Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About

Asus2

Am

G

C

F

The Sound of Silence Simon and Garfunkel

How to Play "The Sound of Silence" on Guitar

Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” is a classic folk song known for its gentle, melancholic mood and simple, haunting melody. The original recording is mostly fingerpicked, but it also works beautifully with a gentle, steady strum.

Chords:
Most of the chords in this version are beginner-friendly: Am, C, F, and G (with Gadd as a variation). Asus2 is featured only in the intro. Practice the F chord thoroughly, as it can be a challenge for beginners—try the simplified version shown in the chord definition.

Strumming Pattern:
Use a soft, slow strumming pattern to reflect the song’s mood. A good beginner pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. Keep your strums light and even, using the fingernails or thumb for a softer sound.

Transitions:
Focus on smooth transitions between Am, C, and F, as they occur frequently. Practice moving from G to Am quickly, especially at the end of each verse. For the intro, use Asus2 with a single slow strum or gentle picking.

Tips:
Count the beats out loud as you learn. Keep your fretting fingers close to the strings for clean changes. Don’t rush—let the mellow pace guide your playing. Once comfortable, try picking the strings individually for a more authentic folk sound.

With patience and slow practice, this song is a rewarding piece for any beginner.

Intro

Asus²

Verse 1

Am Hello darkness my oldG^add friend, I've come toG talk with you aAm gain

Because aC vision softlyF creeping, left its seed while I wasF sleepC ing

And theF vision, that was planted in myC brain, still reAm mains

C Within theG sound ofAm silence

Verse 2

In restless dreams I walked aG lone, narrow streets of cobbleAm stone

'Neath theC halo of aF streetC lamp, I turned my collar to theF cold andC damp

When myF eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neonC light, that split theAm night

C And touched theG sound ofAm silence

Verse 3

And in the naked light IG saw, ten-thousand people maybeAm more

PeopleC talking withF out speakC ing, people hearing withF out listenC ing

People writingF songs, that voices neverC share, and no oneAm dared

C Disturb theG sound ofAm silence

Verse 4

"Fools" said I "you do notG know, silence like a cancerAm grows

Hear myC words that IF might teachC you, take my arms that IF might reachC you"

But myF words, like silent raindropsC fell,Am andC echoed, in theG wells ofAm silence

Verse 5

And the people bowed andG prayed, to the neon god theyAm made

And theC sign flashed outF its warnC ing, in the words that itF was formC ing

And the signs said "TheF words of the prophets are written on the subwayC walls

And tenementAm halls," andC whisper'd in theG sounds ofAm silence

Outro

Am