Song Tabs

 About the Original

Originally by Simon & Garfunkel, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a piano-driven ballad. When adapted for guitar, focus on conveying its gentle, supportive mood.

Chords and Progression

This arrangement uses open chords: G, C, D, D7, Em, F, Am, Cm, and B7. Most are beginner-friendly, but F (barre chord), Cm, and B7 may require extra practice. Substitute F with Fmaj7 or X03210 if needed.

Strumming Pattern

Begin with a slow, even strum to match the song’s emotional tone. Try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D D U U D U) for each bar. For softer sections, use just downstrokes or lightly fingerpick individual strings.

Tips for Chord Transitions

Practice moving between G, C, and D, as these repeat throughout. For smoother transitions, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and look ahead to the next shape. The switch from C to F and Am to D may need extra focus.

Techniques

Allow chords to ring out fully, especially at the ends of lines. For the instrumental and outro, play gently. If fingerpicking, alternate thumb for bass notes and fingers for melody.

Summary

Focus on smooth chord changes, slow tempo, and gentle dynamics to capture the song’s supportive spirit. Take your time to master tricky chords and enjoy the process!