How THE BEATLES wrote the PERFECT chord progression

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  • Опубліковано 11 жов 2021
  • Why is Penny Lane such a brilliant song? Here's why Paul McCartney is such a genius mind!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,4 тис.

  • @beatle_jake
    @beatle_jake 2 роки тому +1549

    Really great video exploring one of their most classically inspired pieces! One correction, at 4:43 the B minor chord is not from the RELATIVE minor but rather the PARALLEL minor.

    • @PaulDavids
      @PaulDavids  2 роки тому +933

      Ah, language got me again. In Dutch 'Parallel Minor' is what in English we call "Relative Minor'... That's why I misspoke. My apologies!

    • @eizenga
      @eizenga 2 роки тому +72

      @@PaulDavids Geesh the Dutch…. ;)

    • @2true359
      @2true359 2 роки тому +72

      @@PaulDavids DONT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN lol

    • @iurizur8526
      @iurizur8526 2 роки тому +37

      Yea the terminology is very confusing when translated to different languages. Same problem in Hebrew/Portuguese

    • @KrischaMcFlip
      @KrischaMcFlip 2 роки тому +40

      Sometimes your location leads to some misunderstandings in music. Take the musical notation for example. A, B, C, D, E, F, G couldn’t be easier. In Germany the B is called H and nobody knows why. I’ve it’s because of misread handwritten letter, but I don’t know if it’s true.

  • @donshields4470
    @donshields4470 2 роки тому +2014

    Paul...I am 71 and heard this song the week it came out! You have given me something I wanted for 56 years. I cannot thank you enough for this...

    • @muhammadsatriabudiutama1483
      @muhammadsatriabudiutama1483 2 роки тому +36

      You are a legend sir as they are

    • @henryparker2987
      @henryparker2987 2 роки тому +55

      I’m still a young boy (only 66) . I have ever loved this song; the first time I’ve listened to it, I have feeled the magic in it!
      I’m sorry if my english is not perfect : I’m juste a little young french boy 🍏

    • @gregormann7
      @gregormann7 2 роки тому +16

      Same here (at 70). I loved this song the first time I heard and it has remained a favorite, perhaps THE favorite, of their entire repertoire! It’s one of those songs I could hear literally a thousand times and never tire of it.

    • @davepowell7168
      @davepowell7168 2 роки тому +4

      Andrew York's solo instrumental is interesting..

    • @peterdelmonte9832
      @peterdelmonte9832 2 роки тому +13

      Hi Don, I'm a year older than you and bought a guitar when I was 18. I learned a few chords, pattern picking and a few blues and ragtime snippets. Hear me for two minutes and you'd think I could play...but in truth, from that day to this, only by rote. I now play clawhammer banjo and also took flute lessons for three years so I learned what the dots on the five lines meant...I knew nothing of that before as all was in tablature. I've watched hundreds of videos like this one with talk of pentatonic scales, keys, diminished and augmented things. I go away, look each one up, think I've understood but ten minutes I'd have no idea. That up the neck stuff is still a mystery...the guys fingerlings in this video are simply unfathomable. I think I've realised I'm musically dyslexic! I can carry a melody, sing harmonies sometimes and like listening to complex jazz and orchestral music. But it's still similar to school where music was what the rich kids did....other worldly....Luckily, the arthritis in my fretting forefinger is so bad, I'll be selling my guitar! I'm happy this video has been an epiphany for you.

  • @Pladderkasse
    @Pladderkasse 2 роки тому +306

    That Bm chord is a pure stroke of genius, it instantly transports the tune into a more melancholy and nostalgic mood.

    • @robertsherwood2722
      @robertsherwood2722 2 роки тому +7

      The emotions evoked by various chords and accidentals are still being researched
      very impressive! Thanks for commenting!

    • @sub-jec-tiv
      @sub-jec-tiv 2 роки тому +5

      And with the G# it’s into Brazilian saudade territory, right. Coming out of strongly assured Englishness, very effective.

    • @Pladderkasse
      @Pladderkasse 2 роки тому +7

      @@Derayes I'll do whatever the fuck I want, genius.

    • @johnmalcolm4822
      @johnmalcolm4822 Рік тому +2

      See also Fool on the Hill

    • @johnmalcolm4822
      @johnmalcolm4822 Рік тому +1

      @@DerayesCalm down. Don't reply to the idea that a single comment about "a stroke of genius " is the same as the poster saying this one stroke alone makes the composer a genius. Have you been through all the key changes? Your "only" is inaccurate. There is a lot more going on. Check out on UA-cam "The Beatles: A musical appreciation and analysis by composer Howard Goodall CBE" and appreciate all the other strokes of genius.

  • @JohnnyCashavetes
    @JohnnyCashavetes 2 роки тому +390

    The more you learn about Beatles songs, the more it seems insane that they not only existed, but we're all alive at the same time as at least two of them. These are geniuses that seem otherworldly.

    • @haywoodjblome4768
      @haywoodjblome4768 2 роки тому +10

      And went to the same school

    • @ridew3072
      @ridew3072 2 роки тому +16

      Any they had no official musical training.

    • @LeoGuidi
      @LeoGuidi 2 роки тому +8

      @@haywoodjblome4768 George and Paul went to the same school, but John and Ringo went to other schools. Still, very close together

    • @poop420guy69
      @poop420guy69 2 роки тому +5

      I had this exact thought just the other day. It really is insane.

    • @eilidh771
      @eilidh771 2 роки тому

      Almost Unbelievable! check out Theodore Adorno.

  • @I_am_nooh
    @I_am_nooh 2 роки тому +214

    Underrated fact : This is the most amazingly accurate "Penny Lane" tutorial on UA-cam. I just learned the whole song by your pinpoint analysis and I felt what you wanted us to feel while listening/playing the song.
    Kudos to you! We want more of these.

    • @johnmalcolm4822
      @johnmalcolm4822 Рік тому +5

      Check out "The Beatles: A musical appreciation and analysis by composer Howard Goodall CBE"

    • @arwahsapi
      @arwahsapi Рік тому +1

      Can't agree more!

    • @michaelmenet2712
      @michaelmenet2712 2 місяці тому

      @@johnmalcolm4822 Totally excellent video. Great rec.

  • @llkayjay
    @llkayjay 2 роки тому +389

    What makes it even more special is that we as listeners never really noticed it. The chords just progress so beautifully and simply.

    • @alexwebmch
      @alexwebmch 2 роки тому +31

      Paul is the master of making the complex sound simple. That's what the best songwriters do. 🙂

    • @dingoswamphead
      @dingoswamphead 2 роки тому +7

      And to think that the other Paul ( the Sir one) did it without knowing the music theory, but by what sounded good to his ear.

    • @dkimuk
      @dkimuk 2 роки тому +14

      I agree. And that's what separates great pop from just a simple pop song. It's the hidden depths that are designed to sound so easy on the ear. It's a craft within itself and hugely underappreciated.

    • @sheekennmove
      @sheekennmove 2 роки тому

      @@dingoswamphead man stfu he didnt die 😭 ig his clone can play just like, sing just like, and look 100% like him. maybe because it is him? lol

    • @BeatlesCentricUniverse
      @BeatlesCentricUniverse 2 роки тому +3

      @@alexwebmch The Beatles are the absolute masters at playing very sophisticated pop songs effortlessly.

  • @presleybusinelli
    @presleybusinelli 2 роки тому +191

    Paul would be like- “ oh is that why it sounds so good”

    • @yoosh9034
      @yoosh9034 2 роки тому +8

      that’s that high class stuff

    • @socalson7492
      @socalson7492 2 роки тому +7

      Yeah, Paul McCartney never learned theory or how to read or write musical notation.

    • @sup9542
      @sup9542 2 роки тому +9

      He liked when critics would say stuff like "their song masterfully uses Aeolian cadences" but he didn't want to look up what it meant. Like many great artists he didn't want to focus too much on the technical. Just as much as he needed to get away with it.

    • @Hernal03
      @Hernal03 2 роки тому +10

      When you have an innate, magical reservoir of creativity that you can tap into without conscious thought and it leads you to a place of wonderful sounds and aesthetics, why mess it up with too much technical knowledge --- very rare to have musicians with this type of natural talent, in tune with something the majority of us could not tap into, at least not without constant training and technical exercises which in the end would likely sound a bit artificial and too thought out anyway. Come to think of it, perhaps it was all those endless of hours of just 'playing' music and not necessarily 'learning' it in some class or book that took Paul (and the Beatles) to this very special place.

    • @leinardesteves3987
      @leinardesteves3987 2 роки тому +2

      @@Hernal03 forgot who said it, but someone said any musician or artist can learn on their own eventually even if they dont know what the theory is called

  • @shay4178
    @shay4178 2 роки тому +37

    I took a college course on Beatles Composition and this video brought back so many memories. I was smiling through the entire video. It's so incredible how every single Beatles member is a talented composer, musician, and singer, with no formal training. Thank you for sharing, I wish there was a "love" button for this video.

    • @jwill9690
      @jwill9690 11 місяців тому

      I’m

    • @kongmik
      @kongmik 7 місяців тому

      take another course here ua-cam.com/video/ccEhmQ0M4FY/v-deo.html

  • @VisualSOLUTIONSMedia
    @VisualSOLUTIONSMedia 2 роки тому +37

    The Beatles with Ringo formed, and first recorded, in 1962. Penny Lane was written in 1966.
    Secondary Dominant. Pivot Chords. Modal Mixture. Modulating...
    Had McCartney learned music theory as he went through those few years of writing, or was it intuitive?
    From Love Me Do to Penny Lane in 4 short years...simply amazing, isn't it?!?

    • @letsgomets002
      @letsgomets002 6 місяців тому +2

      No he didn't know music theory, or know how to read or write music.

    • @princess_haze
      @princess_haze 5 місяців тому +6

      He probably learned songs that had similar chord structures and put his own twist to it. That's how I think most musicians compose rather than just "learning music theory".

  • @Jamsville
    @Jamsville 2 роки тому +921

    It’s incredible how they write the perfect chord progression, then did it again and again and again.....

    • @dlow4872
      @dlow4872 2 роки тому +46

      And they never took and clases on it. They would just find new chord and see how the fit when writing new music.

    • @andy_182
      @andy_182 2 роки тому +3

      @@dlow4872 same chord progression in different keys

    • @BeatlesCentricUniverse
      @BeatlesCentricUniverse 2 роки тому +71

      @@andy_182 WRONG. AND clueless.

    • @Good-Enuff-Garage
      @Good-Enuff-Garage 2 роки тому +3

      can you say Ghost Writers and many many of them

    • @dlow4872
      @dlow4872 2 роки тому +30

      @@Good-Enuff-Garage no ghost writers the only help they had was George Martian.

  • @austinhudson6943
    @austinhudson6943 2 роки тому +248

    The most challenging thing is to make advanced music sound simple. No one did it better than the beatles.

    • @noonesfang131
      @noonesfang131 2 роки тому +29

      I was talking to my co-worker the other day and I said I how don't understand how people HATE the Beatles. She said that their music isn't very interesting. I was dumbfounded by the comment, as when I was a young guitarist and I tried to learn Beatles tunes the "weird" chord voicings really threw me off. I still will never understand the hate for the band, they are one of if not the most influential band in basically all genres of music, and yet somehow are still wholly unique.

    • @williamberry2351
      @williamberry2351 2 роки тому

      A lot have done it better than the Beatles

    • @gspolima
      @gspolima 2 роки тому +12

      @@williamberry2351 but they were the pioneers

    • @BeatlesCentricUniverse
      @BeatlesCentricUniverse 2 роки тому +16

      As someone else commented on YT, the Beatles wrote and played incredibly sophisticated pop effortlessly.

    • @williamberry2351
      @williamberry2351 2 роки тому

      @@BeatlesCentricUniverse what about the Kinks? They were doing it earlier than the Beatles. The true greatest British band of all time

  • @spanishpeaches2930
    @spanishpeaches2930 2 роки тому +98

    If you and Rick B were everyones' music teacher every one would play an instrument to a decent grade for sure. You are both just so brilliant and make music so interesting !

  • @jaelge
    @jaelge 2 роки тому +11

    I realized many years ago that McCartney has one of the most sophisticated chord vocabularies you could ever encounter. Sing Along Junk, Yesterday, Martha My Dear, (of course) Penny Lane, etc.

  • @lordedear9388
    @lordedear9388 2 роки тому +92

    Honestly every video that I watch from this absolute masterpiece of a channel I feel like I grow so much as a guitar player. Thank you so much Paul. Never stop.

  • @jochem420
    @jochem420 2 роки тому +393

    The Beatles and perfect chord progressions.. there seems to be a connection

    • @crimadellaphone9374
      @crimadellaphone9374 2 роки тому +2

      Yes, and there is a connection, the same connection that many other famous bands had from the 60's and 70's. That connection is a deep understanding of music theory. Knowing how you can progress chords. A secret is you can use any notes, like for example, the chord formulas do not allow for an A's 13th(6th) interval to fit in the C major scale but you can build one which would be notated as Amb6 or Am7b13 which makes the 6th/13th an F rather than an F#. One useful thing to do is learn(or write down) the formulas to build chords, . The formulas are applied to the major chord of the root note. Thus Major chords are all natural intervals, dominate chords are all natural but a b7th(you can still sharpen or flatten any other interval accept for the 3rd because minor chords are a b3rd & b7th. Diminished chords are b3rd - b5th - (bb7th for them diminished 7th) while m7#5 and m7b5 are half diminished. I think, minus altered chords that you would build there are like 50 or so chords that fall in the scale C major, the minor chords in Key Cmajor have a dominate chord that falls in the scale, A7sus4, D7sus4, E7sus4. So when you start with an Am for example, you have even more options because you can use the Cmajor scale or the A harmonic minor which sharpens the 7th (A B C D E F G#) which allows you to turn your v chord (Em) into a dominate Chord using the G#(E G# B D) . But then of course, you can modulate(change key) or borrow chords(Temporarily step out of key). Or you can do inversions(changing the order of notes in a chord but keeping the root note as the bass note)[C E G or C G E(INVERSION), or you can use Slash Chords like the example Paul just gave of the Cm with E as the bass, notated as Cm/E(in most cases(not all) if the 3rd interval is the bass note you don't include anymore octaves of the 3rd in your chord). Unless the only thing you desire to do is play songs already written or use the same simple progressions used over and over music theory is 100% needed to write unique progressions like most of the bands through the 60's and 70's.

    • @eguicherit
      @eguicherit 2 роки тому +1

      So true.

    • @troystaunton254
      @troystaunton254 2 роки тому +11

      @EndofMusic that’s literally just what people tell themselves to make themselves feel better about not understanding music theory.

    • @mykhedelic6471
      @mykhedelic6471 2 роки тому +7

      Your ears can help you "feel theory" and your ears need the knowledge they get from listening to a variety of musical styles and musicians. Learning actual theory can help you make sense of where that ear wants to go and can help it get there, quicker. But the most important job is to feed your ears-- the songwriters many revere listened to alot of things you might not expect. So, eat your musical vegetables and then learn about applied nutrition. And follow your damn muse.

    • @johnfran3218
      @johnfran3218 2 роки тому

      When things were at their very worst:
      2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy.
      Scientists will say it was a global illusion.
      Beware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again.
      After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way.
      Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet
      - will seem to rise from the dead
      - will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one.
      One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist.
      Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent.
      "Arab uprising will spark global unrest - Italy will trigger fall out"
      "The time for the schism in the Church is almost here and you must get prepared now"
      The Book of Truth.

  • @johnbohland
    @johnbohland 2 роки тому +46

    As a nearly life-long Beatles fan and even having studied their music in an elective music course at University many years ago - this was an absolutely brilliant analysis! Thanks so much Paul Davids

  • @jmarty1000
    @jmarty1000 2 роки тому +11

    Another often overlooked, and sometimes much maligned, song by Paul McCartney is "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey". I love that song. It was on the radio in my early childhood memories (I only remember the Beatles after their breakup, and mainly because of the wonderful Red (1962-1966) and Blue (1967-1970) collections. The section of Uncle Albert with the thunderstorm sounds like Brian Eno would later make an entire career out of. The trumpet solo melody during "Hands Across The Water" is so wonderfully catchy and fun. Paul McCartney is the greatest!

  • @james.randorff
    @james.randorff 2 роки тому +92

    One of my favorite elements in this song is how Paul manages to make A Major sound like it is brightening up from B Major by placing the chorus melody slightly higher than the verse melody, while still maintaining continuity/familiarity by keeping that rising stepwise motion in the melody. (B-C♯-D♯ in B Major, C♯-D-E in A Major)

    • @grahamlake9728
      @grahamlake9728 2 роки тому +4

      Yeah!

    • @joelee5875
      @joelee5875 2 роки тому +6

      This is so true and somewhat unheard of (literally) today., smart and uncompromising songwriting.

    • @Ken_Scaletta
      @Ken_Scaletta 2 роки тому +9

      I noticed that too. He modulates down, but it feels like he's jumping up.

  • @titanicsinclair
    @titanicsinclair 2 роки тому +464

    I can't watch your videos without smiling ear to ear. Another great video, Paul!

    • @prince-wl1er
      @prince-wl1er 2 роки тому +8

      arent u the dude who had those videos wit poppy , shit was cool

    • @StockportJambo
      @StockportJambo 2 роки тому +2

      They are a joy to watch, aren't they?

    • @anaknyapakbambang
      @anaknyapakbambang 2 роки тому +2

      Me too

    • @cmc1326
      @cmc1326 2 роки тому

      Smiling ear to ear is scary

    • @jakobscoll2432
      @jakobscoll2432 2 роки тому

      Never expected to see you here

  • @fredneecher1746
    @fredneecher1746 2 роки тому +52

    I grew up with Beatles songs. They were always so, so - well, so uplifting, somehow. They seemed simple enough songs to me, so how did they get that unique Beatles sound? You've explained it perfectly - genius musicianship that hides its own complexity.

    • @jmarty1000
      @jmarty1000 2 роки тому +2

      I totally agree. And the simpler, the better. Hello Goodbye is an almost perfect pop piece of ear candy. "We Can Work it Out" is like a therapy session without all the heavy mood... Paul is my favorite musician (followed closely by Beethoven and Debussy).

    • @IntoTheSky19
      @IntoTheSky19 Рік тому

      "genius musicianship that hides its own complexity." Well said.

  • @joycegeertsma7115
    @joycegeertsma7115 2 роки тому +10

    I'm a music illiterate, but I love how the music supports the lyrics. The walking bass when you picture Paul literally walking down Penny Lane, the Bminor when nostalgia kicks in, and the modulation in the chorus describe the happy memories and the blue skies perfectly.

    • @danialzulkarnain1680
      @danialzulkarnain1680 2 роки тому +2

      Being a music Illiterate ain’t bad if you ask me, you enjoys more rather than criticise more.
      I remember not understanding much about scores and love simple music, until i’ve learned so much to a point that i slowly despises this kind of music, and somehow, it’s so hard to be entertain by it nowadays.

  • @Harry20000Hl
    @Harry20000Hl 2 роки тому +167

    This gave me a whole new appreciation for this song, I’m just so used to hearing it I’ve never perceived this level of complexity and depth in it before. Great video Paul!

    • @rovcanada1
      @rovcanada1 2 роки тому +6

      I implore you to watch Howard Goodall's series titled, "Howard Goodall's 20th Century Greats", and in particular, the Beatles episode: ua-cam.com/video/ZQS91wVdvYc/v-deo.html
      The section on Penny Lane totally blew my mind, as I've loved the song since I was a child some 45 years ago. Thank's to Goodall, I now know why. The Penny Lane segment starts around the 18th minute mark in the linked video. As a bonus, he then goes on to unravel Elenor Rigby. Pure magic!!

    • @ericr91
      @ericr91 2 роки тому +3

      A lot of the Beatles songs are like this. When I was growing up, I considered then "oldies" music that my parents listened to. Sure, some of the tunes were catchy, but I never paid much attention. But recently I've been listening to a lot of their stuff and trying to learn some of it and it's simply amazing. Most of the songs sound simple but they often have lots of unique and cool chords and changes in them that give them that Beatles sound.

    • @alexwebmch
      @alexwebmch 2 роки тому +6

      I'm much the same. The Beatles' songs are so ingrained in our cultural consciousness that we forget to analyse them. They just exist, and it feels like they always have done.

    • @deansusec8745
      @deansusec8745 2 роки тому +6

      All Paul's songs are like that. Bass lines in Come together and Dear Prudence. Obladi oblada da is made fun of, but just listen to the catchiness of the melody!

    • @goldenultra
      @goldenultra 2 роки тому +1

      @@deansusec8745 I always thought it was great Reggae this was before Reggae became well known. A lot of groups could not even play Reggae in the seventies, it is to do with the timing in rock and blues it is 1234 in reggae the beat is slower and the timing is different it is 1and2and etc, it is more to do with the off beat.

  • @MrGuido63
    @MrGuido63 11 місяців тому +4

    You break this down so well Paul ! I had no idea how intricate Mr McCartney’s chord progression was.
    I will be 78 soon. First heard the Beatles with their “ I want to hold your hand”. Loved them ever since.
    Thank you so much for taking the time to show the world how beautiful music is. You play that guitar brilliantly.
    🙏🙏David M

  • @davemauldin3717
    @davemauldin3717 2 роки тому +36

    That dissection of a classic just blew my mind. Admittedly, I’ve been playing for several years but have never delved into the method and theory of playing guitar because that part of music has never seemed like much fun to me. However, the way you unwound that song just made something click and now I’m looking at playing in a completely different light. Thanks, Paul!

  • @inyourfaceguitar5454
    @inyourfaceguitar5454 2 роки тому +423

    I've been saying this for decades, Penny Lane is an absolute masterpiece by a genius.

    • @g.dalfleblanc63
      @g.dalfleblanc63 2 роки тому +8

      I like it and said it was my favourite many years ago, got looked at weirdly by someone who's music taste was very limited, he was a Beetle snob.

    • @chys13830
      @chys13830 2 роки тому +3

      Except the genius was called George Martin - not McCartney

    • @collinslogan01
      @collinslogan01 2 роки тому +23

      @@chys13830 Paul wrote that pretty brilliant song though

    • @guyjerry
      @guyjerry 2 роки тому +36

      @@chys13830 you are confusing arranging with composing. Paul composed that song. It didn’t exist without him. Yes George Martin helped arrange it, as any producer should (except better), but Paul WROTE it.

    • @foddyfoddy
      @foddyfoddy 2 роки тому +12

      @@chys13830 What makes you think that George Martin wrote that chord progression?

  • @toucan488
    @toucan488 2 роки тому +520

    Paul McCharmley is an incredible songwriter

    • @JoeKenyon
      @JoeKenyon 2 роки тому +56

      Your mother should know

    • @syndegree565
      @syndegree565 2 роки тому +1

      ua-cam.com/video/PIB442fhvtI/v-deo.html

    • @astroandyborgloh
      @astroandyborgloh 2 роки тому +14

      You mean Dirk McQuickly ;-) ?

    • @hammerjohn9290
      @hammerjohn9290 2 роки тому +2

      @@astroandyborgloh ikr..who's Paul McCharmly duh???

    • @SLRNRG
      @SLRNRG 2 роки тому +1

      @@hammerjohn9290 Pete McChumple?

  • @Kekuahiwi
    @Kekuahiwi 2 роки тому +16

    I had looked with great pleasure at the seven, count 'em, seven modulations in this song and how modulating the chorus down to Amaj raises the voicing of the vocal and gives it a wistful feeling to the reminiscence of the lyrics. But your study for guitar is so much more thorough and just expands the wonder of this composition. Thanks!

  • @steratorefriends6596
    @steratorefriends6596 2 роки тому +10

    I enjoy hearing the technical breakdown but it makes me appreciate writing complex songs by ear even more

  • @dkimuk
    @dkimuk 2 роки тому +26

    Great analysis is a beautiful song. I used to the music teacher at Dovedale Primary School in Liverpool. John and George both went there but I was there many years after they had left!! The school also backs on to Penny Lane and it was part of my mission statement to make sure that every child could sing this from memory and with joy in their voices. It was a song about them and their home after all. I'm no good on guitar but it works beautifully on piano though and I used to play it in G major, modulating to F major on the choruses to accommodate for the higher range of their voices.
    FYI all the things mentioned in the song were actually on Allerton Road at the time Paul wrote it. I guess Penny Lane was just catchier to sing.
    Such a glorious song.

  • @dadtimejamtime
    @dadtimejamtime 2 роки тому +76

    I have to say that as amazing as the content of this video is, I spent just as much time appreciating your production and editing. For how many cuts there are it’s so clean. Your b-roll camera is perfectly tied into a-roll as you go back and forth from explanation to playing. It’s a dream to aspire to. Every second of the 13:45 is informative and builds on itself. the lighting is perfect. Thanks for keeping the bar completely unreachable 😜

    • @rainbow9832
      @rainbow9832 2 роки тому +7

      Yeah, this perfectionistic attitude of his towards making content is something I always admired

    • @OrkhanEfendi
      @OrkhanEfendi 2 роки тому +1

      @@rainbow9832 🤘

  • @Robo0595
    @Robo0595 2 роки тому +2

    I remember a few years ago reading Pollacks analysis on this song (among several other Beatles songs) and it really cemented this one as a favorite. Every modulation just works so well. The way each chorus modulates down a step, but vocally goes UP, but then the final chorus goes up both musically and vocally. It really drives home the nostalgic feeling of the place where you grew up. Just magic.

  • @paulatonetto6508
    @paulatonetto6508 2 роки тому +5

    I’ve always loved this song, but you made me realize all the greatness behind it and I was very touched by it, even made me cry. Astonishing video!

  • @JohannesLabusch
    @JohannesLabusch 2 роки тому +25

    A great companion piece to this video would be Episode 2 of "McCartney 3, 2, 1". Rick Rubin gets Paul all excited about his old masterpiece. They talk about the famous piccolo trumpet solo, and McCartney reminisces about coaxing that high note out of the player. They then listen to the tape, and as that note rings out, an almost 80 year old Sir Paul whoops in excitement like a little boy. That whole show is pure joy. I hope it'll be more easily accessible one day. Right now you need Hulu to watch it.

    • @variousthings6470
      @variousthings6470 2 роки тому +1

      In the UK it's on Disney+. Haven't watched it yet, but I intend to do so before the Get Back documentary comes out!

  • @weswright3187
    @weswright3187 2 роки тому +16

    I never knew anything about a perfect chord progression. All I knew, was it’s probably my favourite Beatles song. It’s amazing what these guys, you included, are thinking, and the complexities you notice.

  • @2008alde
    @2008alde 2 роки тому +8

    and this is why the Beatles are so revered ... they were geniuses ... Paul still continues to compose and he is a master of melody ... you hear it in his bass playing and no-one was playing bass as melodically as he was then and now.

  • @dedooshka1973
    @dedooshka1973 2 роки тому +8

    One of my favorite songs of The Beatles. Thank you, Paul

  • @lyxon7248
    @lyxon7248 2 роки тому +11

    Finally talk more about the Beatles especially Paul McCartney ❤😍the best

  • @HHHAAA111222
    @HHHAAA111222 2 роки тому +73

    As a kid and fledgling player in 1968, most Beatles chord books then had VERY basic chords denoted. I knew they weren’t correct but could have NEVER figured them out on my own. Then
    or now! Thanks for a great lesson.

    • @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306
      @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 2 роки тому +7

      Penny Lane is not even the kind of song most would consider playing on guitar since in the song you only notice voice, bass and orchestra. Very impressive the way he got it on guitar here. I have been playing a long time myself and also would have never figured it out even if I tried.

    • @sup9542
      @sup9542 2 роки тому +5

      People have accused them of being a typical pop band that plays 3 chords, but I always knew how intricate their chords were because I have the huge tab book with the most accurate transcriptions, you can see even in their early days they were using some wild chord progressions up and down the neck that are not easy to play.

  • @realcygnus
    @realcygnus 2 роки тому +16

    Superb tune ! & the horn lead lines are really something else too. They are well worthy of a separate vid. & this is only one of literally dozens(at least) of truly great tunes. The Beatles is where to begin with music, NO question. & perhaps even end regarding writing IMHO. At least there is nobody else since that I'm aware of with such a quantity of quality.

  • @bostonvair
    @bostonvair 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks so much for this brilliant analysis! I'm 60 and this song was always one I found to be so beautiful. I play the bass in various jazz bands, so I know a few things about chord progressions, yet I never took the time to try to figure out what made this song so uniquely beautiful for what on the surface seems to be a simple song. This explains it. Thank you, kind sir.

  • @RuneBivrin
    @RuneBivrin 2 роки тому +49

    I find it fascinating how we perceive the chorus as going UP, when it is in fact modulating DOWN.

    • @Shadezman76
      @Shadezman76 2 роки тому

      Yeah I had to think about that for a second when he said that, but it's really the chord right before the chorus starts that gives us that perception of going up, as you said. I already forgot what chord it was, but I'll be keeping this video handy

    • @russcoleman2338
      @russcoleman2338 2 роки тому +8

      Key modulating down, melody modulates up.

    • @RangKlos
      @RangKlos 2 роки тому +1

      it's just moonwalking, you know what I mean!

    • @aldeayeah
      @aldeayeah 2 роки тому +2

      Modulating down a tone, modulating up a minor seventh, it's all in the eye of the beholder. Just like the final chorus is in B major like the beginning, but the melody's one octave higher!

    • @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306
      @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 2 роки тому +2

      I also find it fascinating how I grew up with the Beatles but only recently realized what an amazing bass player McCartney was/is. Now that I listen for it I notice the tastiest bass lines ever in like everything they do.

  • @sorenahlback
    @sorenahlback 2 роки тому +18

    I’ve always loved that song. Actually bought the single back in the 60s as kid and to me The Beatles are the most amazing band ever.

  • @abnerdesouza7550
    @abnerdesouza7550 Рік тому +1

    I'm glad I could see the channel becoming this big. I can point a difference in the way he presents the class he's giving. Beyond his charm, his charisma, he tells a story.

  • @richarddoci
    @richarddoci 2 роки тому

    Increadible analysis! Not only the way you explored the song, but the way you managed to build up the explanation. Great video!

  • @robbyclark6915
    @robbyclark6915 2 роки тому +9

    Aaaah! I love how you show the typical walk down, chord progression 99% of musicians would use to resolve back to the Bmajor and contrast that with the amazing and brilliant way Paul McCartney takes us back to the start. Just never content with ordinary. Part of their collective greatness.
    The closer I look at the music of the Beatles the more I realize, I know nothing!!

    • @timburdsey
      @timburdsey 2 роки тому +2

      Love that humility, @Robby. Never stop learning, and keep enjoying music, bro. More power to you.

  • @vulcandj
    @vulcandj 2 роки тому +13

    Great video. I’ve always loved how Paul used the phrase “meanwhile back” to get back to the verses.

  • @bassboy8910
    @bassboy8910 11 місяців тому +1

    I really appreciate your knowledge in showing us the way Paul put this song together- Big kudos to you and your channel. ❤

  • @martingravel1157
    @martingravel1157 2 роки тому +6

    Brilliant analysis Paul, delivered in the most casual way. I'm also rediscovering the cleverness and the beauty of The Beatles' songs! I'll be back for sure!

  • @alanwallace5342
    @alanwallace5342 2 роки тому +28

    Love your little production touches, eg supers of chords so we don't have to search for them and can follow along. But mostly, love your appreciation of great songcraft. Thanks Paul.

  • @DavidMartin-ms6fc
    @DavidMartin-ms6fc 2 роки тому +7

    I’m teaching my 10 year old son some Beatles songs on guitar at the moment, this is very helpful. Thanks for uploading!!!

  • @VTpd23
    @VTpd23 2 роки тому +1

    Just brilliant, all around, and beautifully delivered. And with a great sense of humor, too! Thank you.

  • @brucelittle3958
    @brucelittle3958 2 роки тому +1

    I enjoyed your chord analysis and you make it fun to see the surprises along the way! Thanks, Paul! Love your videos!

  • @leeanucha
    @leeanucha 2 роки тому +14

    Sir Paul once told a story about taking a bus across town just to see and learn the B7 chord. Lol And this song show us how advanced in chords he became in just several years i believe. Like how?! So gifted!

    • @SandrinesVoxServices
      @SandrinesVoxServices 2 роки тому +3

      @Ethan Sanders He took the bus to someone's house to learn that chord, can't remember who, perhaps George?

    • @sup9542
      @sup9542 2 роки тому +1

      ​@@SandrinesVoxServices No just some man in Liverpool who they heard knew that chord. He was maybe 14 at the time.

  • @lehnsvier1971
    @lehnsvier1971 2 роки тому +4

    These perfect chord progressions videos are my favorite now. I had just watched the Paul Simon one hours ago and now I got this notification. I always learn so much from you!

  • @danny4541
    @danny4541 2 роки тому +6

    I have to say, you make very good content. You can tell that there's someone with real passion AND who is able to bring this all successfully together. Well done! 👏

  • @gary3351
    @gary3351 2 роки тому

    Paul, I so enjoyed this. Great way to lay out the transitions. And I love that the Beatles almost never play the same progression twice in a row. Always a subtle difference. Hope to follow you more closely, and participate.
    Thanks for your work here to break this song down.

  • @carduxtv8245
    @carduxtv8245 2 роки тому +3

    Fantastic video Paul!!! Thanks for deconstructing the writing and arrangement in one of my favorite Paul's songs with The Beatles!!! Love your channel!!

  • @rome8180
    @rome8180 2 роки тому +15

    One amazing thing about this progression is how it works with the melody and theme of the song. Even though the song modulates DOWN for the chorus the melody goes UP. This contrast gives the chorus the lift we'd expect a chorus to have, but there's also an element of nostalgia or melancholy since the key is lower than before. This nostalgia is further accented by the shift to B minor in the verses.
    Obviously, Paul didn't think about it in that way. The really important thing is how the melody works with the chords to make the shifts sound natural. A whole video could be done just in the way the melody walks from chord to chord, setting each up before it happens.
    Anyway, I love that you did this video today. With McCartney 3, 2, 1 having come out recently and with Get Back coming soon, I've been on a massive Beatles kick recently. The timing feels serendipitous.

  • @mez5590
    @mez5590 6 місяців тому

    You just made something seemingly so complex very easy to understand! Great job!

  • @AG-vk5or
    @AG-vk5or 2 роки тому +3

    I love these chord progression breakdowns, especially around Beatles songs. Please breakdown some more Beatles songs' chord changes!

  • @MrPocketProductions
    @MrPocketProductions 2 роки тому +5

    This is probably one of my favorite videos I’ve seen on this channel, and I love this channel!!
    So great!

  • @drewharper1891
    @drewharper1891 2 роки тому +5

    You are one of my favorite guitarist, on UA-cam. That's saying a lot considering I follow a lot! Thank you for taking your time out of the day to make this. I love, The Beatles and love this video, thank you Paul! 🤘

  • @michalchabo7589
    @michalchabo7589 Рік тому

    This is so amazing! thanks for helping everyone understand how this song is composed and played.

  • @jamesiliffe5124
    @jamesiliffe5124 2 роки тому +64

    Obviously this sequence is special, but as someone who loses motivation for playing from time to time, I really like videos like this that show the jigsaw puzzle like structure of chords and melodies. There is so much satisfaction in fitting the pieces together and looping back around to the start of the phrase and letting the flow take you along for a ride 😊

    • @johnwoida7529
      @johnwoida7529 2 роки тому

      Love this! I let my fingers get soft again, but I’m getting my free back as a retiring teacher, and I gingerly anticipate the exquisite torture of building up fingerpad callouses and fighting cuts at the right thumbnail. I’m just a chord banger, but before I leave this plane I want to learn to pick patterns and thumb a bass walk.

  • @Beastintheomlet
    @Beastintheomlet 2 роки тому +13

    Going from the major to the parallel minor is one of my favorite things I learned from Paul. Fool in the Hill does it by having the verses in D major and the Chorus in D minor, such a rich sound and tool to play with.

    • @peterh1353
      @peterh1353 2 роки тому

      Clearly taken for Cole Porters "Night and Day."

  • @user-zw3uu7ch3o
    @user-zw3uu7ch3o 2 роки тому +15

    I'm loving all these song analyses lately! Keep it up Paul!

  • @StellarFella
    @StellarFella 2 роки тому +5

    This composition is a warm, heart-tugging, home-turf celebration in the same vein as 'Ferry Cross The Mersey" by Gerry Marsden.
    I dearly love them both.

  • @zefolantar
    @zefolantar 2 роки тому

    Your work is truly special. Love watching your interpretation and analysis of songs. You’re a master of your craft, Mr. Davids! BRAVO 👏

  • @simcmahon
    @simcmahon 2 роки тому +3

    Just love these deep dive videos Paul, and the way you communicate them and take us on a kind of journey of discovery is top class. Keep it up mate.

  • @XLBiker13
    @XLBiker13 2 роки тому +10

    That was really fascinating. Its so insightful and interesting to dissect something you've pretty much taken for granted to discover just how genius and elaborate its composition really is. Not that I ever doubted Paul McCartney. Thank you. You really are an amazing guitar player.

  • @Louis-we6lh
    @Louis-we6lh 2 роки тому +1

    thank you for all the hard work/ great teaching

  • @imonghose553
    @imonghose553 2 роки тому

    The way you navigate through these seemingly simple but musically profound songs just blows my mind. Love your videos 🧡🧡

  • @fortierma64
    @fortierma64 2 роки тому +4

    Did I enjoy this video? I loved it! Thank you for this incredible breakdown of an iconic Beatles’ song Paul.

  • @roberto88py
    @roberto88py 2 роки тому +4

    Amazing video! The fact that he used downwards key change to get an epic chorus is just mind blowing!

  • @cozybeatscafe5
    @cozybeatscafe5 7 місяців тому +1

    A music genius apprecieating a music genius' work.These are the things still keeps the world beautiful❤ keep more of these coming

  • @stuartgerger7828
    @stuartgerger7828 2 роки тому +3

    Aside from the lesson itself (which was way over my head as a beginner), I also really enjoyed your whole 'gestalt' Paul: your genuine love of the music, your snappy personal style (and the beard circa 1890 Vienna) and the overall clean, crisp well produced quality of the presentation. Even the part where you run to your chair in the beginning: charming! So, even if I don't support you with dollars (or would it be Dutch guilders?), know that your efforts are well appreciated nonetheless!

  • @stevedostal2576
    @stevedostal2576 2 роки тому +3

    Thanks Paul! Another great one. Always love watching you play and explain the relationships between the chords, why these progressions sound unique, and how they get from one spot to the next (and back).

  • @luizfernandomolina
    @luizfernandomolina 2 роки тому +5

    That was the very first song I recorded on the A side of my very first mix recording (out of hundreds I did for many years). I was eleven and it was 1975. The Beatles had broken up five years earlier, but they managed to change my life forever

  • @nadavdegani448
    @nadavdegani448 2 роки тому

    I really liked the explanation, and the joy in this is video. great job!

  • @worldnotworld
    @worldnotworld 2 роки тому +4

    Very well done! One omission: a big part of the first section is the suspended chords effected by the piano. They give the whole thing a special sweetness.

  • @davemis40
    @davemis40 2 роки тому +3

    Beatles songs are like watching a swan on a river .. serene, simple and beautiful on the surface .. but there’s a lot going on below the surface, always so much more complicated that expected or than the casual listener would hear. Amazing that these self taught musicians could master these seemingly difficult musical theories.

    • @playbackvintagehifihunter9669
      @playbackvintagehifihunter9669 2 роки тому +1

      Every Beatles composition is like a Swansong. 🤣

    • @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306
      @whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 2 роки тому +1

      A good ear does not need to know music theory or how to read music to compose great songs. Well pop and rock at least. However if you are working with a killer producer like George Martin who can read and knows theory it is certainly not going to hurt. He was the 5th Beatle.

  • @TheLonePiper
    @TheLonePiper 2 роки тому +6

    Great analysis of the chord structure. It took what I always thought of as a simple I-IV-II-V song and added a whole new dimension!

  • @msvergara
    @msvergara 9 місяців тому

    thanks proff, best and most entertaining classes, its is a truly pleasure and too fn too learn from you

  • @joelwilliam6216
    @joelwilliam6216 2 роки тому

    Love these videos the best Paul. Picking apart what’s going on in great legendary songs. Thanks agaib

  • @HuardSmith
    @HuardSmith 2 роки тому +8

    Great vid Paul! That chorus modulation is unique in that it is a downwards modulation (rare). It heightens the melancholy-longing of the song by reducing the energy or momentum of the piece, yet counteracting that with a shift in the direction of the melody. In the verse, he uses downward melodic themes, and shifts that to upward phrases in the chorus. So the listener gets the longing for the past of the verse to chorus shift without the depression of a downward modulation in the key. It’s a happy memory about a place that is no longer that carefree and peaceful. But McCartney doesn’t want to go dark but stay in the happier memory. Masterful connection of idea, vocals, melody lines and phrases, and the chords.

    • @79achavez
      @79achavez 2 роки тому

      what bro?

    • @HuardSmith
      @HuardSmith 2 роки тому

      @@79achavez, most modulations in-song go up some interval. Makes for an uplifting moment in the song. Everything sounds higher and brighter. But PL goes down from B to A. That would tend to create a darker mood moment in the song. But Macca manages that with the way the melody works. And that sort of fixes it, so it’s not too dark a shift. But it leaves you feeling like we’re not fully bright and light and…better than sad, better than melancholy; more like wistful and nostalgic. And that’s exactly what this piece is about - Paul talking about the good old days on PL. Very complete song.

  • @ignaciogarciaparra9792
    @ignaciogarciaparra9792 2 роки тому +27

    McCartney is an intuitive genius and melody man, if you analize this without chords it also works beautifully because the melody and lyrics alone are just awesome 🙌

  • @ThreeMiningHD
    @ThreeMiningHD 2 роки тому

    So beautiful, I always enjoy your Beatles videos, Paul!

  • @AlexRamirez-fj4dj
    @AlexRamirez-fj4dj 2 роки тому

    Studying beatles songs i realize why i love them so much. The complex chords and unusual key changes makes them challenging to play and learn.

  • @7775Kevin
    @7775Kevin 2 роки тому +3

    I started learning guitar in the 60s because of the Beatles. We would struggle for hours trying to figure out what chords they were playing. They just sounded different than anything else we had ever heard. Thanks for this great look at a great song.

  • @shakyaperera1777
    @shakyaperera1777 2 роки тому +4

    Woah... Never caught his channel at 28 views. Hey Paul your music theory videos were really helpful to me and inspired me to keep playing guitar. Thanks for all your hard work👍Good luck in all your future endeavours

  • @DFWAI
    @DFWAI 2 роки тому

    I wish I had your talent. I struggle with so many chords and you just spit them out like it's nothing. My hat is off to you sir.

  • @myronbuck2436
    @myronbuck2436 2 роки тому +26

    I find it absolutely amazing that these guys were self taught. And its one thing that Paul wrote this, but George had to step right up and play it. His playing skills had to match Paul's complex writing skills.

    • @majorpayne8373
      @majorpayne8373 2 роки тому +5

      Paul's dad was a band leader. Paul learned a lot from his dad. And they all shared with each other.

    • @jmaekelae613
      @jmaekelae613 2 роки тому +5

      But that's the very reason they were able to think outside the box constantly and come up with fresh ideas. They had no rules to follow, they just wrote by the ear. Some composers benefit from classical training and for some it is a burden. Popular music wouldn't have evolved in the 60's without the sense of adventure. Much of this was brought by self-taught musicians (with a little help from psychedelic drugs).

    • @joshentertainment2
      @joshentertainment2 2 роки тому +1

      @@jmaekelae613 bro in jazz they use borrowed chords all the time

    • @teeeleff9942
      @teeeleff9942 11 місяців тому

      ​@@joshentertainment2 ost ost ost extended mk

  • @euridulay334
    @euridulay334 2 роки тому +3

    Super great lesson, Paul! Now I even love the Beatles more.. that chord progression is just... No words man.. just really makes me happy. Also, that short promotion about your new course, pretty interesting with all those treasure map looking stuff and all. Thinking of getting it someday. 😁

  • @mr.pigggggggggggggy4863
    @mr.pigggggggggggggy4863 2 роки тому +8

    I like how this is both explaining the song elements, while also basically being a tutorial

  • @moondawg3693
    @moondawg3693 2 роки тому

    Great work my friend, thoroughly enjoyable experience.
    Thank You !

  • @RafaelRodriguez-lf9sq
    @RafaelRodriguez-lf9sq 2 роки тому

    Beautiful video, the way this is edited, the way you explained it, very nice🙏🏻

  • @jashaluja
    @jashaluja 2 роки тому +5

    I knew the song was amazing but your breakdown has given me a deeper appreciation for its timeless genius. Thank you

  • @DreamsongsProductions
    @DreamsongsProductions 2 роки тому +3

    Great video Paul from a huge Beatles fan. There's a lot of Beatles songs that are much more complex than people give them credit for.

  • @jonathananderson7815
    @jonathananderson7815 2 роки тому

    I'm helping someone get going with learning to play acoustic guitar, and I am channeling your infectious enthusiasm. You are my spirit animal.

  • @andrelambert7180
    @andrelambert7180 2 роки тому

    Great stuff! I’ve always been looking for a cool acoustic guitar arrangement of this song, for singing along! Good job!