Learn Paul Simon's Fingerpicking Techniques in 'Homeward Bound'

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Voice Tracer by Philips
3. The Features of Voice Tracer
4. Using Voice Tracer as an Audio Interface
5. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Intro Section
6. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Verse Section
7. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Pre-Chorus Section
8. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Chorus Section
9. Applying the Techniques to Other Verses and Choruses
10. Conclusion

🎵 Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound"

Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" is a timeless classic that showcases his incredible songwriting and fingerpicking skills. In this article, we will dive deep into the different sections of the song and break down the techniques used by Simon. Whether you are a beginner guitarist or an experienced musician looking to learn a new song, this breakdown will provide you with the tools and knowledge to play "Homeward Bound" with confidence.

The Voice Tracer by Philips

Before we start dissecting the song, let's talk about a handy tool for capturing live sound on the go - the Voice Tracer by Philips. This affordable and user-friendly device is a songwriter and performer's dream. With high-quality microphones and the ability to connect external instruments, the Voice Tracer allows you to capture every nuance of your performances. It also boasts an impressive 16-gigabyte storage capacity, making it easy to transfer your recordings to your computer for editing. If you're looking for a portable solution to capture your musical ideas, the Voice Tracer is a must-have gadget.

1. Introduction

"Homeward Bound" is a beautiful song that reflects on the feelings of longing and nostalgia for home. With its heartfelt lyrics and intricate fingerpicking patterns, it has captivated audiences for decades. In this article, we will explore the different sections of the song, starting with the mesmerizing intro.

5. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Intro Section

The intro of "Homeward Bound" sets the mood for the entire song and instantly grabs the listener's attention. Simon's choice to use open G and B strings, coupled with the root of the G chord, creates a unique and captivating sound. Let's break down the intro section step by step:

1. G and B strings open - Start by playing the open G and B strings. This creates a beautiful resonance when coupled with the third fret of the low E string, which serves as the root of the G chord.

2. Hammer and pull-off - Perform a hammer-on and a pull-off on the second fret of the G string and the first fret of the B string.

3. F chord snippet - Play the third fret of the D string and the second fret of the G string to capture a snippet of the F chord.

4. D string, G string, and open G - Move down to the second fret of the D string and pair it with the open G string.

5. C chord root - Grab the root of the C chord by playing the open G string, and also play the root of the C chord using the second fret of the D string.

6. Hammer-on and open G - Perform a hammer-on on the second fret of the D string and pair it with the open G string. Finally, play the open G string to complete the intro.

Practice this section slowly and focus on getting each note clean and clear. The intro sets the stage for the rest of the song and showcases Simon's unique fingerpicking style.

6. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Verse Section

The verse section of "Homeward Bound" follows a consistent fingerpicking pattern throughout all the verses. This makes it one of the easier fingerpicking tunes by Simon. Let's break down the verse section step by step:

1. G major chord - Start off with the G major chord, but only fret the third fret of the low E string. For this section, you will only use the low E string, D string, G string, and B string.

2. Fingerpicking pattern - Use the following fingerpicking pattern over the G major chord: alternating bass between the low E string and D string, followed by plucking the B, D, and G strings with your thumb, middle finger, and index finger respectively. Repeat this pattern twice over the G chord.

3. G slash F sharp chord - Transition to the G slash F sharp chord by placing your middle finger on the second fret of the low E string. Repeat the same fingerpicking pattern twice over this chord.

4. Descending pattern - Move down to the first fret of the low E string and continue the same fingerpicking pattern.

5. E minor chord - Play the E minor chord and repeat the same fingerpicking pattern, but incorporate an "outside-inside" pattern. This means plucking the G and D strings simultaneously, then the B and D strings simultaneously.

6. A minor chord - Transition to the A minor chord and apply the same "outside-inside" pattern. Finally, use your pinkie or ring finger to play the G note (third fret of the low E string) to walk you down to an F chord.

The verse section follows this pattern throughout all the verses. Remember to practice the fingerpicking pattern slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

7. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Pre-Chorus Section

The pre-chorus of "Homeward Bound" introduces some traditional fingerpicking techniques and a walk-in transition. Let's break it down step by step:

1. G major chord - Start with a G major chord and use a double inside-outside-inside pattern. This means you pluck the low E string, followed by the D and G strings, and then repeat the pattern. This will open up the possibility for the walk-in transition.

2. A minor 7 chord - Play an A minor 7 chord by plucking the A string and the B string on the first fret. Then transition to the G slash B chord by playing the second fret of the A string and the third fret of the B string.

3. C major chord - Move to a C major chord and continue the double inside-outside-inside pattern. Then, walk down to a C slash B chord by playing the second fret of the A string and the first fret of the B string.

Practice this pre-chorus section slowly to ensure you can smoothly transition between the chords and execute the fingerpicking pattern with precision.

8. Breaking Down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" - Chorus Section

The chorus section of "Homeward Bound" introduces a strumming technique and a captivating chord progression. Let's break it down step by step:

1. G major chord - Start by playing the G major chord and plucking the root, followed by a down-up-down-up strum.

2. F chord snippet - Transition to a snippet of the F chord by playing the second fret of the G string and the third fret of the D string.

3. D string, G string, and open G - Move to the second fret of the D string and play it with the open G string.

4. C major chord - Play the C major chord and apply the same strumming and plucking pattern as before.

Repeat this chord progression throughout the chorus, and remember to focus on the clarity of each note and the dynamics of your strumming.

9. Applying the Techniques to Other Verses and Choruses

Now that you have learned the specific techniques for each section of "Homeward Bound," you can apply them to the other verses and choruses in the song. The key is to maintain consistency in your fingerpicking patterns and chord progressions.

10. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully broken down Paul Simon's "Homeward Bound" and learned the various fingerpicking techniques and chord progressions used in the song. Remember to practice each section slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. With dedication and practice, you'll be able to play this beautiful song with confidence. Keep strumming and enjoy the journey!

Highlights:

• "Homeward Bound" by Paul Simon is a timeless classic known for its heartfelt lyrics and intricate fingerpicking patterns.
• The Voice Tracer by Philips is an essential gadget for songwriters and performers to capture live sound on the go.
• The intro section utilizes open strings, hammer-ons, and chord snippets to create a captivating sound.
• The verse section follows a consistent fingerpicking pattern over the G major chord and incorporates the "outside-inside" technique.
• The pre-chorus section introduces traditional fingerpicking techniques and a walk-in transition.
• The chorus section incorporates strumming and includes chord progressions like G, F, D, and C.

FAQ:

1. Q: Can I play "Homeward Bound" on an acoustic guitar without a capo?

   • A: Yes, you can play the song without a capo by adjusting the chord positions accordingly.

2. Q: Are there any alternative fingerpicking patterns I can use?

   • A: While the breakdown focuses on the specific fingerpicking pattern used by Paul Simon, feel free to experiment with different patterns that suit your style.