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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.

The chord progression for “The Sound Of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is in the key of A minor. It makes use of both diatonic and borrowed chords. The song reflects a folk and folk rock style, with its roots in the 1960s. The melody and harmony are interwoven to form an integral part of the song, reflecting the introspective and melancholic mood of the lyrics.

“Lost Cause” by Beck from the album “Sea Change” showcases a melancholic and heartfelt mood with a slow tempo, exuding a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The song can be described as a folk-rock ballad with subtle touches of country and indie rock.

“Sour Times” by Portishead is largely written in the key of C# minor, with elements of modal interchange and chromaticism that contribute to its haunting, dark sound. The song exhibits a remarkable amount of harmonic complexity and non-diatonic harmony, which is a defining characteristic of the trip-hop genre. The piece makes use of intricate inversions and chromatic voice leading, along with a frequent use of sevenths and diminished chords for added tension.

Across the Universe by The Beatles is a melancholic, introspective piece set in the key of D major, imbuing an overall sound spectrum that’s somber with a hint of hopeful resolution. The chord progression utilizes both diatonic and borrowed chords, making it both unusual and interesting.

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound Of Silence – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

1. G Major (VII)
2. A Minor (i)
3. F Major (VI)
4. C Major (III)
5. F Major (VI)
6. C Major (III)
7. F Major (VI)
8. C Major (III)
9. C Major/B (III0)
10. A Minor (i)
11. C Major (III)
12. G Major (VII)
13. A Minor (i)
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Borrowed Chords: G Major (VII)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles: C, G, Am, F, C, G, F, C (I, V, vi, IV, I, V, IV, I)
2. “Despite What You’ve Been Told” by Two Gallants: Am, F, C, G (vi, IV, I, V)
3. “Wonderwall” by Oasis: Em, G, D, A (ii, IV, I, V)

The same descending (step-wise) bass motion can also be found throughout the Beatles’ seminal “Let It Be,” where it escorts the listener from the root position C through its first inversion (C/B) to root position Am, following a similar trajectory to Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound Of Silence.”

The occasional use of borrowed chords also relates to the Beatles music that often saw these to establish an emotional center in their pieces. In their progression, however, the Beatles resolve to the Major tonic (C) which allows a more uplifting resolution similar to the picardy third used in many classical pieces, a contrast to the “Sound of Silence” where the minor tonal center gives a darker shade to the music.

Musical Analysis

This progression mainly consists of basic triadic harmony with some use of first inversion chords, specifically C/B which is lot of a step-wise or scalar bass movement.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

Simon & Garfunkel have been categorized as folk rock artists, and their music often features intricate harmonies and layered meanings. “The Sound of Silence” marries these typical tendencies with a more pop-oriented approach to songwriting, with its strong, memorable melody and poignant, contemplative lyrics addressing themes of alienation and social disconnection.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel are:

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