Something - Solo by The Beatles - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Something - Solo by The Beatles lesson at LickLibrary.com provides an in-depth look at George Harrison's beautiful and emotional guitar solo. This iconic piece of music highlights several essential techniques that add expressiveness and character to any player’s repertoire: string bending, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. By breaking down each of these techniques, our lesson enables guitarists to capture the soul and elegance that Harrison brought to Something, while building a foundation for expressive, dynamic soloing. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

String Bending

String bending is an essential component of the Something solo, allowing Harrison to give each note a more vocal-like quality. By bending the string, he conveys a sense of yearning and emotion, adding depth to each note. The bends in this solo are subtle but powerful, helping the melody soar with expressive intensity.

For guitarists, mastering string bending is vital for capturing the nuances of expressive playing. It requires both strength and finesse, as players must control the bend's pitch to ensure it aligns with the desired note. Practicing string bending not only strengthens the fingers but also improves a guitarist's pitch accuracy and touch sensitivity. This technique is invaluable for any player looking to add dynamics to their solos, as it enables a range of tones from gentle to intense.

Vibrato

In Something, vibrato plays a crucial role in sustaining notes and giving them a warm, resonant tone. Harrison uses vibrato with precision and subtlety, allowing notes to linger and adding a natural feel to the solo. His vibrato is smooth and controlled, showing his attention to the emotional weight of each phrase.

For guitarists, vibrato is an essential skill for creating a polished, professional sound. It enhances sustain and tone, making single notes feel fuller and more expressive. Practicing vibrato helps develop finger strength and control, especially for holding notes steady and consistent. This technique is often the mark of a skilled guitarist, as it conveys emotion and can be adjusted to create a wide array of sounds from delicate to powerful.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons add fluidity and speed to Harrison’s lines in Something, allowing him to execute notes smoothly and effortlessly. This technique is used to emphasize certain notes without the need for repeated picking, creating a legato sound that flows beautifully through the solo’s melody. Harrison’s use of hammer-ons brings a gentle dynamic to the solo, enabling seamless transitions between notes.

For guitarists, hammer-ons are crucial for achieving fluid, smooth playing. They allow a solo to move quickly without the choppy effect that comes from constant picking, giving the solo a more connected feel. Mastering hammer-ons improves finger dexterity and timing, making it easier to incorporate more complex phrases and faster passages into your playing. This technique also enhances control over dynamics, allowing you to play with a lighter, smoother touch when needed.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs in the Something solo contribute to its graceful, flowing quality, enabling Harrison to emphasize descending phrases without losing momentum. Pull-offs are particularly effective here, as they maintain the legato feel, connecting each note in a way that sounds effortless and smooth. In this solo, Harrison uses pull-offs to accentuate the melody’s gentle, heartfelt qualities.

For guitarists, pull-offs are indispensable for creating fast, fluid lines without relying on excessive picking. Practicing pull-offs enhances finger strength and agility, as it requires precise control over each note’s release. This technique is beneficial for both lead and rhythm playing, as it enables smoother phrasing and cleaner transitions. Pull-offs allow guitarists to create a natural, connected sound that’s essential for playing melodic solos with ease.

About the Guitarist and His Influence

The guitarist behind Something, George Harrison, brought a unique blend of musicality and subtlety to The Beatles. Known as the "Quiet Beatle," Harrison's influence on guitar style was anything but quiet. His approach to soloing and melody set a standard in rock for tasteful and expressive playing, and Something is one of his most celebrated solos, loved for its melodic beauty and delicate phrasing. Harrison’s soloing style bridges elements of rock, blues, and even Indian classical music, marking him as a guitarist with a truly eclectic and influential touch. Learning his techniques gives guitarists insight into creating memorable solos that emphasize feeling over flash, as well as developing a sense of timing and tone.

Guitar Techniques in Something - Solo by The Beatles

The following techniques are crucial to mastering Something by The Beatles. Each one is not only integral to capturing the essence of this solo but also foundational for any guitarist looking to improve their expression and control.

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

This lesson on Something by The Beatles provides an excellent study in expression, tone, and timing, giving guitarists the chance to build skills that will enhance their playing across any genre.