Simple Song Acoustic Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1848552

"Simple Song" is The Shins' anthemic indie rock opener from their 2012 comeback album Port of Morrow, featuring one of the most immediately joyful and driving guitar hooks in modern indie rock. "Simple Song" is an excellent choice for intermediate bands ready to explore melodic rock with energy, dynamics, and emotional arc. The guitar work balances bright, ringing chord work with melodic lead lines that carry the song's soaring optimism, teaching musicians how to blend rhythm and melody while serving a song that builds in intensity. The bass line is active and melodic, demanding a strong sense of forward momentum and the ability to lock in with the drums while adding character of its own. For singers, "Simple Song" offers a rich opportunity to work on breath control, dynamic range, and conveying genuine emotional warmth — James Mercer's vocal delivery is deceptively demanding in its expressiveness. The song's irresistible lift and timeless indie charm make it a crowd-pleasing set opener that showcases a band's ability to build energy and connect with an audience.


A NOTE ABOUT DR. TOMS CHARTS
DR. TOMS CHARTS help musicians make more music together. Inspired by the Nashville Number System and the classic Rise Up Singing, these charts emphasize song form with lyrics overlaid on top of evenly spaced chords. These musical roadmaps let you focus on what you love: vocal delivery, groove, harmonies, feel, and more! You can even experiment with different styles and meters.

In the HYBRID chart, the first chord of each line aligns with the first word or syllable on the downbeat, highlighting pickups and delayed entries. Subsequent chords may not align exactly with every word, but once the singer nails the entry, everything locks in! This format might look unfamiliar at first, but evenly spaced chords improve groove and accuracy. The harmonic rhythm guides the melody! For singers, the LYRICS ONLY chart provides all the words with rehearsal cues (intros, verses, bridges, solos).

Keep on jammin!
Dr. Tom


WHO IS DR. TOM?
Dr. Tom Zlabinger is a bass player, guitar player, and singer who has been jamming since high school. He is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY, where he has taught popular music performance since 2003. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, an M.A. in jazz performance from Queens College / CUNY, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the Graduate Center / CUNY. Dr. Tom has published on jams, live online performance, and the role of musicians across various media franchises. He is passionate about innovations that make music making more accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds. In 2022, he founded Telematic Studios® to help musicians connect through online voice lessons, clear and legal charts, and live online performance.