The Beatles - In My Life LESSON by Mike Pachelli

Here's a lesson on the guitar parts of John & George on this great Rubber Soul classic. Chart & tabs at: www.MikePachelli.com

[@michaelb1716]

Mike, thank you so much for this lesson... One of my very favourites. That sound on your strat for John's soft rhythm part is just beautiful, it's underrated for this kind of playing

[@westfield90]

One of the most beautiful songs ever. Hard to imagine is was written by a 25 year old. That’s true genius. Thank you Mike for covering this amazing song.

[@iamjmw]

Ingenious! Mike, How about Your Mother Should Know? Watched a beautiful rendition (towards the end of video) of a guitarist at Norm's Rare Guitar playing a 1930's Gretsch. You could do that one justice!

[@scotttyson7970]

Wow.he had 15 more years to live

[@jackstotz2977]

I am a rhythm guitar player who has been playing Beatles songs since 1965 and yet I ALWAYS learn something from each of your videos. Using your usual shout out to George..so simple...so genius; and, even though your videos are guitar focused shout out to Ringo who always seems to find the PERFECT and unique drum parts...especially in THIS tune.

[@bercremasters]

Hey Mike! You're the best Beatles teacher! May you do a "I'll get you" lesson?

[@sapelesteve]

That was fantastic as usual Mike! I remember the first time hearing the "Rubber Soul" album & being blown away! "In My Life" is definitely one of my favorite Beatles songs! IMO, it has JL written all over it! Just genius playing & singing! Thanks so much for keeping their music alive & hope that all is well in France. 👍👍👏👏

[@MPfrance]

Steve - Glad you enjoyed it and yeah, things are lovely on the Riviera!

[@randymccracken2722]

It's always a pleasure to see you reconstruct a Beatles song Mike!

[@danielrockmyer949]

Mike. Thanks again for doing In My Life. I knew you were going to put this out from that few second drum part you put out several days ago. I wish George Martin would have let Harrison do a great lead part and then pick which they liked best. But it is what it is and it's Great! A Fav of mine. Thanks 🎸

[@zuperdee]

I seem to recall watching an interview somewhere with George Martin, and he talked about how he played the piano solo and sped it up on tape because he couldn’t really play it that fast with his fingers, and that’s why the piano has that unusually bright, almost harpsichord-like timbre.

[@Lqqq]

Thanks for all your hard work in covering these Beatles greats Mike, your tutorials are the best! - James 🎸

[@mikedelph5796]

Mike I can’t describe how much I appreciate you and am grateful for your work. You really need to think about releasing your sing along as a cover single. It’s really good! This may be the greatest song written and to interpret it in the way you did is no easy task. Just amazing!

[@joedez454]

I agree. This truly is Lennon's greatest Beatles song.

[@joeblow502]

You are a Beatles legend mike. Perfectly played as always.

[@thefountainhead6175]

+ 👍 +

[@dnbeckmann]

Seriously, Joe is right. Mike, no one has ever done as well at this as yourself; should go down in history :-). Blessings, bro.

[@robbiegadeguitar]

Mike you are a living legend. I ended my show last night with “In My Life”. I had not played it in awhile. I go home and the first thing that pops up on my computer is this. What a treat!

[@PeterUnbehauen]

Mike, you always dig out a nice one. Thanks for all the work

[@ashleyvinning6333]

Hey Mike. You really make my day. At 70++ you keep the vibe going for me. Brilliant

[@ChampaRealLordChampa]

this is my favorite Beatles Song, thank you for doing this!

[@markcowpairlucky]

Mine too! 🤝

[@alkitzman9179]

Mike that was brilliant how you brought out the Guitars in your sound alike . Hopefully if Giles Martin does a remix of Rubber Soul he can bring out John's Guitar as its a very lovely piece of rhythm playing. Your version was outstanding. I will be fooling around with this today for sure. Thanks again Mike your the best at explaining and showing how great and underrated the Beatles Guitar playing was.

[@MPfrance]

glad to be of some help!

[@individrus]

Finally! One of my favorite Beatles songs- and one of most favorite songs ever. Incredible lyrics

[@monsieurmitosis]

I’ve always played this using a capo on the 2nd fret, and without being a smart ass I prefer it to John’s guitar arrangement. The notes chime out more, since the chords can be played in open position, including the A7 and the D and D minors. It’s also easier to play. In fact I was sure the Beatles must have played it that way themselves, but as noted John’s rhythm guitar is buried in the mix to the point of inaudibility. But if Mike has access to the original stems, I suppose I must have been wrong all of these years. Anyway, still a great lesson and history of one of John (or Paul’s) most beautiful progressions, heartfelt lyrics and persuasive melodies.

[@allenfamily8445]

If George Martin was the fifth Beatle, then Mike Pacelli is the sixth. Teriffic as usual, Mike. Thanks for helping me get some of the nuances, now off to give it a try.

[@renato113]

Mike Pachelli my fifth Beatle did it again. I love it my friend. Keep the Beatles alive !!!

[@louislamboley9167]

What a great Album that was. Each song was a gem.

[@iam.aarisaa]

Respect Mike. Awesome like always🤘🏻

[@reedburke7762]

Mike gives a fantastic Beatles impression once more! I truly enjoy your artistic and talented interpretations, so I hope that someday you'll eventually make them all available for purchase. Thank you, Sir.

[@MPfrance]

Thank you very much!

[@slipcheck5]

Mike as i'am reading all of the comments , especially this tutorial, there absolutely spot on. You are an excellent instructor. Plus i might add, you sound just like the "The Infamous Beatles"! Hopefully Paul McCartney tunes into your You Tube performances I believe he would be blown away as well. Please keep up this wonderful work. Your Friend Marc☻

[@steverhenius6734]

Good breakdown of a great song. An incarnation of the Bootleg Beatles did this live. The guitarist did an excellent version of the keyboard solo. Perhaps you’d consider transcribing that ? It’s quite challennging but, I’d venture, we’ll within your capabilities. It would compliment George’s other parts rally well. Please have a go :-)

[@richardmeekins5572]

Another great Beatles lesson ! John Lennon the most under rated guitarist in rock history.

[@johnnyschannel1316]

The way the chorus harmony vocals float over the melody is also brilliant, and something new for rock recordings (IMO) in 1965. Nicely done Mike! One of The Beatles best.

[@martinwalker3088]

Absolutely wonderful Mike, thank you so much once again.

[@lukeloop]

For many years you will be the definitive Beatles teacher. Thanks my fellow addict.

[@oelarnes]

Grateful for the tip for one-guitar arrangements. I’m always looking for ways to work the solos in. Fortunately John provided such great rhythm parts. I always think it’s going to take more arranging than it does.

[@edwardturello2782]

Beautiful. I said it once before that you sound like John, but in this one you even look like John. Your singing and your playing makes for the best sounding cover of one of the most beautiful songs ever written ( by John, no doubt ) with probable contributions by Paul. I don't know how you do it Mike but I've listened to this song a billion times and I would have never been able to pick apart the different sections of the song that you've outlined so well. Ringo is not taking my calls.

[@MPfrance]

edward - Thanks for all the kudos - I appreciate it. But - it kinda creeps me out when folks say I "look like John." I don't look ANYTHING like Lennon - nor do I want to or am I trying to. I'm perfectly ok with looking like the old fart that I am!

[@edwardturello2782]

@@MPfrance With all due respect I never meant to creep you out but you're as skinny as John was (after Yoko got ahold of him) you sing like him, and with the glasses on you kind of look like him and you play sort of like him. So that's where that came from but I do respect your individuality.

[@wateormelon4400]

Could you maybe do a lesson on I Want You (She’s So Heavy) soon?

[@jeffj318]

Barefoot Mike doing Beatles songs like no one else. You even shake your head like Ringo. You will always be the fifth Beatle in my opinion. I need to go play this song thanks to you. Living in France certainly suits you well, Mike. Much love from the Northeast USA. ❤

[@richardcooper4206]

Great interpretation, Mike. I agree with you about the baroque piano solo and what George would have produced. One of my favourite things about the beatles is his sublime little fills which add so much to the songs.

[@swettyspaghtti]

Mike you NAILED those vocals . 👏👏👏👏👏

[@liamjh81]

Amazing video as always Mike, one thing I love about the recording of this song is on the last time George catches his finger nail or plec on the a string and you get that little string buzz 😊

[@alexleyva3751]

Hi Mike, that’s a very beautiful song. I always love listening the backstory you put in each song. Thank you for this lesson.

[@MPfrance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DrDuaneLundervold]

Hey Mike, an idea. Please create a George Harrison lead for the section where he would have played, as you suggested.

[@stuartedgar1885]

One of the first guitar riffs I learned in the 60s, still playing keep up the good work you are doing keeping their music in the public domain as it should be.

[@maximobenatti6110]

Great Mike, one of my favorites. In this song I always loved this baroque piano and especially Ringo's really original drumming

[@area49g12]

Note perfect as always, and gorgeous harmonies, kudos ;-)

[@carlfichtner8148]

Hours of work for a nice rendition of 2 minutes... Great job !🎸🎵🎶🎶🎶

[@nardsnards5407]

as usual, you bring it all together like no one can! wonderful presentation. you are great!

[@larrywest538]

Always liked your stuff, but you nailed this song with everything… vocals too. A very under rated song that could have stood on its own as a single…

[@erict1917]

You're having way too much fun in southern France! Rubber Soul came out when I was a teen living in Paris, great times indeed. Fabulous recreation of "In My Life".

[@howardkwellerm.d.510]

Magnificent! I played this song for my dance with my second daughter at her wedding. Makes me cry…..

[@jamler6886]

One of your absolute best!

[@Hammerman48]

Great job as always Mike! Thanks, one of my favourite Beatles ballads.

[@MPfrance]

Rock on!

[@JGChaves]

Mike, thank you so much for your hard working in bring these tutorials of us. Congratulations.

[@tonyhaines2337]

Man! I could have used these tutorials back in the day!

[@lajji71]

힘든 일상에서 축적된 피로가 치유되는 렛슨 영상이었습니다.. 감사합니다 ^^

[@jamesgoddard2321]

You really outdid yourself with this one Mike. Beautifully done.

[@user-michael77]

The melody is so Lennon! McCartney as usual is just full of himself.

[@lawman3966]

John was great. His mistake was that he took his lucky break and broke in two. It wasn't clear what could be done for him at that point.

[@user-michael77]

​@@lawman3966You stoned?😂

[@randolfvoldish2456]

If not my favorite Beatles song, it's in the top 2. As thoughtful as it is hauntingly beautiful.

[@jada90]

Your attention to detail never fails to amaze

[@doyledarby9020]

Here come the sun king. Overlooked song. Great guitar parts. Thanks mike

[@timmcgurl]

Mike, I've been watching your friggin' BRILLIANT videos for several years now, and this is the first time I realized, and heard you say, that you live in the South of France? Wow, how far out! I used to live further North in Leuven, (Louvain-Fr) Belgium from 1973 to 1975, where I was studying Philosophy at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven! You are a genius the way you intricately break down all The Beatles great tunes. Enjoy Sud de France! Acclamations monsieur!

[@ericleon6482]

One of the most beautiful songs ever, no question. Only 3 takes? Wow. The piano is awesome too. Thank you Mike for all your most excellent videos, I am on a journey about learning to play at least 100 Beatles songs, I'm at about 80ish so, I can check one nmore thanks to you. Cheers!

[@richardbaker4797]

Hi Mike Thanks for all of these excellent videos, so enjoyable to watch. I have a question. In the film Yesterday, there is a scene where Jack is in a taxi going to meet Old John at the beach House.. The guitar that accompanies the scene is beautiful, but I don’t know which song it is from. Would you have any idea?

[@bricehuck604]

Any chance we can get honey pie?

[@EduardoSilva-sm2df]

This, please!

[@charlieread]

Mike, the painstaking effort you put into dissecting and analyzing these songs - then the time and effort you put into creating each video - is just phenomenal. You make it look so easy and seamless, but I know that many, many hours have gone into a production like this, from start to finish. Besides being a great musician, you are a superb instructor. Your "labors of love" are truly appreciated!

[@MPfrance]

Thank you - it's nice when somebody notices!

[@charlieread]

Oh my goodness, yes! You're so welcome. I've not accomplished a tenth musically that you have, but with a few albums and music vids, I have a good idea. I've wanted to comment several times, but always got distracted. People with gifts like yours deserve to be appreciated. I didn't mention it, but all your vids are amazing ... I'm a Beatles fanatic from WAY BACK, like you ... and the instruction (and "extra" information) are absolutely top notch, Mike. Keep up the great work!

[@arnoldoguimaraes9918]

Maravilhoso, te seguindo p sempre, grato

[@joephillips4082]

Wow. I have no words.

[@ruatarengsicolneyrengsi8924]

You showed all there is to know how to play the song - on the guitar. Tremendous. Thankyou.

[@caroljdeel]

Hi Mike! I follow everything you have done and what a difference it has made in my interpretations of Beatle songs. I've read voraciously Beatle biographies - ever since Hunter Davies' "Authorized Biography" over 50 years ago. Philip Norman and Mark Lewisohn are among my favs. But the stories and particularly the technical details that you share are particularly fascinating and I wonder if you coud recommend some works that are your favorites. Love your connection to Phil Keaggy too - started playing his songs in the early 80s! Blessings, my friend!

[@keithgeorge2541]

That was much better than the original mix!

[@berryj.greene7090]

Love your stuff Mike. Back in the day I used to go by feel and the sound of the record. I could often (thought I could) hear the chord and which inversion of it was used. I wasn't a great capo user (didn't have one for 25 years. I "heard" this in G shapes. Do you think they might have used a capo to raise the G to A? Much as I like the Baroque piano interlude - its no good to a guitarist...! Well not this one! I was hoping you would cover it in some inspired way... that I could copy! BTW G is just about as high as I can sing it, and the opening riff sounds good in G... Two strings as you suggest but open B & Lo G- then HiG & open D . Thanks Mike.

[@DiazdelVivar]

the amazing thing about The Beatles is those looks like Major-Minor chords... but the voices complete the harmony... that B, ended up being a B7 with 9th just to name one example...

[@phylliscanning7664]

I never realized there were such detailed nuances to John's rhythm in this. Have to buy the chart again! Want to get it exact rather than just playing the chords. 😉 It would be nice if you had tabs for the bass parts too (other than the special lessons you have for certain bass parts) and the keyboards for this one, but I know that's a lot to ask.

[@srkicuk01]

You're trully GREAT! THANKS!

[@MackAxyzz]

outstanding work as always...che Dio ti benedica amico mio

[@geoffspitfire5160]

Perfection Mike - Well done.

[@danbar9494]

Incredible .... especially the sound alike.

[@Cedrou21]

❤

[@terrellgruber]

Love your videos! When this album came out trying to plunk out the songs on my acoustic Stella beginner guitar was beyond frustrating. Seems like the whole world got a music lesson with every new Beatle album.The U S Rubber Soul is best.Thank You

[@MPfrance]

Rock on!

[@venderstrat]

Beautiful. Bloody beautiful, mate. Love the Sonic Blue Strat.

[@jean-marieboucherit4518]

Apparently John wrote the lyrics and Paul the music?

[@andrewvictor1865]

At the end of the song it seems George grazes the 2nd string after playing the last note. It always sounded great to me so I always tried to do it on purpose.

[@dnbeckmann]

Yep - one of my favs! Thanks, Mike.

[@jar4584]

How do you have all these times for all these cool lessons.

[@u.spatriot6469]

Trust me, this is pure John Lennon. Nice try Paul!!!

[@カーネイション]

3:03 John’s part 11:25 George’s part 15:00 sound alike

[@DrGerard66]

Excellent tutorial Mike; one of your best. To my ears the tune is very McCartney but as you say we'll never know for sure.

[@user-michael77]

Not even close it's McCartney.

[@marktremblay]

Good job on these tutorials! Greatly appreciated! Cheers

[@venderstrat]

Has McCartney's fingerprints all over it.

[@andrewpappas9311]

This has always been one of my favourite Beatles songs and was one of the first Beatles riffs I learned on guitar, great lesson as always Mike and I'd love to see one on songs like Hey Bulldog or some Anthology cuts like Free As A Bird, Real Love and If You've Got Trouble

[@MPfrance]

Andrew - Sorry but I'm not fond of any of the songs you requested. And I gotta like the song to spend 2 weeks absorbed in one (VERY deeply) in order to figure it out, teach/record it on video, do a ton of audio & video editing, write the charts and do a sound-alike.

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@MPfrance That’s fair and I totally understand, thanks for the feedback. Great lesson as always, Mike, love watching and playing along with these and I look forward to seeing what song you tackle next

[@keithbraithwaite5836]

strange the " Fenders" do not appear to have Truss Rods. Both Blue and White. Strange!!!

[@TheWampaKing]

Finally a lesson that gets the strumming paterns right!

[@ronarnott1801]

sounds great and the bare foot lead singer is an extra plus. Ya gotta love recording in your own studio

[@MPfrance]

Thanks Ron - I'm barefoot a lot. I live on the French Riviera.

[@nath9233]

Absolutely amazing!

[@jahns6980]

One of my favorite Beatles song

[@outtathyme5679]

Literally awesome work, Mike

[@makifrank1809]

Brilliant!

[@JGmedia18]

Omg Mike ! This is my al time fav Beatles track . What’s so interesting is that the guitar parts are nothing special and so I have never really enjoyed playing along to this one . Many times I’ve sat down to learn the song only to lose interest and when you break it down as you have done here I can see why. George’s part on its own is so uninspiring! So why then has this been voted the all time Beatles best song ? For me the clue may be in Ringos drumming. I learned this many years ago and it is still possibly my fav drum riff. Like nothing before or since played on the drums. Instantly recognisable as this song when only the drums are played. For me by turning down Ringos volume particularly the cymbal play the song really loses its magic, so maybe there is the clue to its popularity. I couldn’t hear the cymbal where Ringo plays just the centre cup part and I noticed you brought in the snare every time after that part which Ringo only does sometimes adding to the intrigue. Often it’s what Ringo leaves out that’s more important than he puts in. Overall really enjoyed the story but still probably won’t be soloing this one on the guitar, but on the drums , yes!

[@sheistcoff]

"Unfortunately on the mix of the record they pretty much buried John's guitar part", say's Mike Pachelli. Abbey Road had a strange custom of recording voices and instruments on the same track, rather than keeping them seperate and then bouncing down onto a spare track. Les Paul had an 8-track in his studio in the late 50s. All the major US studios had 8 track by the mid 60s. Abbey Road was disinclined to purchase an 8- track till the White Album in 1967. To my ear, as great a drum sound as it is, I feel it’s the wrong sound for the song. Snare is too high in the mix.

[@JoeCarpenter]

Well done, Mike....as usual. Many thanks!

[@MPfrance]

Thanks for listening

[@Merseyrock]

Great lesson. You sure have bat ears! For all the details and nuances buried within the mix, when covering John's part. When transitioning to speak about George's part, bridging it with Martin's 18th Century-style piano solo was a nice touch: It threw me off at first; I didn't know if you were to talk about Harrison, or Martin, lol.

[@sweetbabyjesus6516]

I always found John’s timing on the last line’s break curious as there is no natural pause after the high-pitched, ‘In my life…’, but immediately a strong, ‘I love you more’, comes in and to me is slightly jarring. I wonder if this was an overdub?

[@kevingarrett1531]

Where'd they get that bass? It's a left-hand but with a right-handed neck on it, just like Paul's. I never understood that. Looks like someone replicated it.

[@rwmiller9062]

Great mix on this wonderful song. Question- is your frequent (well founded) criticism of the mixes a criticism of George Martin or the 1960s technology or something else?