How Paul McCartney Wrote The PERFECT Bass Line

[@BecomeABassist]

This is definitely *my* favorite Beatles bass line, but what’s yours? And more importantly *_WHY_* is it your favorite?

[@b.clayshannon7009]

Come Together. Nothing is cooler than that bass and drum intro. When I heard it at the age of 10 or 11 when it was released, I was mesmerized, although I'm sure I didn't know what instrument it was that was making that magic.

[@jdmarino]

I really like Oh, Darling.

[@BecomeABassist]

@B. Clay Shannon - I love that one as well. It was quite literally the very first bass line I ever learned. It basically got me hooked on bass.

[@BecomeABassist]

I'm *super* into that song as well @John Marino - there's definitely something about it, and it's great fun to play.

[@joelschaubert6208]

I've always thought the bass line on Rain tells a story all by itself. I could listen to it over and over and the use of variations keeps it fresh the whole way through.

[@whitsundaydreaming]

“Something” is simply not of this world. The bass and drums are iconic.

[@slavaukraini404]

Perfect drumming from Ringo that allows space for the perfect bass line.

[@gogbpackers12]

I feel like Paul stole George’s song.

[@dylanely8309]

@@gogbpackers12 no way, george’s songwriting and guitar solo are still the best part of the song, paul simply added his magic to it

[@weedywet]

my biggest takeaways from Paul's bass playing: 1) sing-able parts! 2) his parts always develop... he's rarely playing the same thing in later parts of the song as the beginning. He's constantly developing the part.

[@BecomeABassist]

100% @weedywet - having singable bass lines means the bass line can go beyond being solely a supporting thing and being a hook in its own right. And you're 100% right about his parts developing too. Every time he plays that countermelodic idea in the 'chorus', it's slightly different. Same for every part of the song though with the exception of the bridge, but even then, he's still changing the range he plays the line in. There's just so many layers to this bass line - it's so cool!

[@vayabroder729]

Yes!! MELODIC!!! Paul is always melodic.

[@jaelge]

As nice of a song as this is, without Paul´s bassline there is no ¨Something¨.

[@newfarmerfilms]

Exactly. He does this brilliantly in "A Day In the Life." The bassline doesn't repeat, which is amazing.

[@Miguel...160]

My favorite is Silly Love Songs

[@carlbaumeister3439]

McCartney has too many brilliant baselines to count, both with Beatles, and solo. My favorite bassist.

[@jayburdification]

Paul is #1, Jack Bruce is #2.

[@ling2553]

Bassline*

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@@ling2553 Thx

[@jayburdification]

@@ling2553 Tell my dictation that

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@@jayburdification Right?

[@MentalCake]

"Hey Bulldog" has a very rhytmically interesting and melodic bassline. It is also a counterpoint.

[@dontatmebitches]

4 real i think its the best. Its so swampy and melodic

[@garyberg8072]

I never get tired of that bass line. Fixing a Hole is simple but phenomenal.

[@nofrets5]

I feel that the slower tempo of the song makes some of the devices a little bit easier to use, lots of space with the other instruments often as pointed out, the old adage about everybody can’t be driving 70 miles an hour

[@Dreamweaver_Skunkbag]

Yesss that’s my favorite Beatles song

[@RobertGraziose]

Hey Bulldog gave me problem learning it. I took my Rickenbacker and put up the mute and I now impress my bandmates with it. Pure genius on Paul's part.

[@dadduorp]

The strange thing about “Something” and ever since I first heard it as a very young kid, is that I’ve always hummed the bass line rather than the vocal melody. It flows in and around the tune and even counts as a sub-“song” to the overall tune. To me, it’s actually the best part of the song.

[@salvatoredipietro7174]

Ditto - no wonder george felt threatened, again

[@Andytheashton]

It’s also like a pedal/modal thing as the descending chord movement happens. Almost like a jazz piano player

[@erivers71]

Man that is a great insight! 1000% agreed!

[@Spaced92]

@@salvatoredipietro7174 I've honestly never understood why he had more of a grudge against Paul than John. I feel like Paul put a lot more effort into George's songs. As good as he was, he mostly brought in snippets of songs. When we saw Paul do the same he'd literally just sit there and keep hammering it out until it was workable, I don't think George got much less help than John did.

[@chaffsalvo]

I do the same with Here Comes the Sun bass line

[@YouAreBaconMeCrazy]

He really did Something special with that bass line.

[@BecomeABassist]

I was going to reply with a pun of my own @YouAreBaconMeCrazy, but I decided to just Let It Be.

[@Bella-nt7ec]

and the backing vocals!

[@daletwin1]

@@Bella-nt7ec I love Paul's backing vocals in this song as well. Best part of the song for me. And one of my very favorite basslines of any song.

[@Bella-nt7ec]

@@daletwin1 right, it wouldn't sound that great without Paul's contribution. The Beatles' magic

[@lifeisnice23]

Like he did on "while my guitar gently weeps" with his piano work.. Absolutely genius musician on different levels.

[@paulriordan5420]

Paul’s a complete musical genius. There are no equals.

[@battyjr]

Andy Partridge!

[@MentalCake]

"I want you" has also great, melodic bass line. Additionaly it makes passionate, almost insane mood.

[@clinthill4098]

Paul's thumping bass on Silly Love Songs is just one other of his which springs to mind .

[@Adam-hs1ft]

That's what I thought this video was going to cover. 😂

[@NigelT57]

@@Adam-hs1ft I saw him play Silly Love songs live back in the 70's and it was note perfect [whilst singing at the same time, and jigging around the stage like a loon too in the non vocal bits :)].

[@robertcook2572]

'Goodnight, tonight' is another cracking funky bassline.

[@krollpeter]

Absolutely. It's almost a song by itself.

[@channelsixtysix066]

I remember reading _Revolution In The Head_ about the track Don't Let Me Down, in it, the author describes the bass line McCartney was playing as a "bubbling bass" or words to that effect, that traditional bass players hated at the time. I've always subscribed to the point of view that bass should be as creative as guitar. In that track it perfectly complemented the guitars.

[@badhabits25]

that bass line is almost as beautiful as the song itself.

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Yessss

[@NEFARIVM]

Paul is my favorite Beatle and it's interesting that ppl just remember him as a great vocalist/composer but his bass skills are very neat

[@geoffpoole483]

I don't think he's a virtuoso in the Stanley Clarke or Jaco Pastorious sense, but when it comes to creating a memorable and melodic bass line he has few equals.

[@jamesalfaro3155]

Hi Luke, for me, Paul’s top bass line is: “Being for the benefit of Mr Kite”. So intricate, with the same elements he used for Something, that’s my 2nd favorite one.

[@lyrebird9749]

I'd vote for 'I want you' - that bass line absolutely rocks! Similar techniques as the above. Paul rightly gets a lot of credit for his songwriting and being able to play a lot of instruments, but his bass playing is really under-rated IMO.

[@robertcook2572]

I heard McCartney saying that it was his favourite, recently.

[@staypress]

he said himself that that was one of the most complicated bassline he ever did

[@BecomeABassist]

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[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

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[@DavidLPeel]

Someone has been doing it to Rick Beato was well.

[@kevinegan1770]

Mine would have to be his work on "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". Simple start, then chords, the chorus with the 9th fret Fb dropping to it's lower octave on the E string, his counter with Clapton on the lead. And the final "weeping"? line at the end. Never gets tired for me.

[@BecomeABassist]

For a while, this was my favorite song @Kevin Egan. Not just favorite Beatles song - it was my favorite overall. I love all the later George Harrison songs - they're amazing.

[@Herminator66]

Mine, as well ... Luke knows my history with this awesome tune - LOL. I also never tire of hearing it! Something joins WMGGW in my Top 5.

[@beatlesrgear]

Only thing is, Paul is not playing the bass. George Harrison is on bass and Paul is on piano.

[@Herminator66]

@@beatlesrgear pretty sure McCartney played bass AND piano, as well as background vocal to Harrison’s masterpiece. Of course, possible with mult-tracking … Luke?

[@brubeck1]

@@beatlesrgear cept it was John.

[@RickLWright]

I've been saying for years that this was Paul's best bass work. Finally someone who gets it. Thanks.

[@matthewwilliams8606]

Silly Love Songs has one if my favorite bass lines. It's actually my favorite part of the song 🎵

[@b.clayshannon7009]

So the dynamics on the single note (increasing volume) is similar to a drummer who leads into a song or a chorus by hitting the same drum harder and harder. If this is the version that George complained about being too busy, it's a good thing Paul ignored him.

[@BecomeABassist]

I'm still looking for a *_primary_* source that confirms that Paul ignored George about this @B. Clay Shannon. As far as I can tell, nobody who was actually there, in the room, has said this, but there has been speculation from people who weren't. It could be that Paul _did_ ignore George's request and we ended up with the line we have. Or it could be that Paul was playing a much _busier_ line than what ended up on the recording, and what we hear IS the 'greatly simplified' version. Either way though, it's a great line for a great song.

[@sweethands4328]

Pauls bass playing is the only one in the Beatles is the only member I would consider a virtuoso on their respective intrument

[@michaelbeard5870]

Being shot down for his "silly love songs", he titled the song as such and challenged bass players to play his "silly" bass lines. Gotta love Sir Paul!

[@willrumbold8050]

The rain bassline is a favorite of mine

[@mustafajusuf4572]

"Strategic busy-ness" can also be heard in Geezer Butler's (Black Sabbath) basslines, especially on songs like War Pigs and Lord of This World

[@joegordon2915]

Gotta love that George Emerick. He was almost as good of an engineer as his brother Geoff.

[@franchisequarterback7906]

Ain't nothing but a G thing

[@aldeayeah]

The melody-countermelody in the chorus is a classic question-answer, that kind of stuff is absolutely everywhere in the Beatles catalogue.

[@nwolf9591]

This is a great lesson. I am always glad (as an old timer) when the innovation and beauty is highlighted in 60's and 70's music.

[@rome8180]

So glad to see someone cover this bass line. Paul is my favorite bassist because my own playing has always tended toward busy and melodic. And he shows you a great road map for how to do that. And this bass line is his masterpiece. I play it almost every time I pick up a bass.

[@BecomeABassist]

That's so cool to hear @rome8180. If there were ever a bass line worthy of being played every time you pick up your bass, this is a great candidate!

[@1234larry1]

These type of baas lines appear all throughout Abbey Road. Especially in the Sun King. Very melodic bass lines.

[@scottmatznick3140]

That's my fav over this one honestly

[@bloozswami]

The bass line that Paul plays on the song "Nowhere Man" is one of the most interesting patterns I never heard. I saw a video of him playing this song. He was not pulling it off. Very hard to play live and sing simultaneously.

[@RobertNolan]

All four of them mastered the art of serving the song and not being afraid to try - in a time where everything was not easy to redo/comp/edit. Thousands of hours went into their playing and carefully understanding each other's interests and parts is what allowed each member to choose and alter their own additions to those songs. How remarkable, you could do a master class on just their ability to serve the song.

[@FederinzC]

Thanks for the video! From rehearsals and early takes of "Something" it sounds like Paul was jamming busily experimenting with every second of the song with many notes and frills. I assume that George was referring to those attempts as "too busy"and simply directed Paul to where he liked space or where the bass could phrase away. I also assume that IF Paul argued against it, it was not to keep it busy but to be allowed to keep the bass line alive. But I read somewhere that he just played as instructed, probably happy to help George in what was turning out to be a special song (Paul might have been excessive sometimes but he was always supportive of his friends' songs).

[@jodylowe8476]

Paul might not have the fireworks of other high level bass players, but he is without a doubt the greatest bassist in rock music.

[@henriquealmeida348]

Very interesting. It seems that those three points are actually one. The song feels like a conversation between the instruments. When one is active, the others are letting it speak.

[@blazeesq2000]

This is absolutely my favorite bassline of all time and the reason 15-year-old me started learning the bass. I can play the notes after 35 years, but that tone, especially live, has eluded me. It's perfect.

[@beatlesrgear]

I'm not positive, but I think Paul was playing a Fender Jazz Bass on this song.

[@DavidLPeel]

In The Beatles Anthology book, Paul talks about how George thought his bass playing on Something was too busy. Paul said in my defence, I was playing the best bass line I could for the song.

[@shovelhead4558]

Love that bass Paul is a great musician it made the song.

[@NealVan]

You young folks crack me up. Paul played bass as if he was playing piano or guitarist. You act as if you poops gold or he’s found the fountain of youth. He knows what the chords are and with a bit of thinking made a beautiful song even more memorable.

[@BecomeABassist]

I'm not sure what you mean @Neal Van. I agree with what you say about Paul knowing the chords and making a great song even better, but it sounds like you somehow disagree with 'something' (pun absolutely intended) in the video. I'd love to know what you mean by your comment.

[@itsesye]

...so? your point being?

[@martinskanal]

I am guitarist, not a bassist:) IMHO A lot of the lessons that can be taken from Paul McCartney's excellent musicianship are universal and not limited to bassists only! Thank's for the excellent content and for sharing the music and the love.. Oh, and please: Could you put out a video with only Ringo's and Paul's tracks on this song? Or does this track exist online somehere? Pretty please? They are f*@%#"ng awesome together.. Hard Core.

[@isaiahneilguitaristofficia549]

Paul’s playing on this track is a masterclass on playing what the track needs and with the drummer just a fantastic bass line… for a fantastic song…

[@ravenbonanza1522]

For me Macca's perfect baseline in order She came in through the bathroom window I saw her standing there Taxman Dear Prudence While guitar gently weeps Something Ob-la-di Ob-la-da

[@paulthompson5715]

Another great video Luke, always one of my favourites! Another tune with a great melodic line and lyrical ballad playing is Don't Let Me Down with many of the same elements used in Something. If you ever get a chance to transcribe that it would be "fab!"

[@davegreen4236]

Yeah, I suppose Paul thought hey I don’t have to sing anything, let’s give this bass line some due dilligence and focus, this was a different type of Beatles songs back in the day, a new feel, playing a bit different, I don’t think it’s too busy of a bass line. It’s a classy song all and all

[@patbrennan6572]

The greatest rhythm section of all time, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, they were as one together.

[@louispacetime1576]

Wow, ive always loved this bassline but now I love it even more!

[@chrishelbling3879]

My suspicion is that Paul & John recognized this as a great song when George first presented it, and that they were supportive & encouraging to him through it's development. Recall a vid somewhere of John telling George: just sing anything, sing "rutabega" or whatever, as George was working out lyrics. Hence, if George asked Paul to keep the bass simple at the beginning, they both could have understood that to mean melodically simple, not rhythmically simple. So, I don't see that as a point of conflict. And as to George telling Paul what to do, I'm guessing Paul & John were feeling pride, in their younger mate expressing his vision, for the lovely song they knew he was creating.

[@scottscaggs]

This is THE song that made me want to pick up a bass and learn to play like Sir Paul-particularly that part you point out in the Countermelody section. So brilliant.

[@BecomeABassist]

I'm not surprised @Scott Scaggs - it's so brilliant. Funnily enough, the first bass line I ever learned was a Sir Paul line, although not nearly as challenging as this one.

[@stjojokaras9363]

"Something" itself is a [or the] perfect song -- so perfect that any part of it is in perfect harmony within and without.

[@askjohnnianything2591]

George said he waited for Paul to turn his attention to Something "He was just completely tuned in to his own stuff...as usual" But when he "found time to do something, it was great - though i always thought it was a bit busy""

[@YusifRefae]

if only music instruction around the world was like this. great job man

[@TheNoisylover]

Thank you for this! Pauls' bass is the melody within the melody. As a lifelong bassist, I've always admired Paul as the gold standard. His every note has its' own character.

[@jamespenny9482]

Thank you, I'm not very much of a musician at all, but I do recognize Paul's brilliance. He was truly the beat in the Beatles.

[@dingoswamphead]

Thanks Luke, for clarifying these aspects of Paul's genius. This is one of the most interesting and well made KZbins I have come across: a Classic! So much for a bass player, or any musician, to consider. BTW the engineer was GEOFF Emerick: George MARTIN was the producer. I wonder what say Martin had in the development of that bass line.

[@kewkabe]

"Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" is another great example of McCartney's melodic/counter-melodic bass lines.

[@r1d246]

Thank you for breaking (braking?) it down for us. This is definitely my favorite Beatles bass line, and has to be one of my top 10 at least

[@BecomeABassist]

No worries at all @R1D2. It's definitely my favorite for sure.

[@matthewbartlett3442]

Sometimes Paul’s parts are so melodically interesting I forget it’s not the lead guitar

[@manny75586]

This bass line really is a masterpiece. He is busy when it makes sense, restrained when needed. Great choice of a line to show how you craft an interesting bass line to fit into the context of a song. Also, insofar as the allegation may be true, thank God Paul told George to shove it and played the line the way he did.

[@slavaukraini404]

And thank god Paul got frustrated and ripped out the guitar solo on taxman in one take after hours of deliberation by George.

[@MJWPub]

@@slavaukraini404 What? That's not how to develop a song? That's like saying we recorded the Beatles fighting and tried to make a salvageable song out of it?

[@MJWPub]

I think you need to listen to any thing but the Beatles. Just realise that with any key there is a limit to what to can play in a given genre, i.e. this is far far far far from unique...

[@dennisberceles7387]

In "Dear Prudence" he played differently bass licks on each verse. On George's "If I Needed Someone" he played those chess pounding bass lines. And when the key changes from A to G, he didn't change the key or go to G but continued the pulsating bass lines as it is. "All My Lovin'", showed us that Paul can make the bass walk. In "Rain" or "Paperback Writer" , it seems he's using his bass guitar as the lead guitar sound of the music. For "Obladi-Oblada" & "Come Together" it seems he wanted to remove the phlegm on your chest. For "Silly Love Songs", it's hard to sing and play those devastating bass lines by saying: 1. He's the most handsome bass guitarist ever 2. The best and the greatest guitarist ever 3. The most melodious 4. The most prolific 5. And he can sing while playing those hard bass lines

[@RbNetEngr]

This was a fascinating video. I am not a bass player, nor do I ever plan to become one. But I am a big Beatles music fan, and what you highlighted about Paul's bass playing in this song helped me to identify that it's these perfectly planned additions to their music which makes it so enjoyable. At a high level, many of the Beatles' songs are relatively simple, but it's touches like these that make the musical product much more than just the sum of its parts. Great explanation! I look forward to checking out your other videos.

[@theanalyst2018]

Paul is a vocalist so he know exactly what he should do for a song as a bassist

[@erivers71]

Actually Silly little love songs is his best bass line in my opinion. Genius bass line by the king himself!

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Thank you for acknowledging this brilliant bass line to a great song. Funny thing is that Paul basically played against the style he instructed George to play on Hey Jude. I think Paul was just tge best overall musician in the band.

[@ThatBobGuy850]

It’s pretty well established that by this time in their career, The Beatles were less of a collaborative effort when it came to song composition, especially with Paul. For his own songs, he had an idea in his brain of how he wanted it to sound. And so when George echoed with his guitar Paul’s sung first lines in “Let It Be,” Paul asked him not to play it that way. Naturally, George became a little salty. But I think in that case, Paul’s instincts can be called into question. He should have let George play! We can only wonder how “Let It Be” would have sounded *with* George’s little fills in between those iconic opening lines. George had some pretty good instincts too, let's admit. But when Paul was playing on someone *else’s* song, he was more free to experiment and try to make it the best song he could. He was, after all, a master songcrafter even back then. We can imagine George thinking at the time that Paul’s bass playing on “Something” was “busy,” for indeed it was! A little intrusive, even. But in all honestly, would “Something” have been as great a song without that incredible bass playing by Paul? I dare say not! In the end, Paul’s instincts were right. Or at least, what ended up on the record made “Something” into one of the greatest songs in the entire Beatles catalogue. What incredible talents those lads were!

[@ktcarl]

Penny Lane was my favorite bass line of McCartney's.

[@alanduncan1980]

I always liked the bass for A Day in the Life. For me, that's Macca at his best. Although, there's so many great bass tracks on their records. Take your pick, they're all great!

[@RustyShackleford76]

This is why McCartney is my favorite bassist. I love his melodic style!

[@Alinktome]

Paul knew the bass must sing and be arranged the same as a guitar or a vocal. Paul, composer, arranger. The best beatles to me.

[@TheSlandis]

My band played Something and it is so beautiful in every way. I played bass, and was new to the instrument; I learned so much from this song.

[@barryholmes2428]

Just brilliant. Everything you say about Paul’s bass playing is everything I’ve ever thought about it. It’s so good to hear someone else - someone really tuned in - confirm that he’s just a fucking genius. Thank you so much

[@TenFalconsMusic]

A bass line written to complement the song is never too busy or too simple. Great forthwith the song and on it's own (like the bassline to "Papa was a rollin' stone).

[@mattlawson714]

I’ve always though You Never Give Me Your Money is a masterclass in bass. So many different parts and shifts in style and Paul delivers the whole time. Rhythm, spacing, it’s like a compilation off all his favorite tricks in one song.

[@jaman878]

Anyone ever notice that Band on the Run is a remake of You Never Give Me Your Money? Listen to it.

[@geoffcartridge2079]

I agree entirely with your opinion and analysis Luke. However there are plenty of Sir Paul's bass lines which are astounding as mentioned in the comments, "Rain" too being one of my favourites. Just as in calligraphy, it is the space between notes, the silences which give contrast elegance and form to the music. When I was a teen and immersed in the pop scene of the 60s I found that the fair and beautiful gender would be happily singing melody but male ears were drawn to the bass. It seemed natural, fluid and just as melodic. Who would have thought that more than 50 years later that the Beatles would still be having their music analysed. Guess they did something right.

[@BecomeABassist]

You know, I think these Beatles characters might actually have a future in the music industry. Haha! But in all seriousness @Geoff Cartridge, they all absolutely did something right.

[@moreheff]

Brilliant. This is my favourite Paul bass line ever. His playing is sublime and I think he is really feeling the song which why it is so brilliant. You use words I feel and hear from this bass line. Tender and gentle. It sounds like it comes from the heart (cheesy I know but that is how I hear and feel it) and to me, this is my favourite bass line by Paul on not necessarily, as brilliant as it is, my favourite Beatles song. Great work and made my year to see someone waxing lyrical over this beautiful bass lane. Thanks

[@OnTheFritz602]

Have thought for years that without Paul's bass, this song would be lacking that special "Something". Pun intended, but valid. That song gives me chills every time I hear it. Also, Paul's bass work on George's "Taxman" is off the hook! Paul played guitar on that song as well.

[@maxlove8894]

This is such an underrated bassline, people don’t seem to talk about it as much as they should!

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

I have always loved it since day 1, first hearing.

[@eliboybherrera7890]

Underrated? When talking about Paul's bass line, 90% of the time they think about this song. Nothing is underrated in Something, the vocals, bass, the organ or quartets, the drums, everything. That's why this song is perfect

[@jayrob5270]

You don't always have to fill in the gaps, sometimes space is good in a song especially if it's not your song.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

Not only my favorite Beatles song, but my favorite song of all time. This was the first song I learned to play on bass because of how melodic it is and how perfectly it's fits the song. The lyrics are simply beautiful and the melody is, as well.

[@BecomeABassist]

What a monster bass line to pick for your first song @David Goldstein - that's amazing!

[@camrsr5463]

Most of the Beatles stuff has been remastered. These new remasters really boost the bass and give us insight into what and how Paul played. It might tarnish the original sound but Beatles songs are even better because of this.

[@thomasfioriglio]

Another fantastic lesson, Luke! I am loving this series of taking a bass line and discussing it. Always something for us bassists to learn and you do a great job presenting. Thanks for sharing this one Sir Luke.

[@BecomeABassist]

You're too kind @Thomas Fioriglio! Thanks so much.

[@PedroAmA]

Thanks for the video for me Paul playa in a way that is like if the bass is making love with the song

[@SnipinG1337]

3:50, if you listen to the Let It Be sessions, how they worked on Something, you can hear the bass was actually much more busy than what it ended up being on the final version.

[@MDsteeler1]

Paul is one of the most underrated bass players in rock & roll history. But then again, he doesn’t really need to be known for his bass playing does he?

[@kiwilerner]

Is it too much of a hot take from an unapologetic Paul uberfan to say that "Something" would not be as revered as it is without the bass propelling things forward? Your example of a more standard line (which George might have preferred) shows how almost simplistic, even plodding, the song might have seemed without the melodic bass providing movement. (Don't get me wrong; it's a stunning work by George--he pulled off the ultimate underdog coup by writing two of the best songs on the Beatles' most perfect album. I just think it would be bumped down a notch without the singable bass contrasting a very simple melody.) Thanks for the analysis as always. Love to learn from your expertise!

[@paulhavrilak]

My favorite Beatles song is Hello Goodbye. I still play Something and I Dig A Pony and I Want You (She’s So Heavy) for fun. In 1979 I learned all of Abbey Road and my favorite bass line is You Never Give Me Your Money, and straight on to The End. Magical Mystery Tour is another favorite to play along with the whole album. Thanks for the video.

[@fb1767]

George Harrison used to improvise a (quite beautiful) guitar solo before Something was played live. Looking at the bass, it seems George himself took inspiration from Paul's masterful line.

[@jmarty1000]

Well done, the world needs to know what you are saying here. I'm very glad you've made this excellent analysis. Not to take anything away from Something, I'd like to say that "A Day in the Life" has a low-key and subtle bass line that is as profound as that song is. Thanks!

[@jaelge]

I'm not primarily a bassist and certainly no drummer but have to do my own bass and drums in my own compositions. Therefore when I'm doing either one I instinctively ask myself how Paul or Ringo would do it and the results are always at the very least musically palatable if not downright good. Serve the song not your ego.

[@prettyshinyspaghetti8332]

I do the same thing with my songs

[@jaelge]

@@prettyshinyspaghetti8332: 👍 🤓 👍

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

It seems to me that Harrison's were the only two truly innovative songs in Abbey Road, and McCartney showered them with the most beautiful bass lines you expose here, thanks a lot!

[@Herminator66]

Great Lesson, Luke! I love the color-coded graphic between melody and counter-melody. Can't wait to see more! BTW, Geoff Emerick's book, "Here, There, and Everywhere" is an awesome read! He was there in the recording studio from the beginning. The engineering ingenuity to bring The Beatles" and George Martin's vision to reality is fascinating and amazing!

[@BecomeABassist]

Thanks so much @Herm Stippich - I'm glad you liked my fancy bits! Haha! And yes - the Geoff Emerick book is fantastic! I feel like he is a slightly unsung hero of the Beatles' story.

[@pinball1970]

He is a genius, that does help.

[@depirofamily]

Luke, your videos are a great resource for bassists of all levels. You explain things really well and your video production is good. I taught myself to place bass many years ago, and it took me a log while to figure out the stuff you explain in this video. You nail so many important concepts: don't stomp on the vocals, play for the song, be rhythmically creative, etc. There's only one bit I disagree with you on in this video: I have always believed that Paul's bass line gets in the way of George's beautiful solo at times. It's almost call and response but the bass talks over the guitar at times, IMHO. Great job, please keep it up!

[@Andytheashton]

Geoff Emerick was well known for misremembering things and even inventing stories that didn’t happen.

[@mattgery]

Thanks for this one! I've done these things in my playing for years but without thinking about how it affects the song as a whole.. making the mistakes you mentioned. Now you've made me a better bassist.

[@StefanoBallad]

As a guitarist, songwriter and arranger I have to compliment with you: the lesson on this genius bassline has many takeaways, thank you Luke!

[@tomaskot9278]

The song is so great, that it sounds good even with the "if Paul wasn't using this trick" versions of the bassline :)

[@MrBKuv]

I agree. I’m no musician but sometimes I listen to the bass of Something like it’s a song in itself

[@TheJesusPrayer-cz7zg]

George resented Paul's contributions to his songs, but I think Paul added so much to them, whether it be the bass on Something or Think for Yourself, piano on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, or the solo on Taxman. Paul loved George like a little brother, and it is evident in his contributions to his songs. I understand that could be frustrating. It really resonated with me when I watched The Concert for George and heard Paul playing that piano part on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. While Clapton is great, ironically the piano makes the song.

[@sharefail]

I've always wondered whether Paul dumbed down his bassline as Emerick said he did, or whether he simply got his own way. Like you say, it's the most intricate one he wrote and is so exquisite it really helps the song. He also wrote great basslines for It's Only A Northern Song and Savoy Truffle. What we do know is that Paul kept his bassline on Free As A Bird simple so as not to offend George and I think that's pity because it's fairly basic.

[@c.a.t.732]

I always thought "Something" was a somewhat peculiar "love song". "You're asking me will my live grow?/I don't know", "You stick around now it may show,/I don't know.". Not terribly romantic.

[@michelestrong789]

Want to hear some great countermelody bass lines?... Listen to baroque and classical music from the 17th 18th and 19th centuries...particularly Bach, Handel, Haydn and Mozart,

[@TheSlandis]

In Here, There, and Everywhere, Emerick describes Paul staying after hours working tirelessly on this bass line. Maybe he had to be away from George to get down what he wanted w/o criticism. Once it was fully formed, it must've been hard to say No.

[@williamsimkiss]

I always feel it's a priviliege to play this bass line. It is sublime. So melodic, so beautiful!