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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Harmonica
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Key
C
Difficulty
Intermediate
Range
Varies by singer
Chords
C · F · G · Am · Dm · Em
Bridge Over Troubled Water Chords – Vocal
Simon & Garfunkel’s majestic gospel-influenced ballad about unconditional support. Intermediate difficulty in the key of C.
Gospel Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
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Tip: Start very quietly and build to a powerful climax. This is one of the most dynamic songs ever recorded — the contrast between quiet and loud is essential.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – F – C – E7
Am – F – C – E7 – Am
C – G – Am – F
F – Em – Dm – G
Chorus
C – Am – F
C – Am – G
C – Am – F
C – G – C
Verse 2
C – F – C – E7
Am – F – C – E7 – Am
C – G – Am – F
F – Em – Dm – G
Chorus
C – Am – F
C – Am – G
C – Am – F
C – G – C
Verse 3
C – F – C – E7
Am – F – C – E7 – Am
C – G – Am – F
F – Em – Dm – G
Chorus
C – Am – F
C – Am – G
C – Am – F
C – G – C
Practice tip: The verse uses a descending chord pattern. The E7 adds harmonic tension. Practice building dynamics: verse 1 = whisper, verse 2 = moderate, verse 3 = full power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Bridge Over Troubled Water"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: C, F, G, Am, Dm and Em.
Is "Bridge Over Troubled Water" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Bridge Over Troubled Water"?
It was written by Paul Simon, and released in 1970.