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

The Beatles and Their Influence

“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” featured on The Beatles’ 1965 album Help!, is a beautiful acoustic ballad written primarily by John Lennon. Inspired by the introspective lyricism of Bob Dylan, this song showcases Lennon’s growth as a songwriter and The Beatles' willingness to explore new musical styles. The guitar parts, performed by Lennon and George Harrison, bring out the song’s gentle, folk-inspired essence. Their innovative use of simple yet effective guitar techniques created a timeless track that resonates with players of all skill levels. Learning this song is a masterclass in combining technical precision with emotional expression. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Key Techniques in the Lesson

1. Finger-Picking

The lesson begins by focusing on the finger-picking technique, essential for emulating the delicate acoustic feel of the song. Finger-picking allows players to articulate individual notes while maintaining a fluid rhythm, making it ideal for this track's intricate accompaniment. Mastering finger-picking enhances dexterity, control, and the ability to seamlessly integrate melody and harmony.

2. Chord Progressions

“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” is built on a series of flowing chord progressions that create its warm, inviting sound. This part of the lesson helps learners understand how to transition smoothly between chords while maintaining the rhythmic integrity of the song. Grasping these progressions improves muscle memory, timing, and confidence in playing similar folk or acoustic styles.

3. Capo Usage

A capo is used to match the song’s original pitch, and the lesson includes guidance on proper capo placement and its impact on tone. Using a capo effectively allows players to explore new keys without altering familiar chord shapes, unlocking a broader musical vocabulary.

4. Slides

The incorporation of slides adds a smooth, expressive quality to the song’s melodic embellishments. By sliding between notes, players can replicate the subtle dynamic shifts that give the track its character. Learning slides refines hand coordination and enhances the fluidity of playing.

5. Open String Riffs

The song makes tasteful use of open string riffs, which bring a natural resonance to the guitar part. This technique is broken down in the lesson to help players harness the ringing tones of open strings, enriching their sound palette and rhythmic feel.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Finger-Picking: Develop precision and rhythmic independence, enabling you to tackle more complex acoustic arrangements.
• Chord Progressions: Build foundational skills for playing a variety of musical genres, from folk to pop.
• Capo Usage: Gain versatility in adapting to different keys while retaining familiar fingerings.
• Slides: Enhance expressiveness and add nuance to your playing style.
• Open String Riffs: Create a fuller, more resonant sound with minimal effort.

Each of these techniques, while tailored to this song, offers broader applications in many other pieces and styles, making this lesson a valuable learning experience for any guitarist.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Below is a list of the guitar techniques covered in the lesson, along with links to learn more about each:

• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Capo
• Slides
• Open String Riffs

By exploring these techniques through the lens of “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” you’ll not only gain insight into The Beatles’ artistry but also elevate your own guitar-playing journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this lesson offers a rich blend of musical and technical growth.