Come Together. Nothing is cooler than that bass and drum intro. When I heard it at the age of 10 or 11 when it was released, I was mesmerized, although I'm sure I didn't know what instrument it was that was making that magic.
I've always thought the bass line on Rain tells a story all by itself. I could listen to it over and over and the use of variations keeps it fresh the whole way through.
my biggest takeaways from Paul's bass playing: 1) sing-able parts! 2) his parts always develop... he's rarely playing the same thing in later parts of the song as the beginning. He's constantly developing the part.
100% @weedywet - having singable bass lines means the bass line can go beyond being solely a supporting thing and being a hook in its own right. And you're 100% right about his parts developing too. Every time he plays that countermelodic idea in the 'chorus', it's slightly different. Same for every part of the song though with the exception of the bridge, but even then, he's still changing the range he plays the line in. There's just so many layers to this bass line - it's so cool!
The strange thing about “Something” and ever since I first heard it as a very young kid, is that I’ve always hummed the bass line rather than the vocal melody. It flows in and around the tune and even counts as a sub-“song” to the overall tune. To me, it’s actually the best part of the song.
@@salvatoredipietro7174 I've honestly never understood why he had more of a grudge against Paul than John. I feel like Paul put a lot more effort into George's songs. As good as he was, he mostly brought in snippets of songs. When we saw Paul do the same he'd literally just sit there and keep hammering it out until it was workable, I don't think George got much less help than John did.
I feel that the slower tempo of the song makes some of the devices a little bit easier to use, lots of space with the other instruments often as pointed out, the old adage about everybody can’t be driving 70 miles an hour
Hey Bulldog gave me problem learning it. I took my Rickenbacker and put up the mute and I now impress my bandmates with it. Pure genius on Paul's part.
Brian Wilson had some pretty mind blowing ideas 😂 but why quibble. I love Paul too and this song is great. everything about it. the drums, bass, George, likely John's part too, though I have no idea what he was doing. this really is a neat bass line.
hey again! while I was typing the first reply, I heard some funny info later in the video. Paul did not refuse to do anything on this song, including to change his bass line. He did talk George into letting the part seep into his brain and unless I am totality wrong, George did indeed listen to it in the control room, and liked it just fine. there's lots of clips of Paul and George in the control room I always thought they were talking about this song, and they all liked it a lot. Lennon commented on it later, after the fact, saying it was the best song on the record. Which, it really was 😁
@@Adam-hs1ft I saw him play Silly Love songs live back in the 70's and it was note perfect [whilst singing at the same time, and jigging around the stage like a loon too in the non vocal bits :)].
This is absolutely my favorite bassline of all time and the reason 15-year-old me started learning the bass. I can play the notes after 35 years, but that tone, especially live, has eluded me. It's perfect.
All four of them mastered the art of serving the song and not being afraid to try - in a time where everything was not easy to redo/comp/edit. Thousands of hours went into their playing and carefully understanding each other's interests and parts is what allowed each member to choose and alter their own additions to those songs. How remarkable, you could do a master class on just their ability to serve the song.
I remember reading _Revolution In The Head_ about the track Don't Let Me Down, in it, the author describes the bass line McCartney was playing as a "bubbling bass" or words to that effect, that traditional bass players hated at the time. I've always subscribed to the point of view that bass should be as creative as guitar. In that track it perfectly complemented the guitars.
I don't think he's a virtuoso in the Stanley Clarke or Jaco Pastorious sense, but when it comes to creating a memorable and melodic bass line he has few equals.
So glad to see someone cover this bass line. Paul is my favorite bassist because my own playing has always tended toward busy and melodic. And he shows you a great road map for how to do that. And this bass line is his masterpiece. I play it almost every time I pick up a bass.
Thank you for this! Pauls' bass is the melody within the melody. As a lifelong bassist, I've always admired Paul as the gold standard. His every note has its' own character.
Mine would have to be his work on "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". Simple start, then chords, the chorus with the 9th fret Fb dropping to it's lower octave on the E string, his counter with Clapton on the lead. And the final "weeping"? line at the end. Never gets tired for me.
For a while, this was my favorite song @Kevin Egan. Not just favorite Beatles song - it was my favorite overall. I love all the later George Harrison songs - they're amazing.
@@beatlesrgear pretty sure McCartney played bass AND piano, as well as background vocal to Harrison’s masterpiece. Of course, possible with mult-tracking … Luke?
Just brilliant. Everything you say about Paul’s bass playing is everything I’ve ever thought about it. It’s so good to hear someone else - someone really tuned in - confirm that he’s just a fucking genius. Thank you so much
Hi Luke, for me, Paul’s top bass line is: “Being for the benefit of Mr Kite”. So intricate, with the same elements he used for Something, that’s my 2nd favorite one.
I'd vote for 'I want you' - that bass line absolutely rocks! Similar techniques as the above. Paul rightly gets a lot of credit for his songwriting and being able to play a lot of instruments, but his bass playing is really under-rated IMO.
Not only my favorite Beatles song, but my favorite song of all time. This was the first song I learned to play on bass because of how melodic it is and how perfectly it's fits the song. The lyrics are simply beautiful and the melody is, as well.
Being shot down for his "silly love songs", he titled the song as such and challenged bass players to play his "silly" bass lines. Gotta love Sir Paul!
I’ve always though You Never Give Me Your Money is a masterclass in bass. So many different parts and shifts in style and Paul delivers the whole time. Rhythm, spacing, it’s like a compilation off all his favorite tricks in one song.
Very interesting. It seems that those three points are actually one. The song feels like a conversation between the instruments. When one is active, the others are letting it speak.
This is THE song that made me want to pick up a bass and learn to play like Sir Paul-particularly that part you point out in the Countermelody section. So brilliant.
I'm not surprised @Scott Scaggs - it's so brilliant. Funnily enough, the first bass line I ever learned was a Sir Paul line, although not nearly as challenging as this one.
Ive played this bass line many times....its beautiful!...and incredible at the same time. You can feel there was some incredible inspiration to have come up with it....and this was for Georges song!
A bass line written to complement the song is never too busy or too simple. Great forthwith the song and on it's own (like the bassline to "Papa was a rollin' stone).
George resented Paul's contributions to his songs, but I think Paul added so much to them, whether it be the bass on Something or Think for Yourself, piano on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, or the solo on Taxman. Paul loved George like a little brother, and it is evident in his contributions to his songs. I understand that could be frustrating. It really resonated with me when I watched The Concert for George and heard Paul playing that piano part on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. While Clapton is great, ironically the piano makes the song.
I don't play bass and never really thought I'd be excited about bass until watching your videos! Very thoughtful and well done and I greatly appreciate them!!
This was a fascinating video. I am not a bass player, nor do I ever plan to become one. But I am a big Beatles music fan, and what you highlighted about Paul's bass playing in this song helped me to identify that it's these perfectly planned additions to their music which makes it so enjoyable. At a high level, many of the Beatles' songs are relatively simple, but it's touches like these that make the musical product much more than just the sum of its parts. Great explanation! I look forward to checking out your other videos.
The bass line that Paul plays on the song "Nowhere Man" is one of the most interesting patterns I never heard. I saw a video of him playing this song. He was not pulling it off. Very hard to play live and sing simultaneously.
Thanks for this one! I've done these things in my playing for years but without thinking about how it affects the song as a whole.. making the mistakes you mentioned. Now you've made me a better bassist.
Several years ago I recorded my own acustic versions of some Beatles songs and it was there Something. I started to study all the instruments, of course the solo guitar is amazing but then I began to study the bass lines and then I said to myself: ohh myyyyyy this is great, magnificent lines, the hardest part is just the part of the solo guitar section: many notes but placed at the exact moment, the exact melody, the exact counterpoint, the exact feeling, just what the song needed to sound great as a whole. I confirmed what I discovered when I was a teenager: McCartney is a music master, a genius, unique in its kind. Thanks for sharing your analysis!!
Brilliant. This is my favourite Paul bass line ever. His playing is sublime and I think he is really feeling the song which why it is so brilliant. You use words I feel and hear from this bass line. Tender and gentle. It sounds like it comes from the heart (cheesy I know but that is how I hear and feel it) and to me, this is my favourite bass line by Paul on not necessarily, as brilliant as it is, my favourite Beatles song. Great work and made my year to see someone waxing lyrical over this beautiful bass lane. Thanks
Underrated? When talking about Paul's bass line, 90% of the time they think about this song. Nothing is underrated in Something, the vocals, bass, the organ or quartets, the drums, everything. That's why this song is perfect
Sir Paul inspired me to play bass. When I was 9yrs old my brother in law turned me on to the Abbey Road album that he had on reel to reel tape and I fell in love with the sound of Paul’s bass. I started playing bass when I was 12 and still playing today. Thank you Paul!!
Thanks Luke, for clarifying these aspects of Paul's genius. This is one of the most interesting and well made RUclipss I have come across: a Classic! So much for a bass player, or any musician, to consider. BTW the engineer was GEOFF Emerick: George MARTIN was the producer. I wonder what say Martin had in the development of that bass line.
This bass line really is a masterpiece. He is busy when it makes sense, restrained when needed. Great choice of a line to show how you craft an interesting bass line to fit into the context of a song. Also, insofar as the allegation may be true, thank God Paul told George to shove it and played the line the way he did.
@@slavaukraini404 What? That's not how to develop a song? That's like saying we recorded the Beatles fighting and tried to make a salvageable song out of it?
I think you need to listen to any thing but the Beatles. Just realise that with any key there is a limit to what to can play in a given genre, i.e. this is far far far far from unique...
Being a bassist myself, although I was heavy into Motown and funk bands from the 70's, I've always liked Paul's basslines. Thanks your excellent breakin' it all down, and playin' it.
Thanks for the video! From rehearsals and early takes of "Something" it sounds like Paul was jamming busily experimenting with every second of the song with many notes and frills. I assume that George was referring to those attempts as "too busy"and simply directed Paul to where he liked space or where the bass could phrase away. I also assume that IF Paul argued against it, it was not to keep it busy but to be allowed to keep the bass line alive. But I read somewhere that he just played as instructed, probably happy to help George in what was turning out to be a special song (Paul might have been excessive sometimes but he was always supportive of his friends' songs).
Well done, the world needs to know what you are saying here. I'm very glad you've made this excellent analysis. Not to take anything away from Something, I'd like to say that "A Day in the Life" has a low-key and subtle bass line that is as profound as that song is. Thanks!
Most of the Beatles stuff has been remastered. These new remasters really boost the bass and give us insight into what and how Paul played. It might tarnish the original sound but Beatles songs are even better because of this.
For me, Paul’s greatest bass line is on “with a little help from my friends”. In my mind, Paul’s bass line catapults an “ok” song to one of my absolute favorites. It dances playfully yet drives. It dominates but doesn’t overshadow. I have stolen from this song regularly for my own bass lines I play at church with our worship team.
You put a lot of hard work in these videos and it shines through, take a bow!!! Highlighting these bass concepts should, and no doubt will, benefit many bassists out there. Thank you.
It seems to me that Harrison's were the only two truly innovative songs in Abbey Road, and McCartney showered them with the most beautiful bass lines you expose here, thanks a lot!
Great Lesson, Luke! I love the color-coded graphic between melody and counter-melody. Can't wait to see more! BTW, Geoff Emerick's book, "Here, There, and Everywhere" is an awesome read! He was there in the recording studio from the beginning. The engineering ingenuity to bring The Beatles" and George Martin's vision to reality is fascinating and amazing!
Thanks so much @Herm Stippich - I'm glad you liked my fancy bits! Haha! And yes - the Geoff Emerick book is fantastic! I feel like he is a slightly unsung hero of the Beatles' story.
It's not strategic busyness in the first bar. It's thematic. Something in the way she moves. The bass swings like the woman thru a crowd, gracefully and plucks notes that attract you like no other lover.
Luke, your videos are a great resource for bassists of all levels. You explain things really well and your video production is good. I taught myself to place bass many years ago, and it took me a log while to figure out the stuff you explain in this video. You nail so many important concepts: don't stomp on the vocals, play for the song, be rhythmically creative, etc. There's only one bit I disagree with you on in this video: I have always believed that Paul's bass line gets in the way of George's beautiful solo at times. It's almost call and response but the bass talks over the guitar at times, IMHO. Great job, please keep it up!
Have thought for years that without Paul's bass, this song would be lacking that special "Something". Pun intended, but valid. That song gives me chills every time I hear it. Also, Paul's bass work on George's "Taxman" is off the hook! Paul played guitar on that song as well.
I imagine Paul taking inspiration from blues records, where you'd hear the main vocalist sing a line, followed by a backing musician answering back with "tell me about it" or a similar line.
Another great video Luke, always one of my favourites! Another tune with a great melodic line and lyrical ballad playing is Don't Let Me Down with many of the same elements used in Something. If you ever get a chance to transcribe that it would be "fab!"
I am glad you mention contrast. Sometimes when I've written a song with sparse guitar sections, if the drummer followed me too closely and played something sparse it made the section drag. They needed to contrast what I was doing to keep the song driving forward.
I love your explanations of Paul's development and creativity as bass player. Yes, this must be my favorite together with Dear Prudence's suppose. But perhaps you'll surprise me with another Paul on the Bass in the Beatles-video🙂
This is great advice. I'm actually working on a bass part for an original song at the moment. Sir Paul's playing is an inspiration for me. There are no vocals for this song now so I may have to rework the bass part. I'm so glad I came upon this video. You have gained a new subscriber.
Another fantastic lesson, Luke! I am loving this series of taking a bass line and discussing it. Always something for us bassists to learn and you do a great job presenting. Thanks for sharing this one Sir Luke.
In The Beatles Anthology book, Paul talks about how George thought his bass playing on Something was too busy. Paul said in my defence, I was playing the best bass line I could for the song.
Others great bass lines by Paul: 1. All My Lovin' 2. Dear Prudence 3. If I Needed Someone 4. She Came in Thru the Barhroom Window 5. Taxman 6. Come Together 7. Something 8. Don't Let Me Down 9. Etc
@@dennisberceles7387 Oh yeah, he's an uber-bassman and I can listen all day to great bass line after great bass line by him. If I had to choose only one bass line by Paul McCartney, it's Something
My favorite is Something. It’s one of the greatest if the greatest melodic basslines ever written. I’m also very fond of I Want You, She’s So Heavy. Not because of its complexity or melodicism. Moreso because it fits that song perfectly and really anchors down that heavy as hell close out. McCartney deserves his praise as a bassist.
Thank you for acknowledging this brilliant bass line to a great song. Funny thing is that Paul basically played against the style he instructed George to play on Hey Jude. I think Paul was just tge best overall musician in the band.
My favorite Beatles song is Hello Goodbye. I still play Something and I Dig A Pony and I Want You (She’s So Heavy) for fun. In 1979 I learned all of Abbey Road and my favorite bass line is You Never Give Me Your Money, and straight on to The End. Magical Mystery Tour is another favorite to play along with the whole album. Thanks for the video.
No way Chris! That's hilarious! Sorry to interrupt your lunchtime lol. And I'm doing really well dude - hope you and the family are all doing well too.
I wonder if George telling Paul how he wanted him to play bass on his song was merely just him taking a dig at Paul since Paul had a tendency to tell George how he wanted him to play.
So the dynamics on the single note (increasing volume) is similar to a drummer who leads into a song or a chorus by hitting the same drum harder and harder. If this is the version that George complained about being too busy, it's a good thing Paul ignored him.
I'm still looking for a *_primary_* source that confirms that Paul ignored George about this @B. Clay Shannon. As far as I can tell, nobody who was actually there, in the room, has said this, but there has been speculation from people who weren't. It could be that Paul _did_ ignore George's request and we ended up with the line we have. Or it could be that Paul was playing a much _busier_ line than what ended up on the recording, and what we hear IS the 'greatly simplified' version. Either way though, it's a great line for a great song.
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This is definitely *my* favorite Beatles bass line, but what’s yours? And more importantly *_WHY_* is it your favorite?
Come Together. Nothing is cooler than that bass and drum intro. When I heard it at the age of 10 or 11 when it was released, I was mesmerized, although I'm sure I didn't know what instrument it was that was making that magic.
I really like Oh, Darling.
@B. Clay Shannon - I love that one as well. It was quite literally the very first bass line I ever learned. It basically got me hooked on bass.
I'm *super* into that song as well @John Marino - there's definitely something about it, and it's great fun to play.
I've always thought the bass line on Rain tells a story all by itself. I could listen to it over and over and the use of variations keeps it fresh the whole way through.
my biggest takeaways from Paul's bass playing: 1) sing-able parts! 2) his parts always develop... he's rarely playing the same thing in later parts of the song as the beginning. He's constantly developing the part.
100% @weedywet - having singable bass lines means the bass line can go beyond being solely a supporting thing and being a hook in its own right.
And you're 100% right about his parts developing too. Every time he plays that countermelodic idea in the 'chorus', it's slightly different. Same for every part of the song though with the exception of the bridge, but even then, he's still changing the range he plays the line in. There's just so many layers to this bass line - it's so cool!
Yes!! MELODIC!!! Paul is always melodic.
As nice of a song as this is, without Paul´s bassline there is no ¨Something¨.
Exactly. He does this brilliantly in "A Day In the Life." The bassline doesn't repeat, which is amazing.
My favorite is Silly Love Songs
“Something” is simply not of this world. The bass and drums are iconic.
Perfect drumming from Ringo that allows space for the perfect bass line.
I feel like Paul stole George’s song.
@@gogbpackers12 no way, george’s songwriting and guitar solo are still the best part of the song, paul simply added his magic to it
The strange thing about “Something” and ever since I first heard it as a very young kid, is that I’ve always hummed the bass line rather than the vocal melody. It flows in and around the tune and even counts as a sub-“song” to the overall tune. To me, it’s actually the best part of the song.
Ditto - no wonder george felt threatened, again
It’s also like a pedal/modal thing as the descending chord movement happens. Almost like a jazz piano player
Man that is a great insight! 1000% agreed!
@@salvatoredipietro7174 I've honestly never understood why he had more of a grudge against Paul than John. I feel like Paul put a lot more effort into George's songs. As good as he was, he mostly brought in snippets of songs. When we saw Paul do the same he'd literally just sit there and keep hammering it out until it was workable, I don't think George got much less help than John did.
I do the same with Here Comes the Sun bass line
McCartney has too many brilliant baselines to count, both with Beatles, and solo. My favorite bassist.
Paul is #1, Jack Bruce is #2.
Bassline*
@@ling2553 Thx
@@ling2553 Tell my dictation that
@@jayburdification Right?
"Hey Bulldog" has a very rhytmically interesting and melodic bassline. It is also a counterpoint.
4 real i think its the best. Its so swampy and melodic
I never get tired of that bass line. Fixing a Hole is simple but phenomenal.
I feel that the slower tempo of the song makes some of the devices a little bit easier to use, lots of space with the other instruments often as pointed out, the old adage about everybody can’t be driving 70 miles an hour
Yesss that’s my favorite Beatles song
Hey Bulldog gave me problem learning it. I took my Rickenbacker and put up the mute and I now impress my bandmates with it. Pure genius on Paul's part.
Paul’s a complete musical genius. There are no equals.
Andy Partridge!
Brian Wilson had some pretty mind blowing ideas 😂 but why quibble. I love Paul too and this song is great. everything about it. the drums, bass, George, likely John's part too, though I have no idea what he was doing. this really is a neat bass line.
hey again! while I was typing the first reply, I heard some funny info later in the video. Paul did not refuse to do anything on this song, including to change his bass line. He did talk George into letting the part seep into his brain and unless I am totality wrong, George did indeed listen to it in the control room, and liked it just fine. there's lots of clips of Paul and George in the control room I always thought they were talking about this song, and they all liked it a lot. Lennon commented on it later, after the fact, saying it was the best song on the record. Which, it really was 😁
Paul's thumping bass on Silly Love Songs is just one other of his which springs to mind .
That's what I thought this video was going to cover. 😂
@@Adam-hs1ft I saw him play Silly Love songs live back in the 70's and it was note perfect [whilst singing at the same time, and jigging around the stage like a loon too in the non vocal bits :)].
'Goodnight, tonight' is another cracking funky bassline.
Absolutely. It's almost a song by itself.
He really did Something special with that bass line.
I was going to reply with a pun of my own @YouAreBaconMeCrazy, but I decided to just Let It Be.
and the backing vocals!
@@Bella-nt7ec I love Paul's backing vocals in this song as well. Best part of the song for me. And one of my very favorite basslines of any song.
@@daletwin1 right, it wouldn't sound that great without Paul's contribution. The Beatles' magic
Like he did on "while my guitar gently weeps" with his piano work.. Absolutely genius musician on different levels.
"I want you" has also great, melodic bass line. Additionaly it makes passionate, almost insane mood.
I've been saying for years that this was Paul's best bass work. Finally someone who gets it. Thanks.
This is absolutely my favorite bassline of all time and the reason 15-year-old me started learning the bass. I can play the notes after 35 years, but that tone, especially live, has eluded me. It's perfect.
I'm not positive, but I think Paul was playing a Fender Jazz Bass on this song.
The melody-countermelody in the chorus is a classic question-answer, that kind of stuff is absolutely everywhere in the Beatles catalogue.
All four of them mastered the art of serving the song and not being afraid to try - in a time where everything was not easy to redo/comp/edit. Thousands of hours went into their playing and carefully understanding each other's interests and parts is what allowed each member to choose and alter their own additions to those songs. How remarkable, you could do a master class on just their ability to serve the song.
I remember reading _Revolution In The Head_ about the track Don't Let Me Down, in it, the author describes the bass line McCartney was playing as a "bubbling bass" or words to that effect, that traditional bass players hated at the time. I've always subscribed to the point of view that bass should be as creative as guitar. In that track it perfectly complemented the guitars.
Paul is my favorite Beatle and it's interesting that ppl just remember him as a great vocalist/composer but his bass skills are very neat
I don't think he's a virtuoso in the Stanley Clarke or Jaco Pastorious sense, but when it comes to creating a memorable and melodic bass line he has few equals.
So glad to see someone cover this bass line. Paul is my favorite bassist because my own playing has always tended toward busy and melodic. And he shows you a great road map for how to do that. And this bass line is his masterpiece. I play it almost every time I pick up a bass.
That's so cool to hear @rome8180. If there were ever a bass line worthy of being played every time you pick up your bass, this is a great candidate!
Paul’s playing on this track is a masterclass on playing what the track needs and with the drummer just a fantastic bass line… for a fantastic song…
that bass line is almost as beautiful as the song itself.
Yessss
"Something" itself is a [or the] perfect song -- so perfect that any part of it is in perfect harmony within and without.
Thank you for this! Pauls' bass is the melody within the melody. As a lifelong bassist, I've always admired Paul as the gold standard. His every note has its' own character.
Thank you, I'm not very much of a musician at all, but I do recognize Paul's brilliance. He was truly the beat in the Beatles.
Mine would have to be his work on "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". Simple start, then chords, the chorus with the 9th fret Fb dropping to it's lower octave on the E string, his counter with Clapton on the lead. And the final "weeping"? line at the end. Never gets tired for me.
For a while, this was my favorite song @Kevin Egan. Not just favorite Beatles song - it was my favorite overall. I love all the later George Harrison songs - they're amazing.
Mine, as well ... Luke knows my history with this awesome tune - LOL. I also never tire of hearing it! Something joins WMGGW in my Top 5.
Only thing is, Paul is not playing the bass. George Harrison is on bass and Paul is on piano.
@@beatlesrgear pretty sure McCartney played bass AND piano, as well as background vocal to Harrison’s masterpiece. Of course, possible with mult-tracking … Luke?
@@beatlesrgear cept it was John.
Just brilliant. Everything you say about Paul’s bass playing is everything I’ve ever thought about it. It’s so good to hear someone else - someone really tuned in - confirm that he’s just a fucking genius. Thank you so much
Hi Luke, for me, Paul’s top bass line is: “Being for the benefit of Mr Kite”.
So intricate, with the same elements he used for Something, that’s my 2nd favorite one.
I'd vote for 'I want you' - that bass line absolutely rocks! Similar techniques as the above. Paul rightly gets a lot of credit for his songwriting and being able to play a lot of instruments, but his bass playing is really under-rated IMO.
I heard McCartney saying that it was his favourite, recently.
he said himself that that was one of the most complicated bassline he ever did
This is a great lesson. I am always glad (as an old timer) when the innovation and beauty is highlighted in 60's and 70's music.
Macca's bass playing is a joy to listen to, no matter which song it is
As a guitarist, songwriter and arranger I have to compliment with you: the lesson on this genius bassline has many takeaways, thank you Luke!
Not only my favorite Beatles song, but my favorite song of all time.
This was the first song I learned to play on bass because of how melodic it is and how perfectly it's fits the song.
The lyrics are simply beautiful and the melody is, as well.
What a monster bass line to pick for your first song @David Goldstein - that's amazing!
There´s no doubt that, alone, Something is a beautifully constructed song, but Paul's basslines lifts it up to a completely different level.
Being shot down for his "silly love songs", he titled the song as such and challenged bass players to play his "silly" bass lines. Gotta love Sir Paul!
I’ve always though You Never Give Me Your Money is a masterclass in bass. So many different parts and shifts in style and Paul delivers the whole time. Rhythm, spacing, it’s like a compilation off all his favorite tricks in one song.
Anyone ever notice that Band on the Run is a remake of You Never Give Me Your Money? Listen to it.
My band played Something and it is so beautiful in every way. I played bass, and was new to the instrument; I learned so much from this song.
This is why McCartney is my favorite bassist. I love his melodic style!
Very interesting. It seems that those three points are actually one. The song feels like a conversation between the instruments. When one is active, the others are letting it speak.
This is THE song that made me want to pick up a bass and learn to play like Sir Paul-particularly that part you point out in the Countermelody section. So brilliant.
I'm not surprised @Scott Scaggs - it's so brilliant. Funnily enough, the first bass line I ever learned was a Sir Paul line, although not nearly as challenging as this one.
Paul might not have the fireworks of other high level bass players, but he is without a doubt the greatest bassist in rock music.
Paul worked really hard to get those baselines perfect - and George should be thankful.
Ive played this bass line many times....its beautiful!...and incredible at the same time. You can feel there was some incredible inspiration to have come up with it....and this was for Georges song!
Love that bass Paul is a great musician it made the song.
The guitar solo strays from the direction of the song and relieves the intensity that was building.
"Strategic busy-ness" can also be heard in Geezer Butler's (Black Sabbath) basslines, especially on songs like War Pigs and Lord of This World
Learning it has been a labor of love for a huge Beatles fan and late in life player.
A bass line written to complement the song is never too busy or too simple.
Great forthwith the song and on it's own (like the bassline to "Papa was a rollin' stone).
George resented Paul's contributions to his songs, but I think Paul added so much to them, whether it be the bass on Something or Think for Yourself, piano on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, or the solo on Taxman. Paul loved George like a little brother, and it is evident in his contributions to his songs. I understand that could be frustrating. It really resonated with me when I watched The Concert for George and heard Paul playing that piano part on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. While Clapton is great, ironically the piano makes the song.
I don't play bass and never really thought I'd be excited about bass until watching your videos! Very thoughtful and well done and I greatly appreciate them!!
Silly Love Songs has one if my favorite bass lines. It's actually my favorite part of the song 🎵
Thank you for breaking (braking?) it down for us. This is definitely my favorite Beatles bass line, and has to be one of my top 10 at least
No worries at all @R1D2. It's definitely my favorite for sure.
This was a fascinating video. I am not a bass player, nor do I ever plan to become one. But I am a big Beatles music fan, and what you highlighted about Paul's bass playing in this song helped me to identify that it's these perfectly planned additions to their music which makes it so enjoyable. At a high level, many of the Beatles' songs are relatively simple, but it's touches like these that make the musical product much more than just the sum of its parts. Great explanation! I look forward to checking out your other videos.
The bass line that Paul plays on the song "Nowhere Man" is one of the most interesting patterns I never heard. I saw a video of him playing this song. He was not pulling it off. Very hard to play live and sing simultaneously.
Thanks for this one! I've done these things in my playing for years but without thinking about how it affects the song as a whole.. making the mistakes you mentioned. Now you've made me a better bassist.
Several years ago I recorded my own acustic versions of some Beatles songs and it was there Something.
I started to study all the instruments, of course the solo guitar is amazing but then I began to study the bass lines and then I said to myself: ohh myyyyyy this is great, magnificent lines, the hardest part is just the part of the solo guitar section: many notes but placed at the exact moment, the exact melody, the exact counterpoint, the exact feeling, just what the song needed to sound great as a whole.
I confirmed what I discovered when I was a teenager: McCartney is a music master, a genius, unique in its kind.
Thanks for sharing your analysis!!
I always feel it's a priviliege to play this bass line. It is sublime. So melodic, so beautiful!
Brilliant. This is my favourite Paul bass line ever. His playing is sublime and I think he is really feeling the song which why it is so brilliant. You use words I feel and hear from this bass line. Tender and gentle. It sounds like it comes from the heart (cheesy I know but that is how I hear and feel it) and to me, this is my favourite bass line by Paul on not necessarily, as brilliant as it is, my favourite Beatles song. Great work and made my year to see someone waxing lyrical over this beautiful bass lane. Thanks
This is such an underrated bassline, people don’t seem to talk about it as much as they should!
I have always loved it since day 1, first hearing.
Underrated? When talking about Paul's bass line, 90% of the time they think about this song. Nothing is underrated in Something, the vocals, bass, the organ or quartets, the drums, everything. That's why this song is perfect
Sir Paul inspired me to play bass. When I was 9yrs old my brother in law turned me on to the Abbey Road album that he had on reel to reel tape and I fell in love with the sound of Paul’s bass. I started playing bass when I was 12 and still playing today. Thank you Paul!!
Thanks Luke, for clarifying these aspects of Paul's genius. This is one of the most interesting and well made RUclipss I have come across: a Classic! So much for a bass player, or any musician, to consider.
BTW the engineer was GEOFF Emerick: George MARTIN was the producer. I wonder what say Martin had in the development of that bass line.
This bass line really is a masterpiece. He is busy when it makes sense, restrained when needed. Great choice of a line to show how you craft an interesting bass line to fit into the context of a song.
Also, insofar as the allegation may be true, thank God Paul told George to shove it and played the line the way he did.
And thank god Paul got frustrated and ripped out the guitar solo on taxman in one take after hours of deliberation by George.
@@slavaukraini404 What? That's not how to develop a song? That's like saying we recorded the Beatles fighting and tried to make a salvageable song out of it?
I think you need to listen to any thing but the Beatles. Just realise that with any key there is a limit to what to can play in a given genre, i.e. this is far far far far from unique...
Being a bassist myself, although I was heavy into Motown and funk bands from the 70's, I've always liked Paul's basslines. Thanks your excellent breakin' it all down, and playin' it.
Thanks for the video! From rehearsals and early takes of "Something" it sounds like Paul was jamming busily experimenting with every second of the song with many notes and frills. I assume that George was referring to those attempts as "too busy"and simply directed Paul to where he liked space or where the bass could phrase away. I also assume that IF Paul argued against it, it was not to keep it busy but to be allowed to keep the bass line alive. But I read somewhere that he just played as instructed, probably happy to help George in what was turning out to be a special song (Paul might have been excessive sometimes but he was always supportive of his friends' songs).
if only music instruction around the world was like this. great job man
Well done, the world needs to know what you are saying here. I'm very glad you've made this excellent analysis. Not to take anything away from Something, I'd like to say that "A Day in the Life" has a low-key and subtle bass line that is as profound as that song is. Thanks!
Definitely one of my three favorite songs of all time. Thanks for identifying why it is so grand.
Most of the Beatles stuff has been remastered.
These new remasters really boost the bass and give us insight into what and how Paul played.
It might tarnish the original sound but Beatles songs are even better because of this.
For me, Paul’s greatest bass line is on “with a little help from my friends”. In my mind, Paul’s bass line catapults an “ok” song to one of my absolute favorites. It dances playfully yet drives. It dominates but doesn’t overshadow. I have stolen from this song regularly for my own bass lines I play at church with our worship team.
Paul knew the bass must sing and be arranged the same as a guitar or a vocal. Paul, composer, arranger. The best beatles to me.
You put a lot of hard work in these videos and it shines through, take a bow!!!
Highlighting these bass concepts should, and no doubt will, benefit many bassists out there. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind words @Bryn Yowann Atkinson - I really appreciate it.
It seems to me that Harrison's were the only two truly innovative songs in Abbey Road, and McCartney showered them with the most beautiful bass lines you expose here, thanks a lot!
Wow, ive always loved this bassline but now I love it even more!
Great Lesson, Luke! I love the color-coded graphic between melody and counter-melody. Can't wait to see more! BTW, Geoff Emerick's book, "Here, There, and Everywhere" is an awesome read! He was there in the recording studio from the beginning. The engineering ingenuity to bring The Beatles" and George Martin's vision to reality is fascinating and amazing!
Thanks so much @Herm Stippich - I'm glad you liked my fancy bits! Haha! And yes - the Geoff Emerick book is fantastic! I feel like he is a slightly unsung hero of the Beatles' story.
It's not strategic busyness in the first bar. It's thematic. Something in the way she moves. The bass swings like the woman thru a crowd, gracefully and plucks notes that attract you like no other lover.
Can it not be strategically busy *_and_* thematic @ericanderson8606?
The rain bassline is a favorite of mine
Luke, your videos are a great resource for bassists of all levels. You explain things really well and your video production is good. I taught myself to place bass many years ago, and it took me a log while to figure out the stuff you explain in this video. You nail so many important concepts: don't stomp on the vocals, play for the song, be rhythmically creative, etc. There's only one bit I disagree with you on in this video: I have always believed that Paul's bass line gets in the way of George's beautiful solo at times. It's almost call and response but the bass talks over the guitar at times, IMHO. Great job, please keep it up!
Have thought for years that without Paul's bass, this song would be lacking that special "Something". Pun intended, but valid.
That song gives me chills every time I hear it.
Also, Paul's bass work on George's "Taxman" is off the hook! Paul played guitar on that song as well.
Some of the best bass-line tips Ive ever seen. Thank you
I imagine Paul taking inspiration from blues records, where you'd hear the main vocalist sing a line, followed by a backing musician answering back with "tell me about it" or a similar line.
Probably my #1all-time favorite bass lines by Paul. “Something” is among my top Beatles’ treasures❤️
Another great video Luke, always one of my favourites! Another tune with a great melodic line and lyrical ballad playing is Don't Let Me Down with many of the same elements used in Something. If you ever get a chance to transcribe that it would be "fab!"
I am glad you mention contrast. Sometimes when I've written a song with sparse guitar sections, if the drummer followed me too closely and played something sparse it made the section drag. They needed to contrast what I was doing to keep the song driving forward.
I love your explanations of Paul's development and creativity as bass player. Yes, this must be my favorite together with Dear Prudence's suppose. But perhaps you'll surprise me with another Paul on the Bass in the Beatles-video🙂
This is great advice. I'm actually working on a bass part for an original song at the moment. Sir Paul's playing is an inspiration for me. There are no vocals for this song now so I may have to rework the bass part. I'm so glad I came upon this video. You have gained a new subscriber.
When Paul McCartney wants to play a certain line in one of your songs, you let him.
These type of baas lines appear all throughout Abbey Road. Especially in the Sun King. Very melodic bass lines.
That's my fav over this one honestly
Beautiful deconstruction of Paul's genius on this track. Thanks!
Another fantastic lesson, Luke! I am loving this series of taking a bass line and discussing it. Always something for us bassists to learn and you do a great job presenting. Thanks for sharing this one Sir Luke.
You're too kind @Thomas Fioriglio! Thanks so much.
In The Beatles Anthology book, Paul talks about how George thought his bass playing on Something was too busy. Paul said in my defence, I was playing the best bass line I could for the song.
One of my favorite bass lines. Paul McCartney is one of my favorite bass players and if I had to pick one bass line by him, it's Something
Others great bass lines by Paul:
1. All My Lovin'
2. Dear Prudence
3. If I Needed Someone
4. She Came in Thru the Barhroom Window
5. Taxman
6. Come Together
7. Something
8. Don't Let Me Down
9. Etc
@@dennisberceles7387 Oh yeah, he's an uber-bassman and I can listen all day to great bass line after great bass line by him. If I had to choose only one bass line by Paul McCartney, it's Something
I agree. I’m no musician but sometimes I listen to the bass of Something like it’s a song in itself
Gotta love that George Emerick. He was almost as good of an engineer as his brother Geoff.
Ain't nothing but a G thing
Great job. Very easy to listen to. Keep up the great work.
My favorite is Something. It’s one of the greatest if the greatest melodic basslines ever written. I’m also very fond of I Want You, She’s So Heavy. Not because of its complexity or melodicism. Moreso because it fits that song perfectly and really anchors down that heavy as hell close out. McCartney deserves his praise as a bassist.
I haven't a clue about what you're talking about mate, however, I do love the Beatles and I love this video!
Thank you.
Fantastic break down of this bass line. It gave me a lot of inspiration for my own playing. Thanks!
Perfect @Steve Botsford - that's exactly what I was aiming for!
Thank you for acknowledging this brilliant bass line to a great song. Funny thing is that Paul basically played against the style he instructed George to play on Hey Jude. I think Paul was just tge best overall musician in the band.
This was the first big Bassline that I learned back in middle school. Now I find myself humming along to the baseline more than I do singing the words
My favorite Beatles song is Hello Goodbye. I still play Something and I Dig A Pony and I Want You (She’s So Heavy) for fun. In 1979 I learned all of Abbey Road and my favorite bass line is You Never Give Me Your Money, and straight on to The End. Magical Mystery Tour is another favorite to play along with the whole album. Thanks for the video.
Luke! Here I am going through my feed on lunch, and there you are. I hope you’re well, brother. Awesome to see you making such great videos!
No way Chris! That's hilarious! Sorry to interrupt your lunchtime lol. And I'm doing really well dude - hope you and the family are all doing well too.
I wonder if George telling Paul how he wanted him to play bass on his song was merely just him taking a dig at Paul since Paul had a tendency to tell George how he wanted him to play.
Howdy Luke,,great content,,and thanks for breaking it down,,so many great bass lines by Paul,,,;RAIN',,is always a stand out for me.
He is a genius, that does help.
So the dynamics on the single note (increasing volume) is similar to a drummer who leads into a song or a chorus by hitting the same drum harder and harder. If this is the version that George complained about being too busy, it's a good thing Paul ignored him.
I'm still looking for a *_primary_* source that confirms that Paul ignored George about this @B. Clay Shannon. As far as I can tell, nobody who was actually there, in the room, has said this, but there has been speculation from people who weren't.
It could be that Paul _did_ ignore George's request and we ended up with the line we have. Or it could be that Paul was playing a much _busier_ line than what ended up on the recording, and what we hear IS the 'greatly simplified' version. Either way though, it's a great line for a great song.