You've Got To Hide Your Love Away - The Beatles

"You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" by The Beatles is a classic track from the album Help! that epitomises the band's mid-1960s folk-rock period. This timeless song is a masterclass in acoustic rhythm guitar and melodic embellishments, offering a wealth of techniques for players to learn and apply to their own playing. Our detailed lesson covers every aspect of the song note for note, breaking down the intricate parts played by John Lennon and George Harrison to help you master the style and techniques of this iconic track. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Players Behind the Song

John Lennon, who wrote and primarily performed "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," was heavily inspired by Bob Dylan during this period of The Beatles’ career. This influence is reflected in the song’s folk-inspired strumming and poignant, introspective lyrics. George Harrison’s subtle contributions added texture and depth, showcasing the collaborative brilliance of The Beatles. Both guitarists left an indelible mark on the development of acoustic rock and folk-inspired music, inspiring generations of musicians to explore simplicity and storytelling in their playing.

Techniques Highlighted in the Lesson

Chord Progressions

The foundation of this song lies in its flowing and expressive chord progressions. The progression blends open chords with transitional chords to create a smooth, lyrical accompaniment. Learning these progressions improves your understanding of harmony and how to craft emotionally resonant rhythms.

Finger-Picking

The introduction to the song employs gentle finger-picking, creating a delicate and textured sound. Mastering finger-picking enhances dexterity, independence of your fingers, and your ability to create intricate patterns.

Capo Techniques

A capo is used to achieve the bright tonal quality that defines the song's sound. Understanding capo placement and its effect on chord shapes helps players transpose songs and explore different voicings.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song incorporates arpeggiated chord progressions, breaking chords into individual notes to add movement and dynamics to the rhythm. This technique improves your ability to blend rhythm and melody seamlessly.

Slides

Subtle slides are used between chord transitions and embellishments. Practicing slides helps smooth your movements across the fretboard and adds an expressive element to your playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

The strumming pattern of the song uses syncopated rhythms, adding an engaging groove to the accompaniment. Syncopation teaches rhythmic precision and makes your playing feel more dynamic and lively.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the song, decorative hammer-ons and pull-offs enhance the melody. These techniques improve finger strength and coordination while adding a lyrical quality to your playing.

Open String Riffs

The use of open-string riffs contributes to the song’s folk feel and creates resonance. Learning this technique helps players maximize the sonic potential of open strings for a fuller sound.

Benefits of Learning This Song

• Improved Rhythmic Precision: The syncopated strumming patterns challenge your timing and help develop a solid rhythmic foundation.
• Melodic Embellishments: Techniques like slides and arpeggios enhance your ability to add character to your playing.
• Acoustic Mastery: The song is a showcase of acoustic guitar techniques that are transferable to many other styles.
• Understanding Song Dynamics: The balance between finger-picking and strumming teaches how to add dynamics to your performance.
• Creative Voicings: The use of the capo and arpeggios encourages exploration of new sounds and textures.

Guitar Techniques Covered

Here is a list of the guitar techniques used in the lesson, with links to our detailed explanations:

• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Capo
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Open String Riffs

By exploring this comprehensive lesson, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for The Beatles' timeless music and strengthen your guitar-playing skills with a range of versatile techniques.