The Genius of George Harrison Guitar by Mike Pachelli
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มี.ค. 2017
- at 5:21 I meant to say B9.
at 9:14 it's an F#7+9
at 13:52 play the harmonic on the 5th fret of the 1st string as notated in the charts and tab
If you enjoy these free lessons please consider leaving a tip at www.mikepachelli.com - I spend hours working out these lessons. THANKS for your consideration! Mike
The amps I'm using are a 1965 Vox Berkeley Super Reverb (tube version) and a 1967 Fender Deluxe Reverb.
Pedals are Route 66 compressor, Jetter GS 124 and a TC Electronic chorus/flanger (to simulate the Leslie). - เพลง
Every Harrison solo is memorable. No need for super shredding when you have musical things to say.
exactly, the something solo is truly divine!
George Harrison had more memorable guitar riffs than any other guitarist that existed. He could adapt to and create something amazing no matter what song Paul and John threw at him. Can you imagine the great Jimmy Page being the Beatle's guitarist? George was the right guitarist for the right band. Same with Jimmy.
The first 5 words of your second sentence say it all.
"til there was you" is mindblowing. Like you said, coming from a kid who's like 21 with no former guitar or music lessons. I took guitar lessons and theory in highschool and was completely amazed at not only the solo, but his guitar work throughout the whole song. It's incredibly advanced and I to this day have no clue where he learned that, where/who it came from. Or if he's just that gifted where he figured it out. The voicing's are very advanced.
Well there was no internet back in the day, I think people were much more active playing around
I don’t think I have ever enjoyed watching someone else play the guitar more than this video of Mike Pachelli discussing George Harrison’s solos. He is like a professor with a PHD’s knowledge of the guitar, explaining it to a high school class. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is so contagious. Just fantastic.
Thanks Thomas. I am humbled by your very kind words.
Couldn’t agree more,I’m smiling watching Mike get so passionate about tiny things. I only clicked for a quick look and ended up staying lol. Very interesting but I’ve got to get back to Travis picking!!
I agree. I'm an old guy not a whole lot younger than Mike returned to guitar about five years ago after a lengthy life & demanding aviation career hiatus. To play The Beatles guitar parts of George and John from their early-mid period is my objective and passion. Mike is my fellow aficionado and guru when it comes to The Beatles Masterclass. None better. Kudos.
George Harrison is one of my top guitar heroes. He is the reason why I focus on becoming a music-oriented guitar player rather than someone who only wants to learn licks to show off. Thank you for this video Mike!
You are most welcome and I couldn't agree with you more!
Mike, I have heard some of his slide work and it is just hauntingly beautiful. Was he recognized for the level he had achieved with the slide work he did? Thanks for video...
Timliu92 i could not agree with you more. lead guitar playing is there to compliment the song and at the same time be a composition in it's own right . not like the showy shredders who play like they are aiming for a gold medal at the olympics.
@Rodzilla Great point, except that Eric Clapton played the solo on the version of WMGGW on the 'White' album :).
@@MPfrance GH said he never wanted to be a "ripper" b/c he said anyone with enough pratice can be a ripper.... but rippers had no style.....not exact quote but close
Back in my school days, some of my rock fan friends often put down George's guitar skills because he didn't play like Hendrix, Page, Beck, Van Halen, etc. I always rolled my eyes at their comments because none of them got the subtlety of George's guitar work. They didn't understand the skill it took for George to make those guitar parts fit perfectly into each of the Beatles' and his own solo songs.
270yis I’ve had the same problems with my friends too. But all you have to do is listen to Harrison, and your mind will change. His chord knowledge was outstanding and how he decorated the songs with his licks and chord choices. For me, Harrison was the best, maybe not generally, but for me, he is my guitar hero.
100% agree with you. I love George's playing, particularly on his solo albums.
Unless you're a musician or at least musically inclined, you won't hear the intricate parts of a song. I played in several cover bands over the years, and I found the Beatles songs some of the toughest ones to play on guitar. They were much more diverse than your typical 3-chord rock and roll band.
Totally agree, George was a understated genius.
@@funkster007 I agree taxman was virtually impossible to replicate without it sounding like the jam!
The word 'genius' is often used extravagantly, wrongly, carelessly ... it is often applied to people who are not. In George Harrison's case, he most definitely was a genius, in the true sense of this word. He was also deeply humble, he never tried to put the spotlight on himself .. all his guitar work beautifully weaves into the tapestry of each Beatle song, humbly, exquisitely .. ever enhancing, ever adding its own magic. There is no one who could have been for the Beatles what George Harrison was. No one.
I've always thought that George Harrison's guitar solos were pretty unique, in that every time you heard them you could sort of sing along with them.
ABSOLUTELY! He is so melodic!
George has in my opinion, the most distinct playing. It's so twangy
Great Harrison could play
@@drpepper694 the quite beetle good playing
Mike Campbell comes very close to George in that department. Almost any iconic solo you can name connects with the audience because it is “singable,” for lack of a better word.
As an admirer of George in real-time in the 1960s, I am thrilled to see this present day appreciation of George Harrison and his work. As a player in garage bands in the 60s, I must admit I was taken by the flash of Jimi Hendrick and Eric Clapton and thus did not appreciate the sheer skill and musicianship that George's "slow hand" exhibited. (Hey, I was young and stupid, what can I say?) I am so glad that George's skill is appreciated by you today.
I would also admit, I so wish this video had been available 53 years ago for I would have studied it and been a much better guitarist than I ever was. :-)
I'm one not to idolise people, or put them on pedestals. Except for the Beatles. I have their name tattooed on my arm. I salute and support the phenomenon that they were and the music they brought to the world. And all in less than seven years of recording!! They are the closest I get to feeling religious, because the whole thing feels like a gift, as if it were beyond them as mere mortals. Such an amazing thing for all the world to enjoy. Love 'em! So thanks Mark, for highlighting the genius of George's solo's, even I hadn't realised how clever they were.
Bob : you are quite right . There was more to the Beatles than
we realise - they were the " medium " through which the music
was given to us .
Im not one to idolize people, I do however have tattoos of people permanently inked on to my body who represent the closet thing I fell to religious (idolizing a god or Gods)
Weird way to phrase a comment. MOST people who have obsessions or idolize other humans only do so over one figure or group like you have. You are one to idolize. Not that there anything wrong with that.
@@NowhereMan7 Yeah lmao it escalated fast. i get respecting them alot (i think most of us do) and getting stuff like pictures etc and being invested in them but inking them on your arm is kinda yikes especially if its followed after the phrase „i dont usually idolize people“
For me, the genius of the Beatles as individuals was that they all played songs on their instrument. George's melodic solos, John's creative rhythm, Paul's singable bass lines, and Ringo's patterns like no other drummer. This video was really great, Mike! Thank you!
Can you believe all those guys showed up in the same town, at the same time? I find that such an awesome twist of fate.
+Tom DesRochers - You're so right! The way none of them tried to be posers and just played what the song needed. For example, a lot of people think Ringo was a terrible drummer because he didn't play complex fills or play drum solos etc., but they miss the whole point. Ringo was an awesome drummer because he played what the song needed and THAT is what a great musician does. It's hilarious that people think you can become THAT big and THAT influential with a terrible drummer!
+The Internet Killed Music - You're right, in a way, but saying that also detracts from the fact that the four of them worked VERY hard for a LONG time before they made it big. They lived and played together for years, and worked and worked and worked until they were like the four limbs on a body; all working together for the good of the whole. If you see what I mean? To be successful you need more than just talent; you need determination and you need to practise and practise and practise ... then practice some more ... until you master your craft, and that is what The Beatles did...
I saw them perform live on Sept 8 1964 in Montreal at the old Montreal Forum, and they sounded exactly like they did on their records, only better 'live'. Even through all the screaming they sounded great. Will always love the Beatles.
Exactly...they didn't overplay, serving the song first, adding their own uniquely, Beatlesque stamp on it all...I'm generalizing, but essentially, that's it. Ringo was a lefty, who played right, so there's a signature funkiness to his own style...love the guy!
@@philsurtees You're right, and they also razzed and harassed each other in a way that (mostly) honed all four to be at their best. At least early on. I know Paul and especially John gave George a hellish time and dissed his songs, and John could be especially cruel, and Paul ended up as a huge control freak (sorta had to be with John checked out). But in the early years, and even to some extent later, they pushed each other in a healthy way.
George's solo on Let it Be sounds like a fanfare for a king. Truly magnificent composition, and beautifully demonstrated!
To Mike Pachelli -
There is no doubt whatsoever that George Harrison was a musical genius. He was also a deeply spiritual, humble and sensitive man. That he was with us for the years he was is a blessing.
The solo on Nowhere Man is my favorite solo of all time. It doesn't overstay it's welcome or play one single unnecessary note. The tone on it is so incredibly trebly and jangly that I still have no idea how they got it to sound like that. Also, the harmonic note at the end, damn what a crazy ending to a solo.
ABSOLUTELY!!
Mike said it best that kids now have the benefit of modern technology and decades of study of the Beatles who created stuff out of whole cloth. It's difficult to imagine but there it is and people who know it are in awe. It's almost as satisfying as when we (as kids then) experienced it when it was new. At nine years old I knew I was hearing magic that people like Mr. Pachelli would forever treat with respect and delight forever. Thank you.
"We were always forcing [the Abbey Road staff] into things they didn’t want to do. ‘Nowhere Man’ was one. I remember we wanted very treble-y guitars, which they are, they’re among the most treble-y guitars I’ve ever heard on record. The engineer said, ‘All right, I’ll put full treble on it,’ and we said, ‘That’s not enough’, and he said, ‘But that’s all I’ve got, I’ve only got one pot and that’s it!’ And we replied, ‘Well, put that through another lot of faders and put full treble up on that. And if that’s not enough we’ll go through another lot of faders’… Paul Mccartney
The armonic was un prepared, spontaneous, i am sure
I think of George's work like Ringo's work. They both contributed just what the song needed. Neither of them emptied their buckets of riffs and fills just because.
Exactly!
Becaaaaaause the world....... sorry
George is my favorite Beatle. He was so deliberate and thoughtful about all of his play. He also played within his abilities and made all the skills he had count for every note he played. Beautiful player and song writer. Thanks for the video!
You are most welcome and I totally agree with your George assessment!
For his age he was a genius. Shows you don't have to play very fast. In my book just like the Beatles, he was the best guitarist there was.
vibra64
Agree 100%!
His guitar wasn’t the fastest or loudest, but it was the best overall.
Exactly. Obviously when I started out, I just wanted to play fast. Now it's all about the note choices. Speed can be fun, but note choice is a lot more important imo.
Absolutely. Music isn’t a sport, its an art.
Yeah! My all time favorite
exactly .. m never a fan of zakk wylde style of playing !!!
Such a fantastic sense of melody. He wasn't the fastest and flashiest player like a lot of his friends and contemporaries, but he knew how to serve a song and play utility like none other. As any good player knows, frantic scales runs can't compare to a laid back well thought out run. Plus he was a fantastic songwriter and from what I hear a very humble and gentle soul. Thanks for the inspiration George!
It is so good to see, here, George getting the credit he so richly deserves. He was a staggeringly versatile and inventive guitarist. Thanks for demonstrating this.
In the early days, George played most of his solos off chords as opposed to scales…very unique for pop rock.
They were derivatives in the style of Chet Atkins and jazz stuff by Les Paul, so he wasn’t solely without influence.
As time went on, he continued to use chords as the basis for his solos.
I think the solo in “Something” reflects Clapton’s influence.
Playing solos off of chords instead of scales was very standard for the rockabilly in the 50s.
Clapton played the solo on "Something"
@tonywords6713 - No he didn't! Please stop with that ridiculous misinformation. The only Beatles song Clapton played on was "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." And personally, I think Harrison would've done a better job on it.
@@MPfrance George actually recorded the solo, but then deleted it! I really hope the tape still exists somewhere. This was George's worst habit, but fortunately other musicians always stopped him. For example, He wanted to re-record solos for lennon's "how do you sleep" and "gimme some truth", which is crazy. I adore George's work on Imagine.
The solo on Meredith Wilson's "Till There Was You" is quite simply breathtaking for someone of his 20 years of age and without any tuition...as is "Nowhere Man"......
Lynda McArdle - You are SO correct. The fact that a TWENTY YEAR OLD ( I repeat) a 20 year old! - composed and recorded THAT solo is still one of the greatest guitar/pop achievements in history!!
Great man Mike Pachelli for displaying how well my hero George Harrison played with The Beatles! Thanks man!
Wow! i feel like I just saw a great movie. George is my favorite lead guitarist. I feel that he sublimated his ego and always tastefully served the song. Great video. Thanks!
I love that I'm probably half your age, but we can both get heckin excited about a band that is probably twice your age all these years later. The Beatles are IT.
Yep - the Beatles are TIMELESS!
Caleb Bull George & Eric were friends--George recruited Eric only because he wanted Eric to play on the record, not because George wasn't up to it. Billy Preston on Get Back--they liked to play w other musicians.
In my opinion, also a guitarist myself, it´s just the individuality of every person. Especially George always was a very calm and spiritual, as well intellectual person, while EC was an alcoholic. More sort of an angy, disturbed guy. That reflects in their musical approach.
"always" ... untrue. There are tons of played solos for the "gently guitar", some tons from George, other tons from Eric... look at the antologyd dvds , read bios by paul/john/george please
Clapton is a blues player. Was good with Cream. Then, forget it - just pandering to American mass-tastes. George can do Clapton with the slightest of ease - but Clapton can't do George, whatsoever. We (musicians) often use friends/peers in our art to enliven the music and the personal experiences. (Comraderie). George could've done without Eric (or anybody else) but He was big enough (in every sense of the word) to "ring in the new", share the world stage and the joy of it all.
What I like about George's guitar playing with the Beatles as much as his solos, is the way he these plays little riffs and fills in and around John's rhythm guitars. Those alone make him an incredible guitarist. thanks for the nice video .
ABSOLUTELY ! Those brilliant little riffs and licks are as relevant today as they were back in the 60's! They add SO much to their songs and it's hard to imagine the tracks without them!!
Is there any better lead and rhythm guitar combo then George Harrison and John Lennon. The way they played in around each other is beyond great.
As a first generation Beatles' fan I understood everything you were talking about. Everything. Their music changed the world. Thanks for your demo.
Mike, of that George Harrison guitar solo in "Let It Be" .. do you know I have listened to it dozens and dozens times, simply because it is so, so beautiful .. each time I go to heaven ...
Oh my. I know nothing about playing but am thrilled and so satisfied to hear this beautiful man’s work explained and played with joy. I understood it all. One can be ignorant to the skill but know and love brilliance when you hear it.
Thank you - I’m one step further down the line :)
Great video Mike, George changed his guitar style on each of the Beatle's albums. One of the many reasons I love Abbey Road is that IMHO he showcased all of his previous styles and embellished them. Octopus' Garden (With The Beatles) Here Coes The Sun& Something were the fingerpicking and Clapton-esque styles of The White Album, I Want You was reminiscent of Let It Be and so on.
Hi Mike, I don't even play the guitar but have been a Beatles fanatic since I was 5 in 1963. You really clearly explain the brilliance of George that even I can understand the genius that he was. Thank you.
For the first time, I encounter someone that regards George Harrison as a genius and rates his playing highly. I have always maintained that if there were ever a guitarist that is underrated, it's George Harrison. It's such a pleasure to see how you just love his solo-ing technique and wonderful choice of notes. My contention is that a guitarist, playing a solo, other that what George played as a lead guitarist, would do the song a huge injustice....
Greg Smith - YES! Whenever I hear a band do a Beatles song and the guitar player doesn't play the George solo I cringe!! George was the epitome of good taste.
Having grown up with The Beatles music, and becoming a musician in no small part because of their influence, I thought I heard it all when it came to their music. Then I saw that clip of them playing Til There Was You a few years ago, and was awestruck by that solo by George. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Mike, as you say, George was a Master Guitarist! He was the inspiration for so many of us who had just come out of the Surf scene and the Folk scene before that! George brought so much more melody to pop/rock music of the time. Thank you!
Yea Lou - he ABSOLUTELY influenced me and all my friends back then. And I'm still blown away at what he played at such a young age!
Yes, that "Till There Was You" solo was sweet. I remember hearing one of the Beatles (probably George himself) saying that often times, George would be hearing a song Lennon and McCartney wrote, for the first time in the recording studio. He wouldn't have much time to come up with a solo to a song those two had been working on in private for days. He had to write something often 'on the spot.' Boy, he consistently delivered the goods with his soloing. Amazing. Learned something new, that bit you said about George's mom playing music from India when pregnant with George. That's so cool, he was taking it in alright. Agree that "Something" solo is probably my favorite George solo. And Paul's Bass line on that is my favorite Bass line as well. Mike, You're an amazing guitarist. So happy that you appreciate the Beatles so much. Thanks for breaking it all down for us so accurately.
Yes, George did have to come up with this stuff quickly. There is something to be said for working under pressure I guess.
I have always loved George's Nowhere Man solo, too! It is perfect because it echoes the words of the song as if the guitar is also speaking to Nowhere Man. To my ear, the guitar has a comforting tone, telling Nowhere Man that things will work out and everything will be okay with a little help. And that little "ding" note at the end, (which I thought was some sort of bell played by Ringo) is brilliant! It symbolizes the light bulb turning on, now you get it, don't you, Nowhere Man? That is my interpretation anyway. Love it!
i thought it was some expensive new studio thing , because sloop john b came out at the same time, and that same sound is on that record at least once or twice ?
everyone knows the songs back and forth and how amazing they are. it's the passion you have talking about them and playing that makes these videos so good. keep up!
The universe came together and put John, Paul, George and Ringo in 50's and 60's Liverpool all together at the same time...HOW AMAZING!
That magic will never be created for another thousand years!!
How lucky we are to be alive at this moment!!!
I have never played a single note on a guitar, nor do I know anything about making music, but your video had me intrigued.
There is brilliance in your teaching. You are channeling George!!!!
Very good video showing the genius of George. I also watched your "Genius of John Lennon." I really enjoy your passion, playing, and demonstrations. As a 64 year old Beatles fan...George showed a guitarist doesn't have to play thousands of notes in a solo. Tastefully placed notes and chords is how it's done. He was a guitar genius along with John. What a perfect pairing! I am also amazed of how young the guys were when they came out with all this good music. You're correct...they didn't have a lot of "guitar idols" to draw upon. Lots of music fans do not realize how good they really were! Like all great musicians...they made it look easy. It's one thing to play well, but, it's another thing to compose great music.
I've seen the TH-cam video of Paul spending time with Carl Perkins, in Carl's stuio in Nashville. He was one of The Beatles, especially George's, early music idols. During their time together, Paul tells a tale of a day in the life in Liverpool, when the, three lads, John, George and Paul, learned that a "bloke" across town had a copy of Carl's new 45. They caught a bus, transferred to a new line and eventually on foot reached their destination. Promising to bring the record back the next day, they returned home and spent many hours, decoding the fresh music. As Mike points out, George had a number of idols, but they had to work a hard days night (sorry could not resist again) to catch what was currently, and had been, going down across the pond.
@@johnmartin2017 Great comment, man. The Beatles had a profound affect on me as I saw them appear for the first im on Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 9, 1964. Not many people are bigger fans than me.
If George was The Master, you, sir, are the master capturer.
Thanks Bob. I'm humbled by your kindness.
😙
Agreed
Bob O'Brien yes, yes
born in 1951 grew up on the beatles, love listening to you play and praise them and I don't even play. Could listen for hours.
the guitar sounds beautiful and Pachelli is an excellent teacher
George was a great guitarist. He mixes a lot of his solos with cord tones. I hear a ton of Chet Atkins in his playing 😃
Mike Pachelli you do a great job honoring the majesty of the Beatles. I love George Harrison and the rest of the Beatles too. I actually believe that the solo George played on guitar in "I Saw Her Standing There" has to be the single greatest solo guitar lick in the history of Rock and Roll and Music altogether, nothing else compares with it. It's note perfection at its finest, I love it every time I hear it and it alone will stand the test of time. Absolutely brilliant, and brilliantly captured by George Martin.
"Till there was you" is my favorite Harrison solo also. It's beautiful. I never realized how intricate is was until watching this. George just made it look so easy.
I have been watching many of your videos lately, and I really appreciate your tenacity and love of The Beatles! Somehow, you made me love them even more. I appreciate your thorough breakdown of their individual geniuses and your energy when doing so. Absolutely magnificent, fabulous, amazing. I can tell you can’t get enough of their work like myself! Thank you so much for making these videos Mike.
Beautifully done Mike. I always had the feeling that George got short changed. The songs were short and therefore his solos were very short. You show here that he made the Best use of the short time. Breaking down his solos and you playing them here showed me how - thought out, creative, and extraordinary his short solos were. Mike, you brought me such joy by playing them and going so deeply into explaining what George did with each solo. Each were only about 20 - 30 seconds, but they fit in perfectly and SO MUCH went into them by George. These songs are engrained in my Soul and you bring me to tears by playing and describing them with such reverence and respect.
Hi Mike, Love your channel. We lived next door to George in Speke Liverpool from 1950 to 1963 when George moved the family to a more private area mainly because of the rising fame of the Beatles.
It was my dad John Childs who taught him his first chords and songs, My dad played many instruments Guitar , Piano, Accordion ,Mandolin ,an Hamond organ being resident at many social clubs in our area he loved Jazz and loved to play it.
I was at Pauls gig in Liverpool Arena 2010 were he asked was any body from Speke he called us Spekies and talked about George living in Upton Green Speke ,George lived at 25 we lived at 24 .
I have seen them rehearse in the back garden using a tea chest bass usually on the week end, no one has ever mentioned my dad in any of the the books, your the first one to even say anything about it, thanks for that Mike.
Keep doing what your doing your Great. John Childs Heswall Wirral UK
George always played distinctive tasteful guitar parts.
And his slide work is as precise and melodic as anyone with his own unique sound.
Thanks for this! What's amazing to me was that the Beatles weren't a guitar hero band, it was always about the songs. Georges genius was to know how to make the most of the songs strengths without "bragging" about how well he played.
I completely agree with you, and so many of us might do well to learn from it; that Harrison even had the humility to invite a Clapton (a 'guitar hero', in the age where often tedious individual showing off was coming into vogue) to solo on a Beatles track speaks volumes.
Let's not forget Billy Preston, his piano and organ were a real part of later Beatles/Harrison music. Cheers mate
I think he was probably invited because George was getting fed up with Paul and the atmosphere in the group at recording sessions at the time. Eric was highly flattered (apparently) that he had been asked to play with them
Mike, I was 13-14 and tried to emulate the Beatles (George). You explained it beautifully! He did HARD WORK to learn his trade...no you tube help!! What an honor to George!!
YES! George did a LOT of hard work/practice/listening to be SO tasteful at such a young age!!
The advantage kids had back then though was that in that time, everybody knew and played or sang music. Every house had a piano instead of a tv when their parents were growing up, if they could afford one anyway.
Just great i'm 70 and enjoying the heck out of listening and trying to this fantastic guitarists work.Thank you as well for your work n post!!
Beautiful Mike. Love it! I've played lots of Beatles onstage for four decades. Audiences love them and always will. You nailed every chop. Thanks for sharing the love. Al of Free Verse.
They played 6 nights a week in Hamburg, doing 6 - 8 hours a night. You'll get good or your fingers will fall off. Can you imagine the callouses on the fingers? A guitar with high action and 'cheese cutter' metal strings all those hours a week. It's a wonder they didn't need major surgery on their hands.
Its one thing to play as accomplished as George but to create these amazing solos truly shows another facet of why the Beatles were and will always be the greatest.
The Fab Four filled a big lonely, empty hole in my life when I was growing up back in the 60s. Good job with your solos. I am so very glad the Lord let me experience Beatle mania when it was first released to the people of the world. ;-)
I was only 9 1/2 years of age when our parents turned on the Ed Sullivan shown that Sunday night in early February 1964. I was probably more impressed that our parents exposed us to this musical phenomena, than really paying that much attention to the live music. Just watching the group overall was enough of an experience.
But it was probably a few days later that my brother and I went to the local record store and bought that first album, Meet The Beatles. We played it over and over on our small phonograph in our bedroom, and I made up cardboard mock guitars with kite string. We eventually started lip syncing to the music as if we were imitating to play it, and a friend of ours eventually told his mother that Mark showed him how to play Beatles music on a cardboard guitar. So she eventually sent him to music school and bought him a nice acoustic guitar to take lessons on. He later became a great blues guitar player here in Portland Oregon, performing for many years, starting professionally in his late high school years, and still today.
The more I listened to the variety of songs on that original Beatles album, it was the track, as a cover song that Paul McCartney sings, Till There Was You, yet that middle instrumental verse with George Harrison playing the guitar really caught my ear. I thought I was listening to something my father would have played from an earlier jazz era. There's something about those augmented and diminished chords that George Harrison plays, that I thought sounded very sophisticated, and more like jazz than pop rock. I realized then that there was something very special about the Beatles music, that set them apart from all other pop rock music.
I really enjoyed watching Mike Pachelli show this guitar guitar solo that George Harrison played in the number Till There Was You. It's also something to particularly note, that even years later, we don't often see other pop rock groups with a twenty year old playing jazz style guitar fills behind the lead vocalist.
George was truly a genius at innovating an original and unique sound that identified the Beatles overall sound for a decade. Then he continued to innovate and continued to invent through his later solo career.
I could add another thought, if I didn't say enough already, and maybe Mike could comment. When I listen to this instrumental guitar fill that George does in McCartney's Till There Was You, it almost reminds me a little of Bossa Nova style, that I like to try and emulate sometimes on my acoustic guitar but I'm not really a performance level player, yet I've listened to a lot of Astrud Gilberto, and her husband Joa Gilberto playing with Stan Getz. So I wonder what Mike might say about me recognizing this as sounding somewhat like Bossa Nova. Thanks again for posting this Mike.
I'd say that the Beatles treatment of "til there was you" on nylon string guitars has a Spanish flavor. BUT - Ringo's bongo playing is definitely in a Bossa Nova style!
U
Thanks for the great post here Mike...Last September I lost my wife of 32 years...I never had the chance or the monies to learn how to play when I was young but now Im 60...I'm crippled with rheumatoid arthritis but my hands aren't too bad yet...I have over time accumulated guitars in the hopes that I'd learn..and now I have nothing but time to learn. My collection is a 1967 Fender Jaguar...a 2004 Gibson SG...a 1990 Les Paul Studio...a Fender Modern Player 2014..that guitar has a Tele pickup at neck...Strat pickup in middle...and double humbucker at bridge with a switch..my main switch is 5 position so that gets some unique sounds...my 1967 needs a pickup rewound but I have a master luthier I was introduced to that will be doing that. And I have some knockarounds...a Yamaha EG112....and a A Squire strat. And I have a Taylor acoustic/electric...My amp is a 2x12 150w Fender Mustang Iv v.2 and Ive various pedals and effects boxes..plus there are alot of effects in the amp...I subscribed to your TH-cam channel and I use Jamplay online too...I do have someone to teach me but my RA affects my ankles most..I dont get out much...so I think i'll be doing most of my learning by myself...thank you again for your videos and your time!!! Bob
When talking about guitarist, U may think of Slash, Eric clpaton,jimi easily, however George is my favorite guitarist. He is a modest man
He was a modest man. And his modesty and kindness shine thru his work forever!
you are right! and thx for ur all beatles lessons, so helpful. by the way, i think u look like john lennon in some angles:)
Wow, thanks. I don't see the resemblance but others have told me the same. I consider it a compliment! :-)
haha of course it's a complimen. u remind me of john when u play the guitar, as if john is teaching me :) u are a good teacher, have a nice day :)
The Beatles weren't about solos....Ringo only played 1 solo and that was the best drumming he did, on the greatest album ending songs ever: Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End. That said, John was an excellent rhythm guitarist, Paul an excellent bassist, George an excellent lead guitarist and Ringo, was really good......George is underrated both as a guitarist and songwriter - he was GREAT at both ! The Beatles are the greatest group ever, not just because of the greatest songwriters ever, but because they played as a GROUP...and the sum total is greater than the parts by themselves.....and in the end.....the Love you make, is = to the love, you make
Mike Pachelli-Thank you for breaking down these solos for us and revealing the genius of George Harrison. I always knew (way back from the very early records to 'Let it Be') there was so much to admire and now we know for certain thanks to you. It once again shows how integral each member of the Beatles were so much so that their individual talents can sometimes be overlooked in the overall sound mix of the Band. For example I never fully appreciated George's application and ability to integrate jazz chords and diminished single note runs into solos such as the one in 'Till there was You'. So yes, I agree why you consider this one a personal favourite, particularly given his youth at the time. Among so many he did, the two solos that always stick out in my mind are the subtle solo from 'And I love Her' played on that lovely Ramirez and of course the delicate and sublime 'Something', particularly the way he teases and gently pushes on the strings. Yes he was a hero to me and a massive influence to so many, leaving us a lasting musical legacy and making the world a better place.
Great job. You are showing one of the main reasons why the Beatles music was so amazing and unique. Paul, John, and George all in the same band. And Ringo was a perfect fit for them. It's like winning the lottery when all this talent came together. The music world was very lucky and their music will live on for generations.
Bob Yee Lottery: I've often thought about the Beatles in those terms. HOW could it have happened? It's easier to figure a single genius like Mozart. But 4 of them working together? From some dinky town? Probably aliens.
Hey Mike, I'm not a musician so haven't a clue what you speak about but I've watched a number of your vids on each of the Beatle's guitar playing and just love the passion and reverence you have for their music. Very interesting explanations. Well done and thank you.
Glad to see you really appreciate George's playing. Did not realize he played that great so young. You pay such close attention to each and every note as well. I own a '67 just like yours but one pickup and no Bigsby. Bought it when I was 14 for $325 (lot of money for me then) I will be 64 in July. Still got it ! Plays nice.
Thank you so much for this. I'm not a musician and i usually get bored watching "lessons". But this is SO interesting. Your love for Beatles and George shines through
I keep watching and rewatching this video. Can't get enough. There's so much here. Thanks for making these video! Genius, that's for sure! 👍
Mike, I always enjoy your videos, thank you. It feels like I'm just hanging out at your studio, very cool.
A note on the Something solo, apparently they were out of tracks when George told George Martin that he wanted to add a solo. They had one track left and they were going to use it for the strings, so the only option was to record it at the same time with the strings. With no room for mistakes, George recorded that solo in one take. That just blows my mind, the accuracy and pitch accuracy, with all those bends and the feel he puts into it with all that pressure to make it one of the best solos of all time, is just astounding. Genius is an understatement.
Wonderful! Thank you so much for your insightful vids.
Thank you for sharing George Harrison guitar skill, he was a awesome guitar player.
What a pleasure to hear such a concise in depth technical appreciation of the genius of his guitar composition and playing! You identify those beautiful elements so precisely then describe them technically in a way that fits like a key in a lock -- so cool!
Reintroducing myself to my childhood obsession-The Beatles, with these videos on the underrated guitar playing of the individual members. Keep'm coming!
Love your genuine and understandable passion and knowledge for your genius subject, as well as how you have honored and developed your gift. Thank you, MP.
Thank you. Those were very kind words indeed!
Your understanding of music is beyond what I am or ever will be capable of in this lifetime.
It's obvious that you love The Beatles just by how enthusiastically you demonstrate George's solos. Keep it up :)
Three geniuses and a great drummer 👍🏻🎶🎸
Rob Summers I’d argue that, when only one other drummer on the globe (the amazing Jim Keltner) can replicate your signature sound and style, you probably earn the title “genius” as well.
Can't see the close up on Something, water comes to my eyes. Thank you for the beautiful stroll thru the canyons of my mind. I don't feel so alone when I hear your love of George Harrison. Beatle chords and changes are the sweetest nectar my ears have ever known.
Bruce Marmy - Since you like George's "Something" - you may enjoy my solo guitar take on it -
th-cam.com/video/Qj3uxb-Myos/w-d-xo.html
love your facial expressions when you play. can tell you feel the sound in your soul
Excellent examination of George's unique work there, Mike. Well done. Thanks.
I thought I knew just about everything there is to know about the Beatles but I'm Learning so much from this man. Thank you Mike! Fascinating stuff!
Mike you've also done some hard work listening so carefully to all those intricate notes and chords to produce this video. Respect and hats off to you...
He and Ringo understood the dynamics of a song - when to charge in and rip it, and when to lay back, or just stay out, altogether. George disdained most heavy metal players, said, "they don't know a flat from a sharp." Read that in an interview - might've been in Hit Parader, or perhaps, Rolling Stone magazine back in the late 1970s.
Mike, it's so great to see someone with so much passion for their art! way to go! love these videos man.
Mike, you're having way too much fun; and so am I. Thank you!! (My fav is the HOT Let it be: solo)
Mike, your love of great music is apparent, your enthusiasm is contagious, and your talent and knowledge and attention to detail are top notch.
I was a Beatles fan from the day I heard them live on Ed Sullivan on that February 9, when I and all the kids on my block decided to become musicians. I took piano lessons for 15 years, working out piano arrangements of all the Beatles tunes as they came out, along with my classical repertoire. Recently I decided I wanted also to pick up the guitar again, and learn some of these great solos that have been part of the soundtrack of my life.
You've done more than anybody to help me do that. Thanks for enriching my life a bit, and for the nostalgia.
Thanks for all you do to sustain the beatles legacy. It's "such a joy".
Fantastic video that confirms George's talent on guitar. Many compliments to you Mike for havin' done it.
Another reason George's chordal solos worked so well is Mac was often playing a walking bass or just a very busy bass part . Had George played a million notes against Paul's bass parts it just would have been muddy. The way the guitar and bass work together on Nowhere Man, All My Loving and Something is just perfect
Absolutely! George was the epitome of taste and always played what was best for the song.
Mike, I probably have written this before but you are one of my most enjoyed guitarist. With 59 years of playing under my belt I find your attention to detail and perfection in your sound and skill inspiring. When I leave my guitars in the hands of my grandkids, it’s with insistence they sit in your youtube channel and just watch and become educated. Congratulations friend on your talents.
WoW - that might be the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me. The fact that you feel my lessons are good enuff to point your grandkids in the right guitar direction is very humbling. Thanks so very much for those extremely kind words!
I was watching that 1964 Ed Sullivan appearance as a child and was an instant Beatles fan. I have seen your Beatles videos for a few years and you certainly have earned the accolades. As a subscriber, when I get notifications of your posts, I typically won’t wait to watch !
Thanks for this! George was one of the most underrated soloists. Love his work.
When I heard that little lick George did after that first verse on she loves you I loved George after that. Lord that was so beatlely.
George's guitar work is elaborate and more subtle than that of some notorious guitarists' of the 60s. Hendrix' guitar play is powerful and that's all about it. George's solos are refined.
Mike Pachelli is the best person to decipher the genius of George Harrison. Excellent Job, Mike!!
really nice instruction. your honest enthusiasm is so refreshing. thank you for your work and willingness to help this youngster out.
Love your work, Mike! The passion, playing and true love of the music really shines through. Thank you!
GOOD JOB MIKE ... I played some of those back in the 60's along with my all time favorites from Carl and Scotty ... I know how long it takes to figure out what's being done and then how to do it ... always was tough to figure how to play the James Burton licks ... the "Chicken Picker" ... now still learning after 74 yrs
This feels like a TEDtalk, I love it!
Grace, style, and class! You said it right Mike! George Harrison always!
And to top it off George went on to develop his own unique signature sound on the slide guitar AFTER the Beatles split up. WOW!
Another great Beatles lesson - your enthusiasm is so infectious and brings back fantastic memories for me of growing up with the Beatles and learning the guitar listening to their records. I've always thought that as individual musicians they certainly weren't maestros - but as a 'whole' now that's when the magic happened - they were in a league of their own! And of course the genius and sheer audacity of their songwriting talent was beyond compare. By the way that Les Paul sounds fantastic on your demo of 'Something' - really great tone!
George was indeed...a genius. When The Cars came along in the late 70's...I remember thinking..."Wow. The guitarist for The Cars...understands George Harrison." That guitarist was Elliot Easton. Both are underrated, and both are genius lead guitarists.
Love your appreciation for George Harrison's Guitaring methods
This is a fabulous video. I can't say enough about it! Outstanding. ...learned so much from it, and it greatly deepens my appreciation for George.
Thanks Michael. That makes me VERY happy!
Thank you, Mike. Your skills are awesome. My favorite solo on this video is Till There Was You. I've loved it since the first time I heard it, in the mid-sixties. I'm hoping, at some point before he leaves us, to hear Paul reminisce about how that song came about.
Love your work, Mike. It’s interesting that George’s harmonic sense has been the exception in the rock era since with most players content to play pentatonic scales. His solos were always distinctive parts of the song that had something to say.
Love these videos on Lennon and Harrison! Your enthusiasm is awesome. Good for a young guy and for an old guy like me also!
Thanks!
Mike, you are so enthusiastic. Wonderful...