The Beatles - Dear Prudence LESSON by Mike Pachelli

Here's a lesson on the guitar parts of John & George
on this rocker from the Beatles' White Album.
Chart & tabs at: www.MikePachelli.com

[@bradpedellvids]

Mike, once again you transcended this gem of a song into an elucidating light to further reveal the Beatles’ greatness. Even though John conceived the song, each Beatle (sans Ringo as you revealed) contributed in their own powerful style to complete this masterpiece. What is also remarkable are your vocal background harmonies in your sound-alike. I’ll bet that tracking those the way you did may have been even more rigorous work than breaking down the guitar parts. Those harmonies are integral for rounding out this song and you sound perfect! Incredible how you do that! Thank you for a marvelous lesson and teaching about this song’s history. What a great way to start my morning experiencing your gift of the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.”

[@MPfrance]

@brad - How very kind of you to write such nice words - thank you! The hardest part re: the BGV's was holding that high D (Paul sang) for SO long. I found if I didn't think (or stress) about it too much I could do it. The other parts are just simple triads. Not stressing over a part is also useful when trying to play difficult guitar passages. Tip #4,871. :-)

[@bradpedellvids]

@Mike - You’re welcome! McCarney’s vocal range was incredible and congrats on your ability and accomplishment to nail it. You make a great point about not stressing in the moment. My guitar teacher years ago used to advise me just that - relax and let things flow. Meanwhile, your BGVs and lead vocal are superb (in addition to your guitar teaching and playing, of course). Thank you again for your beautiful work, along with your humility and kindness. It’s always a joy and pleasure “hanging out with you.”

[@adriandonoghue8210]

Great job! The ending of this song is one of my all time favourite Beatle moments.

[@mikehicks4414]

The simple but perfect ascending guitar from George and Paul's piano is thrilling.

[@craigparse1439]

You nailed it! That was one of the most ethereal songs that The Beatles did and one of my favorite "John" songs.

[@sapelesteve]

That was terrific as usual Mike! Another tune that clearly demonstrates the incredible musical genius of JL! Thanks again for keeping their music alive & well for all to appreciate! 👍👍👏👏

[@dennisbell9639]

You're the man Mike, excellent cover of this FABulous song.You captured Lennon's vocals and passion right on as well.Overall,as usual,a very nicely done production.

[@stephenhyder4659]

This song is more of a masterpiece than I have thought. You did a masterful job with it.

[@Mr._Moonlight]

This is true of nearly every Beatles song - masterpieces hiding in plain sight. We’ve heard them so many times we take them for granted.

[@carldutro7336]

Mike....... what a FANTASTIC lesson and a FANTASTIC performance...!!!!! 😃

[@andrewpappas9311]

I've been wanting a lesson for this song for a long time so I was definitely happy to see this come up, it's always been one of my favourite Beatles songs as well as one to play on bass (which is still one of Paul's best). It was definitely cool to hear that there were multiple overdubbed guitar parts from John, I always thought it was just the one fingerpicked acoustic part from him alongside George's lead parts so that was fun to learn. I also would've loved to have seen a section for Paul's bass part (which is one of his best and most fun parts to play) since that's another great part of the song but knocking it out of the park as always, Mike, and a fun video to watch a few days after my 25th birthday (which was how old George would've been during the White Album sessions lol)

[@ww3lstep]

Much respect for the time it must have taken to unravel all the layers! Another stellar lesson.

[@lovehategoddie]

Thanks Mike, I also consider it perhaps Johns greatest song , it’s mesmerizing . Love the progression and the patience playing it it

[@davemish4163]

Mike you are amazing! You are the only person I trust when learning Beatles songs!

[@keithhazelton3383]

Epic! Perhaps your best-ever Sound-Alike, you nailed this complex work of art, an all-time favorite.

[@markbrennan6684]

Great lesson Mike. One of my favourite JOHN songs, in fact, one of my favourite songs of all time. Beautiful music and a very personal message. The picking pattern is, well, challenging but is a key element. I think it will take me more than 50,000 times to learn it. Watching and listening to your masterful sound alike, I realised how towards the end of the song George’s lead answers JOHN‘s vocals, but somehow stays with the musical theme and builds to the ending. Simple and brilliant at the same time. Thank you for the work you do and your superb musicianship.

[@glennk1931]

Thank you Mike. I was not tuning the lower 6th string to D. My bad. It is a beautiful song. Have always loved the opening guitar diff.

[@SergejRod]

How many efforts to found out and show all layers of the song that sounds so easy and simple! My great respect!

[@LaffSoundsIncProductions]

So glad you have a lesson on this song! Thank you! This is my favorite Beatles song

[@ronrago2696]

Dear Prudence is one of those special songs that to me sounds like at any second its just going to explode. Its amazing how the picking stays so subtle but makes me feel like it wants to bust out bad. I absolutely love this song. Your performance is mind blowing. Thank you all your hard work to help us!

[@outtathyme5679]

There’s a real inner tension throughout the album

[@terrellgruber]

George is insane! I heard Pul saying without Carl Perkins there wouldn't be Beatles. Great job Mike!!

[@mchii6633]

Awesome!!!!! Love it! Love it! Love it!

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

Amazing tutorial of a Beatles masterpiece. You look a lot like John in your vocals recording.

[@patricedege3346]

Incredible job, Mike! Thank you.

[@182-n7h]

Been waiting for this one! Amazing once again Mike!

[@3fsw3]

Another great job! Mike, you’re morphing into John Lennon from the Sgt Pepper days✊🏼😎

[@jeremymoore1426]

I’m not hugely interested in trying to replicate the Beatles tracks even where my skill level might allow me to play bits of them. However , I always find the dissection and analysis of the guitar parts fascinating and inspiring. I really enjoy the soundalike tracks at the end too.

[@ramjtme]

Fantastic. I'm hearing this song in a much different way than ever before. Thanks for your dedication to the preservation of this great song. We love you.

[@MPfrance]

My pleasure!

[@raydelavega7457]

Hey Mike, as a Fan of The Beatles since 1963, 72 now. You've put some Amazing Videos on Showing How They Put their Music Together, Etc. My Wife Loves the channel!!! Dear Prudence Rocks!!! 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@joshjacobs6276]

The bassline in this song 😍

[@mikeopdenaker5573]

FAN-DANG-TASTIC! Wonderful! Thanks Mike

[@TheCaptahab]

Thank you Mike for your contribution to our understanding of Beatles songs! 🎵🙌

[@MPfrance]

My pleasure!

[@davebowman6497]

Done watching. Mike.. my day to day quality of life just jumped off the scale! I loathe "GOAT"s, "the best", and the Paul v/s John stupidities when they surface. But I will say this here and now: Prudence is remarkable in so many ways. The picking'n'drone stuff, the lyrics, the vocals (and your take on that is great!), the arrangement (very dynamic, escalating and then mellowing down again), Pauls bass track and Georges fuzzy SG.. Everything! As close to a perfectly written, arranged and recorded song as there ever can be. No click track (I assume), no auto-tune, no compression (or at least it's subtle). Just really good musicman-ship. I really like your comment on what could have been if Ringo had been on it. (And smiled when you tapped your foot rather than bringing in Metronome Starkey since Ringo isn't on the track). Personally I imagine there's no heaven 😉. But if there is, John just might sit there and give you a nod and one of his smirky smiles. And you would deserve it!

[@stephenstrang590]

HE FINALLY DID IT. The Legend is UNSTOPPABLE!

[@scottalbee3211]

Just fantastic! You always get the right tone with perfect timing.😊

[@jar4584]

Thanks for another great video

[@luismagonzalez7830]

Thank you Mike, keep it up with spirit! We love you and your work you do for us!

[@jasonmathis7662]

Awesome job Mike! Loved it

[@MPfrance]

Glad to hear it!

[@stationminute]

Thanks Mike for delving into this wonderful arrangement. Your soundalike was spectacular. And I'd like to add a word of encouragement to any players out there who think the fingerpicking is beyond their abilities. Stick to it, keep practicing... you can absolutely do this! It takes time, but once you get it, you've got it forever.

[@kdavis63]

One of the first songs I learned to play so many years ago....Mahalo Mike!

[@Scottish_Canuck]

Your instructional videos mean so much to me, which is why I’ve purchased several of your tabs. The first time I heard a Beatles’ song was from a six transistor hand held radio, which I held to my ear. As a student in grade six, I had a paper route and it was on a Saturday morning delivering papers, when I became a follower of Beatles’ music.

[@stringman509]

Im in love with this song just he way it's put together sounds so lovely 😊

[@RickDanner]

great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dnbeckmann]

Nostalgia! I had that SG when in highschool! :-) Thanks, Mike.

[@n1kkri]

Thanks, I can't read music and have been struggling with that picking pattern and you made it clear enough for me to play. Just have to keep practicing it for at least 50,000 times. ha

[@MPfrance]

@n1kkri - Just practice it VERY slowly for those 50,000 times. And then you'll have it!

[@1heybulldog]

Fantastic! Awesome job. One of your best sound alike’s also.

[@JordanMcLaughlin918]

I have always loved this song. And now I can play it too!

[@amexjam55]

Huh. I always thought it was Ringo on drums. If indeed it was Paul sitting in, then I feel he did a superb job. Great work as always, Mike.👍✌️

[@guitarman53]

Thank for showing me how George did that lead guitar in the bridge of this magnificent song. Definitely another classic Beatles' tune.

[@charlesbaudelaire9460]

Excellent work, Mike!

[@kenschachsieck1357]

Again you aced your assignment!! It amazes me how near the record you can get, very impressive!!

[@maurocoimbra9624]

You're a fabulous musicist and a great teacher! And being yourself a great fan of the Fab 4, your videos transmit this feeling! Thank so much for your great job!! Greetings from Brazil!

[@MPfrance]

Wow, thank you!

[@peted6812]

POssibly the best lesson you have posted. ...and you have poted a lot of great ones. Thank you Mike.

[@bradleyrieger1517]

Terrific!

[@Daytripper51]

This is one of the more complex covers you've presented! GREAT job!!!!! I notice on the descending D chord, to C note, to B note, and Bflat note, your little finger "assignments changed in different parts. That's a very difficult positioning of fingers....You did well!

[@Hammerman48]

Great job as always Mike…..Greatest band ever!

[@odnaZCS]

Look forward to checking this one out, cheers Mike 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@johncampolo2177]

What a beautiful song. Lennon was indeed a genius.

[@AlbieSol560]

Hypnotic guitars and great bass from Paul. Great job Mike!

[@mikehughes6582]

I love it. Thank you.

[@martinwalker3372]

Just caught up with you Mike. That was fantastic. Thank you.

[@davidg1811]

One of my favorites. Thanks for doing this (from a fellow penguin).

[@Fuchs-AA3963AA]

Mike - excellent tutorial! Enjoyed your video very much. Best your info and comments: “I was already cosmic” “repeat it 50k times” and on drumming Ringo vs. Paul! 😂😂😂 Thanks a lot and warm regards from Berlin

[@PaulGTerry]

Utter brilliance, with so much detail!

[@midnightblues717]

Thank you very much for this Mike, it was inspirational! Likely my all-time favorite Beatles song for sure. I've listened to this song since '68 when my brother (a drummer) purchased the "White" Album". Hearing it always gives me an indescribable feeling, while at the same time, bringing back so many memories. Your "Sound Alike" managed to produce them well, so thank you again!

[@davebowman6497]

Yes, Mike! Yes, yes, yes!! I've been waiting for you to do this! [Written before watching]

[@danielrockmyer949]

One of my Favs of Beatles tunes! It would have been better with Ringo but Paul did a great job on drums anyway. Thanks Mike! 💥🎸

[@BWMcT]

Genius! Genius… there is no other word.

[@makifrank1809]

Great! Simply, great!

[@donaldcampbell9219]

Incredible.

[@geo.cgeier3435]

Wow!!! Fantastic Mr. Sixth Beatle you are Mike. Loved the story of, the lessons and of course the sound alike is my favorite. You’re the best!✌🏻❤️

[@paulnicholls3377]

Fantastique!

[@thibaultjn]

Perfect as always ! Thanks a lot

[@bodhisenior9933]

You absolutely legend Mike!!!!!! More White Album! Yer blues!!!

[@louislamboley9167]

George always came up with a great lead run and backup fills if left alone to work it out. Great lesson as usual.

[@willmaeinssagen2117]

Another outstanding lesson. Great analysis, playing and explanation of the guitar parts. And by the way, very good singing, Mike, especially the octaves of the main vocal and the high notes of the backing vocals. So what should I say, your're the best, Mike.

[@dreiklang12203]

Superb!

[@MPfrance]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@richiewalker0114]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 Dude, I thought I knew how to play most Beatle tunes, but you’re killing it with all the vocals as well. If that bolt of lightning hits you, you’d be completely out of control in a ‘Yesterday’ Part 2.

[@simongumery]

FAB! Well done Mike....you are the master.

[@petet968]

I forgot how great this song was. You got so close with the sound alike. Awesome.

[@harrysinnett149]

One of my all time favorite Beatles songs. I used to play guitar and sing it not too long after it came out. I used my ES-335 into an American made Super Beatle. You're right about the verses taxing your fingers on the voicing. You did a great job on the Sound-Alike.

[@robertocecchetti3999]

This is exactly what I needed!!! Eccellent job!!!

[@robertpucci5019]

Great job man!!!! 🎸🎸🎸

[@matcoffidis1135]

You know, I was wondering if there were multiple guitar tracks for tbe rhythm part. Love your breakdown. Ive been playing it wrong all these years...lol. George's parts are so cool. Really adds that extra texture to the song. Sound alike superb as always. What a tremendous track. Paul's drum solo feels a little outta time, but I still dig it...

[@rickkiebiech6088]

This is the one I was waiting for. Fantastic!

[@paulhumberstone4843]

mike i cant play a note on a guitar but i know your the best teacher of the guitar ever well done on a brilliant song

[@mardin56]

I practice this song as an exercise in thumb independence. Donovan described teaching John how to Travis pick, and standard Travis picking would more likely have used a 6-4-5-4 thumb pattern (root, root, fifth, root) on a dropped D chord. This won't sound right, because John, being John, used a 5-4-6-4 pattern (fifth, root, root, root), as Mike demonstrates. And John does not deviate from that pattern for the whole song, which imparts that strong droning feeling. Brilliant. Like 'Julia,' I find this song much easier to play on an electric set to a clean tone. Thanks for the lesson, Mike.

[@alangriff1]

Brilliant as usual Mike. I've listened to this track so many times but never really listened to what was going on ...Theresa lot alright

[@raungstones6511]

Cool 🔥🔥🔥

[@boguszasmann6844]

He he Mike great approach great lesson

[@brucetowell3432]

Lots of good tidbits on the back story as usual, thanks so much Mike!! Yea you are the man to go to for tutoring us on the Beatles numbers for sure!!! Has Paul ever chimed in with a "yea you are right on this part"...or "you forgot this bit'? thanks

[@surroundedbyjaggoffs]

I always loved the sound of this tune, it’s much more difficult than I thought, oh well another song I won’t be able to play!!!😢 Mike you are a wizard, wish I had one tenth of of your talent and experience not to mention your expertise!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@terrellgruber]

Keep playing guitar and unsurround yourself

[@erict1917]

Beautifully performed and analyzed.

[@RussShirley1]

Well done as usual!

[@winstonsmith8240]

I'm learning this. Love this tune. Could learn a lot from this. Great use of slash chords. Suprised Pat Metheny hasn't covered this one yet. Thanks. 👍

[@widely]

masterful. thanks. something to work on today! and tomorrow and all week...

[@okguitarvideos]

Great one Mike!

[@MichelCharron-x5j]

Simply, wow!

[@matthew-m]

Hey Mike, absolutely love all of the detail you put in these wonderful Beatles tutorials. As a photographer/videographer myself, I just wanted to give a tip; I'm not sure if you use auto exposure when filming these videos of you, but if so it seems to be artificially raising the ISO to make the footage grainy even when the lighting is sufficient enough to do something like 400 or 800 ISO and keeping speed around 1/60. Try that out and see if it comes out better!

[@TR4Ajim]

Excellent lesson!! By all accounts Ringo is a pretty mellow guy. Paul must have been a real pain to cheese Ringo off.

[@Rickycapisimo]

Wonderful Job!!!!!

[@soulhealer20]

Fantastic!

[@markdavis8532]

Great, as always, Mike!