"America" by Simon & Garfunkel

The Licklibrary.com guitar lesson for "America" by Simon & Garfunkel offers an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of one of the most emotionally resonant and musically rich acoustic songs in the folk-rock canon. This beautifully crafted track, released in 1968 on the duo's Bookends album, provides a wealth of guitar techniques that are not only rewarding to learn but also essential for any guitarist aiming to master acoustic storytelling through the instrument.

Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your acoustic playing or an experienced player wanting to capture the finer details of Paul Simon's elegant style, this lesson is a treasure trove of practical, expressive guitar work. Let’s explore what this song teaches and why these techniques are so powerful. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Breakdown & Guitar Techniques

Fingerpicking Patterns and Dynamics

At the core of "America" lies a sophisticated use of finger-picking. Paul Simon’s intricate picking patterns balance melody, bass lines, and inner harmonies all at once, making the acoustic guitar a full ensemble on its own. This technique improves coordination and rhythmic independence, building the skills necessary to accompany vocals while maintaining harmonic complexity.

Learning this technique will help guitarists develop more expressive solo acoustic performances, with increased control over tone, texture, and musical phrasing.

Arpeggiated Chord Voicings

The verses of "America" showcase beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions that highlight Simon's unique harmonic sensibility. These broken chords, picked string by string, create a shimmering, flowing texture that supports the song's introspective lyrical themes.

Arpeggiating chords in this manner teaches precision and clean note separation, helping players develop better clarity in both rhythm and lead guitar roles.

Use of Capo

A capo is used in "America" to shift the tonal centre without changing chord shapes. Simon places the capo on the second fret, which allows him to play familiar open chord shapes while achieving a higher, brighter tonal register that suits the song's vocal range and mood.

Learning how to use a capo enhances your understanding of transposition, vocal accompaniment, and tonal control, making it a vital tool for live performance and songwriting.

Slides and Legato Techniques

Throughout the song, subtle slides and legato transitions between chords and melodic fragments add a lyrical quality to the guitar work. These fluid movements between notes bring emotional nuance and smoothness to acoustic playing.

Mastering these techniques improves finger dexterity, sustain control, and expressive phrasing — essential skills for both lead and rhythm guitarists.

Barre Chords and Chordal Movement

Though the arrangement is rooted in folk simplicity, "America" also introduces barre chords and movable shapes that challenge the hand strength and precision of developing guitarists. Switching between open chords and barre chords strengthens fret-hand control and opens up new voicing possibilities across the fretboard.

This flexibility will allow guitarists to play in any key and unlock a broader range of harmonic ideas in their own music.

About the Guitarist: Paul Simon

Paul Simon, the primary guitarist on "America", is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful and innovative songwriters of the 20th century. His guitar playing is equally revered — understated yet complex, always serving the song. Simon blends folk, jazz, classical, and pop influences into a unique fingerstyle approach that has inspired generations of musicians.

His influence is found in the works of guitarists like James Taylor, John Mayer, and contemporary acoustic players who value lyrical phrasing and chordal richness. Simon’s playing on "America" is a perfect example of how technical mastery can coexist with emotional depth.

Why Learn "America"?

Studying "America" is more than just learning a classic tune. It’s a masterclass in dynamic acoustic guitar playing, melodic storytelling, and compositional intelligence. By learning this song through our lesson, guitarists will:

• Develop advanced finger-style techniques for solo and accompaniment work
• Gain fluency in arpeggiated chord progressions and alternative voicings
• Learn how to use a capo for vocal-friendly arrangements
• Improve phrasing and articulation through legato and slide techniques
• Strengthen chord transitions and barre chord facility

Each technique serves the emotional arc of the song, giving players a deeper understanding of how guitar playing can enhance lyrical meaning and connect with an audience.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Capo
• Slides
• Legato
• Barre Chords

Licklibrary's lesson on "America" invites guitarists to explore one of the most poetic and musically rich songs in the folk-rock era. With a blend of emotional storytelling and elegant technique, this lesson provides a powerful opportunity to enhance your playing and connect more deeply with your instrument.