How Paul Simon wrote the PERFECT chord progression

We take a look at a wonderful Paul Simon track and gradually increase the complexity of the chords used. Tabs are available at my Patreon page!
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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
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[@NewFalconerRecords]

Shane MacGowan has said that you don't write songs, they're already out there, it's just a matter of catching them before Paul Simon does.

[@peacemonger766]

Good luck with that!

[@peterkausche5242]

Must be true.Gordon Lightfoot once had said something similar,being asked how he could write all those beautyfull songs: there is a song coming up and I have to sit and write it down.

[@collin8909]

Too true... Paul is a songwriting genius. I've been listening to his music and loving it for years, and learned from him the importance of letting a song become what it wants to be, rather than trying to bend it to your will. There was something he said in an interview to that effect, I think it was around the release of Stranger to Stranger, and it really blew the lid off my own writing. (By the way if you have not heard Stranger to Stranger, run don't walk... The album is solid gold, up there with Graceland or Rhythm of the Saints in my book. He just keeps continuing to evolve, and this masterpiece is pitch-perfect for the common era. (the Werewolf is coming...)

[@tigerstalons5118]

@@peterkausche5242 you sure it wasn’t Marilyn Manson? JK of course.

[@tedbarsalou]

"....it's just a matter of catching them...." Was Shane talking about songs or teeth?

[@wyzzyx1080]

Dude, I don’t know what it was about this video, but, a month after watching it, I felt compelled to come back and comment that this lesson has proven nothing short of miraculous for me as a composer. All of a sudden I am writing stuff that I have to second guess whether I ripped it off because it just sounds so damn professional that I can’t believe I wrote it. Like I said, not sure what part of what you said flipped the switch, but I ended the video as a different (better) guitarist than I was when I started. Can’t thank you enough.

[@mdarrenu]

I hear you. When you write a good song, often it sounds like it already existed and someone else wrote it.

[@DC-js4gk]

Wow, know what you mean. A real basic hack player here, but I can appreciate a damn good chord progression be it on guitar or keys. This is a revelation. I recall one of Macca's stories about catching a bus to learn a B7 chord. Now we have this. Love it

[@edwardo737]

Paul McCartney has said the same about waking up with the melody for “Yesterday.” He had to check with friends, thinking surely it was already out there.

[@Triblove99]

Ditto - !

[@jcstevegigs]

How 'bout it!! I learned so many new chords to write with

[@RC32Smiths01]

Paul Simon is without any doubt one of the best songwriters of modern musical history. So interesting to see you analyze his work!

[@Jpetersson]

I totally agree, I´ve been a huge fan of Paul Simon since my early teens when I started playing guitar, I´m now 45. I think he´s one of the greatest songwriter´s ever!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@Jpetersson Awesome man! He's definitely prolific!

[@LESPICE]

yes! , i would like to see some elliot smith too 😁

[@Simbetam]

Id say he is in the top 5 of all time, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young. My opinion but dont think its too far off fact

[@richardgreer459]

I’m only 28 yet when I was 14 and learning guitar I also came to this realization. Paul is incredible and his progressions are amazing. Favorite for me is American Tune.

[@bobbabai]

So much of this song is so good... • Gadd's groove, first • Paul Simon's signature soft singing - crystal clear vowels, soft and soothing consonants, singing lyrics like he's talking • Great, subtle unison backup singing until that powerful "you don't need to discuss muuuuuuuuch" • The droning single-note soft finger picking of the acoustic guitar during the chorus • Subtle, subtle, subtle electric guitar mood and accents • Tasteful and basic bass that fits in with everything else but gives meat to the chorus which steps up the energy • The luscious acoustic guitar chords in the verses, with nicely chosen spare string groups. Subtle and tricky variations to the chords on the second pass through each verse. • Gorgeous, gorgeous recording and mix with lots of space left for quiet • Coolest and grabbiest song title ever, with lyrics that deliver on and flesh out that song title's message

[@kevinpfaff2301]

Paul is not only a great song writer, I've always felt he was an underrated guitar player. He is fantastic.

[@u2buserusingu2b95]

I don't think he was ever underrated, except maybe by some metalheads. But, with the changes in music through the years and modern preferences, he's been forgotten.

[@scottnorton4256]

Most folk guitarist are.

[@andrewnibbi]

@@scottnorton4256 honestly yeah. Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon are really brilliant guitarists who don’t really get remembered as such

[@brahmburgers]

mucho flamenco influence.

[@rickyricardo5782]

@@andrewnibbi Bob Dylan?

[@U2WB]

Paul Simon is not only one of the most brilliant lyricists and composers in popular music; he is also highly underrated as a guitarist.

[@honeychurchgipsy6]

@USWB - I don't really know a lot about his guitar playing skills, but his wide ranging knowledge of styles and types of music from around the world must have helped him to write so many wonderful songs - did he play the electric guitar at all?

[@douglasmccannpiano]

Angie

[@karengittins6648]

I agree with you. He never seems to figure on any of those 'Top 100 guitar player' lists ... anywhere at all, which totally amazes me. Maybe it's because he isn't showy, and neither is his style, which makes him easy to miss if (superficially imho ) judged on that level ... ( but you'd hope those who style themselves as expert in the field, would have higher bars...)

[@perfectoid8376]

You guys clearly have never heard of elliot smith if you believe that.

[@owengardiner4628]

Why do people over use and misuse the word underrated?

[@skooterbrah]

After being a Paul Simon fan since the '70s, I finally got a chance to see him in 2001, and I was completely blown away by his guitar skills. I always felt that he was a great guitarist, but was unprepared for how absolutely amazing he was. He is one of the most underrated guitarists, and just one of the most powerful live acts, period. Thank you so much for great video.

[@etrou4]

That drum groove is as amazing as the chord progression.

[@superultramega77]

snare is played with one hand

[@Aviator27J]

Sounds a bit like a march with that much snare, but segmented of course.

[@danroberts9050]

Yeah, it's one of my favorite. Steve Gadd was good friends with Jeff Porcaro and it shows.

[@TheRHSman]

Gadd

[@cirenosnor5768]

Dan Roberts - I’m sure they influenced each other and Steve started in the biz before Jeff. Also, Steve’s style was heavily shaped from being in a marching g band early on

[@vasiliscond9433]

Not only the chords, but the drums on that track are LEGENDARY, it's a rite of passage for drummers, similar to giant steps, though much much easier than giant steps

[@bohall]

Steve Gadd on Drums

[@paulmartos7730]

I wish I'd met such a guy when I was learning to play guitar. He's both a brillaint theoretician and a skilled practician.

[@ziblot1235]

Yeah but it would be nice of we could see what hes doing Explanations are great if you took music lessons and you know what is meant by Em over G, Dim moved up three spaces, has same notes, (Or something) SHOW ME!! I believe you

[@b1j]

You have met him now, and you are still learning to play guitar.

[@lolus8974]

Yeeessss my two favourite Pauls in one video

[@UnlessYouLiveUnderARock]

dont forget the les paul in the background

[@guilhermearoeira8900]

Los Paulos Hermanos?

[@KrishK8055]

@@guilhermearoeira8900 Salamancas want to know your location

[@guilhermearoeira8900]

@@KrishK8055 Oh fuck...

[@jollygrapefruit786]

What about Paul McCartney??

[@srjohnwinstonlennon]

Paul love to do those plays with chords. I absolutely love the progression in "Still Crazy After All These Years", for me, it's one of the most beautiful songs ever!

[@dtsdigitalden5023]

This is amazing. I've been a "by ear" player for ages, so I've learned all of these progressions that sound beautiful, and to hear you explain the theory behind it is fascinating. It's like the difference between admiring a beautiful photograph, then much later discovering the elements of the lens used, the lighting, the f-stop, the focal distance of the lens; utterly fascinating.

[@Ryedor]

I think Mr Simon's piano abilities give him a leg up when it comes to chord construction. I would advise all serious song writers to get yourselves comfortable with a keyboard. I think the lyrics and the percussion really make this song shine. Great video Paul. Maybe have a look at America by Paul Simon. Got some cool stuff going on with that one. :)

[@StacheBigote]

100%. I had been writing music on guitar since I was a teenager. About a year ago I got it in my head that I wanted to learn piano and tackle writing from another perspective. So I bought a full sized keyboard. Man, am I glad I did. Melody construction is so much more straight forward. With guitar, I’d mostly sing my melodies. On piano, I can play them. Also, you’re not as confined as you are on guitar. You can play with the chords more easily. I’d totally recommend piano to any songwriter. You can accomplish the same goals on either instrument, it’s just easier on piano.

[@b1j]

Another intricate progression is American Tune.

[@sin4ing89]

the whole video is so chill, the voice, the lighting, even the sound is not too loud.

[@edphaze6550]

You could have named this video "Proof that knowing music theory is awesome." Loved this video!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

A good song writer can hear these chords without having any idea why they work and find them.

[@RichardGlatfelter]

@@Neil-Aspinall I was thinking the same thing... John Lennon came to mind. he didn't know music theory as far as I know. Mccartney and Harrison more. there's a ton of musicians who don't know music theory except intuitively. like I can't help but think it could it could helpc ompose music for most of us.

[@curelable]

Actually most modern musicians are proud of the fact that they can even read music and get insulted if you suggest they learn. Pure laziness and probably drug and substance abuse factors. They live in a memory restricted haze. This is a main limiting factor as is why most popular music is restricted to a few simple cord progressions, verses, chorus and verse.

[@Kaotiqua]

@@curelable I think that "insulted" is a bluff. I was that kid once upon a time too. There's a fear of theory, and some novice musicians will claim that they don't want to be "restrained by all those rules", when what they're really feeling is a fear of the complexity. In truth, music theory isn't a book of rules used to impede music, so much as a box of wonderful tools that can be used to elevate and expand it.

[@Rick_Hoppe]

This is the most INTERESTING instruction on chord progressions I’ve ever heard! I LOVE how you start with the most basic set of chords and progress to the most unexpected… and all of them work! It’s just that the last two are so much richer and intriguing. You sorely tempt me to pick up the guitar again after lo these many decades of neglect. If I do, I’m going straight to your course! In the meantime, subscribed!

[@martinvanburen3124]

My mom taught S&G tunes/lyrics in her poetry class at the university and consequently hearing S&G music is one of my very first musical memories. Great lesson of one of the great PS classic’s.

[@buckdashe2571]

There is a REASON why Paul has over 3 million subscribers (and I’m betting will achieve 5M….) This is the best instructional guitar channel on KZbin. His guitar courses are even better.

[@tonygairomusic911]

Dude, this is an incredible video, I love how you broke the progression down to skin and bones, deconstructed, and rebuilt it level-by-level, reconstructed. You do outstanding work, my good man. Love your videos and I learn something every time.

[@barnabydixon]

Man! So well explained and excellently presented! Brilliant!

[@theharvardyard2356]

Hello you joyful man you

[@MrEatsOlot]

Truely

[@lhutchinson9878]

I’m loving this. To the point so I can play immediately. Granted, I ‘ve used a lot of these chords before BUT hearing in this context takes me to the next level.

[@jacktravis2718]

Woah! Look at this collision of worlds! So cool!

[@JulianGem]

Hello

[@gregbrechelt2295]

You tapped into one of the best acoustic guitarists out there, not many people have acknowledged Paul Simon’s level of excellence on guitar.

[@cortijobull73]

I'm a former guitar teacher and your channel is gold. I am learning again. Also, I just keep your vids on in the background while I work because you are so peaceful. Thanks for the great work!

[@investorart58]

Thank you Paul!! Absolutely incredible. Simon came up with some of the very best chord progressions that express complex emotion through fluid - yet complex and mildly dissonant arrangements. Like Scarborough Fair - these chords are magical - and played with such incredible ease.

[@tjallevanderwal8031]

Me watching a video of one of my favourite guitar players talking about one of my favourite songwriters. Its just perfect

[@gordoncooke4527]

This is unbelievable. I woke up this morning with 50 ways to leave your lover in my head. I thought OK, I am going to try to hear and figure out this progression. Been playing with intent to get better for a couple years now, but have always relied on you guys to teach me songs. (Thanks Paul, Marty, Andrew, Justin et. al.) I think it's time to test my ear and knowledge on something more challenging. Not only do you post this today, but it pops up as a notification on my computer. I FREAKIN CONTROL THE UNIVERSE. I'm not watching this until I've had a go at it.

[@francescorubini9572]

Steve Gadd on the drums, everybody!

[@PaulDavids]

Incredible groove

[@oruas23]

the drummer that never plays wrong

[@ThePimito]

fucking awesome

[@guus9856]

Gadd9 🤤

[@reliefmusic7940]

@@guus9856 haha yeah. Steve Gadd9

[@bobnyder]

I’ve been very distant from my guitar these past few years. I won’t give excuses, I think it happens to a lot of us due to life’s terms so I’ll save the sob story. I just wanted to say thank you for your videos, they are lighting a spark and I’m rediscovering the passion for playing once again. Chords are where it’s at - very fresh to watch this and learn versus watching another shred video.

[@Pusfilth]

Get off your ass and play ffs

[@jcstevegigs]

I just re-watched this for about the 5th time and wanted to add that although the chorus is very simple and doesn't require analysis, it is important for 2 reasons: 1. Because it breaks free (just like he says) of all these "tight" diminished chords (obviously signifying the tension in the relationship) and for the performer a chance to mentally relax for a second until, 2. the dramatic dive back into the verse chords. So powerful.

[@jordandangelo180]

Paul Simon, to me, has always been the king of the singer songwriters. His versatility and musical knowledge is unmatched. Graceland is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. “ Still Crazy After All These Years “ is another perfect chord progression. There is a video of him playing an unfinished version of the song on solo acoustic guitar on The Dick Cavett show and it’s one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever hear. His voice matches the chords so well.

[@dirtymontana]

You are brilliant. Music is a language most people (including myself) will never even come close to understanding. (My favorite dinner party guest, years ago, when I still had dinner parties, was a professor of piano --- I could always tell he lived in a world that was completely different from the one most people live in!)

[@TjaMusik]

50 Ways to leave your lover: Perfect Chord progression meets a prefect drum pattern, perfect vocals and touching lyrics.

[@joycesanders4898]

..pretty much..

[@MrJdsenior]

Yeah, and with so many songs out there you can make the relative adjectives boring, boring, boring, and boring...which come to think of it, is boring sounding itself. Horrible works for some, as well, or irritating. It's not always easy to define why I tend to use the superlative adjectives wrt the best songs, but like good jazz, you sure know it (or when they should be applied) when you hear it! :-) And several Simon and Garfunkel songs qualify. I used to think of them as simple...but see a bit of the theory behind them, maybe not so much, huh?

[@imannonymous7707]

Hes written alot of them

[@deathshead357]

Yeah but the chorus ruins it for me.

[@guitargriff3490]

@@deathshead357 Why is that?

[@ddigwell]

After 38 years my interest in playing my guitars had waned. The instruments I used to rush home to so I could try a new song have sat in the corner or hung on my wall collecting dust. The memories I have with them have kept me parting with them. Two have been to Iraq with me and another on a drive from California to Florida, down to Mexico, and back. Your breakdown of chord structure and progression have again renewed my relationship with them. Thank you Paul Davids and Simon. Me and my Martin have a play date when I get home from work today. ☺

[@deadmanswife3625]

How's your date?

[@ddigwell]

@@deadmanswife3625 Very well. Thank you.

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@ddigwell great 😃 I have acoustic. (My electric was stolen 8 years back. I finally have one on the way.)

[@ddigwell]

@@deadmanswife3625 Rather than rehash the songs I know and love, I’ve started playing them with different chord voicings with and without capo. Should I burn out on that, I will switch to alternate tunings.

[@cameronbrwdway9486]

Paul Simon has always been an underrated GUITAR player. Everyone comments on his songwriting ability (and deservedly so) but man he was a good guitar player as well. And CLEAN.

[@chetsenior7253]

Most likely not him playing on his records.

[@duhselma]

Paul: "the 1-2-5 chord progression". Me: thinking about the Monica moment in friends: "Umm, you could uh start out with a little 1, a 2, a 1-2-3, 3, 5, a 4, a 3-2, 2, a 2-4-6, 2-4-6, 4.. 7 7 7!!" hahah.

[@Kaotiqua]

XD -but musically... the seven always leaves me hanging. ;)

[@Kaotiqua]

@@paulsimon8747 Who's Fred? Pretty sure he's not Paul. Paul's happily married- and his English is a bit better. XD

[@timbernier3163]

Paul thank you for taking the time to share the subtle points of music. I cannot express how much joy I get when one more link in the musical universe is revealed to me. I am just a boring mechanic but when these calloused hands that only know pain make a beautiful sound it gives me a little hope that life can be something better for one day. Thank you

[@realcygnus]

Simon is a hell of a songwriter, NO question whatsoever.

[@gagerobins6509]

This video showed me this song and it really helped me through one of the darkest times I've had in my life. One of my all time favorite songs period, just because of how beautiful it's constructed. Really giving off a perfect vibe/combo with the chords and journey the song takes you on

[@paulstabin6233]

Possibly the best video ever on not just how, but why to play these chords. You are an international treasure.

[@veljkodjuric6877]

Im pretty early so you will maybe see this comment.. Its just a thank you for every video, u are great teacher and musician!

[@PaulDavids]

I saw it! Thanks :)

[@louiszaffino4071]

🥰

[@phillipmetzger8909]

Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" also uses the Andalusian Cadence (vi-V-IV-iii). Very Lovely Chord Progression!

[@willbarrow8271]

Steely Dan borrowed the bass intro for "Rikki don't lose that number" a long while back

[@MidoriDos]

"CHORDGIOUS" - T-SHIRT print right there. Merch.

[@bapitts]

I'd buy one!

[@ianrichardson3968]

Mugs..

[@feralferrari2516]

@@bapitts Their someone goes again, reading my mind! 🤯

[@charliemcgary9031]

gonna steal that one!

[@k9er233]

Someone would sell a ton of those...

[@forell-music]

can't tell you, how much I enjoy your videos! Keep it up!

[@adrianmarklew2211]

I'm a beginner guitarist. Come across you on KZbin last week. You've made me realize I've really GOT to lean to play. Seeing your teaching explanations, wonderful. So much more to look forward to getting out of music than imagined. Thank you ☺️

[@q4991]

A beginner? IMO and too many years Trying to learn more advanced guitar, than i was Capable of learning(w/o getting ALL the Basics, First, irrefutably so (Tom Petty)..You 'should' avoid this site. He is playing, too quickly until 2022, somehow he got this message!! Point: *this* site is NOW beautifully done (REALIZE, if U Really want Anything FREE, You are just foolish, the amounts are tiny, compared to ANY other method! FACT!!) Not for Beginners. Best or certainly Much better than Scraping, Futilely for 'the Moon, NOW? (We ALL want/search for That.) Is: (and 'i' *KNOW* that there surely ARE many Others!} This 1 i know? 'Justin Guitar', gifted, 15 yrs on utoob, He NOW is getting 'IT' *Right*!

[@q4991]

YES!! You know it. i didn't. There is SO MUCH more, FIRST the Basics!

[@jeffoff7795]

I'll preface this by saying I'm a Paul Simon fan and Graceland is up there among my all-time favorites. That being said I never really cared for Fifty Ways. But recently I was invited to sit in with a friend's band and play a short set of mainly covers and this was one of them. I guess I never really listened that closely because he sent me chord charts and when I started running through it I was stunned by the beauty and the complexity of the chords in the verse. It really is a perfect chord progression. The chorus is another story (but that's just my opinion).

[@thecannabisguru]

Phenomenally underated in every aspect from his epic song writing and sonic mastery to lyrical genius and mad fingerpicking and gorgeous chord progressions, no one quite compares The only other people who are up on that level for me are Zappa and Prince, no one else comes close!

[@rome8180]

Paul Simon is one of the best pop songwriters ever. He manages to combine musical sophistication with accessibility in a way that very few songwriters have.

[@pianoman00712]

Stevie Wonder is another great example!

[@ManuelMorillo-e1s]

Thanks for the lesson. I’ve been waiting forty eight years for someone to teach me this song when I first heard on the radio back in 1975. Thank you!!!

[@Bildad1976]

Other guitar instructors show you the chords, but you EXPLAIN WHY the chords! EXCELLENT!

[@banba317]

Most outstanding breakdown of this song I think I've ever seen... brilliantly paced! Thank you!

[@kainejoyes2981]

I’m a piano player, lovely to see guitarist enjoying chords and diving deep into progressions, really interesting thanks 🙏

[@shayh.3556]

I enjoy a good lick or solo but a good chord progression is so much more powerful to me.

[@justpassingby3175]

It almost gave up figuring out the chords for this, then this comes out like "I got u :3". ty Paul

[@davidgifford169]

These are things I have always wondered about but for some reason you are the only person on earth who can explain in a way I can understand it. Bravo bravo 🎉

[@stefandoell9660]

I like your videos so much. After playing for 20+ years and never really making it beyond an advanced beginner level, the videos have helped me immeasurably. I am hooked playing around with chord progressions as they add so much dimension to the sound. My own simple songs now have added highlights that give me so much more satisfaction. I am very grateful. It is quite interesting to me that so many of the songs you cover are my favourites and you give me an appreciation for even the ones I am unfamiliar with. Thanks again.

[@DonHoytGorman]

That was my favourite lesson yet. Absolutely smashing. I agree: Chords are super exciting; now that I'm learning them with you, Paul, it's even better. Thank you.

[@2010dame]

Paul Simon is just simply a joy to listen too What a guy

[@emlyngriffith5846]

This was an excellent lesson. I’ve always loved Paul Simon’s music especially this period when he made several albums which used sophisticated jazzier chord progressions. I hadn’t noticed before how he’d used the standard “Spanish” progression in this song.....a real eye opener. Thanks a lot for telling me about it....I learnt a lot!👍

[@mauricerizat]

I've listen to this song so many times before but never thought much about it musically, nor have I tried to play it ever. This video has really opened up my eyes to how fascinating yet subtle songwriting can be. Love it!

[@SHERICOLLINS-e9p]

First time I played these chords on piano, I knew I’d never seen them before but yet it was beautiful. I immediately knew the genius in Paul’s work and started studying his music and how his classical theoretical background helped to achieve his mastery in composing music. He seems to listen to progressions that some of our oldest composers had wrote and used it in his music - all being different but nothing sounds out of place. I am fascinated by his work . ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jwjohnson7909]

Who is here after 'I GOT AN E-MAIL FROM PAUL SIMON (saying I was wrong!)' video? 🙂

[@HerenBass]

this guy

[@seajacksun]

I am too, but I saw this a year or two ago when it was way out of my league. Now I’m back with more of a chance to get it.

[@jonvickery]

I was looking for this comment before I made it! ha

[@TheRorij]

Ik dus ook….

[@FabrizioGibilaro]

another one here 😂

[@keithfulkerson]

I'd love a look at some of Jim Croce's music.

[@briankenome]

"Age" is the very first Jim Croce song I listened to. I was immediately drawn to his songs. I was wondering why the world isn't talking about him until I watched a documentary on him and how he died jus when he was about to hit it big. I was 💔

[@Nolind]

Time in a bottle.😎

[@bassesatta9235]

murrays guitar will forever be one of the most under looked

[@zfreecss6184]

operator the first song I've listened to, my dad brought a CD of Jim Croce when I was 10 years old I listen to those until now

[@R.C.Bullar]

Jim is my hero!

[@abote]

Andalusian goes for "Andalucía", the southern region of Spain, due to the flamenco sound of this chord progression.

[@Renategrund]

my guitar teacher called it phrygian cadence, that was 40 years ago

[@MrJdsenior]

Interesting, both comments. There are always about 100 ways to refer to something with any complexity in music, given the number of ways you can combine notes, variable cadence, dynamics, vocals and lyrics, instrumentation, and probably 50 more things I didn't think of there, like say every other one of those aspects INTO the vocals themselves (vocal coloring, or even instrumental emulation, from subtle to trying to directly emulate the instruments. I have heard vocal trumpet emulations you would not mistake for any other instrument, save maybe a cornet :-) ). Not remotely surprising that the possibilities and results are virtually infinite. Here is an amazing example, where the singer is not directly or accurately portraying instruments, but you can still pick out the brass, strings, etc. among them (plus he's awesome, MHO): kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6PJi4B_gtiMhKs He does massive a Capella overdubbing, which often comes out confusing and strange when others try it, but his is so interesting, and it is obvious he's thinking instrumental sections on the backings. He does basically every style, jazz, pop, classical, hymns, etc. Hope you like it, if you choose to take a look.

[@brahmburgers]

fersure. Flamenco is awesome. Similarly: The Way, by Fastball.

[@simondiamond709]

I bought the guitar chord book to this when I was nineteen. I couldn't work out what on earth was going on. Since then, this song had always been my goto example whenever some person intimidated me with their playing (this happened). I have found greater joy from playing since I started watching Paul's videos. I was fortunate enough to have watched another of his videos explaining how to make progressions more interesting and before that on how to not play all over the fretboard. Had I not watched those other videos I would still not have understood this song and what's going on and why. Mr Simon got his money from me and left me feeling bewildered. Should I ever meet him, I'll demand my money back. Joking of course. Thank you Paul Davids.

[@geraldweissburg8618]

Mr. Davids, I am in awe of your musicianship! Talk about being free! I have studied music for some years now (as really a vocalist), but wanting to be a real musician, as part of all that. You make it so inviting- that it is achieveable.

[@4gpm]

Having a hard time translating all this chord names into my language, but: I understood your well presented explanation. Good work, thanks a lot!

[@jacobpaulson23]

Paul Simon is the reason why I even got into guitar in the first place

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

Amazing how music theory can make you a better musician. You can turn a simple nursery rhyme into a fantastic piece of music. Got to get into it.

[@pstefanics]

Fascinating theory presented in a clear, engaging and inspiring way. Thanks a million, Paul!

[@hetgenie]

This opened my eyes on multiple levels, thanks for sharing Paul!

[@t3hgir]

Steve Gadd wrote the PERFECT drum part for this.

[@agustingarcia6448]

I'm from Uruguay. Here we have a typical music genre called "murga" which uses a rythm ("marcha camion") very similar to this drums. Listen to the song "terapia de murga" by Ruben Rada if you want an example.

[@t3hgir]

@@agustingarcia6448 cool thanks!

[@Robil63]

@@agustingarcia6448 Thanks man, education. I looked it up, very cool.

[@paulheagen6318]

Steve Gadd "wrote" the drum part in that he played it but it was a bit of serendipity. Steve was warming up and screwing around on the kit before they got everyone in to session;. Paul Simon liked the sound of it and asked him to use it to open the song since the song did not have a signature opening yet. So, the genius of Steve to come up with it but the genius of Simon's ear to understand where it could work. It ended up being on of the most memorable song openings in folk rock history.

[@matthijshebly]

@@agustingarcia6448 I'm sure Steve Gadd is influenced by a LOT of Latin rhythm

[@StKozlovsky]

Regarding level 3: I think it would also be useful for us to understand that the new chords replacing D and C in the second cycle don't appear out of nowhere, they come naturally from harmonic minor. In the first cycle only the B chord is from E harmonic minor, the rest are from E natural minor, especially the D chord, since the D note itself is not in E harmonic minor. When Paul (any one of them) plays the second cycle, he switches fully to harmonic minor, with a D# instead of D, so the D7 becoms D#dim, and the C chord, which in E natural can only be major, now can also be minor (since we have not only E, the major third of C, but also D#, the minor third), or even diminished, if we play F#, the diminished fifth of C, instead of G, the natural fifth, both of which are in our key. A, the diminished seventh of C, is also in the key, so Cdim becomes possible. And like Paul said, dim chords are symmetric, i.e. each note can be thought of as the root, so Cdim has the same notes as D#dim, F#dim or Adim. All I wanted to make clear is, we didn't just decide to move the D in D7 up a semitone all of a sudden and then move it up three frets just because we could, it's the same Em-D-C-B7 progression as before, only it is now consistently in E harmonic minor, with its distinctive note (D#) played in three chords instead of just one.

[@geoffmerrill164]

Holy shit.

[@jpyoung1458]

Whoa there amigo, hang back on that level 5 version... you're changing the rhythmic feel. You're stepping on the drummer man. The space between the notes is important too. The beauty of the riff is set up by the quiet but determined drum fill.

[@wakamiwailer]

Exactly

[@jongordon6461]

@@wakamiwailer I don't think that was the point. It was a demonstration of what could be done with the progression. Not everyone has Steve Gadd drummimg for them.

[@Kaotiqua]

100% this. Just because you can doesn't always mean you should.

[@danrowe79]

BRAVO! Brilliant Thank You. Simon also goes up the neck in the intro so you get (on high E string) G-A-B-C-B notes along with the chords.

[@justanoob111]

i like how you've put the camera on an angle so NO ONE CAN SEE WHAT YOU'RE PLAYING. Just brilliant

[@Filmbeat]

I AGREE 1000%. See my comment.

[@lul5827]

Paul Uploaded A Video 1) Clean up my room (make space) 2) dim the lights 3) plug in my guitar 4) check my network 5) no disturbance 6) Start the video

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

Paul Simon is a genius... He imo is one of the most important musicians to ever write music. Lot of music is for entertainment and to pass the time, but there are a few artists that emerge periodically who help define a period of time and the attitude and gestalt of a generation.

[@cmung4952]

Well said!

[@pj_day]

please do one on ‘Still Crazy After All These Years’

[@williamconway3237]

I adore this version of that song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5fFaqODpNGNd7M

[@jeffbur]

Talk about amazing chord progressions, and William Conway is right. The Josh Turner version is tops. He's by far the best interpreter of Paul Simon's music.

[@DrunkenRhinoceros]

Drummers will appreciate Steve Gadd's amazing Drum riff here. A masterpiece of drumming.

[@hectormonclova7563]

Thank you very much for explaining the evolution of the song. Those types of chord progression are very used in the Latin America guitar music, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile Argentina, and specially in Caribbean Guitar Trio Music (Puerto Rico, Cuba).

[@ashleyburroughs4996]

Thanks a lot for this video. It's like a reminder to me on the diminished and augmented chords (which I've discovered in the 90s while learning the guitar, that these chords might have different names on different frets but sound the same) Thanks again.

[@PDZofficial]

My grandfather was good friends with Paul Simon. They had a falling out sadly before he died but it's still cool.

[@Thisispants]

Paul Simon tends to fall out with a lot of people...

[@Bradrsnk6vca7nj]

how long were they friends for?

[@PDZofficial]

@@Bradrsnk6vca7nj A pretty long time. my grandfather was Joe Bennett from the band Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones, they had some hits in the late 50s and he knew Elvis as well. They actually were on the Nat King Cole show at one point.

[@Bradrsnk6vca7nj]

@@PDZofficial Holy shit! That's awesome! Sorry to hear he is no longer with us.

[@RonWinter335]

I had to look / listen to some Joe Bennet & The Sparkletones tunes. Very cool! I have heard Black Slacks before..kickin' stuff! Thanks.

[@evilotis01]

John Frusciante uses the three-fret sliding diminished chord trick in the solo of "Road Trippin'"-which has a similar chord progression to this, come to think of it

[@michaelzahnwehgitarre8957]

just casually this song also has one of the best drumtracks off all time

[@paradox5391]

Yup. Steve Gadd, one of the best drummers ever.

[@chrisbrodbeck1961]

incredibly inspiring to know what's being played so that we can do it again or pray tell, change it ever so slightly! wonderful!

[@trentmason009]

Magic of the internet ... This amazing teacher would have been his neighborhood's greatest secret. Now, he is the world's to enjoy and learn from. Bravo! Brilliant instruction. So glad you can be teaching me in my home. It's wonderful!

[@Robil63]

Wonderful. I love the DRUMS in this song, never even thought about the guitar.. and I'm a guitarist!

[@chrisflach832]

I thought i was the only 1.

[@markrevelle1]

@@chrisflach832 drummer is the all time great Steve Gadd

[@MrGerjosan]

Armonia andaluza, muy utilizada en América Latina

[@itsrob2321]

Check out “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers. Off the top of my head it’s really similar progression to “50 Ways To Leave.”

[@catherinewelgoss8033]

Yes! I've always heard the similarities. Two great songs!

[@alibernard1366]

Bro I was thinking the same thing bro!!!

[@BillGatliff]

I love chords too! I'm glad I'm not weird.

[@iAmDislikingEveryShort]

Can there be any music without chords?

[@alexmustang8177]

Yeah me too, I love complex Harmonies rather than mind less shredding over 2 3 power chords

[@strawberrywigz1658]

@@iAmDislikingEveryShort yes there r songs made from single notes

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

@@alexmustang8177 Exactly!

[@jasminedakota3958]

No you’re still weird

[@philippegrimm1567]

Thank you very much. It’s so easy to understand when you explain and it opens so many doors.

[@j0rit053]

I spent forever trying to work out the alternate phrasing for that F#dim7 only to realise it doesn’t really fit it was just to demonstrate the point and it also is a very tricky switch with the augmented B! Great video spending some time really getting this song down has been great fun

[@nbt3663]

PS, he is one of the best guitarists that no none thinks about because he doesn't have a flashy electric guitar slung low.

[@thecannabisguru]

Phenomenally underated in every aspect from his epic song writing and sonic mastery to lyrical genius and mad fingerpicking and gorgeous chord progressions, no one quite compares The only other people who are up on that level for me are Zappa and Prince, no one else comes close!

[@Jammoko]

Easy fix... he just needs a longer guitar strap... or shorter legs!

[@aritradutta1581]

Great video! you should really make a video on Chris Cornell songs. His chord choices are always beautiful and I would love to hear your analysis!

[@tjhooker824]

Chris Cornell does a lot of things right

[@dudelson96]

I love these videos, really great for practicing and expanding the toolkit as a learning guitar player. However it would be amazing if you could put the chord progressions of each level on the screen when you play them, easier to remember that way, im currently on the ''level 3'' part and i would love to stop here and practice it for a while, i will write the progression down myself but it would be really educational if you put them in the video for just a couple of seconds :)

[@olivierfeys]

You couldn’t transmit better your love for the music. I really enjoyed every second of it.

[@ivymuthoni001]

more more chord progressions.. thankuu where have you been all my life? just the boost i needed,, ul be proud wen u see me post again after a really long time. thanks so much again. I love you

[@JohannesLabusch]

This may be Simon's most lasting work. But we must also mention that he is probably one of the three best lyricists alive. The story of this song is so complex and sad with the weird contrast between the pensive, guilt ridden person at the end of a bad relationship, dreaming of running away with someone new, and then the almost giddy, funky "just slip out the back, Jack" part, which is also funny through the use of all these names ... anyway. Another element that turned this thing from great to amazing is Steve Gadd's springy, paradiddl-y drum work, which shows off his past as a drummer in an army band. In his solo work, Simon has always surrounded himself with exciting musicians who carried his rootsy folk songs into new and surprising directions.

[@natalievelasquez2664]

Man this is all very true 👍

[@q4991]

Prolific 'Simon's' most lasting work?? Geez, ( you stopped listening in '80', or.... Something worse?) I would be Safely Right in exaggerating a wee bit by *Stating*.... "Paul Simon has '50' MUCH greater creations!!!

[@JohannesLabusch]

@@q4991 You do realize that the argument you're pining for wouldn't lead anywhere, don't you? You're going to have to find someone else for this.

[@solaimanshokur6095]

Him: I change the 9th to 7th, invert it and shake it, sounds beautiful, right? Me: ya it does! Him: well no it sucks Me: ya it does!

[@q4991]

lol, Rings lot of Bells for Me, yeah?

[@luukipuuk3537]

You know you’re getting into jazz when a maj7 interval doesn’t sound bad on its own anymore

[@benjclarke5825]

or a b9

[@TDCflyer]

"50 ways to leave your lover" in it's entirety is an unmatched piece of art. Every aspect is finely crafted, balanced, perfected. Taking only the chord progression, while it _is_ hauntingly beautiful, ultimately doesn't do this song justice.

[@debbricault9350]

I just took these chord progressions and played them on my tenor ukulele -- they sound amazing! Thank you for breaking this down.