythm to maintain the jangly, energetic feel. Paul Simon, the lead guitarist, contributes an elegant simplicity to the song that makes it incredibly catchy and enduring.

The Boxer

"The Boxer" is a beautifully complex piece that gives guitarists a real chance to showcase their skills. The song is primarily in the key of C Major and features a finger-picking pattern that underlies the entire song, offering a consistent rhythmic structure. Paul Simon's signature guitar work is present here with his focus on melodic phrasing within his solos, which often use arpeggiated chord progressions. This is a perfect song for learning and refining your fingerpicking technique.

Scarborough Fair/Canticle

"Scarborough Fair/Canticle" is a traditional English ballad that Simon & Garfunkel transformed with their haunting vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work. The song is set in the key of E minor, and it's a masterpiece of fingerstyle guitar. Simon's intricate picking patterns beautifully echo the tune's historical roots. His innovative combination of chords and picking techniques create a unique sound that's distinctly Simon & Garfunkel.

America

"America" showcases Simon's superb guitar technique and masterful songwriting. The song is built around a series of major and minor chords, providing a rich tapestry for exploring chord progressions. Played in the key of F# Major, the chord structure and strumming pattern offer a superb platform for novice guitarists to improve their fretwork.

The Sound of Silence

"The Sound of Silence" is one of the duo's most famous songs, recognized by its somber tone and expressive lyrics. The song is set in D minor, and its melody is driven by a simple, yet effective, finger-picking pattern. Simon's solo in this song is a masterclass in how to use scales and arpeggios to create a mood. The subtle, rhythmic variations in his picking patterns add texture to the song, and his choice of scale gives the piece its melancholic vibe.

Paul Simon, one half of the duo, is known for his precise, intricate guitar work and his knack for making complex techniques look effortless. Simon’s playing uses a variety of scales, often mixing major and minor, to create a wide emotional range in his music. His solos are full of dynamic variations and intricate fingerpicking patterns, yet they always serve the song first and foremost. His playing is a great study in how to use guitar techniques to enhance a song without overpowering it.

Each of these five songs provides a unique opportunity to master specific guitar techniques. Whether it's the jangly strumming in "Mrs. Robinson", the intricate fingerpicking of "Scarborough Fair/Canticle", the rolling chords of "America", or the expressive arpeggios in "The Sound of Silence", each song will challenge and inspire you in new ways.

Techniques Used in Lessons

Below is a list of techniques used in these lessons:

• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Chord progressions
• Arpeggios
• Finger picking
• Sustain
• String bending
• Open-string riffs
• Octave melodies
• Arpeggiated chord progressions

Mastering these techniques will not only help you play Simon & Garfunkel songs, but will also enhance your overall guitar playing skills. So, grab your guitar and embark on this journey of learning with us at Licklibrary.com!