Learn the Fingerstyle Techniques for Simon and Garfunkel's Iconic Song
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Simon and Garfunkel
- The 59th Street Bridge Song
- Fingerstyle Techniques for Beginners
- Chord Progressions in the Song
- Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the Intro Section
- Applying Fingerstyle Techniques to the Verses
- Tips for Singing and Playing Simultaneously
- Conclusion
- Resources
Introduction
In this tutorial, we will be diving into the classic Simon and Garfunkel song, "The 59th Street Bridge Song" also known as "Feeling Groovy." This song is a great choice for beginners who are looking to improve their fingerstyle technique. We will break down the song step by step, starting with the intro section, and then applying the fingerstyle techniques to the different verses. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to play and sing along with this iconic folk song.
About Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk duo formed in the 1960s. Consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel, the duo created a string of hit songs that have become timeless classics. Their music is known for its beautiful harmonies, poetic lyrics, and acoustic guitar-driven melodies. "The 59th Street Bridge Song" is one of their most iconic and beloved songs, capturing the essence of their unique sound.
The 59th Street Bridge Song
"The 59th Street Bridge Song," also known as "Feeling Groovy," was released in 1966 as part of Simon and Garfunkel's fourth studio album, "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme." The song embodies a carefree and optimistic vibe with its catchy melody and joyful lyrics. It has become synonymous with the folk-rock era of the 1960s and continues to be loved by audiences of all ages.
Fingerstyle Techniques for Beginners
If you're new to fingerstyle guitar playing, "The 59th Street Bridge Song" is a fantastic song to learn and practice your skills. The song primarily uses a basic fingerpicking pattern over a simple chord progression, making it accessible for beginners. By mastering this pattern, you'll not only be able to play this song but also improve your fingerpicking technique as a whole.
To get started, let's break down the fingerpicking pattern used in the song. We will be using Travis picking, a popular fingerpicking technique named after the influential guitarist Merle Travis. Travis picking involves using your thumb to play the bass notes while your index, middle, and ring fingers handle the melody strings.
Chord Progressions in the Song
Before diving into the fingerstyle techniques, let's familiarize ourselves with the chord progressions used in "The 59th Street Bridge Song." The song primarily revolves around four chords: C major, G/B, A minor, and G major. These chords are relatively simple and beginner-friendly, making them perfect for those starting out on the guitar.
The chord progression for the verses is as follows:
- Verse 1: C - G/B - A minor - G
- Verse 2: C - G/B - A minor - G
- Verse 3: C - G/B - A minor - G
By practicing the chord changes and getting comfortable with the finger positions, you'll be able to flow smoothly through the song's progression.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the Intro Section
Now let's dive into the step-by-step guide to playing the intro section of "The 59th Street Bridge Song." The intro section sets the mood for the song and introduces the fingerstyle techniques that we'll be using throughout. By mastering this section, you'll have a solid foundation for playing the rest of the song.
To begin, place a capo on the third fret and tune your guitar to standard tuning. We'll be playing in the key of B flat major, but with the capo, our finger positions will correspond to the G major shape.
Start by playing the C major chord using the G major shape at the third fret. The fingerpicking pattern for this chord is as follows:
- Play the fifth string (A) with your thumb.
- Play the third string (G) with your middle finger.
- Play the second string (B) with your index finger.
Keep repeating this pattern in a steady rhythm (one-two) to establish the groove of the song.
Next, transition to the G/B chord. This chord is formed by adding the second fret of the fifth string (A) with your index finger while keeping the rest of the fingerpicking pattern the same.
Continue with the fingerpicking pattern for the A minor chord, which involves playing the fifth string (A) with your thumb, the second string (B) with your index finger, and the third string (G) with your middle finger.
Finally, transition to the G major chord by adding the third fret of the sixth string (low E) with your ring finger. Maintain the fingerpicking pattern, playing the sixth string (low E) with your thumb, the third string (G) with your middle finger, and the second string (B) with your index finger.
Practice this fingerpicking pattern for each chord until you can smoothly transition between them. Remember to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you build muscle memory.
Applying Fingerstyle Techniques to the Verses
Now that we have mastered the fingerstyle techniques in the intro section, let's apply them to the verses of "The 59th Street Bridge Song." Each verse follows the same chord progression as the intro: C - G/B - A minor - G.
To play the verses, simply strum the chords using the fingerpicking pattern we learned earlier. Start with the C major chord, playing the bass notes with your thumb and the melody notes with your index, middle, and ring fingers. Repeat the same pattern for the G/B, A minor, and G chords.
Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and clean fingerpicking technique as you play through the verses. Gradually increase your speed to match the tempo of the song and feel the groove of the music.
Tips for Singing and Playing Simultaneously
Singing and playing can be a challenge, especially for beginners. It requires coordination between your hands and your voice. Here are some tips to help you master the art of singing and playing simultaneously:
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Practice each part separately: Begin by mastering the fingerstyle guitar part and the vocals separately. Once you are comfortable with each part, gradually merge them together.
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Start with a slower tempo: When first attempting to sing and play together, start with a slower tempo. This will allow you to focus on coordinating your hands and voice without feeling overwhelmed.
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Simplify the vocals: If you find it challenging to sing and play complex vocal melodies, simplify the vocal part. Focus on the main melody and gradually add embellishments as you become more comfortable.
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Use a metronome: Use a metronome or drum beat to keep steady time while practicing. This will help you internalize the rhythm and stay in sync with the music.
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Practice regularly: Like any skill, singing and playing simultaneously requires practice. Set aside dedicated practice sessions to work on this aspect of your musicality.
Remember, it may take time and patience to master singing and playing together. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the process.
Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to play "The 59th Street Bridge Song" by Simon and Garfunkel! By mastering the fingerstyle techniques and applying them to the verses, you've taken a significant step towards becoming a proficient fingerstyle guitarist. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different variations, and have fun with the song. Keep exploring the music of Simon and Garfunkel and continue to expand your repertoire.
Resources
Highlights
- Learn how to play "The 59th Street Bridge Song" by Simon and Garfunkel
- Master fingerstyle techniques for beginners
- Explore the chord progressions and fingerpicking patterns used in the song
- Step-by-step guide to playing the intro section
- Apply fingerstyle techniques to the verses
- Tips for singing and playing simultaneously
- Practice regularly to improve your skills
FAQ
Q: Is this song suitable for beginner guitarists?
A: Yes, "The 59th Street Bridge Song" is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those starting out with fingerstyle guitar playing.
Q: Do I need to use a capo to play this song?
A: Yes, a capo on the third fret is necessary to match the key and finger positions used in the tutorial.
Q: Can I sing along while playing the song?
A: Absolutely! Though it may take practice to coordinate your hands and voice, singing and playing simultaneously adds a whole new dimension to the music.
Q: Are there any resources to further enhance my fingerstyle guitar skills?
A: Yes, you can find additional fingerstyle guitar lessons and resources on platforms such as Patreon or dedicated guitar tutorial websites.
Q: Can I apply the fingerstyle techniques learned in this tutorial to other songs?
A: Yes, the fingerstyle techniques taught in this tutorial can be applied to various other songs and genres. Practice and experimentation will help you develop your skills further.
