Yesterday by The Beatles

Introduction

One of the most iconic and widely covered songs in music history, "Yesterday" by The Beatles, is a masterpiece of songwriting and musicianship. Released in 1965 on the album Help!, this melancholic ballad features a beautifully intricate acoustic guitar arrangement that has captivated musicians for generations. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com breaks down every nuance of the song, ensuring you can master its timeless melody and emotive chord progressions.

In this lesson, we focus on fingerpicking techniques, chord progressions, and slides, all of which contribute to the song’s delicate and flowing nature. These techniques will help guitarists develop precision, control, and musical expression, making them essential skills to apply across multiple genres and playing styles. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in "Yesterday"

"Yesterday" is famously performed with a classical guitar-like touch, featuring a fingerpicked arrangement that enhances the song's soft and melancholic tone. Paul McCartney recorded the song with an Epiphone Texan acoustic guitar, tuned down a whole step (D-G-C-F-A-D) to accommodate his vocal range. The song’s gentle picking pattern and melodic phrasing create an intimate and deeply expressive performance that continues to influence guitarists worldwide.

Guitarist Influence: Paul McCartney

Although The Beatles are known for their collaborative songwriting, "Yesterday" is predominantly a Paul McCartney composition. His ability to blend melody and harmony within a simple yet effective guitar arrangement has been a hallmark of his playing style. The song showcases McCartney’s classical and folk influences, demonstrating his skill in creating timeless melodies with a strong emotional impact. His approach to fingerpicking and chord movement in this track has inspired countless acoustic guitarists, from folk musicians to rock legends.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Fingerpicking

"Yesterday" utilises a fingerpicking technique that allows the melody and bass notes to be played simultaneously. This method creates a fuller sound and gives the song its signature fluidity. Learning fingerpicking enhances coordination, independence between thumb and fingers, and dynamic control, which is crucial for playing solo acoustic arrangements and classical guitar pieces.

Chord Progressions

The song’s chord movement is rich and sophisticated, utilising arpeggiated chord progressions to create emotional depth. The descending bassline combined with moving chord voicings adds a level of complexity that enhances the melancholic feel of the song. Mastering these chord changes will help improve left-hand dexterity and harmonic understanding, enabling you to craft more intricate and expressive chord arrangements in your own playing.

Slides

McCartney subtly uses slides to transition between notes and chords, adding a smooth and connected feel to the melody. This technique is beneficial for legato phrasing and fluidity, allowing guitarists to connect notes effortlessly without harsh breaks in sound. Practicing slides helps develop better finger positioning and a more lyrical quality in solo playing.

Conclusion

Learning "Yesterday" on guitar is more than just mastering a song—it’s about developing technical precision, musical expression, and a deeper understanding of chord progressions and fingerpicking techniques. This note-for-note lesson at Licklibrary.com ensures that you capture every subtle nuance of McCartney’s playing, bringing the song’s delicate beauty to life on your instrument. Whether you’re an aspiring acoustic guitarist or a seasoned player looking to refine your touch, this lesson provides invaluable skills that will enhance your overall musicianship.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Fingerpicking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions