TheSound of Silence isPaul Simon?s masterpiece. Released in 1965, Simon had written the track duringthe two previous years. It was well worth the wait.

Itis an obvious choice as a piece of repertoire to arrange for the intermediateguitarist, yet I have found that many arrangements include real technicaldifficulties for the learner. This is often because of the choice of key. Ifset in A minor, an F barre chord is encountered. Similarly, in D minor, a Bflat barre chord crops up. After much trial and error, I have created a versionin F sharp minor which is playable for younger and less experienced hands,without, I believe, losing any musical effect.



Ihave tried to make this arrangement flexible. Therefore, it is set in 2sections. A grade 1-2 guitarist can play just the first half, twice for acomplete performance. The second half has a thicker texture, with a ?flatpicking? technique applied to the thumb. Here, the thumb plays the lower notes onall four beats of the bar.



This downloadprovides one version with only notes, and a second in notes and TAB (in this singledownload). I am aware that many teachers dislike TAB, so you are given the choice.

Professionalplayers looking for light repertoire ? perhaps for restaurant or wedding work ?can fill out the parts spontaneously. The chord sequence is obvious to those withmore experience.

Personally speaking, I sometimes play the arrangement with a capo at fret 3 or 4 to vary the timbres heard in a concert programme.

I hope very muchthat you enjoy playing this version of The Sound of Silence. To see andhear my arrangements for learners, professionals, and ensembles, please visit www.danjonesguitarist.com.I have also written a memoir of working as a guitarist in rural France. Pleasesee www.danjonesauthor.com.

I will upload a YouTube video and lesson before the end of February 2021.

THANK YOU! DanJones, Perthshire, Scotland, February 2021

The Flower Duet From the opera Lakmé

By Léo Delibes (Arranged for Guitar Solo by Dan Jones)

www.danjonesguitarist.com

TheFlower Duet was writtenby the French composer Léo Delibes. It is set for two voices (sopranoand mezzo-soprano) and occurs during act one of Delibes? opera Lakmé whichwas premiered in Paris in 1883.

Your single download will provide you with the score in notes and TAB and also in a notes-alone version.

The work is one ofthe best-loved arias of all time. It has become iconic due to its use in TV, film,and advertising. Most recently, it is known as the soundtrack to a BritishAirways commercial.

The aria makes an ideal piece of repertoire foradvanced-intermediate and professional guitarists. It is perfect for thoseplaying gigs, in restaurants, at weddings and as a piece of popular repertoirein a recital.

My arrangement is inspired by one made by thefantastic guitarist and arranger Bridget Mermikides. I am grateful to Bridgetfollow allowing me to develop the arrangement to create something which is moresuited to the advanced-level player.

Fora huge range of arrangements, lessons, videos and scores for guitar solo, andin ensemble, please visit www.danjonesguitarist.com.

To read of life as a guitarist in a sleepyvillage in South West France, check out Dan?s much-loved book, Extracting Goatsfrom Jean-Claude?s Kitchen at www.danjonesauthor.com

I will upload a film and recording of this work before the end of May 2021