The original Simon and Garfunkel recording is known for its gentle, fingerpicked guitar and delicate vocal delivery. Paul Simon’s folk-inspired style is central to the song’s dreamy atmosphere.
## Chords and Progression
The song uses open chords: D, G, Em, Cmaj7, A, and C. These are beginner-friendly shapes, especially if you’re familiar with folk guitar.
## Strumming and Rhythm
For beginners, a soft, slow downstroke strum works well. Try a simple pattern like down-down-up-up-down-up for each measure. The song’s gentle mood benefits from a light touch; avoid aggressive strumming.
## Chord Transitions
Practice moving between D and G, and G to Em, as these are frequent changes. Cmaj7 (x32000) is like C but without the first finger; take care to let it ring clearly. The A chord appears at the end of phrases—make sure to get there smoothly from G.
## Tips
If you’re comfortable, try light fingerpicking: pluck the bass note with your thumb, then the higher strings with your fingers. For strumming, use the pads of your fingers instead of a pick for a softer sound. Listen closely to the original for timing and dynamics.
Take it slow, focus on smooth transitions, and let the chords ring out to match the song’s delicate feel.