Simon & Garfunkel's "April, Come She Will" is a gentle, folk classic from their album "Sounds of Silence." The original features fingerstyle guitar by Paul Simon, emphasizing soft dynamics and melodic picking, which creates a mellow, flowing feel.
Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: G, C, Am, Em, D, and Fmaj7. Fmaj7 is the trickiest, but keep your first finger off the high E string for its open, airy sound.
Strumming vs. Picking:
The original uses fingerpicking, but beginners can strum softly or use a simple picking pattern. For strumming, try a gentle downstroke on each chord, keeping the rhythm slow and even. If you wish to mimic the picking, pluck the bass note first (lowest string in the chord), then lightly pick the higher strings in sequence.
Strumming Pattern Suggestion:
D (down) – D – U (up) – D – U per chord works well. Emphasize the first downstroke for each chord change.
Chord Transitions:
Practice switching between G and C, as these changes happen frequently. To move from G to C, keep your ring finger as an anchor if possible. For Am to Em, it's a simple finger adjustment: just move your index and middle fingers down one string each.
Tips:
Keep your hand relaxed and focus on smooth transitions. If Fmaj7 is difficult, play only the top four strings. Listen to the original for timing and dynamics—keep it soft and flowing throughout.