Very informative, Galeazzo. It's great to see you uploading so frequently. Mull of Kintyre would have been a career defining hit for most people, but for McCartney it was just another song. He will be remembered as the Mozart of our time...
I am from NY and on a whim my best friend and I heard he was playing in Toronto the same weekend as the Buffalo Bills game we were attending. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him and so we went. We were in standing room only seating and I hoped I'd hear this song. I wasn't aware that he never played it in the states at the time. Suddenly this intro starts and out come the Toronto Scottish Pipe Band to back him up and I still get chills to this day thinking back on how amazing that concert was for us.
THEY created this magic and YOU help us understand how and whats going on and what really makes it so fantastic. You do that very well and in a interesting way! Keep on the good work/Johan
I have nothing to say except I more than greatly admire your absolute devotion to what is after all the best sounds that were ever committed to tape ... those of Lennon and McCartney. I started watching you years ago with your Beatles singing lessons ... somehow (to my discredit!) I lost track ... I'm sooo happy you have somehow randomly popped up on my phone! Thank you for all you do!
Wow! Of all the songs Paul has written I would have said this is one of the most simple, and yet even in a fraction of such a song there is all this complexity. Respect to you, sir, for bringing this to light.
Paul is indeed an unsung guitar hero. I am a jazz guitarist used to navigating complex harmonies, playing up-tempo stuff, etc. Paul can't do any of that. But it took me 3 days of good work to learn the guitar part for "Her Majesty" to make it sound half-decent and I still can't play it as well as he does it on the recording. It's tricky to make it sound as natural and effortless as his version. Paul isn't a very technical musician but his musical instincts and feel are second to none.
What you're talking about is not something hidden, or complexity, but the fine detail which exists. And indeed your observations are well made. Good stuff.
Sempre mi domandavo come un semplice A chord poteva suonare cosi' magico nella canzone ma non quando io lo facevo... Hai sciolto il mistero, l'hai azzeccato!! bravissimo!
I've loved the Beatles since they first arrived here in the United States. I certainly have achieved a deeper appreciation for their artistry watching your videos.
wow, well done!! I can't believe how technical and detailed Paul went into this when making this intro... how long did it take him to come up with that combination to make that sound for just a small part of the song? Knowing him, was just second nature, like breathing lol
I think the first two clues were instinctive and the last one (muting the first high E string) was more of a "production" embellishment that came out after relistening to a previous take. These are not the only tricks in this intro, there are two or 3 things that I left out because it was too much and it's better TO LEAVE SOME MYSTERY AROUND ;)
I am so grateful to have found your posts. Being a Beatles ultra fan, as I know you are, makes your incredible explanations of their works all the more beautiful. I’ve watched every one of your posts in total awe. From Martha My Dear, Lady Madonna to Mull of Kintyre, your sharp hearing is amazing! I too play bass and a little guitar, so I maybe appreciate your explanations more. Thank you!
Galeazzo - you have a beautifully sensitive ear! And your generous sharing of your insights enriches our understanding and appreciation of the very special music of the Beatles. Thank you.
IMO the first two clues were instinctive while muting the first high E string was more of a "production" embellishment that came out after relistening to a previous take. Consider there were other hints in the intro without which you'd barely could achieve the sound of the original recording, especially one on the tuning, but I left them out because it was too much. Better TO LEAVE SOME MYSTERY AROUND ;)
Just when you think you play it perfect…well it is deeply interesting and fascinating. And I totally agree with you, The Beatles had a way of making their music sound simple only if you did not pay enough attenton. Great video!
Wow... I couldn't agree more: while playing, dynamics, accents and articulation (how a note or any other musical event is sounded) make all the difference in the world... when you get those things right, anything you play is infinitely more pleasant to hear. And only practice can make you good at it. Now... since the Beatles didn't have any sort of formal training, I suppose that they (all of them) were simply blessed by innate 'musicality', which is the gift that makes your playing sound catchy and appropriate. My compliments, dear Galeazzo, for the ear, the skills, the passion (and the English) 😊.
I think Paul played without using a pick. You can hear how bassy his plucked notes are from the flesh of his thumb and you can also hear how it sound like a similar playing style to 'Yesterday' which was played without a pick.
I believe he plays guitar this way; it is style that repeats . On piano he plays in a style alternating left bass notes on off beat of treble melody, Ie: Let It Be… he seems to play that style on many things. Back to his guitar style , the muting before beat 1 so as the clearly accent beat 1. I automatically do such things too, but I never really notice it is just a style. The sixties folk things had a lot of interesting things going on with strumming styles and grace notes. I agree with moving along the string for particular sound quality /timbre. Last six or so years I use different picks for different sounds : such as a very very thin pick-I like the percussive click the pick adds. Microphone placement is a whole other thing… Paul really is very hard to copy when it gets right down to it.
ive always noticed that on the first notes of the song he strums twice but then kinda hits a string and it makes a third noise? do you think this was intentional or what
I'm currently learning it on the violin. On a violin made in Campbeltown in 1904 (that's where the song was written). I've named it The Mull of Kintyre Violin. It's definitely a great song that has hidden complexity in it.
Galeazzo, firstly I love your work, so much. I have a special request for you ... could you please make a video all about the exquisite, most beautiful John Lennon song "Out Of The Blue" .. this song has a magic all of its own .. it is so, so moving .. please do seriously consider doing this. All the best.
I dont think there's anything complicated about playing this. Not if you have the amount of experience someone like Paul has. It's just part of his "job". He spent the last dozen years playing music of all levels of complexity, so it doesnt shock me .
Your second point: I have heard it all the time though I rather thought there were two guitars involved, also, the sound seems to be processed somehow - though I might be wrong with that. However, when I saw the title of your video I knew that you will talk about that particular change between c sharp and e as top of the chord. Great stuff!
Galeazzo, I’m so glad to see you back on UA-cam; I’ve watched you for years. This one was fascinating. I went straight to my HD-28 and found that spot just outside of the rosette for the pick. Sure enough, there’s that tone! As they say, it’s the little things…
This is so very true, I'm glad you pointed this out, there are so many gentle complexities behind the scenes As a guitar player who treats each string as an individual,,, like So many voices in a choir. I know when I sit and play everything matters and I paid close attention to the subtleties. I know for myself, the emotional element within you has a profound effect also as you bring forth style and music and especially the tones you wish to let sing out From your instrument...
Have you realised by now that paul was influenced by many folk tunes as he grew up in Liverpool? Of course old folk tunes if trad have no copyright to be worried about..handy.
Do you think it sounds very like 'the Scottish Air'? I think he definitely got the melody from that but I do feel he improved it massively with the opening notes so an acceptable nick!
Hello. Could you make a video on how play correctly "I Will" ? Because it's hard to find video who show us the most trully way to play this song. Thanks !
I started learning guitar and I love this song - so was excited that it was relatively "easy". Ha! Your video is helping me improve my musical ear and better fine tune my playing. Excited to watch the Band on the Run video. Glad you're doing more solo Beatles.
You're thinking of his first album "McCartney" on which he overdubbed all the parts himself. On Ram, he contracted session musicians in both London & NYC.
It was number one on the UK charts for weeks in 1977. In the US the DJs were so blasé' about it they played the b side instead and turned Girl's School into a turntable hit.
I’m using Martin monel strings, my own combination of gauges. Yours sounds really warm and balanced. I wonder if I need to add in some relief, neck is really straight
Amazing! I bever noticed any of this but, being an amateur guitar player myself I can tell I consciously apply some of this "tricks" when playing! When I want a crunchier sound , specially when I play a riff originally meant for electric guitar but in an acoustic one, I hit the strings closer to the bridge. And I always emphasize the sound of specific strings by hitting them harder than the rest, like trick no. 2. Very interesting to see that Paul applied this to this song that I always loved.
Galeazzo, another labor of love from you. Please know that you connect with us around the world who love and appreciate the Beatles. I can always trust that you are going to share your comprehensive ear for detail with us.
Kudos for demonstrating the nuance of this intro. Bravo! Am I also hearing a partial muting of the A string, possibly caused by the palm of Paul's left hand as he chops the string? It doesn't seem to ring out fully. (new subscriber to your channel)
Well this was amazing. I love "Mull of Kintyre" and I have loved it for years. But I saw the title of this video and thought it must be a joke. "Complexity?!" It's just an "oom-pah-pah" waltz rhythm - this is one of the easiest introductions of any song ever written! Or so I thought. Your video made me truly hear that opening for the first time. I always thought "Only Paul McCartney can get away with being so simple." Now, I'm almost embarrassed-especially that I never noticed your 2nd point here. Actually, I've noticed it, but never really thought it through. I must have thought my ear was playing tricks on me. "Obviously, it's just root-strum-strum, right?" is what I thought. Well, I thank you for clarifying what is really going on, and doesn't it further underscore how brilliant Sir Paul is? Most composers/musicians wouldn't have bothered to add that "complexity," that little extra something that makes a song stand out from the crowd.
thats amazing, i woulda never asociated some of those tricks, as 'mechanical'. With the unique blends of talents possessed by the beatles, and chemistry between them, its no wonder I love them so much. Either way, particularly when seeing how you break things down, I'm always wondering how much of that was due to George Martins influence. Thank you for this, and all your posts!
Galeazzo, one thing I believe that I would like to share with you : both John and Paul were off-the-scale talented but there is a difference. Paul's consciousness is more conventional. He is a wonderful tunesmith, melody pours out of him, but he lives in a less deep, more mental world than John did. John on the other hand was a deeper, more spiritual soul. John's best compositions are a journey more soulful, closer to the soul, deeper, than Pauls. The haunting, otherworldly beauty of the opening part of 'A Day in the Life' only John could have written (and sung so mesmerisingly), for example.
![Paul McCartney with the WAPOL Pipe Band - Mull Of Kintyre [Live at nib Stadium, Perth - 02-12-2017]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mTfEAUY8_M4/mqdefault.jpg)
Very informative, Galeazzo. It's great to see you uploading so frequently.
Mull of Kintyre would have been a career defining hit for most people, but for McCartney it was just another song. He will be remembered as the Mozart of our time...
I am from NY and on a whim my best friend and I heard he was playing in Toronto the same weekend as the Buffalo Bills game we were attending. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him and so we went. We were in standing room only seating and I hoped I'd hear this song. I wasn't aware that he never played it in the states at the time. Suddenly this intro starts and out come the Toronto Scottish Pipe Band to back him up and I still get chills to this day thinking back on how amazing that concert was for us.
THEY created this magic and YOU help us understand how and whats going on and what really makes it so fantastic. You do that very well and in a interesting way! Keep on the good work/Johan
I have nothing to say except I more than greatly admire your absolute devotion to what is after all the best sounds that were ever committed to tape ... those of Lennon and McCartney.
I started watching you years ago with your Beatles singing lessons ... somehow (to my discredit!) I lost track ... I'm sooo happy you have somehow randomly popped up on my phone!
Thank you for all you do!
Wow! Of all the songs Paul has written I would have said this is one of the most simple, and yet even in a fraction of such a song there is all this complexity. Respect to you, sir, for bringing this to light.
Paul is indeed an unsung guitar hero. I am a jazz guitarist used to navigating complex harmonies, playing up-tempo stuff, etc. Paul can't do any of that. But it took me 3 days of good work to learn the guitar part for "Her Majesty" to make it sound half-decent and I still can't play it as well as he does it on the recording. It's tricky to make it sound as natural and effortless as his version.
Paul isn't a very technical musician but his musical instincts and feel are second to none.
It’s only because he has created it, and you’re an interpreter. When you play your own creations no one can sound like you.
What you're talking about is not something hidden, or complexity, but the fine detail which exists. And indeed your observations are well made. Good stuff.
Sempre mi domandavo come un semplice A chord poteva suonare cosi' magico nella canzone ma non quando io lo facevo... Hai sciolto il mistero, l'hai azzeccato!! bravissimo!
Amazing how your lessons gets better and better all the time. I would love to see Band On The Run vocal harmonies, and other Beatles solo harmonies 🙏🏻
Coming ;)
I've loved the Beatles since they first arrived here in the United States. I certainly have achieved a deeper appreciation for their artistry watching your videos.
This is my goal, having you appreciate the inner nature of these guys music
Great analysis! Looking forward to seeing you uncover more of the magic behind these McCartney songs :)
Lets us all remember Denny Laine who co-wrote the essay .. RIP Denny I bet you taught Paul how to play it. ❤
wow, well done!! I can't believe how technical and detailed Paul went into this when making this intro... how long did it take him to come up with that combination to make that sound for just a small part of the song? Knowing him, was just second nature, like breathing lol
I think the first two clues were instinctive and the last one (muting the first high E string) was more of a "production" embellishment that came out after relistening to a previous take. These are not the only tricks in this intro, there are two or 3 things that I left out because it was too much and it's better TO LEAVE SOME MYSTERY AROUND ;)
Just proves it's what you don't hear is the most important sound in a song
I am so grateful to have found your posts.
Being a Beatles ultra fan, as I know you are, makes your incredible explanations of their works all the more beautiful.
I’ve watched every one of your posts in total awe.
From Martha My Dear, Lady Madonna to Mull of Kintyre, your sharp hearing is amazing! I too play bass and a little guitar, so I maybe appreciate your explanations more.
Thank you!
Galeazzo - you have a beautifully sensitive ear! And your generous sharing of your insights enriches our understanding and appreciation of the very special music of the Beatles. Thank you.
Sir, can you please do a vocal harmony lesson of the song "I Am Your Singer" by Sir Paul Mccartney and Linda. Thank you sir!
It seems so simple but so difficult to sing ....
It's good to see you again, Galeazzo! Saludos desde el Perú!
Great episode!
Wow. Never noticed this. Thanks!
Great tutorial! 👌
So you think he did those things on purpose and does it everytime ? I think we should ask him.
IMO the first two clues were instinctive while muting the first high E string was more of a "production" embellishment that came out after relistening to a previous take. Consider there were other hints in the intro without which you'd barely could achieve the sound of the original recording, especially one on the tuning, but I left them out because it was too much. Better TO LEAVE SOME MYSTERY AROUND ;)
Just when you think you play it perfect…well it is deeply interesting and fascinating. And I totally agree with you, The Beatles had a way of making their music sound simple only if you did not pay enough attenton. Great video!
Wow... I couldn't agree more: while playing, dynamics, accents and articulation (how a note or any other musical event is sounded) make all the difference in the world... when you get those things right, anything you play is infinitely more pleasant to hear. And only practice can make you good at it. Now... since the Beatles didn't have any sort of formal training, I suppose that they (all of them) were simply blessed by innate 'musicality', which is the gift that makes your playing sound catchy and appropriate. My compliments, dear Galeazzo, for the ear, the skills, the passion (and the English) 😊.
I didn't belive you till I picked up the guitar ,and I thought I had it down 🤯 chio
I think Paul played without using a pick. You can hear how bassy his plucked notes are from the flesh of his thumb and you can also hear how it sound like a similar playing style to 'Yesterday' which was played without a pick.
I thought the same. In fact I had always played with nails but it's played with a pick, try a recording with both as I did and you'll get it too.
Understanding is enjoying more. Thank you so much
I believe he plays guitar this way; it is style that repeats . On piano he plays in a style alternating left bass notes on off beat of treble melody, Ie: Let It Be… he seems to play that style on many things. Back to his guitar style , the muting before beat 1 so as the clearly accent beat 1. I automatically do such things too, but I never really notice it is just a style. The sixties folk things had a lot of interesting things going on with strumming styles and grace notes. I agree with moving along the string for particular sound quality /timbre. Last six or so years I use different picks for different sounds : such as a very very thin pick-I like the percussive click the pick adds. Microphone placement is a whole other thing… Paul really is very hard to copy when it gets right down to it.
The Beatles are deceptively simple. That's their genius.
Enjoyed this thoroughly
Thanks for that…
ive always noticed that on the first notes of the song he strums twice but then kinda hits a string and it makes a third noise? do you think this was intentional or what
This is amazing! I never realized this, but now I can't unhear it! Thanks!
I'm currently learning it on the violin. On a violin made in Campbeltown in 1904 (that's where the song was written). I've named it The Mull of Kintyre Violin. It's definitely a great song that has hidden complexity in it.
wow. very interesting, you showed it so well and understandable. Thanks.
Galeazzo, firstly I love your work, so much. I have a special request for you ... could you please make a video all about the exquisite, most beautiful John Lennon song "Out Of The Blue" .. this song has a magic all of its own .. it is so, so moving .. please do seriously consider doing this. All the best.
Fantastic
I dont think there's anything complicated about playing this. Not if you have the amount of experience someone like Paul has. It's just part of his "job". He spent the last dozen years playing music of all levels of complexity, so it doesnt shock me .
So good..du bringst mich noch zum Gitarre spielen. Lg Ellen 🥰
Et ben, c’est trop cool. Merci
Your second point: I have heard it all the time though I rather thought there were two guitars involved, also, the sound seems to be processed somehow - though I might be wrong with that. However, when I saw the title of your video I knew that you will talk about that particular change between c sharp and e as top of the chord. Great stuff!
Brilliant! I love these kinds of things.......Thank you!
Genius. You are better and better
My only claim to fame is that I accidentally stood on Denny Laine's foot at a gig in a pub in Preston.
I think u mean lose, not loose in title
Galeazzo, I’m so glad to see you back on UA-cam; I’ve watched you for years. This one was fascinating. I went straight to my HD-28 and found that spot just outside of the rosette for the pick. Sure enough, there’s that tone!
As they say, it’s the little things…
Thank you. First time viewer here. Wow.
Mull of Kintyre was written and recorded long after the Beatles broke up....It was written during the Wings era with Denny Lane and Linda
This is so very true, I'm glad you pointed this out, there are so many gentle complexities behind the scenes As a guitar player who treats each string as an individual,,, like So many voices in a choir. I know when I sit and play everything matters and I paid close attention to the subtleties. I know for myself, the emotional element within you has a profound effect also as you bring forth style and music and especially the tones you wish to let sing out From your instrument...
Have you realised by now that paul was influenced by many folk tunes as he grew up in Liverpool? Of course old folk tunes if trad have no copyright to be worried about..handy.
Do you think it sounds very like 'the Scottish Air'? I think he definitely got the melody from that but I do feel he improved it massively with the opening notes so an acceptable nick!
Hello. Could you make a video on how play correctly "I Will" ? Because it's hard to find video who show us the most trully way to play this song. Thanks !
That's coming along with Junk :)
Awesome analysis. NOW I listen more carefully. Thankyou.
I started learning guitar and I love this song - so was excited that it was relatively "easy". Ha! Your video is helping me improve my musical ear and better fine tune my playing. Excited to watch the Band on the Run video. Glad you're doing more solo Beatles.
Enjoyed. Wonderful attention to detail
This is the first video watching you. Very impressed and nice one. Looking forward to watch the others :-)
Well done you're so right !
Wow! Awesome 👍😎 job! Id absolutely no idea! Thank you!
Great work! Often when a part is so brilliant, it sounds so natural that only when it's not there do you notice something is missing.
Always so interesting to listen what you describe. You have the gift of perfect pitch!
What gauge is your string-set?
This intro reminds me of the song "Rocky Raccoon".
GooD)))))))
That was a fantastic video! I always loved this song and you explained the intro very good!
Simple but very deep
Unpredictable complexity! 😂🤣
McCartney is a genius.
Listen to anything on the “Ram” album where he did everything.
The vocals in Dear Boy....my God!
You're thinking of his first album
"McCartney" on which he overdubbed all the parts himself. On Ram, he contracted session musicians in both London & NYC.
You are a genius, my friend! You have inspired me.
That's my goal, inspiring you guys to ejoy Music and the Beatles more.
WOW! Amazing details that make it so unique!
1:30 "right hand guitar turned left" The compensated bridge inlay is upside down then, I wonder if it's properly in tune, probably not.
You'd probably had a few problems playing very high on the neck
Thanks
I've always loved this song; it is truly inspiring. Almost no one I know has even heard of this gem. Thank you for making me appreciate it even more.
It was number one on the UK charts for weeks in 1977. In the US the DJs were so blasé' about it they played the b side instead and turned Girl's School into a turntable hit.
Not only that, I think it was the biggest selling record in UK EVER until Thriller.
This is really great ! Thank you for this detailed work !
that's why I always liked it so much without knowing precisely why. Great!
THESE BEATLES LESSONS MAY END! PLEASE DONATE TO KEEP THEM ALIVE!: ➡ goo.gl/ldPTmk -- DISCOVER MY GEAR AND RECORDING TECHNIQUES! ➡ bit.ly/2B7kgZU
grazie ancora
Wow. That's awesome 👌 👏 👍 😍
Thank you so much 😊
Maybe I'm amazed! Wonderfull
Love this song! Thanks for sharing
Someone told me it was Dennie Laine who played the acoustic guitar in the studio?
Interesting, can you mention the source?
Fantastico, Galeazzo!! Grazie mille!
Great job again, Galeazzo ! Grazie mille !
Always top quality videos.
Thank you for your art, Galeazzo!
Incredible and so intricate.
Wonderful stuff.
Excellent!
What strings are you using on that D28? Sounds nice!
Original Martin strings: "Authentic Acoustics Custom light 11-52" set.
I’m using Martin monel strings, my own combination of gauges. Yours sounds really warm and balanced. I wonder if I need to add in some relief, neck is really straight
Nice 👍👍
Amazing! I bever noticed any of this but, being an amateur guitar player myself I can tell I consciously apply some of this "tricks" when playing! When I want a crunchier sound , specially when I play a riff originally meant for electric guitar but in an acoustic one, I hit the strings closer to the bridge. And I always emphasize the sound of specific strings by hitting them harder than the rest, like trick no. 2. Very interesting to see that Paul applied this to this song that I always loved.
Great work!!! You've nail all those amazing details... This says a lot about the perfection and careness of your analisys!
The word in the title should be "Unpredictable" (with an N), my friend Frudua :) And thank you again, for another wonderful instructional music video.
Good call!
Finally , someone who listens even closer to their music than I do. Thanks for this wonderful insight. Excellent videos.
Galeazzo, another labor of love from you. Please know that you connect with us around the world who love and appreciate the Beatles. I can always trust that you are going to share your comprehensive ear for detail with us.
Thank you so much for your hard work and attention to detail as well as your dedication to the Beatles music . I'll help out financially when I can .
Kudos for demonstrating the nuance of this intro. Bravo! Am I also hearing a partial muting of the A string, possibly caused by the palm of Paul's left hand as he chops the string? It doesn't seem to ring out fully. (new subscriber to your channel)
interessante...
And to think it seemed so straight forward. You've got great insight into these subtle features.
This isn’t The Beatles.
Well this was amazing. I love "Mull of Kintyre" and I have loved it for years. But I saw the title of this video and thought it must be a joke. "Complexity?!" It's just an "oom-pah-pah" waltz rhythm - this is one of the easiest introductions of any song ever written! Or so I thought. Your video made me truly hear that opening for the first time. I always thought "Only Paul McCartney can get away with being so simple." Now, I'm almost embarrassed-especially that I never noticed your 2nd point here. Actually, I've noticed it, but never really thought it through. I must have thought my ear was playing tricks on me. "Obviously, it's just root-strum-strum, right?" is what I thought. Well, I thank you for clarifying what is really going on, and doesn't it further underscore how brilliant Sir Paul is? Most composers/musicians wouldn't have bothered to add that "complexity," that little extra something that makes a song stand out from the crowd.
The most creative genius in modern music cheers Paul
thats amazing, i woulda never asociated some of those tricks, as 'mechanical'. With the unique blends of talents possessed by the beatles, and chemistry between them, its no wonder I love them so much. Either way, particularly when seeing how you break things down, I'm always wondering how much of that was due to George Martins influence. Thank you for this, and all your posts!
Nice take this is the subject of a next videos.
Galeazzo, one thing I believe that I would like to share with you : both John and Paul were off-the-scale talented but there is a difference. Paul's consciousness is more conventional. He is a wonderful tunesmith, melody pours out of him, but he lives in a less deep, more mental world than John did. John on the other hand was a deeper, more spiritual soul. John's best compositions are a journey more soulful, closer to the soul, deeper, than Pauls. The haunting, otherworldly beauty of the opening part of 'A Day in the Life' only John could have written (and sung so mesmerisingly), for example.
You have such a great ear, Galeazzo. Thank you for this.
I can't imagine having that kind of control. And to think guitar wasn't even really his primary instrument.