Norwegian Wood by The Beatles

Introduction

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles is an iconic track from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. Known for its innovative use of instrumentation and melodic charm, this song is a masterpiece of songwriting and arrangement. Our detailed guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com breaks down the techniques that make this track so special, ensuring you can replicate its unique sound while improving your overall guitar skills.

This lesson dives into the key aspects of the song, including fingerpicking, arpeggiated chord progressions, and slides, among other techniques. These are not just essential for mastering the song but are also invaluable for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire of skills. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

The main guitarist on "Norwegian Wood" is John Lennon, who also co-wrote the song with Paul McCartney. Lennon's innovative use of acoustic guitar provides the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the song, while George Harrison introduces a groundbreaking sitar melody, blending Western and Eastern musical traditions. Their influence on popular music cannot be overstated; they consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the studio and on stage. Learning this song offers not only technical benefits but also a window into the creative genius of The Beatles.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Fingerpicking

Description: Fingerpicking is a core technique in "Norwegian Wood," creating the intricate texture of the song’s acoustic guitar part. The thumb and fingers pluck individual strings, producing a warm, resonant tone that is essential for the song’s rhythm and melody.

Benefits: Mastering fingerpicking improves coordination and independence between your picking hand fingers. It’s a foundational technique applicable to a wide range of musical styles, from folk to classical.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Description: The song features arpeggiated chords, where individual notes of a chord are played sequentially rather than strummed. This technique adds movement and complexity to the harmony.

Benefits: Learning arpeggios sharpens your precision and timing, essential for crafting dynamic and expressive guitar parts. This skill also enhances your understanding of chord structures.

Slides

Description: Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, lending a fluid and expressive quality to the melody. In "Norwegian Wood," slides enhance the vocal-like phrasing of the guitar lines.

Benefits: Practicing slides helps develop control and sustain while adding expressive techniques to your playing, ideal for soloing and melodic embellishments.

Chord Progressions

Description: The song’s unique chord progression is a hallmark of its innovative songwriting. The progression balances simplicity with subtle complexity, moving between major and minor chords.

Benefits: Studying these chord progressions expands your harmonic vocabulary and helps you recognise patterns that can be applied in songwriting and improvisation.

Open String Riffs

Description: Open string riffs play a pivotal role in the song, contributing to its airy and open sound. These riffs involve ringing open strings combined with fretted notes.

Benefits: Learning to incorporate open strings into riffs boosts your creativity and improves your ability to navigate the fretboard seamlessly.

Syncopated Rhythms

Description: The rhythmic pattern in "Norwegian Wood" uses syncopation, emphasising off-beats to create a flowing, engaging groove.

Benefits: Mastering syncopation enhances your sense of rhythm and timing, a vital skill for playing complex musical arrangements.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here is a list of techniques covered in our "Norwegian Wood" lesson, with links to additional resources:

• Fingerpicking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

Mastering "Norwegian Wood" is a rewarding journey that not only brings you closer to The Beatles’ timeless artistry but also strengthens your guitar-playing abilities. Explore the techniques, delve into the song's nuances, and bring a piece of musical history to life with your own hands.