Beatles - How to Play Martha My Dear, Part 1

[@adamhass9448]

The genius of Paul McCartney can never be overstated.

[@seankessel3867]

Nothing like a hyperbolic statement about hyperbole

[@andrewhale7604]

@@seankessel3867 ok

[@andrewhale7604]

Fax to the max

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@@seankessel3867 If you understood how ridiculous it is for a non trained musician to write a 'hard' classical piece like this then you should realise only a trained and gifted classical composer should be able to conjure up such a beautiful chordal movement and then use that to write such a lovely and accessible song and about his sheepdog.

[@bolindberg9912]

@@MICKEYISLOWD why have i always thought it was John who came up with it? I swear i heard that somewhere.

[@davidkeaton4723]

First song I ever learned off KZbin. I was like 6, and since iPhones weren't a thing, I used to run back and forth from the piano to the computer for hours.

[@kanyeblessed6558]

Same!!!

[@joeyplaysviolin]

Was it in 2006 when you did that?

[@midapita]

That’s the cutest thing I’ve read all day 😭

[@mimoochodom2684]

I still do this. LOL

[@BrianJohnstonTrombone]

The Music Girl haha 2006 for me! This is when I dove into my obsession with the Beatles. A great year indeed.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I can't believe Paul McCartney could write such a stunningly beautiful melody like this with a very advanced movement worthy to be a piece by Mozart in all truth. It's a beautiful piece of music that on first listen I fell in love with it and being a dog lover myself I feel the sentiment so much..lol.

[@JimBob_Joe77]

Exactly, Where would you even begin to create all of the parts and changes? Its not like someone could say its easy, just start with an Eb.

[@philliphartman2381]

It's clear from other songs he wrote that he was a good piano player and knew of and used most of the chord variations. This song is really two melodies playing simultaneously. Each melody is something Paul was fully capable of writing. It's likely he wrote the left hand melody first (it sounds like a bass line from his other songs), then he sang over it to create the right hand melody. It's probable that he wrote the song on the bass. He played bass and sang and that's the structure of the verse. Only later did he play both parts together on the piano. It's not something you just play. He had to practice that a bit or he recorded the right hand and left hand separately. So the trick here is since we hear the piano first we assume that's where it started but that's actually the last thing that was composed.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@Skelter Yes I have since read that. Martin began giving Paul Classical exercises and Motifs to better his piano ect and then this pooped out of his head.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@@philliphartman2381 The thing I had a problem understanding is that the movement is really beautiful and I thought this could only from a classically trained mind. Since then I have read George Martin was giving McCartney these exact type pf lessons and so a genius would be enabled to hear this melody in his/her head or work out these melodies and come up with this. I then listened to the recording of McCartney working through this piece whilst in the Beatles and another tape on the same day he was also working through the song 'Another Day whilst in the Beatles. This made it obvious that he did indeed come up with these songs at the right time. I always knew McCartney was sublimely gifted but Martha my Dear took it to a higher level of genius than I thought he was capable as this is the sort of chord movement that Mozart would of been proud of also. Having said this his RAM album is also on a level with Mozart in many of the songs especially the vocal harmonies and counterpoint work. This is one of reasons why The Beatles and much of McCartney later work is taught in music institutions all over the world and always will be. There is only really The Beach Boys music that is comparable for me for popular music.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@@philliphartman2381 I understand counter melody and counter point however there is plenty of info about how he created this masterpiece. Macca give a good description of how he wrote this song that I didn't know about when I posted. Here is the rub:) genius.com/The-beatles-martha-my-dear-lyrics

[@victorero2006]

The more I watch these videos, the more I realize how good musican Paul Mc Cartney was, is and ever will be. Period. The best.

[@thesilvershining]

Absolutely. Having gotten into the Beatles in the 90’s he just continues to amaze me.

[@Mr.M1STER]

Thanks for the tutorial, I still can't play this.

[@susanng2939]

i love this so much

[@joeyplaysviolin]

Mr.Mister, It’s okay! I couldn’t play it either. I had to learn it by myself before it sounded good.

[@susanng2939]

the timing is quirky

[@joeyplaysviolin]

susann g, I know. I’m replying 2 years later. It’s a little bit more than quirky.

[@marshwetland3808]

The instructions weren't helpful. Would be better if he clearly cued up each bit to maximize playing along. So much potential, but could use a rewrite on the teaching part.

[@waboom248]

I wish Brian Wilson and Paul would have collaborated. It would have blown people's minds.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

In a way the already did. They listened to each other's music intensely first with Wilson hearing Rubber Soul and then The Beatles hearing Pet Sounds and then back to SGT Peppers. I really think without each other hearing those albums the concept of an entire album being a work of art may never of come around so early or never at all. Before it was a couple or just one song that was a hit and then all the others were just whatever they had to sell a bigger unit sale. Today the Album is an entire work of art or should be like a pocket symphony such as Sgt Peppers and even Good Vibrations or Bohemian Rhapsody. I really love what albums evolved into. It kept the easy listening aspect category yet retained some very clever and sophisticated musical concepts intertwined. This is a very difficult task as we like music on the go and accessible at the same time. Some Classical pieces are 3-4 hrs long and today we have full albums 30 mins long but retaining a plethora of musical style and flow so satisfying and wonderful.

[@coreyzimmerman9782]

@@MICKEYISLOWD i couldn't have said it better

[@ClaudioLaureano936]

But they did. Paul chewed the celery on Vega-tables.

[@waboom248]

@@ClaudioLaureano936That is basically an urban legend. McCartney was not able to confirm that in an interview.

[@robbocat7643]

@@waboom248 it sounds like a reasonable story and was confirmed by Brian, Paul was probably just stoned out of his mind

[@axlo99]

I thought I was going to be unable to play this song for all my life, and I was mistaken. Isn't that amazing? Thank you so much!

[@lucasphillips2177]

Never sell yourself short! But McCartney is a genius

[@recordbum]

"I play a little bit of piano" -Paul McCartney

[@somethingdiffrant]

I was watching this and talking to my mom on the phone and then it hit me! I said "Mom, I'm going to have a surprise for you when I come back home!" It's one of our favorite songs to rock out to in the car. I'm learning it right now to surprise her, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks so much! This really appeals to my visual/auditory (NOT sheet music-based) learning style. -Kate

[@waltermitty3730]

I've learnt it ALL!!! Thank you so much, dude, really! I cannot explain how much I have fun now playing this beautiful tune! I love Paul McCartney's songs and I love the way you could play it! I'm really sooo happy, thanxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!!!! Have a good day, best wishes from Italy :-)

[@kumikovezina3649]

Bravo I’m learning it now

[@AbdillahArdiansyah]

Already opened in 2012, now I'm back again to watch this video again. And I realized this video was actually made in 2007🤣🤣🤣 Thank you very much for those piano tutorial. I wish the best for you🙏

[@dinowithwings9936]

My own dog passed away recently and every time my mother and I listen to this song we remember him. He was such a silly, playful and good little boy. We all miss him so much, and he has a special place in each of our hearts, as well as this song. He had a good life, and we’re glad to know we treated him well before he passed.

[@Chipshotz]

Thanks John! I stopped playing 20 yrs ago, now you and 'Martha my dear' have re-ignited the spark, Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@pianojohn113-8]

That's great! Keep up the good work, Chipshotz!

[@pigurine]

I paint and compose poetry. Once I n a while I hit it out of the park But my God, this is a Grand slam. What a gift.

[@pianojohn113-8]

Very glad it was helpful to you, pigurine. :-)

[@twooks]

Piano John - just revisited this after 4 years. All came back to me just as you taught it - hope you're well

[@pianojohn113]

I'm doing well, thanks, and I'm glad you came back to review the song! :-)

[@mjd347]

@@pianojohn113 John, really appreciate your videos. Any plans to return to posting?

[@manyrulesable]

John is a genius, so good at teaching, i learn a lot of songs thanks to him, i hope his doing well. Too much time since we heard from him from the last time. Thank you John, you make me understand songs like nobody else

[@pinweltrica9299]

Thank you so much, Pianojohn. This, along with Lovely Rita, is my favorite song by the Beatles. I've been playing since I was 3, but I never really learned to read sheet music, I normally learn by ear. But I never could figure out this song. You've helped me out so much! You're brilliant sir. Thank you.

[@CatherineSas]

Indeed, I fell just the same, for many other Beatles titles as well. My father couldn't believe his own ears... Hang in there with us please! Fantastic. Thank you John.

[@bethy32386]

I had forgotten that I knew how to play the beginning of this song until I heard this. Thank you for reviving a memory and teaching an old dog some new tricks. You are a great teacher!!

[@blee3ee]

Your lessons are of the finest quality, no short cuts and they're ones you keep forever. Looking forward to: Live and let die You're gonna lose that girl She Loves You I Want To Hold Your Hand Can't Buy Me Love I Feel Fine We Can Work It Out/Day Tripper Help ! A Hard Day's Night From Me To You Hello Goodbye Eleanor Rigby In my Life Something

[@joelhailey4589]

This is so well done. Working my way through it, barely touched a keyboard since forever. McCartney’s chord voicings are so sweet. Great job, thank you.

[@TheDinho360]

Don't know if John is still on here but I appreciate the helpful video. So satisfying to play this!

[@EddieBsB]

I just bought my piano... I didn't ever play a piano before. I play guitar, bass and drums... And this is going to be my first song on a piano... Geez, I LOVE THIS SONG. Thank you very much Mr. !

[@abloke8834]

Hello, how did you do?

[@principalmcvicker6530]

I can't play the piano whatsoever, but this song always makes me wish I could :)

[@blazeandcyrus]

I'm with you on that.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

You could have this song under your fingers within 1 yr if you work at it:)

[@famatu]

@@MICKEYISLOWD one month if you put like maybe 2-3 hours into it everyday

[@kingmick13]

john, what you do for people like me,is let me play song i never thought could.i love for that. you are a great man.

[@kanyeblessed6558]

I learned this when you first posted it 11 years ago and am just now realizing I only learned the intro and completely forgot to learn the rest of it. Not gonna try now, but thanks for the great video again!

[@pianojohn113-8]

The rest of the song is just as much fun to play as the intro. Enjoy!

[@troliskimosko]

pianojohn113 - are you locked out of your original account?

[@_Panda_Cute_43]

ive learned more songs watching your video lessons than i did paying for lessons... Thank You so much. Got Lady Madonna...now Martha my dear is next....having tons of fun...again Thank You

[@julbim]

Excellent tuition. You know people do not appreciate quite how superb a musician McCartney is. How he wrote things like this and Lady Madonna , very complex creations for pop music, along with Blackbird on the guitar, is a thing of wonder

[@ThePaulSchoenmakers]

Hello John, Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills on the piano with so many people in the world. Thanks to you I've learned, as a beginner of 48 years old, within only a few months how to play some of the greatest songs ever made on the piano. I play nearly every day and it's so much fun. THANK YOU! Paul Schoenmakers, The Netherlands

[@frankwhite97]

Definitely one of my favorite Beatles\McCartney songs of all time. I've been wanting to learn how to play this for a long time and now I'm getting there! Thanks!

[@ThePaulSchoenmakers]

Dear John, your great lessons combined with my efforts have resulted in the cover of Martha My Dear I sent to you. Thanks for the inspiration and joy!

[@rahooligan]

McCartney is beyond genius.. I don't know what words to use to describe the brilliance, elegance and relative simplicity of this song. I'm gonna have to go with "wow"

[@FiremanSam60]

It's really satisfying seeing and hearing it played correctly. Thanks.

[@pianojohn113]

You're very welcome, Gerry, glad you liked it. :-)

[@nf5452]

This channel is a gem, I can’t believe I only found it now. Thank you! 🙏

[@pianojohn113]

Glad you found it, enjoy!

[@ymmijraw]

You are an Excellent,outstanding teacher.I am a special education teacher and I wish I had your gift of transferring knowledge.I hold you in the highest regard.

[@Bill5298]

Unbelievable John, you nailed every note, Probably one the most difficult piano pieces ever written by the Beatles. I was told that George Martin had some input on this one like "In my Life". Thx so much for the tutorials, simply fab

[@hoisin75]

I often come back to this tutorial. Many thanks

[@sampetersmusic]

Sooooo much simpler than my ears would have imagined. Thank you for making it so easy! I can't believe I'm actually playing this song!!

[@lemme123]

You're amazing...thank god you exist. A real inspiration, you enable us to play the world's best music on the piano. Thank you so much. Love your videos.

[@20ForthlinRoad]

PianoJohn113: I'm a self taught guitarist/pianist (that went on to get a B.S. in Commercial Music from UNA); ultimate Beatles connoisseur...thank you for this gem! My wife is classically trained on piano...this is going to impress her! cheers, emm

[@dpennmaas]

Hi John, your lessons have brought me back to the piano after about 20 years of intermittent playing. I could never get the songs to sound great... but with your lessons, I'm getting it. THANKS... You are the man!!! I'm excited to see what's coming next.

[@abisail]

i could say that is paul himself teaching us how to play martha my dear, thanks buddy for your video!!!

[@Napstablooky]

I thought it goes: "Martha my dear though I spend my days in conversation please, remember me...." And then the 2nd time around is what you sang But it doesn't really matter, it's the piano what we care about! Great tutorial! I learned how to play it in under 2 weeks with this!

[@valdezposse]

Beatles are my all time favorite band! This song is so beautiful. I have always told my kids that it would be a wish come true to have them learn this song, now I play it! Looove this. Thank you!!!

[@DaAliBerryz]

anyway thank you for posting this! i am a 13 yr old girl and i love the beatles, its my favorite song! i learned how to play half of this song in 2 hours! thank you!

[@luciusnoom]

Are you a 23 year old woman now?

[@crobilly19]

Wow, I love this song, and you sir are right on the money..I know you posted this some time ago, so i hope you're doing well and i extend my gratitude to you. Billy

[@Nickcholas11]

Great tutorial! It's helping me a lot. Some of the chords you use are closer to the original than the sheet music I have, so it's great to go back and forth to learn it perfectly. Thanks!

[@christenejackman]

Thanks so much for the tutorial! I'm can't wait to have a whack at it. This has always been one of my fav McCartney tunes. Brilliant! He was underestimated for a long time. Hope he's with us till he's 164. :) Thanks, Sir Paul. Saw you on Ed Sullivan... still here listening in 2022. Still learning from you.

[@Bugdood56]

Beautiful! one of my favorite McCartney compositions. You play it so well; i keep waiting for Paul's vocals .........If i could play the piano, I'd learn this. Thx.

[@Heatherlee211]

Thank you for teaching me Martha My Dear! I have learned this 4 years ago from this video and it's still my favorite song to play! I love this song so much! I look forward to learning more and more Beatles' songs from you!

[@robertrowan904]

Wow!! Thank you for the Illustration. This song is a Masterpiece in my opinion.😊👍🏻

[@RoXyGiRL182]

i just want to say that your tutorials are simply amazing. you are such a great teacher. i have never learned a song so quickly just by watching someone. i really apreciate what you do, and i want to thank you for everything. peace and love - nova

[@askergor]

Man, you are a monster... Best piano lessons I've ever seen. Just perfect! Thanks, thanks, thanks!!! It is a pleasure to see you play.

[@johnwalsh2016]

Just wanted to give you a heartfelt thank you for your tutorials I'm learning a lot of songs from you!

[@pianojohn113]

i appreciate the kind words, John, very glad these old videos are still helpful!

[@therichardchannel]

Thanks for this! MMD and Lady Madonna have always been my favourite piano songs.

[@MoveOverCasanova]

these tutorials are the best - great that they are still here the way you play is just inspiring, you must be an autodidact

[@caryash]

this is a prove of why the beatles are the most important band ever and why they sold more than a billion and still sell millions, every body likes beatles songs.

[@ringastarr]

I've been learning a lot watching your tutorial videos! Thanks a lot! A hug from Brazil!

[@denisboisvert932]

thank you you are very patient is very interesting and I learn quickly, this is the best method on the net this is a good work professor and the intro is very important always make that first

[@pianojohn113-8]

+Denis Boisvert You're very welcome, Denis, I'm glad you liked it. :-)

[@JasirJeff8267]

Thank you very much, pianojohn, for this excellent tutorial. Very useful! And your performance of the song is excellent, too.

[@pianojohn113]

Thanks, Jeff, very glad you liked it. :-)

[@juanma88ct]

Thank you! you're the best. Many of these songs have really complex harmonies and you play them perfectly. I have played classical music on piano for eight years and I think that your tutorials are a great approach to start with popular music.

[@jacobbrown8893]

I really appreciate you putting up sheet music along with the song. The piano playing is wonderful too!

[@redmoonspider]

Great tutorial. You have a great ear and a real gift for teaching. Thank you....really.

[@BeNiceYall]

January 2020, still learning this!! :)

[@whiteycorngood]

Words cannot describe how thankful I am for this. There must be some way we can reward you for your time and effort. Maybe a donation to your charity of choice or something. Seriously.

[@oscarXXXI]

Hi Pianojohn, I´m from Perú and this is the first time I left a comment in KZbin. Sorry for my awful english. I´m writing this just to say thank you because this video help me a lot. For years I think "oh, i will never be able to play Martha My Dear, it´s too dificult". I never take lessons, just use my ear, and right now i can play this wonderful song. Thank you very much. Other song I would like learn to play someday is Claire de Lune, of Debussy. Well, take care.

[@FaustoRamosLugoTheBeatleman]

Again, thank you so much John, using one of your tutorials I was able to cover this wonderful song, using my own gear at home, thumps up for the tutorial.

[@FaustoRamosLugoTheBeatleman]

I´ve been following you for about hree years already, yours are the best tutorials on the media, thanks!

[@Pierozek]

I started to learn playing piano only for this song, now you made it possible, thank you a lot.

[@twinsmm1]

Great stuff! I've never had a piano lesson but have a piano in the house (my wife plays and 2 of my kids take lessons). I started picking this up from you, measure by measure. I can do it! My third son (who quit lessons a couple of years ago) was inspired by me and now he's learning it! I like the fact that he's liking a Beatles song.

[@antmayfield]

I started this day with a hunch I should learn the piano and am now infatuated! Thank you so much this is one of my favorite all time songs :D

[@TotalSinging]

Yes, his terminology for music is "this bit there" and "that little bit there". Quite astounding considering the grasp of musical concepts he has like opposing motion and interval layering. You usually only find that in "schooled" musicians.

[@Muthaphuckka]

Thanks a lot! my mom is a big beatles fan and gave up on this song years ago, i learned it in two days because of you x)

[@missmaryyyjane]

thank you ! love this song.. cant wait until i can play the whole thing!!!

[@missmaryyyjane]

thanks pianojohn113 i am :):) :)

[@CatherineSas]

Oh yes, John! This is another very peculiar one. Not well known, but an excellent tutorial to learn different styles on the piano. Such an exciting piece.

[@martin.maruten]

this video is the first one ive seen of yours, and YOU'RE REALLY GREAT!!! when i saw the first few seconds i paused it and screamed out "OH MY GOD,, THIS DUDE'S AMAZING!!!!!" thanks so much for posting, it's a great help!!!

[@coronelsakura2841]

By that time both Paul and John had learnt from Donovan L. the basics of Travis Picking in guitar back there in Rishikesh and in my op you can see a lot of this in this song. On the other hand Travis Picking, invented by the mighty Merle Travis owes so much to piano that is like a fantastic feedback through the years and styles. I think this new technique that you can see in diff songs of the white album enrichened quite a bit the piano palette of Mr. Maccartney and you can always find some treacherous fiends ready to criticize the lad forgetting for his lack of technique in piano... Cmon! he was just twenty something and self taught in all things music. You can hear more T Picking in Happiness ls..., Dear Prudence, Julia (John really fell in lovevwith this particular style and created some genius songs too). Great tutorial bro!

[@MartinSoundLabs]

I got to meet Donovan a few years ago in SF.. it was so cool getting songwriting tips directly from him!

[@Coffeeshop246]

thank you so much! I can't tell you how thankful I am! your tutorials are exelent! Thanks for teaching all my favorite songs!

[@dragonfly-01]

Thank you. It's a pleasure to learn with your videos. You are a very good teacher.

[@AvadaKedavraBridget]

Best tutorial! I'm using it to help me learn to play the song. :) I'm a beginner and this is the first song I'm learning, it's just my favourite so I thought "why not!?". Thanks so much! I've got the first part almost nailed down.

[@padmae1971]

Dude that is too cool.. I listened to it on the cd and it sounded really hard to do ... I like the way you break it down kind of piece by piece.. Thank you.

[@JackMittleman]

Thank you!! Beautiful job and generous of you to share your talents!

[@shargram]

Fantastic playing my friend, great tutorial.

[@marcosquito]

pianojohn113, Your work is so impressive - complete Beatles and more !!! I´m very used to guitar but I´ve always wanted piano, and you teach a lot !! Thanks for sharing ! Keep on !

[@SurfbortSurfbort]

I haven't even heard the song, but just hearing you play it makes me smile. :P

[@ScottieG401]

Awesome how a song inspired by Paul's dog could be such a great song!

[@birdsong875]

Thanks for this video, very good teaching. I've never played the piano before, but now i can play this song!

[@captdb2000]

Great Job. Awesome idea to play the song first to get it in your head and then instruct.

[@EltonJohnLennon7]

Good piano piece. I really enjoy to play that one. Thank you very much!

[@simonkussonet7728]

Its clear, its simple, and it sounds so good !! Thanx My Dear !

[@Togglefree]

Incredible piece of music! You teach well.

[@kevinkettell1092]

amazing i m learning piano but you are #1 up there with paul i ve seen him 4 times

[@erself]

Muito bom!! Very good! Muto obrigado por compartilhar seu conhecimento, estou tentando aprender agora essa música e seu video ajuda mesmo... Thanks a lot for sharing your kwonledge, I'm tring to learn this music now, and your video is really helping me... Aprendi outros sons com seus videos também, já estou tocando e ficaram bem legais! I've also learned other songs with your tutorials, I'm already playng and they sound very nice! Abraço, de seu aluno no Brasil.

[@sgtpepper19671]

@boyfilhote actually, this is paul playing. Martha My Dear was based off of a piano exercise that was too advanced for paul, so he simplified it a little bit and made a song with it.

[@the7thbluewhale]

All your videos are amazing...I've learned a lot from them! Keep it up!

[@Paulmaclover1234]

oh okay great!! Thanks a lot! Idk what I'd do without ur videos!! haha ur basically my piano teacher by now! hahah :)

[@Ratboy9512]

Thank you again for another amazing tutorial! Exciting for the others! :)

[@vroomfondel42]

Thanks a lot for making this! I've wanted to play this for a long time, and... now I can!

[@mccoubrj]

Thanks for uploading these....now i need to learn how to sing

[@dieguite]

Im learning to play!! :D Thanks 2 u from this great great video as the other too! Im having spent hours learning to play and your videos are Awesome! Hope soon i finished martha and can keep learning with other of your tutos! :D

[@snarepsycho1616]

I agree completely with you. He really understands how the song works and its just like its paul teaching us. =)