The Beatles' SECRET WEAPON! | Friday Fretworks

The Fender VI and how the Beatles used it.
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0:00 Intro
0:06 JAM! (Helter Skelter - The Beatles)
1:10 The Get Back Effect
2:04 The Bass VI's history
3:20 First uses of the Bass VI
4:07 The Beatles and the Bass VI
5:54 JAM! (Back in the U.S.S.R - The Beatles)
7:09 The While My Guitar Gently Weeps Mystery
8:27 What happened to the Bass VI?
9:19 Why it isn't more popular?
10:50 JAM! (Tell Me How It Feels - Cardinal Black)
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[@vDomMusic]

Actually loved the outro solo. I'm a guitarist for an indie rock band and I seriously think it's something we could incorporate in many different ways!!

[@roughcutguitars]

Imagine doubling it with his guitar solo on top though...

[@CorbCorbin]

@@roughcutguitars Imagine when Chris does his signature bend, then slide the finger into another bend, and the two tones make a dissonant noise, that just wouldn’t compliment that style of music.

[@ricardo_miguel13]

which outro solo? Helter Skelter?

[@gurepuli]

w o w was the entry and the solo!

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

It has a 30" scale as do other baritones, which is what any similar acoustics from way back before even the discovery of electricity, and now also electrics are still called today, and there are tenors too. Well Leo did call his vibrato a tremolo and now most players and even some makers adopted and use the wrong word because of it.

[@BallparkBlueprints]

Did nobody else catch that John probably chose to play the Bass VI (rather than Paul's new Jazz) because it's right-handed and Paul's bass was left-handed?

[@justiceforjamespaulmccartney]

James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!

[@profile2047]

@@justiceforjamespaulmccartneyThe reason why you aren’t worth debating, is because people like you have your mind made up. Like you said, no matter what. No evidence would ever change your mind. Even when I have evidence and believe my ideas to be correct, I must leave the door open because that’s how one learns. The errors in your thinking, and claim to have an absolute truth is why conspiracy theorists (and many religious people) are terrifying.

[@justiceforjamespaulmccartney]

@@profile2047 I do not debate the truth. It makes no sense, common sense or logic. Open your eyes, do your own research and if even then you can't see the truth, you can live in your fake world.

[@the1trueporkchop]

That outro was insane! Yes… yes you should play lead on a Bass VI!!!

[@lordundhimself1310]

Same sht I said

[@kenmiles4145]

I've got one. Love it.

[@gilassp]

4:34 - John and George occasionally used Fender Bass VI because it was a right handed model, they couldn't use Paul's left handed Jazz Bass or any of his other bass guitars. Some time later they also got a right handed Fender Jazz Bass, which George used on a couple of Abbey Road songs. 7:13 - outtakes and studio chat point towards Paul playing Fender Jazz Bass on album version of Helter Skelter (John played Fender Bass VI on first three slow rehearsal takes which happened much earlier).

[@daveshaw7953]

John’s bass 6 is on Helter Skelter, just have a listen in isolation.

[@gilassp]

@@daveshaw7953 What made you arrive to that conclusion?

[@burtreynolds2969]

@@gilassp It's very sloppily played. Paul wouldn't lay down a line like that.

[@ARawFueledLife]

@gilassp Studio outtakes make a pretty convincing argument that Helter Skelter is indeed Paul on the Jazz Bass.

[@uberbeast113]

@@ARawFueledLife I asked my custom Jazz bass about it, and he said "Nuh uh, I would never make a plinky plunky racket like that, I'm a proper grown up bass guitar. Just listen to my growl on While My Guitar Gently Weeps!" Otherwise known as While My Jazz Bass Rudely Barks

[@SkyBoundMP3]

that outro jam is wonderful, like a bass solo but with the strength of a guitar solo

[@mtp4430]

I think John Lennon and George Harrison used the Fender VI partly because Paul’s basses were left handed. And since it’s basically a guitar, down an octave, it felt very familiar to them. And of course it had that unique gritty sound that really cut through.

[@justiceforjamespaulmccartney]

James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!

[@mtp4430]

@@justiceforjamespaulmccartney Yeah, that’s your truth. But it isn’t the actual truth.

[@mickynpep1676]

outro was brilliant definately should....so unique and sits perfectly

[@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638]

You are peaking Buckmaster. Every Friday episode is now better than Wagon Train and Rawhide put together 👏👏🎸

[@robertlewis8024]

Really appreciate every time you delve into rock guitar's history. As an old timer, I grew up listening to all this stuff without ever thinking about what was making those sounds ( or who was playing what ). Great playing as always.

[@carpetcrawler79]

I think the Fender VI is one of the best bass sounds ever. I always wondered why it's not more popular.

[@godsinbox]

intonation is atrocious. poor harmonics in the timbre. no sustain in the notes. great if you like string mute tone

[@NotThatKraken]

I’m guessing the string spacing, which makes finger-style bass and slap technique a lot harder. Super cool instrument, even if it’s almost more of an extended range baritone than a bass guitar.

[@stevegibb8780]

Yay, thanks Chris, perfect timing for me as just bought one and been searching KZbin for people who know how to play ‘em properly.. so far out of many it’s you and Dave Simpson! And heartily disagree about the lead issue, your outro was inspired 🔥🔥🔥 keeping music alive and so so interesting 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@clownhands]

Brother, I had this on in the background while working and the outro made me stop what I was doing, put a big smile on my face, and a little tear in my eye. Thank you.

[@dennyclosser8456]

Chris, you are so bloody good at commentary and evaluating all of this vintage gear, it is truly a joy to watch and listen to. If only you could play guitar to eh? I’m kidding man, you are truly one of my favorite guitarist on the planet! And it’s almost haunting that solo you played on the base six.. well done greatly appreciated

[@erichmcmann5337]

Hi Chris, always enjoy your deep dives in to The Beatles, recordings, guitars, amps, etc. One little observation I'd like to add is that the main reason the Fender Bass VI is used so much in the later Beatle recordings is that Paul McCartney insisted on playing piano and guitar SO much on the basic tracks. A lot of basic tracks were recorded with out any bass at all, with McCartney coming back to over dub later. ie "The Word," "For No One" most of "Sgt. Pepper" and "Lady Madonna" to just name a few. This would allow him to spend many hours coming up with those amazing bass lines, and also fulfill his need to be The Beatles, Little Richard or Ray Charles! I would imagine sometimes (if motivated or even present) Lennon or Harrison would play the Bass VI just to add some low end/bottom to the basic track so it wouldn't sound so to quote GH "empty." Also wanted to mention that Fender also sent the Beatles the Rhodes keyboard seen so often in "Get Back" being played by Billy Preston. Who BTY was brought in to the sessions specifically by George to get Paul off the piano and get back (excuse the pun!) to the bass! I also have some info on where some of the fender gear ended up.... Paul McCartney's house! In the early seventies, EMI was doing some house cleaning and found that closet/small room full of old Beatle gear. They called all the Beatles to come and get what they wanted, since Paul just lived a few blocks away, came and took the Right handed Jazz Bass, (used later by Denny Laine in Wings whenever McCartney was on Piano. And even McCartney playing it upside down on pics included with "Band On The Run) and the Rhodes piano. So when you see Macca playing a Rhodes in "My Love"video, the "James Paul McCartney" TV special and "Wings: Rock Show" movie, that's the same Rhodes Billy Preston is playing in "Let It Be/Get Back." Keep up the great work! Solo at the end of the clip sounded great! Go for it!

[@justiceforjamespaulmccartney]

James Paul McCartney died in car crash on September 11 1966 and was replaced by William (Billy). This is the truth no matter what!

[@jbryan8864]

The Long and Winding Road performed by John is probably The Beatles most IN-famous bass line of them all

[@morpher44]

unclear if John was joking around, pissed at Paul and trying to sabotage, or just bad that day.

[@nickguitarmonkeyphillips1817]

Chris, your channel makes my Saturday morning, brill as ever

[@glennmaciverallan8674]

Very Cool! Loved your playing, especially on the Outtro.

[@jozsefizsak]

Wonderful stuff! Thank you once again.

[@mairenared]

Great video Chris, that outro solo was amazing. If I remember rightly, Peter Green played a Fender Bass VI to great effect on "Green Manalishi". A wonderfully dark, menacing sound.

[@sjazzp]

That magnificent outro gave a new dimension to the Bass 6! So cool!

[@NLBassist]

Great vid, great sounds, great playing! Love it!

[@scottreynolds6317]

Wonderful video Chris!!!! Always have been curious about the bass VI.

[@alans1313]

another very interesting friday fretworks,,,love your content bro,,, glad to see cardinal black touring and getting recognition ,,cheers from australia

[@gibtsnocheinenfreien]

Hail to you Buckmaster! Even on this odd thing the outro solo was very very musical. You used the instrument to the full benefit of the music and demonstrated the capabilities in a very rounded manner. Thanks for the very dense and hence informative contend in the first part of the video!

[@benpuss]

Really enjoy your weekly shows. When thinking of unique bass sounds, I’m reminded of Ladi Geisler, the famous bassist for Bert Kaempfert, James Last and on his own. Very prolific session man, and even crossed paths with the early Beatles when the backed Tony Sheridan. Might be an interesting tangent for you to chase down!

[@lynnglidewell7367]

George plays Fender 6 on the Hey Jude video. The video was Ringo's second day back after having left The Beatles a few weeks before.

[@BobPerrone]

I picked one up about 10 years ago and I love it!

[@vicsheilahartley7404]

Well done Chris A concise explanation of what I think was, for a time, marketed as a ‘Tenor’ guitar. Cliff Richard and Phil Everly did a duet on ‘She Means Nothing to Me’ a few years ago with, it sounded to me like a Fender 6 in the backing track - which I also thought sounded like Hank Marvin’s style. Your research/knowledge on the history of certain guitars is tremendous. Oh and I love your playing too. Keep it up! Regards.

[@richardelson3261]

Another cracking informative entertaining and inspiring vid and of course great playing 10/10

[@kevinsavo718]

Excellent solo man! Super good

[@davidrobertson4301]

Bloody good research and thoroughly entertaining video.

[@davetuttle9701]

EXCELLENT VIDEO SIR! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@kevin_A613]

The outro solo.... brilliant idea, brilliantly executed.

[@curtishansen7270]

Great stuff!!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

This is extremely well timed, Chris. I was away from the KZbin channel that I am commenting from for seven days (Oct. 30-Nov. 6, 2023). Previously, I have been exploring over again demonstration of this model. I’ve got a Squier Vintage Modified Bass Six myself. It never could live up to the original Fender edition, but I still enjoy it. Most models that are associated with the Beatles only briefly caught my interest but were unable to hold it. This is one model that I have tried to make my own. When I play it, I am trying more than anything to tap in to the part of me that is into Victor Wooten. Somehow, this seems like the kind of instrument I would’ve wanted to start with if I were him.

[@theheatstudio]

That outro is so sick! Loved the video

[@Buc27blount]

Chris, you gave that Fender Base VI some workout on the demo of Back in the USSR. That was some great playing.

[@tonyfera]

Well done Chris!

[@glennmace6654]

Sounds amazing

[@garymurfee4290]

Nice job, Chris

[@dodojack1045]

Great Chris. Thanks.

[@edcataldo8312]

Cracking content mate 🔥

[@resserydunovob7714]

Glad im here early! Always good to see an upload from ya

[@billryder1286]

Chris, a really interesting FFW this week. I've never seen a Fender 6 before. The solo at the end added a beautiful dimension to tell me how it feels.

[@Dreyno]

Aerosmith - “Back In The Saddle” is probably the most well known use of it.

[@chuckyoneill9029]

Excellent sound

[@dieg000n]

Oh man, I always thought thar "While My Guitar" bass sound was a Rickenbacker (the nasal and agressive sound of its bridge pickup). Nice to learn that its a Fender Bass VI instead

[@rodgerrodger1839]

It was also in Galveston and Wichita lineman. Both songs used the bass guitar. Guitar God Glen Campbell played it. He was in the wrecking crew at the time. The new Beatles song is a perfect ending to a perfect band. I stood in the kitchen and cried while listening to it. Thanks for another great show. I did get another weird message claiming it was you with a gift.

[@jimmysanjana]

Brilliant !

[@whatintheworld6501]

Love your channel

[@kbmitch]

A loved the outro solo. A unique growling tone.

[@emilelesaffre]

I bet it’s another great video again!

[@VeniceKing1]

Great episode Chris! Props for doing something out of your comfort zone (although it was a Beatles video with a Tell Me How It Feels solo, so maybe debatable...) I've always been fascinated by Bass VI but never played one. Maybe this Vintera series is the opportunity.

[@jmeakin4]

Squier has one in their Classic Vibe series. If you're on the fence about a purchase decision, the less expensive option gives you the opportunity to do so without the more expensive risk if you don't take to the instrument.

[@Αδιάφθορος]

Man I fell in love with your playing with this solo at the ending.. And I'm 100% positive that it sounds better than your original at this octave. Impeccable.

[@LPCustom3]

I got one about 4-5 months ago. Such a great, Fun instrument!

[@lajji71]

오래전부터 비틀즈 영상을 보며 궁금했던 악기였습니다.. 땡큐~ ^^

[@Momentum88]

Amazing! I love that you still went for it. I’d be playing lead lines on it too. Thanks for sharing!

[@stauffrt2]

Outdo sounded dope. Love it. Made my fingers hurt just watching

[@tamarmolerick3814]

Excellent

[@urbeke]

I love it ❤

[@greenchannel2114]

Very interesting Chris 👍

[@cdreyes81]

Always loved the bass on this song

[@TheFlutecart]

My band has wanted one for years, we should def get one, Chris sold me on it.

[@gurepuli]

Maaaaaaaaan! GORGEOUS PLAYING!!!!!!!

[@BrassAmTV]

Incredible solo as usual...

[@mozilla2576]

Thanks Bro! I didn't know any of that stuff.

[@frankbruno7122]

Love your work Chris! Frank in Colorado

[@Veagle-vz4tg]

Amazing video as usual....I'd not realised the Beatles had used the 6 so extensively. You've actually re-awoken a question that has been rattling around in my head for a long time.... I wondered what a modern rock era music would sound like with the bass part split between a low/mid register (= a Fender 6, I guess) and low frequency part (4/5 string bass, I guess). This is what classical music / orchestras do - even more so - (violin / viola / cello / double bass). I'd guess one trick might be not to play the 6 string bass like a bass - the 6 string parts could be very different - more rhythmic and punchy, even riffy, leaving Mr 4 string to fill the room with the low stuff. What a fascinating area to explore! Looking forward to hearing what you come up with.

[@timvanboening9432]

Great video. I think I need to play Helter Skelter when I get a Bass VI.

[@MrApprobatur]

Hahah loved the outro!

[@allancerf9038]

I bought one! Love it.

[@madbrowndog4887]

Outro proves that Chris can do anything on any guitar....... except for the insane bend near the end of the Tell Me How It Feels solo when played on Fender VI! But seriously, folks, I'd love to hear the fender VI double tracked with the usual solo.

[@areagray]

Amazing right hand technique on Back in the USSR. Really opens up doors. Thanks.

[@robertostrovsky9794]

I agree about the outro solo. It rocks and is so flipping melodic it is melting my phone

[@ColinDagwell]

I'm 67 ... grew up with the beatles...and I thought I knew a lot.... wow... I never knew this! Thank you!!!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

The Fender Bass VI is an absolutely BRILLIANT instrument ! Especially, when played with flatwound strings, as they were originally with in the '60s and '70s. I actually think it's a good idea to have two Bass VI-es: one with flat-wound strings and one with round-wound strings. Other early Bass VI players you didn't mention were Eric Haydock of the Hollies, and John Entwistle of The Who.

[@kennethviar7534]

I purchased the Squire version a couple years ago after seeing The Bassist From Aurora using one . Thanks for the info , I had no idea how much they were actually used before !

[@robjgolde3221]

I played a Squier Bass VI at a local shop a couple months ago. It was a used model & the previous owner had torn on the middle pickup and tuned it B to B like a baritone, but it was so fun to play. I really hope the popularity of Get Back, the Squier Bass VI and now the Vintera II model means that its here to stay for a while.

[@Sean_Farmer]

After hearing that outro I could totally see you incorporating it into some songs in the future.

[@kingcal53]

Loved the outro solo, gives it a bit of low down welly!

[@roughcutguitars]

Another spot-on essay Chris. John was first and foremost a pragmatist when it came to instruments - all in deference to making the MUSIC, so I definitely agree that he took to the VI for it being so akin to guitar. As for any limitations, while your playout of the "...How It Feels" solo does show it to be a tad too somber for the higher register - as you deftly sensed in averting the bend notes at the peak - I reckon doubling your original guitar solo with it would yield something - to put in terms an Englishman will appreciate - very special indeed :-)

[@morganahoff2242]

I worked in a guitar shop, and we had in our inventory, what we called a baritone guitar. It was acoustic, and luthier-built, so it was quite high-end. I got to try it, and I have to say, 6-strings and an octave down really gets you out of your rut! I found myself exploring things outside my usual realm, because you can't play thine things you usually do on a guitar.

[@OccamsEraserhead]

Chris casually playing a guitar solo on a bass better than I can do on a guitar. ☠️

[@JEDiTV]

Frankly I thought that outro solo sounded pretty amazing.

[@stevegeabes9910]

Outro lead is brilliant.

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

I like the outro too.

[@tonyvardy2399]

Great video 📹 thanks, don't play bass but might get this to put through my looper, cheers 👍

[@fearpocalypse8062]

I liked the solo at the end

[@jsamc]

Wow that bass intro was intense!

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Chris, I am a new subscriber. ❤

[@nickd3895]

This channel is dope

[@chrislong4329]

Wow! Great video as always. Very interesting. Seems like it really has a place, would love to hear what you do with it in Cardinal Black..... As long as it isn't the solo for Tell Me How It Feels 😂

[@sum_flop]

I don't usually comment but a great use of the bass VI is with the math rock band TTNG (although it's actually a modified Jag bass but same no. of strings, scale length, tuning etc.). The higher up melodic lines really make the band sound bigger than a trio.

[@aisle_of_view]

You're awesome, Chris. Lennon used a 2P coin on the bass for Helter.

[@tbeau6663]

Could've been the old ha'penny...... The 2p coin wasn't minted until 1971.

[@rowbags3017]

I think that solo at the end definitely proved you can and you should! Of course, it helps to be Chris Buck...

[@StealthParrot]

Love the outro. Years from now people will argue about who played bass on Tell Me How It Feels ... was is Chris or was it Sam 🙂

[@jurgengosch3915]

EB-2 is a regular bass, though. Excellent video. I need one of these.

[@fladification]

Did he say EB2? Either way the Gibson version was called the EB6, there were two versions, the first one was based on the hollow body design and looked a bit like a ES335, the other was based on the SG body shape and was a solid body.

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

Stunning outro solo. So the obvious answer is: you should play lead on a Fender six, if you are, Chris Buck.

[@YakBoss]

Love my Squire B-VI. So versatile.

[@phillipasby9202]

That outro version of Tell Me How It Feels was kind of groovy! I always dug the Bass VI mostly due to country music uses. One of the best country songs or at least one of my favorites - Bruce Robison’s Angry All The Time features a killer Bass VI solo that is just unmistakable. I’ve never owned one. Might have to remedy that.

[@PaulOrtiz]

Interesting video. I've just bought a Harley Benton Bass VI to compliment my 5 string bass, and extended range 7 and 8 string guitars, primarily for progressive rock and metal purposes. So I'm really looking forward to see where it fits in. Certainly for super low single note riffs that would otherwise require a 9 string, it's gonna get a lot of use. But seeing the way you were playing it, especially at the end, makes me wanna take it beyond that. Such good playing too!