Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence – Verse 1
The Sound Of Silence < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am, G, Am, F, C, F, C, F, C, C/B, Am, C, G, AmChord Progression Analysis
Here’s an analysis of the chords when related to the key of A minor:
Am (‘i’)
G (‘bVII’)
Am (‘i’)
F (‘bVI’)
C (‘III’)
F (‘bVI’)
C (‘III’)
F (‘bVI’)
C (‘III’)
C/B (‘III’)
Am (‘i’)
C (‘III’)
G (‘bVII’)
Am (‘i’)
These chords are not all diatonic (naturally occurring within the key of A minor), the F (bVI), and G (bVII) are borrowed from the parallel Mixolydian Mode.
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Borrowed Chords:
F (bVI)
G (bVII)Similar Chord Progressions
An example of a song with a similar chord progression (and also in the key of A minor) is the famous Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. The progression in Stairway to Heaven, although not identical, brings the same combination of minor and major chords in sequence.
Stairway to Heaven’s Verse:
Am (‘i’)
C/G (‘III’)
G (‘bVII’)
D/F# (‘IV’)
F (‘bVI’)
Am (‘i’)
Am (‘i’)
Musical Analysis
The chord progression in The Sound Of Silence creates a moving and haunting atmosphere fitting for the song’s themes of alienation and despair. The repeated use of the i – bVII – i transition creates a feeling of yearning that becomes increasingly poignant as the song progresses.
Overall Analysis
The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.
Style Analysis
In terms of style, the use of this particular chord progression is typical of the folk rock genre, and was popular in 1960s, with frequent use of minor keys as a means to evoke melancholy or pensiveness.
What are the chords in: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence – Verse 1?
Am, G, Am, F, C, F, C, F, C, C/B, Am, C, G, Am