Learn To Play Simon & Garfunkel

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Immerse yourself in the timeless acoustics of one of folk rock's most iconic duos with "Learn To Play Simon & Garfunkel." This comprehensive tutorial package from Lee Hodgson not only dives deep into the melodic tapestry and intricate guitar work that characterizes Simon & Garfunkel's music but also pays homage to the legendary Paul Simon’s guitar craftsmanship. Discover the essence of songs that have transcended generations and explore the guitar techniques that make these tunes both a pleasure and a challenge to master.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Mrs Robinson 

The Boxer 

Scarborough Fair 

America 

The Sound Of Silence

Lesson Performance Notes

Mrs Robinson

"Mrs Robinson," a cornerstone in the American folk-rock genre, offers guitarists a unique opportunity to delve into chord-based riffs and the bright, resonant sounds of the 60s era. The song primarily revolves around the key of E major and employs a mixture of open chords and barre chords, providing an excellent practice ground for chord switching and rhythm consistency. Paul Simon's playful yet controlled strumming patterns add a percussive element, making timing and strumming precision crucial for this piece.

The Boxer

With "The Boxer," guitarists encounter a blend of fingerstyle and strumming that accompanies a story told with heartfelt emotion. This song is a treasure trove for those keen on enhancing their fingerpicking techniques, as Simon's style incorporates arpeggiated patterns and Travis picking. The song’s narrative unfolds in the key of C major, and the guitar work prominently features a bass note melody that requires precise finger placement and movement.

Scarborough Fair

"Scarborough Fair" is an enchanting tune that stands out due to its Renaissance fair-like quality and hauntingly beautiful melody. This song is an opportunity to practice chord transitions and fingerpicking in the key of D minor. The traditional English ballad is made unique by Simon & Garfunkel’s addition of counter melodies, requiring guitarists to maintain melody and harmony concurrently. Mastery of open chords and the ability to play clean arpeggios are crucial for delivering this song’s ethereal mood.

America

"America" takes the listener on a lyrical road trip, with the guitar composition reflecting the song's thematic journey. Set in the key of E major, this track is an ode to open chords, barre chords, and a mixture of strumming patterns that convey both the excitement of travel and introspective calm. Emphasis on dynamics, building intensity, and then pulling back is a key component of mastering this piece.

The Sound of Silence

The melancholic and profound "The Sound of Silence" presents guitarists with a chance to explore the emotive power of music. Played in the key of E minor, it involves a consistent arpeggio pattern with a strong focus on chord shapes and finger positioning. The song’s haunting quality is achieved through a delicate balance of strumming and fingerpicking, requiring players to develop a nuanced touch.

Paul Simon's Guitar Mastery

Behind these timeless tracks was Paul Simon's exceptional understanding of the guitar. His approach was never about showcasing virtuosity but rather serving the song. His intricate fingerstyle patterns, understanding of melody within chord structures, and incorporation of non-traditional rhythms and chords show a musician who used the guitar as an extension of his lyrical intent. Simon’s playing, heavily influenced by folk, rock, and world music, utilized the guitar’s sonic possibilities to their fullest, creating multi-textured layers that complemented his and Garfunkel’s vocal harmonies. His contribution is a testament to how rhythm, melody, and harmony can coalesce into memorable music that moves generations.

Techniques Overview

In these lessons, several techniques are recurrent and essential to capturing Simon & Garfunkel’s sound. Understanding and mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your learning experience and ability to play these iconic songs.

• Vibrato
• Finger Picking
• Travis Picking
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Double-stops
• Altered Tunings
• Capo
• Syncopated Rhythms

Embracing the intricacies of these techniques is vital in recreating the authentic sound and feel of Simon & Garfunkel’s music. Each song in this collection is a doorway to understanding a rich tapestry of guitar skills and musical expression. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, "Learn To Play Simon & Garfunkel" is your journey through the landscape of classic folk-rock guitar.