"This Boy" harmony breakdown

Hi everybody! Here, for your educational enjoyment, I present to you the individual harmony parts for The Beatles song "This Boy". If you haven't already seen it (and heard it), my video of the full song can be found at • This Boy (Beatles cover)
This video starts off with John's part.
George's part starts at 2:36.
Paul's part starts at 4:42.

[@jomppe6666]

George had a strange one. So cool.

[@dayshawna]

i feel like a lot of george’s parts in harmonies were weird ones that you didn’t even notice until it was broken down

[@djwiggles2835]

It’s probably because John has the first part and Paul has the third but George is just right there in between

[@Wandering_4ever]

As the person in a band that often sings George's part , agreed. %100

[@jshkings89]

his were very different

[@maxdavis1303]

your George harmony was actually goosebumps with how much it sounded like him

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thanks!

[@CTYPCL]

that jaw is EVERYTHING

[@meetrasurrik6982]

too much ket

[@iVan123]

@@meetrasurrik6982 whats ket

[@snidelywhiplash]

@@iVan123 Ketamine. He's not actually on it.

[@marshall9733]

Lol

[@Bart91127]

Hahaha,sure it's the natural cannabinoids working.

[@cooperaquilino]

I love the way he moves his mouth when he sings because he's pronouncing certain words how each beatle would. its really cool!

[@austrianecoable]

Damn, George had the hardest harmony. Never knew it.

[@jsamc8420]

I think he nailed this and "Because". I don't know where all the negative comments are coming from. Must be human nature.

[@JoeyWeissgerber]

As I have sung this song numerous times in a solo setting ,I find myself creating different melodies stolen from the 3 harmonies...most confusing...I am so happy you gave us this exploded version for those of us who might learn to do this song properly ,now...Thank you , I think you are a wonderful musician...

[@DannyOConnor1991]

0:00 John 2:36 George 4:42 Paul Also thanks very much for the breakdown, I really appreciate it. And nice vocals :)

[@gutabo]

Where's Ringo's part?

[@KianErikssonOffical]

@@gutabo ringo didn’t sing in this one

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

No, the function of the chord changes. For example, for the first note (on the words "that boy"), John sings an F# which is the 3rd of the first chord D, but holds it into the second chord--B minor--for which that same F# is the 5th. George's A is the 5th of the D chord, and the 7th of the Bm. Paul's C# is the maj.7th of the D chord, and the 9th of the Bm (he then resolves it down to a B). So, it would be more correct to say that John sings the bottom note, George the middle and Paul the top.

[@RickardoMute]

Georges line is so hard to pick out in the full mix. Thank u

[@sidthesloth6864]

I always heard the strongest melody as Paul's one, so I always sing it like that! I can't believe John's one is the main one

[@father3147]

My sister and I have this mental contract where I always do Pauls harmonies and backings, and she's always John. Things like this really help .

[@mariavalerio3004]

There actually is a video of solo George ,in the 70s maybe, reacting to a video of The Beatles playing This Boy and at one point he goes "Tough part that one" and now I understand hahahah

[@JLange642]

Never realized that the harmonies were so complicated on what appeared to be a "simple" song from the early years. Well done!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Yeah, yeah, I know...It does look weird. I was just trying to get a certain vocal tone. I didn't realize how it looked until after I recorded the video (at which point I didn't want to have to go back and re-do everything). As you can see from my other videos, I don't usually make those faces when singing (although I suppose I do make other faces... :-P )

[@kellyrolfe230]

Yer no Joe Cocker (s'ok)...BUT yer John vocal at the bridge is ESPECIALLY chilling! Kudos 'n thanx!

[@mismag822]

Simply Awesome!

[@jojohairee9987]

To see my favourite card trick teacher in a video about one of my favourite beatle song is great

[@critchley3819]

I guess you already know you look a little like Paul..

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

He looks like Paul's son

[@dustymuffin5537]

GangstaPotatos The highest honor

[@tyde4610]

That boy Took my love away Though he'll regret it someday But this boy wants you back again That boy Isn't good for you Though he may want you, too This boy wants you back again Oh, and this boy would be happy Just to love you, but oh my That boy won't be happy 'Til he's seen you cry This boy Wouldn't mind the pain Would always feel the same If this boy gets you back again This boy, this boy, this boy

[@LarsenTV1]

This is so great! I opened up three window and synced all the vocals. Pretty cool.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Didn't realize about the faces while I was doing it. You'll see from my other videos that I don't usually do that.

[@k3biton]

Ringo part 6:48

[@wpollock1]

Am I the only one that wants to pause after this and sing "It won't be long yeah, yeah"...... I guess I have listened to the album too often. No, maybe not! Great job on this. Tough harmony for George.

[@PaulusCaesar]

You must be american, on my with the beatles album It won't be long was the first song, and this one was on past masters! Strange differences

[@Cubachik]

Every American (who has the Beatles American releases burned into their brains) feels this way!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@Mechanismomusica As a matter of fact, I'm currently working on a full video for "Oh! Darling" and was thinking that I'd do a harmony breakdown as well. Stay tuned!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@OneChance99 More on the way. Stay tuned! As far as learning the parts, it's all from careful listening.

[@campsjams]

I love this. I always have to listen to the song more than once anyways, so it’s great to hear three in a row with no fluff.

[@campsjams]

Four years later, I’m back here and “feel the sa-ee-yame”

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@MrEdcrowley100 Yes, I think my mouth is a bit weird in this video :) I actually mentioned it in the description for my video of "This Boy" (the full song). I didn't realize it when I was recording it. I was just trying to emulate the vocal tones from the original recording. If you check out some of my other videos ("When I'm 64" and "Because" for example), you'll see that I don't always sing like that.

[@14sumnerheights]

This is incredible work! Thank you so much for sharing. I have watched it 6 times so far. I've been back and forth to my piano singing each part. People have so much talent. Way to go! Jim from Toronto.

[@emmajane6855]

these are great! so clear and perfectly done! Please please please make more in this style! love Because, too.

[@mathmusic1490]

I think this man nailed it. To do this, you'd need to be able to double track and maybe have four singers! We see, as expected, that Paul, George, and John have this highest, mid-range, and lowest voices in this song, and in general. (Recall how low John gets on "I'm a Loser" and "Words of Love"). So then why did John get the soaring solo in this song? Not Paul? We may never know. Perhaps John was the main writer, or even the sole writer, of the song. With the Beatles, often, especially as far as John and Paul are concerned, whoever wrote it is the lead singer on it. Thank you AllYouNeedIsLub. By the way, if you do this song at home, it's in D major.

[@thomas100448]

Yeah, John really went up the scale on the solo. Paul could have nailed that too but as you said maybe the main writer sings the solo. But I’m also thinking maybe they went for a “heavier” voice (John) rather than a more pop voice (Paul)?

[@JoaoGabriel-lk9cv]

Tom ofLowellBorn john totally nailed it!

[@Maltloaflegrande]

This isn't the first comment I've read which assumes that the three singers were in a strict format of high/middle/lower. We all know that Paul had the highest range and John probably the lower, but actually, they were all quite versatile. I'd imagine John got the lead on this because he wanted to more than Paul did: maybe he had more to do with writing the lyric; I don't know. But his voice is easily high enough to handle the bridge here. Remember also, he could do a falsetto (as on "Paperback Writer"). George often did the lowest harmony as on "Nowhere Man, but in fact, in that song, he flits from low to middle (singing between Paul and John) during the course of each verse and on the live version of "All my loving" where he harmonises with Paul on the last verse, he sings the high harmony; he's easily got the range so there's no need for Paul to move from the melody as has been suggested by some observers.

[@LSqre]

John's voice has to strain to hit those higher notes, which I think makes it sound more emotional and powerful than if it were Paul effortlessly letting them out.

[@TheInvincibleViolet]

Great job !!! Love hearing the individual parts. Thanks

[@backpackerthrulife8497]

Wow, their harmonies are even more advanced than Beach Boys. And this was their first album. Please keep things like this of theirs coming. Thanks!

[@MichaelAnthonyPresents]

Have you heard the harmonies to Wouldn't It Be Nice and good vibrations, it's insane. Not saying beach boys are a better band, but their harmonies are way more advanced

[@dmajestic80]

This Boy was never on a Beatles album, and defined not on their first album which was Please Please Me. It was however the B side to I want to hold your hand.

[@mickytherat8020]

I was looking for this. Me and my choir buds are doing this song

[@clairjeremy8235]

WONDERFUL! Being trying to nail the George part for years - still not got it but this will help. Thanks so much.

[@1rsalc]

Totally amazing! You even nailed the 3 harmonies parts. You are very talented. I love all of your videos.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

I so love this! 💜

[@Kosmo999]

DUDE love everything about this video. you're awesome. Subscribed.

[@edsternet]

Top class work. Thanks for this. Can't wait to see what else you have done.

[@Firebrand55]

Beatles reproduction abounds on You Tube.....but Andrew is the best, giving out excellent guides to would-be Beatles singers like me! Many try to alter the song.....what?!!....improve a Beatles song?! .....never. This tutorial shows you can't improve on perfection, sticking faithfully to the original. Well done Andrew.

[@saharl.simmons4147]

You're incredibly talented! Wow what a gift! I love your videos!

[@darcymeijer1964]

Thank you so much - love this song probably the best of all the Beatles ones.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thanks!

[@lilybond6485]

Fantastic ! It sounds so good. Really like your voice and your own spin on it,

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@@lilybond6485 Thanks so much!

[@lancetop]

Beautiful performance! Thanks for posting.

[@TonyHickschick]

Very interesting. Without all the parts together each on their own sound really dry. Thanks for recording this. One of all time favorite songs along with, "If I Fell'.

[@joepuglia2256]

Great job. Been looking for this for a while. Thanks a lot.

[@TJCATLOVER]

Cool. I love hearing how the harmonies work.

[@panchovilla7235]

Beautiful !

[@rindcorp1]

I love that you do this!!!

[@rtermini]

Great job on the tone and the melancholy vibe John threw at it.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thank you (I also have a video of the full song with all the instruments)

[@rtermini]

Saw that too. Great job. @@AllYouNeedIsLub

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@@rtermini Thank you

[@ecschwalbe]

Thank you so much for posting this, this is JUST the song I wanted to play with with garage band and the vocals intertwine so much I needed someone to do the work for me instead of using the sheet music and trying to sight read them, you did the work and for that I thank you, and you are phenomenal, I'm gonna watch all your videos

[@goldentigeredward]

Always had a bit of difficulty picking out George's part - you nailed it. THANKS!!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thanks, and you’re welcome :)

[@alanyost4061]

Brilliant and much appreciated.

[@fliegeroh]

Marvelous, simply marvelous. Ten thumbs up.

[@BenCulture]

What a cool thing you did, to put this breakdown up. Thank you. Makes the song so easy to learn! I also looked at your "Because" breakdown, and if I were a better singer, I could go and do my own cover of the song because of your breakdown! I think you must have an exceptionally good ear. It's as if you had access to the master tapes and could listen to John's, George's, and Paul's vocal tracks individually. You're not just singing their parts, you're imitating their voices masterfully.

[@morgankw]

This was so eye opening, thank you!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@@morgankw You’re very welcome!

[@ghopper150]

Right on Sir! Great work!

[@AmericanIdiot5026]

this is amazing!!! helped me out a lot! good job!!!

[@patrickmeny1298]

i'm working on an acapella arrangement for this boy and this was really helpful for the vocal harmonies. thanks!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Great! Glad you found it helpful.

[@Amulekpy]

THIS IS JUST AMAZING !!

[@garyw1971]

Awesome many thanks for breaking that down! 👊👊👊🔥🔥🔥🎼🎼🎼

[@rjackylau]

聼完之後，真係佩服得五體投地🙇🏼‍♂️，這套片給玩Band人仕做教材一流👍👏🎤🎉🎉🎉

[@mojojojojuniper6122]

Brilliant and your eyes are like maccas aka McCartney

[@daffitv]

Una maravilla el video y...¡Una gran voz!...¡Gracias!

[@Veggieman87]

Sir, if I could pay you just for uploading this video, I would. I've been trying to figure out these harmonies for over a year! Thank you so much! (and I subscribed for more!)

[@jebcrockett473]

Thanks man. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@tbirdtim]

Great job. I really appreciate this. Thank you.

[@jamie-lynnnassr4219]

Perfect! Thanks

[@StephenCarlBaldwin]

Wonderful, helpful video. Thanks so much for doing this - it's highly appreciated.

[@misssteak5646]

nearly 10y later still great

[@ceciliabeatrizfernandez4834]

Hermosa cancion!

[@BillyBronco73]

Pretty much every Beatles song is good but this song is strange in that although it's a B side and a relatively simple song it is my favourite of the early Beatles songs. Brilliant in its simplicity.

[@DooWopFanatic]

I MUST find the time to do that as it's something I've always wanted to do. If I ever get this one done, I'll send it to you for your approval. You have a great voice, and a great ear. Keep up the great work!

[@felipecavalcante6203]

So happy to watch this video, very nice tutorial :) Thanks

[@freedombbc9882]

Thank you George

[@tupotluck1406]

This is so good wthhhh

[@iLoveYoutuveVideos]

I LOVE THIS ! HARMONY IS THE BEST!!

[@Bart91127]

Does anybody have any idea how much work this superb musician is saving for those who aspire to incorporate this piece into their repertoires?? It's rethorical...the answer would be Unmeasurable.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thank you. I’m glad you find it helpful.

[@sofarsogut]

It's harder than I thought. I'll keep trying. Thank you

[@sonnavafitch2]

Thanks for doing this! It's sooooooo much more helpful

[@JoeySK1963]

Amazing! Thank you x

[@Mechanismomusica]

@AllYouNeedIsLub Well, I'm delighted to hear that. It's about time someone dissected those harmonies just because they're so rich, complex, and vary with every verse. There are a couple of "lead vocal only" isolated tracks here on youtube where the backing vocals can be heard crystal clear just behind McCartney's lead vocal, albeit burried. Anyway, can't wait to hear your spin on it!

[@MsBonnieBlue]

wow.... I could never do harmony ..I take the lead .....my sister passed away and my brother had had a group and wanted me to do her harmony to see how we would sound.....couldn't find it...wish I could have......

[@breezy501]

GREAT WORK!

[@TrumpetPlayerRayban]

You have a great voice

[@Ohthallgames]

THANK. YOU. SOO. MUCH.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

:) I wore the turtleneck to go with the picture on the cover of the "With The Beatles" album ("Meet The Beatles" when it was released in the US, originally). If you watch my video of the complete song (with instruments), you'll see that I have the face of each Beatle (taken from the album cover) behind me to represent which harmony part I'm singing. That's why you see the green screen background in this video (which is actually just green tissue paper).

[@19baby62]

Огромное спасибо за всё!!!

[@cousinjackpen]

REALLY GOOD!!! thanks!

[@dj011392]

dude, this is awesome. I ca sing John and Paul's parts just fine but I could never figure out what George's was because in the song it sounds like he's drowned out by the other two. Thanks for making this vid. This is one of my all time favorite Beatles songs and probably the most underrated. I'm gonna try and record a cover of it soon with just my acoustic guitar and the harmonies.

[@Ploobstill]

Thank you very much. Nice job.

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thanks!

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

Thank you. I use a Rode NT2A microphone, going into an ART TubePac (preamp and compressor), into a MOTU 828 audio interface. No hardware mixing board.

[@SleighJessi]

Thank you so much for these videos'n

[@paulalcohol]

thank you!!! so much

[@MrBeatles4eva]

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!

[@morgankw]

You are a fantastic vocalist😊

[@AllYouNeedIsLub]

@@morgankw Thank you very much!

[@intiazul]

Gran aporte, thank you!

[@legolas35653]

ok , i dont know what to say , THIS IS AMAZING !!! U HAVE THE BEST VID ON UTUBE !!! U R SOO UNDERATTED !!! OMG MAKE MORE !!

[@NursingCat]

I love george's voice in this song

[@TotalSinging]

@connersaltzer - John is the lead melody on the song. He wrote it so it would make sense he would lead the melody. They repeated this type in harmony structure in "Yes It Is" and "Sgt Pepper (reprise).

[@stuckinfreeport1]

thank you! that was Great!!!

[@patdonnelly9392]

Where do you find a group with 3 young guys with no vocal lessons who can do that in 1964 with no auto tone or computer generated shenanigans?? Liverpool, I guess! They were a truly talented bunch!!

[@raysurx2010]

I agree 100% percent! Nowadays with all this computer music, the art of really writing and coming up with a new melody and lyrics is lost. Sad. There will never be another group like the Beatles.