Paperback Writer (Lesson and Discussion) - Beatles

[@darrylbirney8712]

I love when you add some little personal notes on these lessons. It is what makes your channel the best, plus it about the music and not trying to sell us stuff. Always positive. No Coverdale ever.

[@MostDear]

I spent three glorious hours in Studio Two. Played on of the Beatle pianos. Kissed the floor. Held Ringo’s ashtray. Sat in the same red chairs they used throughout their career there. Examined the famous mics and boards they used. Felt like Heaven.

[@jfrorn]

Absolutely loved the stories! More of this please! I LOVED the Beatles during the 70's as a kid...still do of course but they were everything to me.

[@onorioneto3798]

The passion in your voice when you speak about the beatles is amazing!

[@roberterdman7268]

One of the real distinctive guitar intro riffs in rock and roll. Immediately, you know what it is.

[@jaykidd5789]

James James love your playing, love your videos...if I lived another 100 years I will never be as good as you.

[@videogeekin]

Paul's Rickenbacker bass was for the first time greatly enhanced- The engineer(Ken Townshend) positioned a loudspeaker as a microphone directly in front of the standard bass amplifier speaker, and the moving diaphragm of the second speaker(loudspeaker) produced the electric current. Ken and the other engineers got away with it but were reprimanded by the Abbey Road management for incorrectly matching impedances. Paul's bass was recorded this way only one other time("Rain") before being nixed by management.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

I was going to mention that one. Emerick's Trial By Fire, that album, lol.

[@coleb7644]

explain that like I’m 5?

[@joestefanoni5263]

That bass sound is one of the best bass tones in a song and totally makes this song bad ass.

[@MicDread]

Thank You again, for my 5th birthday, someone gave me the 1 st 45 released in America, alls we had to listen to it was a pink plastic Barbie record player. That was 1965. I was instantly hooked for life. I don’t think it was please me, but I wanta hold your hand.

[@jamesjames9275]

That's awesome. In 1976 (I was 8), they released Got To Get You Into My Life as a single off the Rock n' Roll album. I got the 45 single as a prize at a friend's birthday party, and that got me into the Beatles -- especially after my older brother explained that Paul McCartney used to be in the Beatles. I loved Listen to What the Man Said and Let 'em In at the time, and the Beatles were having a popularity spike around 76/77, so I really got into them then.

[@woody558]

Abbey Road story cracked me up. I spent about an hour asking countless other tourists to take my picture at the crosswalk until I got the perfect one. Meanwhile all the drivers were honking at me standing out in the middle of the busy street while they were late for work. Worth the whole trip out to London in my view.

[@jorgemendoza325]

I live in London and I've been working in events there as a waiter with and agency. Everyone else working there was bored because they are around their early 20's and they don't care about this music. My friend and I having the time of ours life. 5 times I've been there and always checking for new events!! If you are nuts about classic rock London is amazing!

[@adrianmarklew2211]

Thank you for your uploads. As a beginner, so much information and explanation, so precise. Excellent tutorials with great stories. Looking forward to going through your back stuff. My fingers are hurting enough 🤣😃

[@OzTwanger]

Great video as always. Amazed that there are people out there who do not understand that they are the greatest band of all time; by a long way

[@chrishyde1216]

I've been in Abbey Road studio 2, where the Beatles recorded most of their music. They do occasionally run events that you can book. So check their website next time you are planning a trip over here. It is a mystical experience. Have you visited Liverpool, where you can go into John and Paul's childhood homes, and visit places such as the Casbah Coffee club. Rory Best showed us round - Pete's brother.

[@Mo_Taser]

According to McCartney himself, he played the lead riff on an Epiphone Casino. A couple of years later, Lennon would take that same dirty tone on the Casino and dirty it up even more for Revolution. Beatles expert Robert Rodriguez confirmed that McCartney played the lead riff on Paperback Writer, Harrison did some fills on an SG and Lennon played no guitar, just tambourine and backing vocals.

[@thetruth2375]

Correct. I would just like to add, that the song originated with McCartney riff, but on the recording it was double tracked with Harrison playing on top with added fills, McCartney on Rickenbacker bass (not his Hofner some other stated) , and Lennon has been quoted as saying the song "was the son of Daytripper" and is basically Paul's song. Lennon and the others where instructed by Paul and producer Martin to mimic Beach Boys version of Sloop J B. for harmonies. The song was then engineered using special equipment built for EMI. That is why the guitar studio part is difficult to create live. Lennon said they attempted to play live in concert (Maybe NY) and it sounder terrible, lol

[@jamesjames9275]

They played Paperback Writer live a bunch of times onstage in '66. You can watch them play it at the Japan shows. It sounds no worse than anything else they did onstage.

[@Mo_Taser]

@@thetruth2375 Yeah as far as I know that's all solid info. Great stuff. Thanks. I don't think I'd heard the Sloop John B info before. I had heard that they were mimicking the old traditional French song, Frère Jacques, or something like that. This is a site with a lot of good info on it. The author does tend to get into a few personal opinions about things, thus coloring the article a little, but I think his basic facts are solid. www.beatlesebooks.com/paperback-writer

[@darrell6800]

@@thetruth2375 there is a tremoled rhythm guitar part (chimey G upper chord played by John - probably the Gretch or Casino). Definitely an SG on the song. They tracked it live with bass. George had to play riff

[@TypicalGirls]

I just love the counterintuitive shirts you wear for the song being played. Aaah...but is it? :)

[@geo.cgeier3435]

Great story about Abbey Road! Should have said yes I’m here to play! With your talent you could have pulled that off! Thanx again for the great video and you’re teaching of a classic Beatle song!always looking forward to what you’re doing next ! Gibson guitar, fender shirt awesome!

[@wilhelmrogue1]

What a bonus jj going down memory lane via the ‘deep dive’ ... i think your onto something here cuz us fans, your fans, dig it... more pls..

[@TenMinuteDrumSolo]

Your reminiscing and excitement over tracking spaces once occupied by your heroes reminded me of one of my greatest thrills. My work takes me all around the country inspecting public buildings and my favorite moment ever was an opportunity to stand on the stage at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, the same stage where Jimi Hendrix exploded onto an unsuspecting American public at the Monterey Pop Festival. Yikes!

[@NVprods]

Thanks, Great vid as always. I had a similar Abbey Road experience. After doing the photos and walk across the street, I went to the entrance of the studio and like you, noticed the gate was open. They were loading in from a truck outside that was from the London Philharmonic, I guess they were recording there. So I walked right in, up the steps, just got through the door when a guard stopped me. He was nice about it, had a brief chat and then I left. But it was cool just getting onto those steps and through that famous front door.

[@MrAdamJoel]

I’m pretty sure Paul wrote and recorded the guitar on this with his Epiphone Casino.

[@darrell6800]

nope. Gibson SG. Lennon used that Gretch he's talking about for this song and Dr Robert before giving it to his nephew.

[@ewest14]

@@darrell6800 no it was Paul

[@freeelectron8261]

I usually come here for accurate Stones guitar tuts. Should have guessed JJ would do the Beatles with the usual attention to detail. Great vid James!

[@davesmith755]

Love your lessons and anecdotes! Had I know you in 2004 I could've gotten you into Studio 2! You were SO close!

[@stephenfromnyc9118]

Not positive, but I thought the consensus was that (music-video aside) it was definitely Paul playing one of the six-strings on this. Because I also remember an interview with Frampton where he stated that when he complimented George on some of his guitar parts (including this one) George said something like, "Nah - those were all Paul."

[@robjohnston7464]

I've read in a few places that McCartney was the player of the song's main guitar riff and Harrison played the lead guitar (fills) in the studio recording.

[@marycontrary946]

The riff is Paul on his Casino.

[@elliegonzales8212]

Yes.

[@marktenzer2253]

That's a great idea!!! They should make Abbey Road a museum. Bring all the old equipment in from the 60's before Paul and Ringo join John and George. They'd make a mountain of money and just open a new studio a few blocks away.

[@ST-xg3gy]

Oh yes. Excellent! Deep dive! Also, thinking Vox AC30, Fender Twins? Fun to stroll those spots in Central Park where Lennon shot all of those "Mind Games" moments.

[@Goldwing23]

Thanks for the Trivia, always welcome bits and pieces of yesteryear. Keep up the GOOD WORK!

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

Wow, you're hardcore! We've walked the walk at Abbey Road, and went by 3 Saville Row. We only went as far as the parking lot at AR. We also parked around the corner where Paul has had his London flat since the days of the Beatles. It gave me goosebumps ctossing Abbey Road, and I was giggling a lot. The road is narrower than I though. Looking up at Saville Row, I could imagine being on the street that day on Jan 30, 1969, and again it made me shiver. Bucket list: Liverpool!

[@jamesjames9275]

Been over to Paul’s house a few times. He never comes out to say hello.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

@@jamesjames9275 I've seen a pic, somewhere on YT, of some young guy doing the walk at AR, when Paul came up to him and asked if he could be in the pic. This was early 70's mullet days. Imagine? Kinda like the meme of Bill Murray going up to someone in McDonalds, stealing a few of their fries and then deadpanning "nobody's gonna believe you!" But, the guy and his buddy got a few shots, iirc. I'm 60. I hope to get to Liverpool in my lifetime.

[@stokemeister7929]

@@jamesjames9275 I’ve heard you can get in through the bathroom window…

[@iaminbetweendays]

Cool story. Thanks. I took rocks from his Aunt Mimi's house on Menlove Avenue. My brother and I meet some older lady on the bus that remembered John.

[@Togglefree]

I like your story about the Beatles! Thanks for sharing that riff!

[@emlyngriffith5846]

A fellow Beatles fan! How lucky was I to meet the guys and get their autographs (and their wives/girlfriends) on one piece of paper. It’s my most treasured possession even after all these years......(and NO....it’s not for sale!).

[@maw4neu]

Many thanks again :-) I cant tell you just how much you've helped me ( and many others I'm sure ) improve my playing and understanding of the guitar over the years . . . Your a top man :-)

[@Kipas_Maspoin]

Playing SG while wearing Fender shirt, Savage 🤘😂, good lesson too 👍

[@mixbic6143]

this is the only tutorial that actual sounds as original, I actually hear that paul and george played guitar on this recording as it's paul's riff

[@kingoscari3999]

Love this JJ. Thx.

[@apace003]

You have to remember that recording was changing dramatically. Mono to stereo. Hendrix did a cover of Dylan's tune, All Along the Watchtower. people went nuts because the sound went from left to right on the headphones. The sound appeared to travel right through your head. Call them gimmicks, but they added to the experience.

[@whyyeseyec]

I always loved the stereo separation used 'in the old days'. I have a huge vinyl album collection from my youth - all the original Beatles/Stones albums still intact as well as scores of other artists. Many records back then had stereo separation and I still love listening to them.

[@RonRuminski]

Love the stories. As always, thanks for the lesson.

[@gp3328]

The sg is my dream guitar because of this song.

[@JDrevolver66]

on Paul being inspired by Brian...Ian McDonald isn't the most reliable but he was probably on the right track to suggest the vocal arrangement on this song was inspired by Sloop John B, which was in the UK top 40 at the time.

[@jelau4851]

your walking in the Temple (Abbey road studio) is your "A day in a life " event, sheer pleasure.

[@shanfaulkner1856]

You really doing a great job..you really are...i get my guitar out right with ya..and jam along...very cool!!

[@roychristopher5014]

Beatle freak? .....I am world number 1 ...love your vidz

[@matthewbeeton9717]

Jj you sir are the man, now can we talk about where you are getting these bomb t shirts from?

[@NoirL.A.]

66 thru 68 GEORGE was pretty much all CASINO, STRAT and SG. the SG was a spare on stage but it was the primary guitar for PAPERBACK/RAIN and REVOLVER. for PEPPER he mostly stuck to the CASINO although he broke our THE STRAT a bit (for GEORGE the strat was always a "sometimes" guitar it was never his primary) if the used SG at all on PEPPER i'm not aware of it. early 68 he obtained new guitars and it becomes a much more mixed bag from song to song after that.

[@thinkandbefree9398]

In the background the boys are singing "Frère Jacques" - Brother John. It comes in at 1: 03. You can see George lip syncing it at 1: 21. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4rZnHx5l7mNf7M

[@islander4986]

Another great guitar part breakdown. Inquiring minds want to know, does this man have a head?

[@tonyroma7644]

so kool to know your a Beatles fan too. I've watched you for a long time now and never knew. you always have great content on your channel. thank you

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Good! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@joaocarvalho8115]

George gave his SG to Peter Ham from Bad Finger some years after.

[@darrell6800]

Pete Ham's brother auctioned it off. I think the Colts owner - who is a beatle nut - bought it

[@BigSky1]

The last songs that George used the SG on were Lady Madonna and Hey Bulldog in Feb. ‘68 before leaving for India. He is seen playing it in the Promos. So he must have gave it to Pete Ham sometime after that. Probably when Badfinger signed with Apple later in ‘68.

[@terrellgruber]

hope things are well james thank you

[@gregoryfeo6837]

David Birch was his first cousin who he gave 6120 to. Rest in peace Sir David. The Paperback Writer Gretsch!! Paul overdubs with his 1962 Epiphone Casino.. broken tooth and all... the end.

[@gregfelice1969]

James, love your SG sound. I have one, but still dialing it in. Would you mind answering a few questions: 1) what amp? 2) what pedals? 3) what strings? Thanks.

[@Cavie1974]

Very cool analysis and explanation. Thanks

[@anthonygallegos9724]

I just bought a peavy 1 12 Trans tube, oh man it rocks!

[@williamdon3442]

My favourite beatle tune. Don’t let me down as well.

[@timculp4126]

That thing at Abbey Road sounds like something I would have done.

[@markrup6369]

Small detail JJ, but I think you got the riffs reversed. The first riff you show is the outro riff and the second riff you show (that ends on the D string) is the intro riff. Great job!! Thanks for ALL your vids -- I am a better player because of you.

[@jamesjames9275]

Well, like I said, I didn’t memorize when he does each one.

[@allenfamily8445]

You're American!? I always thought you were Canadian for some reason (maybe all the hockey jerseys.) My 16-year-old bass playing Beatle freak daughter and I are working our way through '65-'66 Beatle tunes right now so this video is perfect, so this will make the old man look better than he actually is on guitar!

[@jelau4851]

I like your Beatles music, as much as the History that is tied to it, appreciated, Cheers

[@kylemoran4343]

Your neck pickup is upside down. Is that on purpose ? Did it come that way, or did you flip it ? Does it give that simulation of an out of phase pickup like Peter Green ? I flipped one once in a 335 copy, and it made the coolest sound. Cool song from my teenage years !

[@kevinjames7012]

I think John was strumming a G7? I also believe that George’s riff was recorded direct into the board.

[@jamesjames9275]

Hmm. I don't hear a G7, although he pretends to do G7 in the promo clip.

[@bif3578]

Thanks for this...BTW, what's the deal with the upside-down neck pickup?

[@jamesjames9275]

I did the Peter Green modification.

[@gregfeo8639]

John gave the 6120 Gretsch to his first cousin , David Birch, for the record!

[@jerry12601]

I thought I saw an extended video of the rooftop concert where George used an SG. Good job.

[@jamesjames9275]

Nah, just the rosewood Tele for the rooftop show.

[@BrightvisionWheels]

Paul created and played the opening riff.

[@jamesjames9275]

Hmm. I've seen online that Paul played lead, George played rhythm, and John didn't play anything. But we know for a fact that John used the Gretsch for this session. So...I don't know. Did they wipe John's part? If so, why? It's just a few strummed chords, it's not like George could play that better. :)

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

James James I think George played a bassline that was wiped - he was photographed during these sessions as playing a Burns Nu-Sonic Bass. So maybe John played the rhythm part on the Gretsch?

[@joestefanoni5263]

I love this song and think it's way past due for an even more kick ass hard rock version.

[@chilledmonkeebrains]

Such a great riff

[@winterlandboy]

You’ve heard the one where on the back cover of Revolver that’s not George ...but Keith?I just know that was a thing ..how widespread a thing I never knew but it was a thing

[@gregorywilliams1241]

James love the Abbey Road stories I would have done the same thing if I saw the doors open

[@DDEENY]

Love the Beatles anecdote.

[@fretkillrfan]

JJ ~ Do you have a preference of this or Day Tripper as a favorite riff? You are sounding great. Stay well.

[@jamesjames9275]

I give this one the edge over Day Tripper. But I actually like Doctor Robert better than both of them.

[@Bravo65]

Thanks for sharing - love your stories!

[@Gavin79746]

It's really pedantic but George's backup was actually a 345. I think it only had stereo output so that's why he quit using it.

[@jamesjames9275]

That's why I got a 345 with both mono and stereo outputs! :) You can see photos from the '66 tour where the SG is at the side of the stage, but he rarely used it.

[@Gavin79746]

@@jamesjames9275 Yeah, I assume he got sick of trying to mess with the stereo, especially as finnicky as a lot of electronics were back then and they couldn't be heard anyways, so he probably found the SG to have a close enough sound anyways and used that for Revolver. I'm curious though if he ever used the 345 to record.

[@theocharlton6169]

I think Harrison used his sg at the nme poll winners concert in 66 but Epstein cancelled filming at the last minute so only pictures available from it :(

[@guitarman8686]

Wearing a Fender T shirt and playing a Gibson. The best of both worlds!!

[@MikefromAlabama]

Great rocker! You have an excellent ear.

[@68redjavamc]

I don't think they were that purposeful for that LP art work....I think someone just took a "still" from the film you mentioned and pasted it on the back of the LP. Oh, but I share your excitement of your tour of the Beatles stomping grounds....never been there but what an experience that had to have been. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimsrv711]

Hay JJ good stuff 👍👍👍

[@davidrosen1399]

So do your holiday snaps cut off at the neck as well? Great stories and good to see you so healthy.

[@anthonygallegos9724]

Have you ever tried to play left handed? I had to learn to play right handed when I'm a lefty. I started in the 60 when left handed guitars where not around. It was not easy.

[@anthonygallegos9724]

You play so well!

[@leviathan76]

If you look closely you can see Keith Richards on the back cover of Revolver.

[@thinkandbefree9398]

Maybe you can, but he's not there ; )

[@alkitzman9179]

Cool Story about Abbey Road. I assumed your were a Beatle nut with all their songs you work out including very early album cuts. I don't think you did She said she said. And yes George did play the SG on stage in 1966. I saw a photo of them L & M were singing in one mic and George was playing the SG. Most likely 1966 American Tour. Keep up your great lessons you are a awesome guitarist

[@jamesjames9275]

Search for She Said She Said.

[@alkitzman9179]

@@jamesjames9275 thanks for getting back to me. Also I like it when you add a little commentary to your lessons

[@GMHG777]

Great stuff also great shirt, I've got that one too.

[@jluttr9808]

After this and life changes had to hit the bell. I need this type of share with no delay. BTW I never got past the gate but would have done the same.

[@bconman]

From my ears, John is going thru the trem channel on his Vox amp.

[@jeffmcelroy5437]

Did you happen to visit the Tower House while you were over there? I went to Hard Rock Cafe London and just by chance they sat us down stairs in the "led zeppelin" booth. Had one of Jimmy's double necks hanging on the wall and photos and a bunch of gold records around the booth.

[@jamesjames9275]

Been to London a bunch of times and I go to Jimmy’s house every time. :)

[@cbedwards8396]

@@jamesjames9275 I knew I should have gone by when I was there for spring break. Well, I disappoint somebody every day.

[@addisonsipes253]

James what do you think of Page's performance in 95' with Plant on "Since I've been loving you" with the orchestra??? Thanks.

[@franksullivan8317]

Great riff!

[@jpgr06]

Thanks for the content. Great story about you going to UK.

[@OzTwanger]

Love the story about Chiswick and Abbey Road

[@Mark_Ocain]

Did you do the Peter Green (may his soul rest in peace) mod on that SG?. Nice guitar, mate!

[@jamesjames9275]

Yes, Peter Green mod.

[@marrowoflife410]

Nice tone you have there !!

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Let’s see pix from your England trip

[@Daytripper51]

Would like to see those photos...blur your face if you like. Also, did it say EMI over the door??? I've some photos from about '68 when John & Paul were entering the studio...Very treasured!

[@leftythirteen]

Not sure but did you crank down your tone knob to get that tone?

[@wildwitchwomen]

Love it... Is there a G7 somewhere in there? I always hear it but no 'proof'. I really enjoy watching your stuff, Meng. Lots of great help with some choice covers.

[@marcsullivan7987]

Yeah, sorta. when the G riff plays the f note, that is a G7 tonality

[@NotUrBiz]

Guitar 1: Tune down a whole step and play first position A7 with ringing open tones. From Beatle's issued/authorized Number 1 Hits "Recorded Versions' tab book image page one imgur.com/fye8j3t

[@samcuratolo3885]

great story......did that sg come with the neck pickup reversed

[@jamesjames9275]

No, I did the Peter Green modification.

[@alanmcclelland5245]

OK, note to self " Yes I'm here to fill in some session work, for Elton "