"My voice is my improvisational instrument, the melody instrument. The guitar is harmonic structure. I'm not a good enough guitarist to improvise on it"

Paul Simon articulates the profound division between his vocal abilities and his guitar skills, highlighting the unique roles each plays in his creative process. He considers his voice to be his true improvisational tool, an instrument with which he can craft melodies spontaneously, experiment emotionally, and express meaning beyond the written notes. The voice becomes the central channel for his creativity, dynamic and responsive, capable of fluidly shaping the character of a song with subtle inflections and changes in phrasing.

In contrast, Simon relegates the guitar to a supporting role, serving primarily as the provider of harmonic foundation – the chordal framework that undergirds the melody sung by his voice. The guitar generates the structure on which vocal improvisation can occur, offering stability and a sense of direction, but not serving as a creative vehicle in the same way. He freely admits to limitations in his guitar proficiency, confessing he is “not a good enough guitarist to improvise on it.” This humility reveals an important aspect of artistry: recognizing both personal strengths and the boundaries of one's abilities.

Simon's distinction also speaks to the broader dynamic between melody and harmony in music creation. Melodic improvisation often requires intuition, emotional connection, and technical skill, elements he finds naturally in his singing. Harmonic accompaniment, while essential, can sometimes be more fixed or systematic, particularly for those less confident in their instrumental dexterity.

By separating these functions, Simon preserves the freedom and expressiveness of his melodic ideas while using the guitar as a reliable canvas. His comments underscore the importance of authenticity in musical performance, merging technical capacity with honest self-expression. His voice, as the primary bearer of emotion and spontaneity, stands at the heart of his art, while the guitar, though integral, remains his instrument of structure rather than invention.