Across the Universe - The Beatles

"Across the Universe" by The Beatles is a stunning composition that showcases both melodic beauty and rich guitar techniques. Our lesson on this timeless track guides guitarists through every nuance of the song, capturing the essence of the 1960s folk-pop era with expert technique breakdowns. Whether you're a Beatles fan or simply aiming to expand your guitar skills, this note-for-note lesson brings you a masterful way to enrich your playing by diving into specific techniques that define the song. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Across the Universe"

John Lennon’s rhythm guitar work is central to "Across the Universe," blending his signature approach to chord voicings and nuanced strumming patterns. Lennon's influence as a guitarist often lies in his expressive simplicity, allowing emotion to flow through every chord change. His mastery over minimalist techniques like fingerpicking and chord progressions shapes the song’s soothing atmosphere, a hallmark of his style that has inspired generations of musicians.

George Harrison’s contribution, though less pronounced, adds a subtle yet distinctive touch to the song’s arrangement. Known for his adept use of slides and harmonics, Harrison’s delicate style reinforces the ethereal quality of the track, enhancing its dreamlike quality with his iconic precision and flair.

Techniques Focused in "Across the Universe" Guitar Lesson

Fingerpicking Technique

Fingerpicking plays a crucial role in creating the song’s gentle flow. By focusing on fingerpicking, players learn to pluck individual strings with a balance of rhythm and melody. This technique not only enriches the sound of each chord but also encourages the guitarist to develop control and accuracy, making it ideal for expanding dynamics and expression in any piece.

Chord Progressions

The song’s chord progression is both simple and profoundly effective, forming the backbone of its soothing atmosphere. In learning these progressions, players become adept at smoothly transitioning between chords, a foundational skill that is useful in countless musical genres. This part of the lesson is essential for anyone looking to improve their rhythm guitar playing and overall musicality.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios add depth to "Across the Universe," allowing each note in a chord to be heard individually. Playing arpeggios enhances a guitarist’s finger coordination and control, emphasising clarity in each note while maintaining the harmonic structure. This technique brings richness to the arrangement and is an excellent way to build precision in finger placement.

Slides

Slides are used subtly in "Across the Universe" to transition between notes with fluidity. By practicing slides, guitarists learn to connect notes more smoothly, adding a seamless and lyrical quality to their playing. This technique is also an effective way to improve fretboard navigation and enhance the expressive range of each note.

Sustain

Sustain is a key element in conveying the song’s tranquil, almost meditative vibe. Learning to sustain notes allows guitarists to create a fuller sound with minimal effort, helping the notes resonate and linger. This technique teaches control over tone and duration, a valuable skill for shaping emotion in any performance.

Barre Chords

Lennon’s use of barre chords is notable throughout the track, lending flexibility to his chord voicings. Barre chords offer a more versatile range across the fretboard, giving guitarists a way to incorporate different positions and voicings without shifting their hands excessively. Mastering barre chords is essential for players aiming to expand their repertoire with a wider range of chord shapes.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Though minimal, the use of hammer-ons and pull-offs adds a gentle embellishment to the melody, enhancing the song’s softness. These techniques allow players to move fluidly between notes, creating a smooth, legato feel. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs also builds finger strength and independence, essential for executing faster, more intricate passages.

Octave Melodies

The use of octave melodies in "Across the Universe" is subtle yet impactful, bringing a unique texture to the arrangement. Practicing octave melodies allows guitarists to play harmonised notes an octave apart, enriching the sound and adding dimension to the melody. This technique is beneficial for any guitarist looking to add complexity to their solo and lead playing.

Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

The lesson covers a range of guitar techniques, each contributing to the song’s overall feel and character. Here’s a list of techniques you’ll encounter, each linked to our in-depth glossary to help deepen your understanding:

• Fingerpicking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• Sustain
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Octave Melodies

Each of these techniques provides a unique approach to mastering "Across the Universe," offering both technical skills and an immersive musical experience. With this lesson, guitarists can gain a richer appreciation of Lennon and Harrison's musical artistry while strengthening their own playing abilities. Dive into the song’s layered beauty and discover the timeless charm of The Beatles’ classic through this comprehensive, technique-focused lesson.