Bridge Over Troubled Water — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Bridge Over Troubled Water uses the chords Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm in the key of Eb. The progression follows a I–IV–V–vi pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

Folk · 1970 · Intermediate

Bridge Over Troubled Water

by Simon & Garfunkel
Key of Eb 120 BPM Intermediate

Chord Sheet

Key of Eb · Progression: I–IV–V–vi

Eb
chord 1
Ab
chord 2
Bb
chord 3
Cm
chord 4
Chord Loop
Eb — Ab — Bb — Cm — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Eb
Tempo
120 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Folk

Practice Tips for Bridge Over Troubled Water

  • →Start at 60 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Eb→Ab transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 120 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel

Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) is a intermediate-level folk song that uses 4 chords: Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm in the key of Eb. The chord progression is I–IV–V–vi.

Chord Breakdown

  • Eb — major chord, bright and stable
  • Ab — major chord, bright and stable
  • Bb — major chord, bright and stable
  • Cm — minor chord, darker emotional sound

About Bridge Over Troubled Water

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel (released 1970) is one of the most recognizable folk songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Eb, Ab, Bb creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Bridge Over Troubled Water as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Bridge Over Troubled Water, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Creep
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G – B – C – Cm
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Viva La Vida
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Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
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Ab · 138 BPM
Hey Jude
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F – C – Bb
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F · 73 BPM
Bohemian Rhapsody
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Bb – Gm – Cm – F – Eb
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Bb · 72 BPM
A Thousand Years
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Bb – F – Gm – Eb
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Bb · 45 BPM
Smells Like Teen Spirit
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F – Bb – Ab – Db
Beginner
F · 116 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 120 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel?

Bridge Over Troubled Water uses the chords Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm in the key of Eb.

The progression follows a I–IV–V–vi pattern. This is a intermediate-level song.

What key is Bridge Over Troubled Water in?

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel is in the key of Eb.

The primary chords are Eb, Ab, Bb.

What is the tempo of Bridge Over Troubled Water?

Bridge Over Troubled Water is played at approximately 120 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 120 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Bridge Over Troubled Water use?

Bridge Over Troubled Water is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play Eb chord on guitar?

Eb is the main chord in Bridge Over Troubled Water.

See our chord library for the Eb chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Bridge Over Troubled Water on piano?

Yes! Bridge Over Troubled Water sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a intermediate-level arrangement.

Is Bridge Over Troubled Water beginner-friendly?

Bridge Over Troubled Water is rated Intermediate difficulty.

The chord changes and rhythm require some practice.

What is the chord progression in Bridge Over Troubled Water?

The main progression in Bridge Over Troubled Water is Eb – Ab – Bb – Cm (Roman numeral: I–IV–V–vi).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Bridge Over Troubled Water to a different key?

Yes! Bridge Over Troubled Water is in Eb.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Bridge Over Troubled Water?

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel is a Folk song from 1970.

Its 4-chord progression (Eb, Ab, Bb, Cm) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.