I had a HS English teacher in the early 70s who used Beatles songs in our poetry explorations. Not the music, just the words. We spent a whole class dissecting the meanings and emotions of Eleanor Rigby. It is a very special memory that I cherish. Thank you, Mr. John Sollers.
My ear is not nearly as developed as it should be, but ER is so lush and sophisticated that it never dawned on me that it only has two chords. Fricken Beatles man.
Yeah im still not sure why rick didnt add it to his greatest 2-chord song. He says its because of the line cliche? But the line cliche works so well here
Great video as usual.... During Rick Wakeman's 2006 solo piano tour he covered a "Help/Elenor Rigby" medley and stopped in the middle.... explaining to the crowd precisely the melody changes you taught us about here... spot on dude as always!!!
Wakeman is also funny as hell in addition to being a virtuoso player and educator. I also strongly believe that when public K-12 school music programs were better funded these types of discussions were common. In the 70s, I had an old high school piano teacher who would routinely break down tunes like this for us in great detail (jazz and show tunes too) and we would be tested on the material or be asked to develop a motif based on it. This was not unusual. I regret that those teachers weren’t better paid. Of course, public K12 music programs were later seen as optional and the trend became to defund them. What a shame. It also led to a drought of musical knowledge on even foundational concepts such as the modes and counter-point. In any case It’s great that Rick Beato benefit can from his knowledge.
I am a retired music teacher and I used this song for years in my arrangement and composition classes as a perfect example of creative 'less is more' writing. Apart from the fantastic melody there is the syncopated rhythm of the melody set against the steady quarter note beat of the strings that really propels the song forward. Also there is the strange harmonic rhythm. (three measures of Em followed by one and a half measure of C followed by three and a half measures of Em) which gives this song this weird sense of instability. Pure genius. And there's the lyrics of course.
Let's be real, we're never gonna really be *done* talking about the Beatles. I've been listening to them for my entire 24 years of living and I'm still catching things I've never noticed before. Not many bands can say they have 13 albums and every single one is a masterpiece.
I'm 72 and have been listening to them since the beginning and yet here's Rick Beato dissecting and revealing to me things about a piece of music I've listened to 1,000's of times in such a way as to make me understand that there's so much more to hear.
It is very very comforting to know that these guys still Rock for the younger Generations as well. I'm 42, I didn't really fall in love with the Beatles until I was 17 and it was forced on me by one of my friends dads so many years ago. I was very thankful, yet I was way overdue for opening that book, and was not real intrigued or interested in their music until then, even though I had heard many of their songs growing up. There is so much to explore, i still havent heard every song they sent out to the world. John was killed shortly before I was born. Keep passing the music down through the generations, it is well deserved. These gentlemen have definitely made the world a better place.
@@newfreenayshaun6651 I'm glad my dad collected the vinyl albums and later the CDs. I remember loving Sgt Pepper from some of my earliest memories. I'm always trying to turn people on to their music, and even blowing their minds with something like Taxman, Rain or even Within You Without You when people try to tell me they were "just a pop group/boy band." Of course being my age, a lot of my friends and peers just don't get it..
You can’t have rock w/o Bach, Beethoven & Brahms. You can’t have jazz w/o Miles , Monk & Moody. You can’t have modern music w/o the Beatles. Don’t listen to them much - but I probably should.
One of my peeves is the "Beatles are overrated" stuff that goes around these days online... obviously no one who's ever tried to play a Beatles song correctly. It's just mind blowing how complex their songs can be yet still be as palatable to a mainstream listener as it is.
Most of the arguments I see whenever someone says that The Beatles are overrated are centered upon "even I can play their songs on the guitar, they are not difficult". They forget that having a ton of shred licks or complicated riffs in your songs does not mean that they are memorable or of good quality.
The Beatles totally transformed popular music and popular culture. They were the first self contained pop group, writing their own songs and using chords and musical forms that had never been seen in pop music before. They were revolutionaries and everyone since has been merely a follower.
I'm so glad you took the time to analyze Eleanor Rigby. This is probably my favorite Beatles song, along with Magical Mystery Tour. Also, I think if there is ever a time when there is nothing else to say about the Beatles, then the world is done. Last one out the door, make sure the lights are turned off.
starting in my teenage years I began the listening to The Beatles.. and over time their music created hundreds of thousands of neural pathways throughout my auditory cortex.. thank you so much Rick for being passionate while you share musical knowledge and analyze great songs.. it is very enjoyable to witness.
My wife and two sons joined me at your show at the Park West in Chicago and yes Rick, we were very entertained! To all of my fellow fans, go see Rick! It’s a great evening of musical dissections and all you’ve come to appreciate from Professor Beato. Thank you, Rick!
When I was a kid, this song always made me very sad. I always thought it was the lyrics doing it to me. This video showed me that it was also the music doing it to me, maybe more so than the lyrics. Thank you Rick, I always learn something new when I watch your videos!
Hearing the notes played on the piano without the lavish production really illustrates the stark power and drama of the song. I can imagine building a piano concerto around this song.
The new Revolver mix is incredible. Eleanor Rigby gives me full body goosebumps. Just amazing how much clarity they were able to pull out for the new release.
Great video, as usual. Also, proof that sometimes you DON’T have to use the original recording to teach about the song. Hope you can use this format more often for the blockers. Thank you, Rick!
Such a great analysis and example! McCarteny's music is deceptively complex, the weird stuff just sounds so right, I still can't get over the time I realized Yesterday is in 7-bar phrases! like no other pop song.
The sound system at the store where I work is messed up, and only plays one main channel (you can faintly hear the other one). When this song comes on, as soon as Paul sings, all you hear is, "El...". However, you get to hear the string section very well, which I've always loved, so that's a small consolation...lol. They all come back in on the chorus, only to disappear again when the next verse begins...lol. It does the same thing on songs like "Bus Stop", "Aquarius", "Foxy Lady", "Good Lovin'"...anything that may have been recorded on two main tracks. They sound more like karaoke tunes! lol Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed Rhett's input! He (as well as you) has a great ear for hearing things we laypeople may miss! 🎶♥
You were wondering about a 10th in another song. "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones has a 10th a few times in the song. It's obvious because it leads into the beginning of the phrase. I love your videos.... especially the one you did on Michael Brecker (my jazz hero).
Not sure where you're getting the 10th, as it begins with a jump from the 1 to the 7th, 5, 3,3, 1, and the other verses are 7, 5, 3, 3, 1. The chorus jumps an octave at the beginning.
@@mikenitchie5849 I will check my transcription when I have time. I like playing this song, so I transcribed it. If my transcription turns out to be correct, I will share it with you.
There is no bottom to the depth and the poignancy of The Beatles. This is why we are all still standing still in awe, bowing to their majesty. What makes it even more endearing is the fact that they never had the pretension of believing in their own splendor. They just, were!
It's interesting to note that George Harrison came up with "look at all the lonely people," and Ringo wrote some of the lyrics ("writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear"). Lennon later claimed major credit for the song, which was disputed by the entire band and Lennon's childhood friend Pete Shotton, who was there as McCartney worked on the song and said Lennon's contribution was "virtually nil." One of my absolute favorite songs not just from the Beatles, but of all time. It's simply brilliant, whomever contributed to the writing (although I do believe that the entire thing has much more the air of McCartney than it does of Lennon, and that seems to be the opinion of everyone involved in its writing.)
Was in Chicago for the show. I was entertained. Thank you for all you do. You handled the crowd questions so well and I loved the Beatles breakdown there. I half expected to see a white board. Great job on this video too..
I agree with Peter Green word for word from a Guitar Magazine I have. "Macca Macca all the way" Especially if you know theory he is just so varied from simple yet complex to Jazz Vaudeville Tin Pan Alley Show tunes and more.
Rick, you spoke about jumping a 10th and it being so unusual. My music theory is definitely pre-infancy, but the second time you demonstrated it the first thing that came to mind was Van Halen's "I'll Wait" the beginning of the song keyboard synth introduction which I suppose is a bit more of a slide and not a jump. I could be way off with my initial thought, but I find it similar.
Paul has been my favourite since Ed Sullivan show Feb 18 1964 I’m still playing still performing so much love for those guys, the world was saved when they came along
Great video analysis of a beautiful song. Yesterday gets most of the attention, but I always thought this was equally as great. I assume all the jazz Paul heard from his father made it's way into Paul's writing.
I think the #4 sounds sad only after a while is because at first it's just a C chord being played so the brain thinks "we must be in C lydian". However, the actual key of E minor quickly becomes established (since it's more stable than lydian and also emphasised). In the key of E minor, F# is the 9th, which has a haunting quality (think of the m9 chord).
Nailed it. I liken this moment in the song to the overall key of Em kind of seeping back into our brains...or we're anticipating the Em tonality we been hearing in the song coming back at any second.
My emotions when listening to Eleanor Rigby always bounce back and forth between melancholy and sadness. It feels like McCartney pulls the emotional rug out from under us with his soaring octave changes. Bloody genius is what it is.
Nice breakdown, interesting the 10th jump, and yes I think it is because the song really pivots around that Em that the "happier" chords feel melancholy.
A brilliant breakdown of the song, but I didn't not realize it only had 2 Chords!! it is amazing how music can instill sadness yet but yet be so memorable. It's one of my favourites, what other song out there ever written sounds like it? None that I can think of its so unique. The Beatles were a very rare combination of really 4 geniuses that got together very young as a band, and created masterpieces. i would say they probably knew they were good as time went on, but not as good as we think of them. Eleanor Rigby always gives me goosebumps when I hear it...
... while I failed music in elementary school (because of a lack of interest), my interest is now sky high with these breakdowns of these drums. The Beatles have indeed greatly shaped the way I write songs (my dad was a huge Beatles and Pink Floyd fan). Thank you, Rick, for this presentation. This is why I love your channel so much.
In fairness, I don't always agree with all that you do, but dude, you're amazing. Your analysis is consistently helpful to me and hopefully others. It pushes me to really try to more fully understand so much more of what I hear in the music that I listen to and play. I couldn't possibly overstate my appreciation.
Would love to see you break down Cobain's most advanced vocal melodies in this same way. Like a Top 5 list of "How did he hear that line during this progression?"
Hello Rick.....I just found your channel and have been binge watching.....BUT.....I've noticed that you haven't included the GREATEST group to EVER grace the music world.....perfect harmonies, songwriters, singers and producers.....they've written major #1's not only for themselves but for other artists......they are the GREAT BEE GEES!!!!!
I'm a 45 year drummer and I've been listening to this song my entire life. Very interesting and cool to hear the complexities explained. I also love George Martin's contribution to this song.
Well said. It’s a shame that many people don’t realise the contributions George Martin made towards their songs. He was a huge part of their song craft
0:03 Rick literally killing it in Chicago. In the other hand, all my life listening and loving this song, without noticing is funeral and burial music.
In some ways, this song is THE song. All of that aural and emotional information jam-packed into 2 minutes. Great Beatles songs are SO unique right from the jump. You hear the opening of Elenor Rigby, or Come Together or Hard Days Night (et al!) ... you don't need lyrics to know what song it is. The instrumentation and opening melodies/harmonies are absolutely unique. When I turn on the radio today, it is often (not always, but often) impossible for me to know what song is playing. I may know the BAND, but what SONG by them ... not so much. The Beatles sounded like the Beatles without having to stay locked in a "format" like many bands today are forced to do. The Beatles didn't have a "lane" ... they off-roaded and made everyone follow them! And I mean, that string arrangement! Come on!!
I keep watching this channel even though the analyses are waaaaay over my head. I’m continually floored with the depth of observation, analysis, appreciation, etc. Are there other people on our planet who can do what Rick does, as well as he does? It all seems impossibly genius to me.
Although I love Taxman I always thought that Eleanor Rigby would have been the best opener for Revolver, the way the song just hits you at once is quite amazing. Love your content Rick, hope you get to interview Macca at some point!
Another great and remarkable thing is that the melody of the verse is a five measure melody! I cannot thing any other melody that lasts five bars. Nice video. Greetings from Greece.
In my humble opinion he's a natural. He hums it in his head and creates the chords to match precisely whereas most people use the confines of their training to match chords. The emotion comes out with his accuracy of translation from mind to paper/insatrument. I'm probably over=thinking it. By the way, love your show.
Sophistication comes in a melodic design. That's why I predict it will still be heard in the future, without sounding dated. Especially with the analog capture and the arrangement by the 5th beatle. I wonder why that was one of the 45's I played over and over. Like Don't Worry Baby. Hat's off Rick.
Great analysis. Great to hear what a musical genius Paul was. All this is lost on 99% of listeners, to them it's just a song like any 1,3 song might be.
I think this is the wrong attitude. Sure, maybe 99% of people don't have enough of an education in music theory to understand Rick's explanation for why the song is awesome. But what matters more is one's ability to appreciate it, and regardless of one's technical knowledge, that change from the natural 6 to the flat 6 has a powerful impact on listeners all the same. Understanding music theory is great, but you don't need it to understand music on an emotional level. If they didn't, The Beatles probably wouldn't have been so popular, now would they?
@@evanwilliamson8338 My point was that most people don't realize the subtlety and complexity that some of the Beatles songs contain. I certainly didn't. As for my attitude, give me a break, dude.
McCartney is the most versatile genius. "Making lydian mode sound sad" when his music is usually (wrongfully) regarded as over optimistic, cheerful, etc. He has the range to do almost everything.
Check out this TH-cam video where Paul talks about writing Eleanor Rigby; it's titled "Paul's McCartney's Piano Lesson." He talks about how he and John used chord permutations in song writing and the influence of Bach.
To really appreciate the depth of McCartney's talent, one need go no further than his debut solo album. There's some incredible stuff there, like his solo on Maybe I'm Amazed.
A fantastic breakdown of another great song Rick. Your scope, and ability to explain the magic most of us just take for granted as music, really makes me marvel at the genius of McCartney and so many others. Thank you so much for sharing all you do.
Wish I’d known this two years ago instead of watching this now in 2024. Anyone else still watching Rick’s old videos years later? So much musical knowledge archived here, love it ❤
Great episode. This is exactly what I’m looking for. …to be amazed at the hidden complexity in the simple sounding songs. …that’s not exactly what I mean, but when I hear you breaking songs down this way, I love it!
Ok Rick this isn't exactly what you are talking about here, as it's chords rather than melody but QOTSA's epic Avon from the S/T album has the 6th and then b6th back to back in the chorus (power chords) in the key of G Minor. Josh plays them an octave apart and I absolutely love the sound. It also has a b2nd and a 7th so it's like Dorian/Phrygian/Harmonic Minor all in one riff. And damn it sounds sooooooo good!!!
Think Macca knew what a flat 4th was when he wrote this? Wonder how much theory he actually knew (his ears are incredible)…plus he was taking piano lessons from Jane Asher’s Mom….
From listening to every Macca interview I've ever been able to find, including McCartney 3-2-1 with Rick Rubin, I don't believe he knew any theory as theory per se. He certainly knew how different intervals sounded! We know Mr. Lennon didn't know music theory. Per Wikipedia, "Not a Second Time" inspired a musical analysis from William Mann of The Times, citing the "Aeolian cadence" (Aeolian harmony) of Lennon's vocals as the song draws to a close, and noting that the same chord progression appears at the end of the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.[3] Lennon, years later, remarked: "To this day, I have no idea what [Aeolian cadences] are. They sound like exotic birds."[4] How fortunate the world is that four exotic birds roosted in George Martin's nest for a while...
The b6 you mentioned sounds very Lennon-esq… something writing on his own then & after May very well be naturally engrained. Awesome video Rick-As usual. Wishing you & All the best. Namaste.
Thank you for analyzing Eleanor Rigby. This song is So moving to me. Not Only these uses of the flat 6th or Lydian sharp 4, but the string section, superb!!! Without knowing the why, it often would make me cry. The lyrics and this woman who lived alone and then passes away like so many people in the world today. Really heart wrenching, So Powerful!
Always luved this song...a lot of music theory to it...do you think Paul knew all this stuff back then when writing it, or just pure ear, instinct and experimenting at the key board...."Alright, this 'SOUNDS' good mate".....I'm guessing the latter. Good stuff Rick! I still think you should do an album of Beatle covers, and call it " The Beatos".
Most amazing is, none of The Beatles knew music theory. They just made music, the best pop and rock music of all time. Surely, George Martin knew theory but he didn’t let it get in the way of their creativity. He was truly the “Fifth Beatle.” Paul heard the melody in his head and fit the words and chords to it. He … made music.
They probably didn‘t know music theory but they CERTAINLY heard music theory. They had great ears and were truly amazing composers with a borderless imagination.
Made my day by this analysis. Coming from a guy who didn't have any formal training in music, Paul, usually associated with chirpy love songs, is a genius to hear all those sounds in his head and then overlay them on some sad story.
Of course, Martin was his hidden tool right from the early days. While Martin could refine anything to an unparalleled finished product and knew warts and all of the musical arrangement, he wasn't gifted enough to come up with original music. They complemented each other in musical production just like Paul and John complemented each other in song writing.
@@johnsrabe yeah, unknowingly he landed up having nearly 13 subtle key changes in Penny lane. That's the best thing about the Beatles' songs. They appear very simple but become complex when it comes to the nuts and bolts.
I have loved this song since 66. I play it at local music sessions (acoustic guitar) and play around with it. Such a phenomenal composition and the first (only?) Beatles track that had no guitars. It would be wonderful for you to interview Paul and have him sing over your keys playing.
I find stories of songwriting the most interesting part of music. I wonder if he came up with it first on acoustic guitar or did he compose it completely on piano.
@@ewest14 I like Van der Graaf Generator's cover of Martin's composition, "Theme One." He would have been a great influence on anybody for songwriting.
I had a HS English teacher in the early 70s who used Beatles songs in our poetry explorations. Not the music, just the words. We spent a whole class dissecting the meanings and emotions of Eleanor Rigby. It is a very special memory that I cherish. Thank you, Mr. John Sollers.
Dang me too!
The irony is they wrote I am the walrus to poke fun at people looking too deeply into their lyrics
My Polish mom learned English at university coz she was translating The Beatles songs to friends in th 70/80s
My ear is not nearly as developed as it should be, but ER is so lush and sophisticated that it never dawned on me that it only has two chords. Fricken Beatles man.
My thoughts exactly. When I read the title and saw ER in the description I went ‘Really!?
I think it's fair to say we would never tire of you analyzing, discussing, praising, playing the Beatles. A bottomless well.
It is not only one of the greatest 2-chord songs ever written, it is one of the greatest songs ever written period.
Yeah im still not sure why rick didnt add it to his greatest 2-chord song. He says its because of the line cliche? But the line cliche works so well here
agreed!
Contenders for best one-chord song?
The Fixx - One Thing Leads to Another
Alabama 3 - Woke Up This Morning
What say you?
@@YechielLevin The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows
Everything always comes back to them.
@@bassesatta9235 yeah, dreams has a 6minor chord in the guitar solo, so if dreams was in that video, eleanor rigby could've been there
Great video as usual.... During Rick Wakeman's 2006 solo piano tour he covered a "Help/Elenor Rigby" medley and stopped in the middle.... explaining to the crowd precisely the melody changes you taught us about here... spot on dude as always!!!
Wakeman is also funny as hell in addition to being a virtuoso player and educator. I also strongly believe that when public K-12 school music programs were better funded these types of discussions were common. In the 70s, I had an old high school piano teacher who would routinely break down tunes like this for us in great detail (jazz and show tunes too) and we would be tested on the material or be asked to develop a motif based on it. This was not unusual. I regret that those teachers weren’t better paid. Of course, public K12 music programs were later seen as optional and the trend became to defund them. What a shame. It also led to a drought of musical knowledge on even foundational concepts such as the modes and counter-point. In any case It’s great that Rick Beato benefit can from his knowledge.
I am a retired music teacher and I used this song for years in my arrangement and composition classes as a perfect example of creative 'less is more' writing. Apart from the fantastic melody there is the syncopated rhythm of the melody set against the steady quarter note beat of the strings that really propels the song forward. Also there is the strange harmonic rhythm. (three measures of Em followed by one and a half measure of C followed by three and a half measures of Em) which gives this song this weird sense of instability. Pure genius. And there's the lyrics of course.
Let's be real, we're never gonna really be *done* talking about the Beatles. I've been listening to them for my entire 24 years of living and I'm still catching things I've never noticed before. Not many bands can say they have 13 albums and every single one is a masterpiece.
I'm 72 and have been listening to them since the beginning and yet here's Rick Beato dissecting and revealing to me things about a piece of music I've listened to 1,000's of times in such a way as to make me understand that there's so much more to hear.
It is very very comforting to know that these guys still Rock for the younger Generations as well. I'm 42, I didn't really fall in love with the Beatles until I was 17 and it was forced on me by one of my friends dads so many years ago. I was very thankful, yet I was way overdue for opening that book, and was not real intrigued or interested in their music until then, even though I had heard many of their songs growing up. There is so much to explore, i still havent heard every song they sent out to the world. John was killed shortly before I was born. Keep passing the music down through the generations, it is well deserved. These gentlemen have definitely made the world a better place.
@@newfreenayshaun6651 I'm glad my dad collected the vinyl albums and later the CDs. I remember loving Sgt Pepper from some of my earliest memories. I'm always trying to turn people on to their music, and even blowing their minds with something like Taxman, Rain or even Within You Without You when people try to tell me they were "just a pop group/boy band." Of course being my age, a lot of my friends and peers just don't get it..
@@newfreenayshaun6651 that’s so funny. I’m 42 and started loving the Beatles when I was 18
You can’t have rock w/o Bach, Beethoven & Brahms. You can’t have jazz w/o Miles , Monk & Moody. You can’t have modern music w/o the Beatles. Don’t listen to them much - but I probably should.
One of my peeves is the "Beatles are overrated" stuff that goes around these days online... obviously no one who's ever tried to play a Beatles song correctly. It's just mind blowing how complex their songs can be yet still be as palatable to a mainstream listener as it is.
Most of the arguments I see whenever someone says that The Beatles are overrated are centered upon "even I can play their songs on the guitar, they are not difficult".
They forget that having a ton of shred licks or complicated riffs in your songs does not mean that they are memorable or of good quality.
Individuals might make that claim but the Beatles popularity BLOWS it all away.
A simple answer I use is- The best cannot be overrated. Whether in terms of influence or sheer record sales.
The Beatles totally transformed popular music and popular culture. They were the first self contained pop group, writing their own songs and using chords and musical forms that had never been seen in pop music before. They were revolutionaries and everyone since has been merely a follower.
@@Timliu92 And that is the truth of it.
I'm so glad you took the time to analyze Eleanor Rigby. This is probably my favorite Beatles song, along with Magical Mystery Tour. Also, I think if there is ever a time when there is nothing else to say about the Beatles, then the world is done. Last one out the door, make sure the lights are turned off.
starting in my teenage years I began the listening to The Beatles.. and over time their music created hundreds of thousands of neural pathways throughout my auditory cortex.. thank you so much Rick for being passionate while you share musical knowledge and analyze great songs.. it is very enjoyable to witness.
when you vocalize it almost sounded like robert wyatt - so good.
My wife and two sons joined me at your show at the Park West in Chicago and yes Rick, we were very entertained! To all of my fellow fans, go see Rick! It’s a great evening of musical dissections and all you’ve come to appreciate from Professor Beato. Thank you, Rick!
I wish I had known about this appearance. I would have definitely been there, but I don't follow Rick so closely.
In Wings it feels like he does interval jumps in "Let em in" (Someone's knocking at the door)
When I was a kid, this song always made me very sad. I always thought it was the lyrics doing it to me. This video showed me that it was also the music doing it to me, maybe more so than the lyrics. Thank you Rick, I always learn something new when I watch your videos!
Hearing the notes played on the piano without the lavish production really illustrates the stark power and drama of the song. I can imagine building a piano concerto around this song.
Fabulous as usual, Rick reminds me of my organ teacher in the 70s same passion and similar shock of hair. Thank you.
The chord progression with 6ths and flattened 6ths reminds me of Cry Me A River (Arthur Hamilton) and the Bond theme by Monty Norman.
The new Revolver mix is incredible. Eleanor Rigby gives me full body goosebumps. Just amazing how much clarity they were able to pull out for the new release.
I started listening to Revolver deluxe in it's entirety this morning. Just finished. Mind blown.
Great video, as usual. Also, proof that sometimes you DON’T have to use the original recording to teach about the song. Hope you can use this format more often for the blockers. Thank you, Rick!
Long time player- man, I learn so much from your channel. And I am as old as dirt. Thank you Rick!
it really is remarkable what they did for music and how its still unmatched to this day
There’s nothing better than watching Rick use his encyclopaedic music knowledge to break down a song. How do I support you Rick?
I agree 100%
This is one of the most beautiful song ever written (and also one of the most difficult to sing)
One of your best so far Rick - thank you
Such a great analysis and example! McCarteny's music is deceptively complex, the weird stuff just sounds so right, I still can't get over the time I realized Yesterday is in 7-bar phrases! like no other pop song.
Loving the new mix of Revolver, so many great songs on one album.
The sound system at the store where I work is messed up, and only plays one main channel (you can faintly hear the other one). When this song comes on, as soon as Paul sings, all you hear is, "El...". However, you get to hear the string section very well, which I've always loved, so that's a small consolation...lol. They all come back in on the chorus, only to disappear again when the next verse begins...lol. It does the same thing on songs like "Bus Stop", "Aquarius", "Foxy Lady", "Good Lovin'"...anything that may have been recorded on two main tracks. They sound more like karaoke tunes! lol
Thanks for this post, I really enjoyed Rhett's input! He (as well as you) has a great ear for hearing things we laypeople may miss! 🎶♥
You were wondering about a 10th in another song. "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones has a 10th a few times in the song. It's obvious because it leads into the beginning of the phrase. I love your videos.... especially the one you did on Michael Brecker (my jazz hero).
Norah Jones has a Beatles connection. She's the daughter of Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar who was a friend of George Harrison.
Not sure where you're getting the 10th, as it begins with a jump from the 1 to the 7th, 5, 3,3, 1, and the other verses are 7, 5, 3, 3, 1. The chorus jumps an octave at the beginning.
@@mikenitchie5849 I will check my transcription when I have time. I like playing this song, so I transcribed it. If my transcription turns out to be correct, I will share it with you.
@@mikenitchie5849 I always find mistakes in sheet music, so I usually transcribe songs I like to play.
There is no bottom to the depth and the poignancy of The Beatles. This is why we are all still standing still in awe, bowing to their majesty. What makes it even more endearing is the fact that they never had the pretension of believing in their own splendor. They just, were!
It's interesting to note that George Harrison came up with "look at all the lonely people," and Ringo wrote some of the lyrics ("writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear"). Lennon later claimed major credit for the song, which was disputed by the entire band and Lennon's childhood friend Pete Shotton, who was there as McCartney worked on the song and said Lennon's contribution was "virtually nil." One of my absolute favorite songs not just from the Beatles, but of all time. It's simply brilliant, whomever contributed to the writing (although I do believe that the entire thing has much more the air of McCartney than it does of Lennon, and that seems to be the opinion of everyone involved in its writing.)
Was in Chicago for the show. I was entertained. Thank you for all you do. You handled the crowd questions so well and I loved the Beatles breakdown there. I half expected to see a white board. Great job on this video too..
Thanks John! Great idea about the whiteboard:)
This is why this song has never sound to me like a two chord song. It's so complex in its melody and arrangement.
that, and the fact it's not a two-chord song.
@@biffDipstick yeah, I have no idea why Rick called it a two chord song.
@@gregoryl.levitre9759 right? He's smarter than that.
I agree with Peter Green word for word from a Guitar Magazine I have.
"Macca Macca all the way"
Especially if you know theory he is just so varied from simple yet complex to Jazz Vaudeville Tin Pan Alley Show tunes and more.
One of my favorite renditions of Eleanor Rigby is the one with Wes Montgomery. It's so beautiful. Great tutorial!
Oh boy. Gonna have to check that out. Thanx.
@@dudemcrude2023 On it, mate. Thank you.
Rick, you spoke about jumping a 10th and it being so unusual. My music theory is definitely pre-infancy, but the second time you demonstrated it the first thing that came to mind was Van Halen's "I'll Wait" the beginning of the song keyboard synth introduction which I suppose is a bit more of a slide and not a jump. I could be way off with my initial thought, but I find it similar.
Paul has been my favourite since Ed Sullivan show Feb 18 1964 I’m still playing still performing so much love for those guys, the world was saved when they came along
Great video analysis of a beautiful song. Yesterday gets most of the attention, but I always thought this was equally as great. I assume all the jazz Paul heard from his father made it's way into Paul's writing.
I think the #4 sounds sad only after a while is because at first it's just a C chord being played so the brain thinks "we must be in C lydian". However, the actual key of E minor quickly becomes established (since it's more stable than lydian and also emphasised). In the key of E minor, F# is the 9th, which has a haunting quality (think of the m9 chord).
Nailed it. I liken this moment in the song to the overall key of Em kind of seeping back into our brains...or we're anticipating the Em tonality we been hearing in the song coming back at any second.
My emotions when listening to Eleanor Rigby always bounce back and forth between melancholy and sadness. It feels like McCartney pulls the emotional rug out from under us with his soaring octave changes.
Bloody genius is what it is.
Nice breakdown, interesting the 10th jump, and yes I think it is because the song really pivots around that Em that the "happier" chords feel melancholy.
If Rick ever decided to do Close to the Edge by Yes, it probably would be an hour long video...and I would gobble up every second of it.
A brilliant breakdown of the song, but I didn't not realize it only had 2 Chords!! it is amazing how music can instill sadness yet but yet be so memorable.
It's one of my favourites, what other song out there ever written sounds like it? None that I can think of its so unique.
The Beatles were a very rare combination of really 4 geniuses that got together very young
as a band, and created masterpieces. i would say they probably knew they were good as time went on, but not as good as we think of them.
Eleanor Rigby always gives me goosebumps when I hear it...
Soooo glad you’re not done talking about The Beatles! Thank You Sir!! 😇
Amen!!!
Hope someone sends this to Paul - That would be a great interview :)
Well done! Such a beautiful melody - your insight re: modalities, harmonic progression, etc are awesome.
She's Leaving Home is sad and beautiful also.
Bach, Beethoven, the Beatles... their music is immortal.
... while I failed music in elementary school (because of a lack of interest), my interest is now sky high with these breakdowns of these drums. The Beatles have indeed greatly shaped the way I write songs (my dad was a huge Beatles and Pink Floyd fan). Thank you, Rick, for this presentation. This is why I love your channel so much.
In fairness, I don't always agree with all that you do, but dude, you're amazing. Your analysis is consistently helpful to me and hopefully others. It pushes me to really try to more fully understand so much more of what I hear in the music that I listen to and play. I couldn't possibly overstate my appreciation.
What do you mean you don't agree with what he does? That's like saying you don't agree someone makes bread everyday. What?
Now I know why I love that tune so much
Would love to see you break down Cobain's most advanced vocal melodies in this same way. Like a Top 5 list of "How did he hear that line during this progression?"
Got to chuckle and feel satisfied.
The more you examine the Beatles' music the more impressed you are of their genius.
And the times of playful innocence . . . ?
Hello Rick.....I just found your channel and have been binge watching.....BUT.....I've noticed that you haven't included the GREATEST group to EVER grace the music world.....perfect harmonies, songwriters, singers and producers.....they've written major #1's not only for themselves but for other artists......they are the GREAT BEE GEES!!!!!
I'm a 45 year drummer and I've been listening to this song my entire life. Very interesting and cool to hear the complexities explained. I also love George Martin's contribution to this song.
Well said. It’s a shame that many people don’t realise the contributions George Martin made towards their songs. He was a huge part of their song craft
@@taylorplayed2529 You can say that, again!
@@stevenhubbard8445 😂
And the irony is that there's no drums.
@@alexandermckay8594 Yes. One would expect drums from a rock n roll band, but there aren't any. Another cool trick on their part.
0:03 Rick literally killing it in Chicago. In the other hand, all my life listening and loving this song, without noticing is funeral and burial music.
In some ways, this song is THE song. All of that aural and emotional information jam-packed into 2 minutes.
Great Beatles songs are SO unique right from the jump. You hear the opening of Elenor Rigby, or Come Together or Hard Days Night (et al!) ... you don't need lyrics to know what song it is. The instrumentation and opening melodies/harmonies are absolutely unique. When I turn on the radio today, it is often (not always, but often) impossible for me to know what song is playing. I may know the BAND, but what SONG by them ... not so much. The Beatles sounded like the Beatles without having to stay locked in a "format" like many bands today are forced to do. The Beatles didn't have a "lane" ... they off-roaded and made everyone follow them!
And I mean, that string arrangement! Come on!!
Rick. You make me look and hear all these songs I have known forever in such a new and amazing way! You’re a gift to music.. thank you!
Another song that has a 10th jump in the melody is Seasons by Chris Cornell.
"I'm left -> behind"
3:44 "There's probably a Sting song." 😄 That is exactly what I was thinking.
Digging the detailed analysis - forever a fan of The Beatles.
I love this song! A remaster just came out so I am listening to it all over again!
I keep watching this channel even though the analyses are waaaaay over my head. I’m continually floored with the depth of observation, analysis, appreciation, etc. Are there other people on our planet who can do what Rick does, as well as he does? It all seems impossibly genius to me.
Although I love Taxman I always thought that Eleanor Rigby would have been the best opener for Revolver, the way the song just hits you at once is quite amazing. Love your content Rick, hope you get to interview Macca at some point!
Another great and remarkable thing is that the melody of the verse is a five measure melody! I cannot thing any other melody that lasts five bars. Nice video. Greetings from Greece.
In my humble opinion he's a natural. He hums it in his head and creates the chords to match precisely whereas most people use the confines of their training to match chords. The emotion comes out with his accuracy of translation from mind to paper/insatrument. I'm probably over=thinking it. By the way, love your show.
Two-chord magical song: Here’s Where the Story Goes by the Sundays 💜💜💜
Yes, and with a different kind of haunting story than Rigby has.
I think Eleanor Rigby is one of the most important songs of the 20th century. Great video!
If I’m not mistaken, Ram on (also by Paul McCartney) has a 10th interval jump in the verse
youve taken a snapshot of this song with an audio camera that makes my simple ear take another listen and desire it so much more. Thank you Rick!!!
Another great video from Professor Beato! Can we please appreciate his singing on this one! Every falsetto is spot on 😮
@@williamwilson6499 Exactly William. I love Rick but come on!!! The dude is NOT a vocalist.
Sophistication comes in a melodic design. That's why I predict it will still be heard in the future, without sounding dated.
Especially with the analog capture and the arrangement by the 5th beatle.
I wonder why that was one of the 45's I played over and over. Like Don't Worry Baby. Hat's off Rick.
Great analysis. Great to hear what a musical genius Paul was. All this is lost on 99% of listeners, to them it's just a song like any 1,3 song might be.
And that is what brings a few million people to Rick Beato's channel. I enjoy it even more when I understand what is going on.
I think this is the wrong attitude. Sure, maybe 99% of people don't have enough of an education in music theory to understand Rick's explanation for why the song is awesome. But what matters more is one's ability to appreciate it, and regardless of one's technical knowledge, that change from the natural 6 to the flat 6 has a powerful impact on listeners all the same. Understanding music theory is great, but you don't need it to understand music on an emotional level. If they didn't, The Beatles probably wouldn't have been so popular, now would they?
@@evanwilliamson8338 My point was that most people don't realize the subtlety and complexity that some of the Beatles songs contain. I certainly didn't. As for my attitude, give me a break, dude.
I've hit like button after 5 sec of the video. That's my confidence in you, Rick as well as in Paul the Greatest. Love ya both.
McCartney is the most versatile genius. "Making lydian mode sound sad" when his music is usually (wrongfully) regarded as over optimistic, cheerful, etc. He has the range to do almost everything.
If McCartney saw this, I bet he would do an interview with you. You need to make it happen.
I grew up on that song. I get it. Sad and melancholy. Lost souls searching.
Check out this TH-cam video where Paul talks about writing Eleanor Rigby; it's titled "Paul's McCartney's Piano Lesson." He talks about how he and John used chord permutations in song writing and the influence of Bach.
To really appreciate the depth of McCartney's talent, one need go no further than his debut solo album. There's some incredible stuff there, like his solo on Maybe I'm Amazed.
A fantastic breakdown of another great song Rick. Your scope, and ability to explain the magic most of us just take for granted as music, really makes me marvel at the genius of McCartney and so many others. Thank you so much for sharing all you do.
Wish I’d known this two years ago instead of watching this now in 2024.
Anyone else still watching Rick’s old videos years later?
So much musical knowledge archived here, love it ❤
Great episode. This is exactly what I’m looking for. …to be amazed at the hidden complexity in the simple sounding songs. …that’s not exactly what I mean, but when I hear you breaking songs down this way, I love it!
i've read somewhere that actually Harrison came up with the ahh look at all the lonely people part, what a band!
Paul had the melody and George and Paul wrote the lyrics together
Simple overall yet complex details & so damn complete. I pity those who aren't even aware of The Beatle's greatness.
Ok Rick this isn't exactly what you are talking about here, as it's chords rather than melody but QOTSA's epic Avon from the S/T album has the 6th and then b6th back to back in the chorus (power chords) in the key of G Minor. Josh plays them an octave apart and I absolutely love the sound. It also has a b2nd and a 7th so it's like Dorian/Phrygian/Harmonic Minor all in one riff. And damn it sounds sooooooo good!!!
Think Macca knew what a flat 4th was when he wrote this? Wonder how much theory he actually knew (his ears are incredible)…plus he was taking piano lessons from Jane Asher’s Mom….
I very much doubt he even thought of Lydian or even knew about any of it or all the other things Rick talks about. He just came up with the tune.
From listening to every Macca interview I've ever been able to find, including McCartney 3-2-1 with Rick Rubin, I don't believe he knew any theory as theory per se. He certainly knew how different intervals sounded!
We know Mr. Lennon didn't know music theory. Per Wikipedia, "Not a Second Time" inspired a musical analysis from William Mann of The Times, citing the "Aeolian cadence" (Aeolian harmony) of Lennon's vocals as the song draws to a close, and noting that the same chord progression appears at the end of the final movement of Gustav Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.[3] Lennon, years later, remarked: "To this day, I have no idea what [Aeolian cadences] are. They sound like exotic birds."[4]
How fortunate the world is that four exotic birds roosted in George Martin's nest for a while...
Can you imagine interviewing Sir Paul on the channel!
That flat 6 is acually better than a minor chord for that feeling , petty genius
What's also great is Revolver ends with a 2 chord song. Both unprecedented and great!
The b6 you mentioned sounds very Lennon-esq… something writing on his own then & after May very well be naturally engrained. Awesome video Rick-As usual. Wishing you & All the best. Namaste.
Great lesson. Yeah, I’m a geek, I love Music theory…! What’s funny Sir Paul never learned to read music, but his sense of theory abounds.
Thank you for analyzing Eleanor Rigby. This song is So moving to me. Not Only these uses of the flat 6th or Lydian sharp 4, but the string section, superb!!!
Without knowing the why, it often would make me cry. The lyrics and this woman who lived alone and then passes away like so many people in the world today. Really heart wrenching, So Powerful!
I am so glad you made this video. Eleanor Rigby was always my favorite Beatles song. And I never had a clue why. Now I know : )
Always luved this song...a lot of music theory to it...do you think Paul knew all this stuff back then when writing it, or just pure ear, instinct and experimenting at the key board...."Alright, this 'SOUNDS' good mate".....I'm guessing the latter. Good stuff Rick!
I still think you should do an album of Beatle covers, and call it " The Beatos".
Most amazing is, none of The Beatles knew music theory. They just made music, the best pop and rock music of all time. Surely, George Martin knew theory but he didn’t let it get in the way of their creativity. He was truly the “Fifth Beatle.” Paul heard the melody in his head and fit the words and chords to it. He … made music.
They probably didn‘t know music theory but they CERTAINLY heard music theory. They had great ears and were truly amazing composers with a borderless imagination.
They knew music theory without having an academic understanding of it.
I seem to remember that "Ahh look at all the lonely people" was actually George Harrison's idea.
Made my day by this analysis. Coming from a guy who didn't have any formal training in music, Paul, usually associated with chirpy love songs, is a genius to hear all those sounds in his head and then overlay them on some sad story.
Precisely. Maybe he did these weird things in songs because he didn’t know they weren’t done?
Paul may well not have been formally trained -but he worked with a master who was in George Martin.
Of course, Martin was his hidden tool right from the early days. While Martin could refine anything to an unparalleled finished product and knew warts and all of the musical arrangement, he wasn't gifted enough to come up with original music. They complemented each other in musical production just like Paul and John complemented each other in song writing.
@@johnsrabe yeah, unknowingly he landed up having nearly 13 subtle key changes in Penny lane. That's the best thing about the Beatles' songs. They appear very simple but become complex when it comes to the nuts and bolts.
I have loved this song since 66. I play it at local music sessions (acoustic guitar) and play around with it. Such a phenomenal composition and the first (only?) Beatles track that had no guitars. It would be wonderful for you to interview Paul and have him sing over your keys playing.
I find stories of songwriting the most interesting part of music. I wonder if he came up with it first on acoustic guitar or did he compose it completely on piano.
Interesting point. I've just tried playing along on the acoustic guitar and it doesn't quite work, so I would guess the piano
@@davidjames3787 Probably correct. It has a strong "piano" sound to it.
He wrote it on piano and George Martin helped him transcribe it to a string quartet
@@ewest14 I like Van der Graaf Generator's cover of Martin's composition, "Theme One." He would have been a great influence on anybody for songwriting.
Would to see to see Rick interview Paul.That would be epic!