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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is written in the key of Am and follows the Verse-Chorus form common in pop and rock music. The progression consists of a beachfront of common and borrowed chords, showing the use of modal interchange and diatonic chords in creating a memorable and emotive sound.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is a song from the folk-rock genre. Built on simplicity with few chords used throughout the whole song, the primary focus of the song is on the hauntingly beautiful melody and the profound lyrics. It is written in the key of Am which gives the song a melancholic and somber tone.

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

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“Riptide,” by Vance Joy has a classic, highly repetitive chord progression that creates the folk/pop character of the song. It is written in the key of C Major and uses the simplified I-IV-vi progression, which is also widely used in pop music. In addition, it has a common modulated transition via V chord (G) to the vi chord (Am). There are no borrowed chords in this progression. This repetitive structure can be appealing due to its simplicity and familiarity.

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The song “3s and 7s” by Queens of the Stone Age is in the key of A# minor. The chord progression predominantly features three chords: A#m, G#, and F. The progression utilizes elements of rock and metal music, characteristic of the band’s style. The composition has a darker feel brought by the use of minor chords and dropped tuning, which is frequently employed in harder styles of rock music.

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’]

Chord 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’)
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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.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel are:

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’]