Silver Joy

Silver Joy was a perfect choice for The Holdovers. This song was used through the film as a motif. The simple E minor to F progression has a tenderness to it, without being too overly sentimental. When I heard the “Cat Stevens-like” tune in the film — I was convinced it was from an obscure 70’s folk artist. However Silver Joy is actually by American Indie-folk artist. Damien Jurado. The piece is from his 2014 album, Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son.

If you’re a fan of Alexander Payne’s films (e.g. Sideways, The Decedents) you’ll love The Holdovers. Paul Giamatti is truly immersed in the role, as a crusty middle-aged teacher. His character has become complacent with his environment and is physically and emotionally deteriorating — like a rusty car in a junkyard. Newcomer, Dominic Sessa has an incredible performance as Angus, a student, whose brash demeanor hides his own traumas. I know this sounds depressing, but the film is very funny and heartwarming throughout.

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How to play Silver Joy | fingerstyle guitar

The guitar tab for this piece is beautifully written across 2 pages. I recommend this piece for intermediate guitar players and up. For my arrangement of Silver Joy, I’ve combined the original guitar line, and ghosted in the Jurado’s vocal melody. Enjoy! The guitar tab is available below:

My song structure looks like this (in accordance with the guitar tab):

Intro, Verse 2x, Chorus

Verse 2x, Chorus

**The Holdovers: Silver Joy (Damien Jurado) | fingerstyle guitar

This piece is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret.