Was George Harrison a Good Guitarist?! | Friday Fretworks
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- A closer look into George Harrison's guitar playing...
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Key points:
0:00 Intro
0:07 Guitar World Magazine article
1:41 Example #1
3:02 Example #2
3:51 Example #3
4:49 Example #4
6:44 Example #5
8:04 In conclusion...
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What's your favourite George Harrison moment?
Gotta be his solo on Something.
Anything on All Things Must Pass.
His and Clapton 's musical relationship.
Fighting off an attacker who stabbed him 40 times was pretty badass. Poor George ...
It’s all too much.
George's genius was enhancing a song, rather than trying to steal the spot light. He is a major reason I still play today. RIP, good sir.
Exactly, just like Ringo's drumming also was on that same level. George was about the song. According to Bill Wyman, he had asked George to play a tune on one of his Rhythm Kings recordings. George said, "I only play a few notes, you have a guy (Albert Lee) who can play rings around me", and Wyman replied "but it's those few notes I want".
Like the intro riff to Don’t Let Me Down
Yet, he stole the spotlight as well, to me anyway, lol! "Overrated" is laughable! All of his solos were memorable! Everything he ever played, every solo, every lick, has been studied, analyzed, copied, ad nauseum!
Something that all my favourite guitarists have in common
Well said!
"Guitar George, he knew all the chords" - Mark Knopfler
That was a nod to George young of the easybeats. Harry vander and George young. Older brother of Angus and malcom from AC-DC.. I always thought it was about Harrison as well, but no
@@psychedelicprawncrumpets9479 wrong it s about George borrowski from Manchester
@@frjtnt no it's not. The youngs are from Glasgow like Mark.. It's a nod to Harry and George. Just ask Google who guitar george and Harry doesn't mind is...
@@frjtntyou are wrong, it was George Young…period. I heard from marks own mouth.
🤣🤣🤣
Tom Petty said George seemed to know EVERY chord (along with being one of the funniest people he ever met). He called all the diminished and augmented chords "naughty chords". You can hear a ton of rockabilly in his style (Carl Perkins), some Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore and the like. Those were his heroes when learning to play.
George got the "naughty" thing from the Pythons. Maybe the other way round.
And Luther Perkins. John Cash's lead guitarist and an early Esquire / Telecaster adopter on record. George had an inside track and was fed some of this stuff (at least) by his sister who lived in America. So many people were blown away when they met George including Jeff Lynne and Gary Moore - another two greats. The mythology of The Wilbury's sums it up - George pops in to his friend Bob's house because he knows he has a home studio. He has Jeff Lynne tagging along as a friend, and to help a song he is trying to lay down. Jeff said he was mesmerised (what am I doing sitting in Bob Dylan's Kitchen with George Harrison noodling on guitar - this has to be a dream?). Drummer Jim Keltner is called over to play percussion (initially on kitchen utensils), Tom Petty pops by and then by some miracle the legendary Roy Orbison (who was a key influence on so many cross over country / pop records including a young Jeff Lynne for ELO) arrives. They write and basically record seven songs in seven days (amazing in itself if you know Dylan's eclectic recording approach) and a new super group is accidentally formed.
George was a genius who influenced and promoted the success of so many others. Great that we get the chance here to celebrate him.
@@Spartanm333I'm 21 southern born and raised both Luther Perkins and George are the reason why I play they only added what was needed nothing more nothing less they weren't show offs
As a non-guitarist, I notice a lot of musicians are virtuoso players who can play rapidly and loud. George rarely shouts with his guitar but always has something interesting to say. His guitar work is beautifully melodic and adds seamlessly to every song. He doesn't overpower or hog attention. He adds just enough for each contribution to be an integral part of each song and therefore a memorable piece of songwriting.
Other guitarists may be louder and faster, but George always has something worthwhile to say.
Beautifully put
So in other words he was to guitar as Ringo is to the drums
@@SarahElisabethJoyal Good way to put it. He played in the service of the song.
Very apt comment, George was a fabulous guitarist and that is the main reason we are still discussing his abilities.
Well said
I know this is on solos, but the thing that makes Harrison a great lead guitarist for me is his fills. Never showy, never overtly noticeable; just sensitive and sympathetic to the song. He just has impeccable taste. Listen to the fills on She Came in Through the Bathroom Window. You hardly notice they’re there, but you can’t imagine the song without. That’s musicianship.
I think that this is one of his singing moments as well. I have been a full-time music entertainer since 1986, and the best compliment I ever received while paying electric guitar was my ability to improvise and do it tastefully and tunefully. I was never about the "guitar god" thing. Most of my favorite players were session men anyway. I think that is where I got the knack for playing tasteful licks and fills. And of course, from George. The greatest sound he ever got was when he began using the Leslie and Fender Vibration rotating speaker in the studio. Nearly all of "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" featured George through the Leslie, at fast and slow speed settings, but mostly that slow, doppler setting. Yeah...
George Harrison was one of the greatest songwriters in English history, who happened to have been in a band with two of the greatest songwriters in Music History.
The greatest band in music history. George was a brilliant musician. RIP good sir.
That is just not true.
Please, by all means, explain to me how a qualitative opinion about one's personal musical tastes could be wrong.
If I say my kids recorder concert is better than Mozart imo, is that ok. George was a decent guitarist and excellent musician, but he isn't one of the greats demonstrably. I'm not saying you can't love him but come on.
Something, Here Comes the Sun, and My Guitar Gently Weeps. I dunno how good your kid is on the recorder, but based on those three songs alone, I'm comfortable with my opinion. He wasn't an incredibly prolific songwriter, and a good bit of that had more to do with Lennon/McCartney and the dynamic of The Beatles than anything else.
As in any opinion, you're welcome to disagree. But I'm comfortable saying that George Harrison is one of England's greatest songwriters.
It’s not how fast you can play, it’s how you make people feel while listening to your music. A lot of technically brilliant shredders are impressive and at the same time soulless and boring. George played with soul and his music was enjoyable.
Who said George could not play fast lead. I challenge anyone to keep up with his rythm cord changes without a lot of practice. Larry Carlton is much harder to play than Alvin Lee or any of the 80's hair band guitarists. Steve Howe can play every style. You need to learn how to hyper pick like Howe. Play the Clap by Steve Howe before February 5th and I will respect you as a guitarist. Beatles never studied music theory because they could play what they heard in their head. Most of the greatest guitarists never took guitar lessons or studied music theory.
@@ronniebaker4549 George could have easily played fast lead, the Beatles just didn’t make room for that type of soloing. His solo on Let It Be is easily one of the greatest of all time without being fast paced.
@@isaacmorrow7077the single produced by George Martin or the Phil Specter produced version? I will assume the latter. I played Let it Be at our Halloween dance party in middle school in 1970 and played the smoother version, but I prefer the kick ass lead break you are referring to, my friend. If speed was the most important every Steely Dan song would have Alvin Lee or elk instead of the variety of talented guitarist. Did you know SD auditioned 19 different guitarists leads before settling on the lead in "Peg". No doubt, George Harrison could have played fast.
To quote Pat Metheny from the 70's when the point was to play
as fast as possible a la Larry Coryell & John McLaughlin (what Frank Zappa called "pentatonic gnat notes"),
Metheny: "I can play as fast as I want to, but that's not the point. The point is to make music."
George certainly did that! He didn't play a note he didn't mean to . He always played within the song. He continued that emphasis thrroughout his solo career. If one is able to play all of his guitar parts, one has
completed one's doctorate.
I hate shredder sound, I cannot stand 2 minutes solos buzzing up and down the scale, it means nothing to me. Compare any of those to Wes Montgomery to get an idea.
George and Ringo both created incredibly memorable pieces in all the Beatles songs. Both busy as part of the team, rather than individualists. It's a major part of why The Beatles were so amazing.
I think all four were a major part, and together they were brilliant and awesome.
None of them has ever had the same success as they did together.
Anybody that criticizes George Harrison's guitar playing is either putting way too much importance on the technical aspect of the guitar or is just plain ignorant. His song writing & musicality are miles ahead of the vast majority of musicians. Every time I listen to George Harrison I'm amazed at just how innovative and refreshing his guitar playing and song writing is. Technical prowess on the guitar means very little these days. I'll take a George Harrison or a David Gilmour over pretty much any other guitarist.
He’s so underrated and was miles ahead of clapton. The only other player that was as well rounded other than jimi was page or gilmour. George is a top three guitar player because of his unique style. He haunted tracks rather then played over top of them and unlike anyone else.
@@Coolbeans1492 And so many seems to forget he made it fifty years ago!
Well said. There are a lot of guys that can wow you with their technical proficiency (much more now than in Harrison's day), but most of them are frankly boring. Harrison and Gilmour make you feel something (pardon the pun).
Plain ignorant pretty much sums up those people.
Loads of people think technical prowess > originality. Also loads of people are idiotic. Wanky super fast super clean solos are like a trip to the dentist for anyone that actually appreciates distinct sound and raw energy.
Love George! His son was attending college at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island. I stopped by a small coffee shop there on my way to work.When I walked in to place my order. I looked over to the corner and George was sitting there.He was with another person I wanted to go over and just say thanks for music. I contained myself and respected his privacy. On the way out our eyes locked I nodded and he returned with a smile.George was always a top player! It's sad he suffered so much in his last years....
Love you Mr.Harrison RIP.
I KNEW A FRIEND WHO NEW A FRIEND WHO KNEW ANOTHER FRIEND WHO PARTIED WITH JIMI HENDRIX ON THE ROAD WHEN HE WAS TOURING WITH HIS BAND OF GYPSYS. HE WOULD TALK ABOUT ALL THE WEED JIMI USED TO SMOKE AND CLAIMED THAT HIM AND JIMI TOGETHER SMOKED A WHOLE OUNCE IN ONE SIT DOWN, ALL I CAN SAY IS HOW AMAZINGLY COOL THAT IS.
I hope I have the restraint that you did if I seen a famous person in a coffee shop. The not was nice though.
Nod.
That "other person" was likely George''s bodyguard. I'm sure travelling w/o one was NOT an option. I saw Phil Spector sitting in a booth at Cantor's once. i was w/ a bass player who pointed him out to me. I too stared for a couple of seconds & he returned my look for a moment. Sitting across from him? His bodyguard!
My nephew has a friend that went to Brown and was the drummer in the same band as Dhani. I think his dad told him to either pursue a band career or one as a lawyer. He has a nice house now that he got his law degree. I wonder if Dhani keeps in touch.
While I really appreciate guitar players who can blaze through zillions of notes, serving the song with a perfectly crafted melodic addition that George brilliantly contributes time after time is really the ultimate achievement.
I really like his solo on Octopus's Garden. It was pretty tricky and included a lot of the riffs that made him such an expressive guitarist.
czcams.com/video/5a7EO_JH1ns/video.html
maby it was perfomed by eric ? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
No@@OficialLeanoSantos
Same
Harrison was never flashy but his parts were memorable and always sounded good. And the songs...wow. So yeah he's easily one of the greatest ever.
Nice username! :)
well said
I like he’s Solos on Boys and Don’t Bother Me.
He played appropriately for the song.
Some people’s criteria for a good guitar player is someone who solos like Van Halen or Satriani. While that is a very definite skill set, I generally don’t care for that style of playing. Regardless, there is far more to playing the guitar than that style of playing.
For those who may not be aware, George's solo work is probably the most consistently great post-Beatles. Give "All Things Must pass" a listen for an absolute masterclass in songwriting, chord progressions and saucy licks. George was a true genius.
The whole album is fantastic. I have the 3 disc edition that came out a while back and love that stripped down/demo version of "Let It Down" with the two acoustics.
Agreed
That album in particular has more feeling than any I can think of and his songs Make Me Feel.
While perhaps less groundbreaking than ATMP (my favs from that album, with many tracks that IMO feel like those on "The Beatles", are "What Is (my) Life" and "If Not For You" - "My Sweet Lord" is classic without question), "33 -1/3" is mid 70's nearly mainstream with hints of uspcoming disco sound. Several tunes are quirky catchy, and each melody is unique.
Back to ATMP though, the big hit world over wa My Sweet Lord - so many people cover that tune but none of then to me surpass George's version ( I think it's the Hindu feel as part of the ATMP vibe, where others inject Gospel).
With If Not For You Harrison's lush multiple-guitar production beters Dylan's various takes. I admit Dylan's have a more "organic" or "unplugged" edge, even during their pre-concert duet take in of 1971 (not an official release) where Harrison's harmony cuts into Dylans abruptness. IMO Harrison's voice/guitar work on ATMP is polished and fluid with production qualites not generally present in Dylan solo renditions. As proof, the Olivia Newton-John version is a close production copy of Harrison's ATMP recording (hers slightly up-tempo/higher-key, more pronounced drumming, fewer guitar tracks, subdued keyboard, a likely pedal steel slide as its on a "folk-country" influenced album), and from her velvety soprano probably best "sound" of the three artists simply because of her vocals. To be fair she was at least 5 years younger than either, and hitting the higher notes of the Harrison key-change arrangement was easier. As for audiophile enjoyment, I like his slower low-tone presentation - Harrison's feel is a deliberate love ballad, man to woman.
By contrast her covers of What Is Life are decent, the arrangements are a bit further up-tempo and consitently key-shifted to her soprano range - those changes don't do justice to the original IMO. Still vocally fine, just not as good as Harrison's mood to me.
Regardless every one of these songs/albums by all three artists are leaps and bounds more dynamic and satisfyingly complex that today's syntheisized/sampled drivel. :)
I've always enjoyed George's guitar playing but I have my reservations about his solo work, and "All Things Must Pass" in particular. One of the things I do not like about that album is Phil Spector's production work. It's just too overwhelming for me. Also, I happen to believe that his fixation on Indian music and the siar as an instrument probably did harm his progression as a guitar player. Don't get me wrong: Harrison incorporating elements of Indian music in Western popular music is a milestone in the development of the World Music genre and I do like many of his Indian inspired songs with The Beatles, but I think his solo work is nowhere near as good as the level of songwriting he has showed in The Beatles. The same thing you can say about John and Paul though...
Always loved George’s solo in - “Your going to loose that girl”. Nice note bending while complementing the melody. RIP George…your legacy is immortalized through infinity.
He was a song player. One musical personality on the palette that was the Beatles. His playing always served the song. The criticisms may arise because guitar heavy bands like Cream and others of the time became popular and stimulated interest in guitar that started with him. I can’t imagine Lennon and McCartney songs having Cream type leads on ever song. He was a very melodic player who played well crafted guitar parts. He was a major influence on my music journey that started with the Ed Sullivan show on my 11th birthday and still interests me today at near 70 years old.
Although ironically he wrote Badge (with Eric) for Cream - originally under a pseudonym. :)
And it got the name "Badge" because, reading it upside down, Eric Asked George "What's badge?" What George had actually written was Bridge, and it wasn't the title or a lyric. He was simply marking where the bridge was in the song.
His solo on Till There Was You is absolutely brilliant. Well highlighted Chris.
Someone said shortly after his death - Bob Geldof I think - that George's solos were little tunes in their own right.
even
Always liked that one. Especially considering that song itself was probably added as a "get the album out the door" filler because they didn't have enough of their own stuff yet.
If anyone ever watched him perform this solo, he played as if it was nothing special...and that made it immensely special.
When the song was performed on The Ed Sullivan show in 1964, Richard Rodgers rang the theatre to ask Ed to congratulate The Beatles on their superb musicianship.
The "Something" solo was spot on! George's solo work was brilliant too.
Maby Eric ?
Harrison is truly one of the all-time greats. Creative, musical, lyrical, endlessly listenable, and instantly recognizable. His compositions …AND guitar work… have already stood the test of time and are now permanent contributions to our universe. If that isn’t musical greatness I don’t know what is. Can you imagine the guitar solo in “Something” played by a shredder? It does not need one more note.
What a great comment. You said it beautifully and perfectly! Great post !
The Something solo will sound horrible if played in the style of Yngwie Malmsteen or John Petrucci, as much as I love and respect them highly as guitarists. Sometimes less is more to convey the appropriate emotion for the song.
It’s not even a question as to George Harrison’s genius. The gift of music that he gave to us, wether it be his brief lead guitar parts or actual compositions while in the Beatles or those he composed during his solo career, he had a way of touching those who cared to listen. 🙏🏼
The older I get, the more I realise just how good George was.. he didn't just play 'solos', he played instrumental breaks which enhanced the song rather than demonstrate his virtuosity.
You took the words 'outta ma mout' ', (but I never could have Put it All in 2 lines!)
For 50? fen Years, I thot that George was "just a minor part of the band, barely playing that 'thing' ". I figured most of the guitars of the day were 'WAY' Above George, in Every sense!!
I thot it was ALL "The Lennon/McCartney Show". That 'Ringo' and George were only 'Changeable parts of the band', and could be replaced by *Anyone*. Only in the past 5 years did i 'Get it'; that George was a Great guitarist, musician playing Totally *Musical guitar* and for Every song He came up with Unique and always very original Major bits that really Completed a song. I thot 'Eric' and So many other 'Flash' solo players were the *real deal* and George knew very Little, I wasn't *Listenin'*. His playing was Such a huge part of any song, i thot, "He's not doing a thing" Duh? ~~ Musical~~Unique~~Creative~~
Exactly! couldn't have said it better.
You're right mister. George was one hell of a virtuoso. I didn't appreciate him until I tried learning to play his parts.
Agreed, he was the right guitar player for that band, as good as he needed to be to play the right things when they were needed.
He was wonderfully innovative and very quiet because he was drowned out by Lennon and McCartney. I think he suffered from that for all the years prior to his death. Perhaps it was essential from the point of view of defining Beatles characters put forth by Brian Epstein.
I think his solo in “Octopus’s Garden” is unbelievably and inexplicably underrated, even in this otherwise really nice video.
I really like the parting lick that is so reminiscent of the flip of a fish's tail.
YESS!!
Wasn't that a McCartney solo?
@@samsonwilkinson8090 Of course that's possible. But the video and audiorecorded documentation showing George Harrison spending a lot of time helping Ringo with the chords and arrangement makes that seem highly unlikely. Making it even further unlikely is that Paul's style was more flashy and George's style included his precise bends, sometimes even using slide, from one melody note to another in perfect tune. So yes, in spite of the fact that George spent more time on the song than anyone except Ringo, it could be Paul playing the solo perfectly in George's style; I cannot deny that possibility. But honestly, in light of the fact that no one else gave a crap about poor Ringo's song but George, what do you think? (Hint: I'm hoping your answer is along the lines of "God bless the soul and memory of the wonderful George Harrison.")
YES. And on the song, The End, also on Abbey Road.
"Here Comes the Sun" was one of my favorite George Harrison songs. It always lifts me up.
He was the lead guitarist of the most successful band in popular musical history. A guitar based band. He wrote great songs including 'Something', 'While my guitar gently weeps', 'My sweet Lord'.
"Here Comes The Sun " isn't too shabby either~,
George didn't play all the solos!
John and Paul played a lot of the best Guitar solos!
Here's some of them ~
Day Tripper ~ John
Paperback Writer ~ Paul
Rain ~ John and Paul
Taxman ~ Paul
Tomorrow Never Knows ~ Paul
Strawberry Fields Forever ~ Paul
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ~ Paul
Hey Bulldog ~ John
Back In The USSR ~ Paul
While My Guitar Gently Weeps ~ Eric Clapton
Get Back ~ John
When you consider the guitar parts that George contributed to songs that are so unique and still amazing works of art after 50 years, it's clear that he never set out to be a soloist in the style of Hendrix or Clapton. His musical genius was not out front but rather embedded into the magical weave of melodies that make the Beatles amongst history's most important and influential musicians.
A Beatles song without Harrison's signature guitar riffs wouldn't be a Beatles songs.
One of the signature Beatles aspects is that the instruments are balanced. Well, the bass could have been brought up a bit but that was also the fault of the technology of the time. Unlike so many pieces where the snare drum is so loud compared to everything else that it hurts to listen to.
Well said, everyone! George's playing style was much more chord-oriented than most lead guitarists.
The Beatles as a whole were much more than the sum of its parts, yet George's carefully crafted guitar parts, I believe were significant aspects of that alchemy of the Beatles unique sound.
There have been many great bands that have come and gone in the last 60 years, but I don't know if there will ever be another band like the Beatles
plus his songs went so well with Clapton
I saw an article where they were asking Jimmy Page to rate his fellow guitarists. When they got to George, Page simply said "Ah. The master".
To me, George’s genius was to serve the music. Everything he did was to enhance whatever song he was doing at the
time. It’s a quality sorely lacking these days. George was certainly not the only guitarist to believe in that principle but
was perhaps the one who consistently carried it out best. My top three Harrison solos: 1) Something; 2) Til There was
You; 3) I saw Her Standing There. Great Slide Player Award: his solo in Alvin Lee’s “The Bluest Blue,” a solo of such
grace and emotional impact it can bring tears. He has been finally getting his due as a slide player over the last sev-
real years. Always melodic, intonation always on the money, always pure and clear. And he played standard tuning
at least 90% of the time.
Ditto Ringo's drumming. His playing always complimented the song.
TY for the tip on The Bluest Blue. Terrific song.
That was actually the genius of all 4 of the Beatles!
@@waynehanley72 Regardless of whose song they were working on, they all gave it their best, everytime.
Exactly. He was part of the Beatles, not the Lead Band Member trying to take the Spotlight away from the others like an Eddie Van Halen. George was A Gentleman Guitar Player!
My god. That picking on “Something” is among the most beautiful you will ever hear. George was a great guitar player.
As a songwriter, guitarist and as a _person_ apparently he was a lovely man too. Taken far, far too early from us.
Those opening tracks from “all things must pass” get better and better with time and repeat listens. I love “isn’t it a pity?”
George was an amalmagation of many sounds. Country, blues, pre pop 50's...and he gave us a sound only that of George Harrison!
Probably my favorite guitar player ever. George's slide playing is like nothing else.
Most melodic slide player ever!!!
i agree
Marwa Blues is amazing
There’s some super tasty gritty slide on Ringo’s Back off Boogaloo
Yeah. In my opinion there has never been a better slide player. But just for my taste
I was fortunate to see george harrison in concert and he and his band where awesome. At the time he was battling a nasty cold and raspy throat but still sang great! personally if you or your band material still sounds great fifty years from now, I will take my hat off too you as well! RSP George and John and happy 80th birthday too Paul! love you Ringo!!
Hello 👋 Vivienne. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Zack Hudson am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl
Harrison basically created his own particular style, which is often identifiable in the first few seconds of a song. Hes as good of a guitarist as i've ever heard. He created an entire body of work based on HIS OWN SOUND, and sold millions doing it.
To me, the difference between George and most other guitarists I'm familiar with is, he played so many different styles and his solos were memorable.
Even his solo on the song The end shoved between McCartney's dramatic high toned leads and Lennon's distorted howl Harrison shows amazing tonal beauty and precise on the spot bends
It's interesting that when Macca does his Beatles stuff, his guitarists play George's solos note for note. I'm glad you posted this. It confirms something that I'd thought for a long time, that not only is Harrison still underrated - people should say that there were 3 great songwriters in The Beatles, but also, that George was such a talented and sublime guitarist.
George added a lot of riffs, transitions and time changes to Lennon/McCartney songs that really make the song. He never asked for songwriting credit as he was all about collaboration, as in "Photograph" or "Octopus' Garden" for Ringo, "She Said" for John (after Paul walked out), etc, etc, etc. He was always an amazing songwriter.
Rusty always embellishes George’s solos. He can’t help himself. He’s very polished.
Yes, like his suggestion accepted for the call and response vocals on Help. How does that not get a writing credit? Maybe not... but maybe it should've. But he did just fine anyway.
@@Carlsings that probably comes under arrangement, and not melody/lyrics (which are what usually gets songwriting credit)
He was first and foremost an ensemble player. NEVER showboated. That's class!
I think some people don't rate George Harrison as a guitarist because they're judging him in comparison to the wrong people. He never set out to be a guitar god in like a Hendrix, a Page or a Blackmore. Most of the music he recorded with the Beatles consisted of expertly crafted pop songs. In terms of technical ability he probably was way behind the likes of Hendrix but he was able to express himself through his guitar work, and his solos were short and sweet.
Julc Enarc .. exactly. He served the song only and ever, not his own glory. He always took you more deeply into the song .. not to himself.
Or maybe he didn't because he couldn't? Just asking...
@@howie9751 The Beatles' songs weren't about showboating, unless you're speaking of their amazing writing abilities. And few guitarists of that time had as sophisticated a chord vocabulary as George.
@@howie9751 He had incredible ability, certainly the ability to be a poser .. to be flash, showy, "look at me" .. but to be such was foreign to him. He was a deeply humble man, a man of service .. serving the song in question, the other Beatles, the audience ...
George is the reason why I wanted to play the guitar. Also, Ringo is the reason I play the drums. George is one of the great slide players as well.
Most melodic slide player ever!!!
Yes, his slide playing is outstanding.
Yeah, Eric Clapton was very impressed with his slide playing.
@@Deliquescentinsight no Clapton. HARRISON was the guy.
So let's get this clear: you play slide on the drums?
Just listen to the solo on All My Loving: it's basically chord inversions and ends with that country-inspired florish.
He played for the song. He was never too flashy, but his parts always fit like a glove.
Exactly. The right notes, and only the right notes.
@stargazer Proof?
@stargazer No offence, but that so-called 'sage' spouts the most pathetic garbage on his YT channel, and if that's your only source I think we can safely say your 'session musicians' claim is just more speculative BS of that ilk..
@stargazer The source you quoted does not do sound research. I have examined several of his videos carefully and found he only peddles speculation and belief, with extremely flimsy evidence that fails to stand up to close scrutiny. When we open our ears and eyes, we must also use our brains and experience, and be prepared to challenge our assumptions and things we think on the face of it are blindingly obvious.
Often more careful research will show conclusively they're not true. That's how good research works. You win some, you lose some. You have to learn to be less attached to your favoured outcome, and apply scrupulous honesty and really much more incisive discernment, otherwise you fall into the downward spiral of circular thinking and confirmation bias, and ultimately, delusion.
John "GO GLOVE LOVELY GLOVE"
George always complemented the song with his solos, always tasteful & well thought out
I'd like to point out that George's playing kept improving for the rest of his life. Cloud 9 and Brainwashed are monster albums. He was never too flashy but always ended up playing chords no one else was playing. And he always had something to say.
Try "Beware of Darkness", "Simply Shady", "Isn't it a Pity", "I'd Have You Anytime", "This is Love", "Someplace Else", "Any Road", "Looking for My Life", and "Rising Sun". I could go on...
In fact the "All Things Must Pass" collection is a Magnum Opus.
Reading this I honestly thought I’d written this and forgotten I’d posted it. Thanks for this. Spot on. And don’t forget about Basketball Jones by Cheech and Chong.
Old guy here. Grew up with the Beatles. Loved them all and am loving everything you are doing Chris.
Ditto
Same here
Another oldie here yes indeed. ^^
Having been socialised with the BEATLES' music George was always under my skin. But I didn't realise how good he was before I started playing guitar at the tender age of 45. It was by hearing all these solos again with a guitar players view I felt the greatness. There is one thing in particular that really strikes me every time I listen to George: you can sing the melody of his solo and feel the underlying chords. And wow, what a slide player he was!
It says more than just a bit that we are here, talking about this music, nigh on 60 years later. If there weren't some greatness there, it would long since have been totally forgotten by now.
Personally, aside from all of his musical contributions, I'll always be grateful to George for putting up the money for Monty Python's Life of Brian, simply because he "wanted to see the film". What a guy. Thanks George.
George Harrison was a highly underrated guitarist….he was among the greatest!
Yeah imagine if Paul kept the Beatles together when John left and imagine All things must pass and Paul’s First solo album material together would make the Beatles amazing.
He couldn't play the blues. That's why he had Clapton play on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
@@howie9751 Different styles. He could not play the blues. That's absurd. I grow so tired of hearing how one player is more proficient or is better than another. They are all unique and all contribute to the world of music.
@@howie9751 if that’s the logic of your argument, maybe he couldn’t write songs as well, because he asked Bob Dylan and bunch of other singer songwriters to join the Wilbury’s! The guy just loves playing and corroborating with others. He’s the epitome of a great musician. Always happy to share, play and experience music with anybody. No ego, just a good damn musician. Definitely underrated guitarist. I got some news for you buddy that might shock you, George fucking Harrison is one of the greatest songwriter that ever lived!
@@octavius8562 he was humble and not a braggert . He never boasted his ability because he didn't have to. Every word about him says how giving he was and passed out many instruments so he could share the experience of music with his friends. He could play anything proficiently. Very very underrated. More talented than he appeared , to non musicians especially. You really should do a little research. The Beatles were uber talented, and had a much bigger effect on future music than you obviously know if you aren't even in deep enough to see what talent George and the Beatles possessed. Take a deep dive into it and you'll see. Or not and be content with sounding foolish.
You nailed those Chris. Actually seeing you playing them made me realise they're more difficult than I thought. Congratulations on being in fine company in Guitar World!
The best guitarist in the greatest band. Magical!
I was wondering when you were going to get to Something, It really is one of the most beautiful guitar solos ever written and performed. That's why I love George Harrison.Never standing out. Always serving the song. Never upstaging anyone. Ringo was very much the same. Never the flashiest. Just a human metronome who knew how to serve a song.
The solo on Til There Was You is so beautiful, Nowhere Man is my alltime fav song...3 voices perfect sung
Non-musician here, but that interplay with the saxes during the instrumental break on Savoy Truffle thrills me to death every time. The timing on those notes is perfect
I still get goose bumps after all these years hearing the opening riff from "She Loves You"... George is nothing short of a master and his fingers are the sweetest in the business! Nice job Chris!
Not only are you a brilliant guitarist you are very well-spoken and articulate. There is a cadence to your speaking that emulates your playing. Putting sentence structures together is very much like putting a solo together. Just thought I would mention that. And, I agree on George being great.
Talk about “Something” . Jimmy Page’s answer to George’s conversation about how Led Zeppelin should do a ballad, is the Rain Song. The first two chords in the Rain Song is Page’s answer to George, they are the first two chords of “Something”. A bit of musical history, and two musical geniuses, who just happen to play guitar.
Best slide guitarist ever! Listen to his solo on "Free as a Bird" or "Handle with care" with the Traveling Wilburys.
When you hear George play slide guitar, you actually start to think that's the way the instrument was meant to be played. So natural and effortless. A God given talent.
Hey Chris - I would love to see a segment on the transition of George Harrison to one of the best slide players that ever lived. This was a huge transition of style that seemed to coincide with the Beatle break-up and his new solo career. The differences in his playing within a short period are really amazing.
I agree. Although all of these examples are beautiful pieces of guitar work, they are fairly easy to play. But I find the solo on “How do you sleep?” for example way harder to nail than many of Claptons solo’s.
The guitar work & songwriting the Beatles recorded is just to advanced to comprehend. It will be discovered and re discovered by future generations until the end of time. Excellent playing by Chris also . Very impressive! I'm not sure if it (Beatles catalog)has been or will ever be bested by another group.
That Something bit bought tears to my eyes, which just about says it all about that song.
"Confusing musicality with dexterity" is a great point... so many dexterous guitarists who aren't really that musical. The "Something" guitar solo is one of my two favourite "slow solos", along with Robbie Robertson's "It Makes No Difference", with The Band. Going through a tough time right now, and having these archived Friday Fretworks to go through after a trying week is a nice way to head into the weekend. Thanks, Chris.
Thank you, Chris, for this analysis of and tribute to the most underrated musician of our time. George was a scholar through and through - his adoption of jazz chords, Latin American styles, country, rock 'n roll, hard rock, the sitar and Indian musical forms and his unique slide guitar. For the Beatles, he dressed Lennon and McCartney's songs in very fine clothes - and he could do it instantaneously (there is a YT video of John introducing the song 'Hard Day's Night' to the band and George composing excellent and distinctive guitar parts for it on the fly.
Old Brown Shoe always rates as one of my all time favourite guitar solos. Also, I Don't Wanna Spoil The Part is a fine Chet Atkins inspired country solo. And let's not forget the slide playing on Cheer Down...
George himself said, that his best Slide Guitar Solo is on Belinda Carlisle´s "Leave a light on".
But the slide work on Cheer Down is also very good.
George was no guitar virtuoso but his musicianship was excellent. His writing of guitar breaks to enhance the song was brilliant. No one can take this away from him.
Absolutely a master of the diminished and minor chords nobody like him he could play any style.
Don't forget about George's slide playing. It is so melodic and unique, tasteful and sublime. You could devote a video to that technique alone. Cheers Chris!
BRILLIANT, your comment!
His appearance on the 1985 HBO Carl Perkins TV special demonstrated his guitar prowess in front of a live audience. He played Scotty Moore's solos flawlessly, sang lead vocals and kept up with Eric Clapton. I'd say he was one of the greats....👍
George’s work on Abbey Road was simply superb!
Don’t forget his solo on Lennon’s Gimme some truth or Beatles Polythene Pam, not to mention George’s utterly unique slide guitar!
John performed the solo on "Polythene Pam".
Gimme Some Truth is itself a slide guitar solo actually.
Brilliant stuff Chris! As a "child of the sixties" that got turned on to playing guitar by The Beatles, I really love that you are paying ongoing homage to members of the Fab Four. George always impressed me with his beautifully executed phrases and his slide playing, in particular, was always identifiable as solely his style!
This seriously goes without saying. He INVENTED certain techniques, still being used today, not to mention his "sound", that no one has been able to replicate exactly. Which is maybe the number one benchmark of the guitar greats.
What techniques?
@@howie9751 Note economy and subtle comping not usually found in rock.
Not that anyone could hear it because they screemeed, pie themself and fainted wile he was playing witch might ad an extra ⭐️ you basicly soo good so you dont need to play anymoore.
I'm not sure George invented many techniques but he indeed perfected/utilized them to the ultimate degree.
Erm, in my mind he was more of a borrower and a synthesiser of guitar techniques. Scotty Moore, Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Lonnie Johnson, Don Rich, and Chuck Berry were just some of his sources. George's special gift was being able to play like any of these guys, depending on what the song needed. And, of course, giving it the Beatles touch.
That solo in "Something" is so gorgeous that it's stunning. God Bless George Harrison.
Great picks!
“And Your Bird Can Sing” is one of my favorites, displays his skill and beautiful harmonic and melodic lines 🙏
That solo is McCartney
@@seiter13 No, it's actually George and Paul together on lead guitar. But I guess, George wrote it, it sounds very George-ish.
@@Blinki18284 Paul wrote it and it's been verified by Geoff Emerick, the engineer who was there.
@@ClueSign Well, Paul said George and he wrote the part together. It's an amazing solo, no matter who wrote it. :)
Yeah sound more Paul inspired to me.
The fact that John, Paul, George and Ringo were not session musicians yet accomplished so much in such a short time speaks volumes on talent.
I don't even have the enthusiasm to argue with someone dumb enough to say that George wasn't a good guitarist
I'll argue. George wasn't good, he was awesome!
Yes Sir, life is to short for stupid arguments.
He was good enough to be in the Beatles...
Perfect... exactly right lol
Good call. The dumb ones know all the rules for perfecting dumber.
What an eloquent and oh so well played tribute to George…. I am sure he is looking down ☺️ smiling 💕
As a rocker in the '60s we didn't know how to really appreciate the Beatles and their songs. They were so different that the 1-4-5 tunes we were playing. Looking back with a more mature mind now I can see that George never over-played a lead. He didn't drop into a minor pentatonic jam. He only played when necessary and did not over-chord the rythm guitarist, (John). He also introduced a great amount of varying tones into the Beatles songs. Overall, not a fancy player but his lead lines fit the song perfectly. Good job George. RIP.
And yet another side of George's musical background was his deep knowledge of RnB and soul, hence the Savoy Truffle horns, it was his idea to bring Billy Preston into the Get Back sessions and working with Phil Spector on his solo album.
And bringing Clapton in to do "My Guitar Gently Weeps" because George didn't have a feel for blues guitar.
His solo and guitar work on Savoy is excellent.
One of the greatest of all time. A master of feel and restraint, always served the song while saying something unique. Just a brilliant player
Chris, great video! Your guitar work is fantastic as well! There's a moment in the new Get Back documentary where George is telling John and Paul that he isn't the guitar player that Eric Clapton is. It was profoundly sad when he diminished his own musical gift and he wasn't able to appreciate his own unique contributions to The Beatles songs, which I believe made them stand out as just that... unique! George was not a mainstream guitarist who played in a formulaic manner that I have heard in countless guitar shops, bands and on thousands of recordings. He was thoughtful and deliberate while adding just the "right" touch of guitar work. BTW, the most iconic and memorable guitar work from Eric Clapton was on 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.....
George became a great guitarist in 1964 aged 21. Just listen to his superb playing on a Hard days night and Beatles for sale albums. His guitar was just important to the Beatles sound as was John and Paul's songs.
He is on of the greatest. Says a lot with a little. Your something solo is glorious and tasteful. Cheers Chris a wonderful way to kick off the bank holiday 👏
Another wonderful Friday Fretworks. You are so right about Harrison. He’s very underrated by some, but was a fantastically creative player.
hey bulldog is so underrated in their catalog, especially because of george’s playing so i was really happy to hear you talk about it!
Paul said George made And I love Her the incredible song it was because of his guitar work. I've always wished they had done more songs allowing George to play his Ramirez classical guitar.
Paul (+John) were never interested in George's songs or his wanting to play more guitar in Beatles songs. Very much like with Bryan Adams and Keith Scott, Bryan pretty much only ever gave Keith a few bars in each song for a guitar solo, and not interrupt his singing. Everything I do" was one of the few songs Bryan let Keith have a little Impro time at the end!
George has always been my favorite Lead guitarist.
A true genius!!! 🏆
As a musician who highly values the technical prowess of guitar players, George did it in a unique way. He was a far better player than he ever got credit for. Similar to Hendrix with little nuance's in his playing that go unnoticed until you try to play his music. I think his playing has an organized refinement that suggest he was a schooled musician something I don't hear in Jimi's music. It sounds much more like a Chet Atkins influence. I also think that many of today's modern players have been heavily influenced by George. Steve Vai, Guthrie Govan and Joe Walsh all have aspects of George's influence in their playing among others. He was truly one of the greats.
George was my favorite guitar play. All of Beatles songs always have a touch of art with George guitar on it.
Absolutely great video. I love your analysis and description of George’s playing. I’ve been a Beatles fan for more than half a century and I love them more as time goes by. Thanks for the video.
Hey Bulldog- the solo was ahead of its time!
@James Ponz, nope.
@James Ponz it was George.
Was only reading that Guitar World article yesterday. You're in fine company!!
George Harrison’s solo on “till there was you” is the best ever. Play from the album or on Alexa not from CZcams.
"And your bird can sing" is my fav.he plays lead threw that whole song amazing. I sing the guitar instead of the lyrics. Also love "Hey Bulldog". When I saw her standing there.
Hello 👋 Debbie. How are you doing? Hope you are fine. I'm Zack Hudson am from Denver Colorado. Where are you from? You seem like a real country girl
Chris buck humble badass guitarist.,down to earth with the rest of us
Huh???
Harrison made me sing along to his solos long before i even picked up the guitar..
Amid so many lovely comments on George's guitar work, I think yours is the most beautiful and sums up his quiet genius.
Those are usually the best ones. Dumb.....they were not. Highly gifted men.
I can't believe anyone wouldn't think George was a great guitarist. Although your selection was exquisit, I also thought of Octopus' Garden, While My Guitar Gently Weeps (with Eric Clapton's contribution acknowledged), and Yer Blues, are also displays of excellence. He wasn't fast, he wasn't complex, but his leads were perfect for the songs. Harmonious little leads that filled the gaps perfectly. Brilliant guitarist in a brilliant band. Thanks Chris for reminding us all of George's brilliance through your own.
The Beatles Were Like The Planets Lining Up,A perfect Storm That Hasnt Been Repeated To This Day.
Yeah, it's the same sort of things they say about Ringo's drumming. Paul and John were lucky to have them.
Congrats on the Guitar World article. As a guitarist I grew up with that magazine and even had a subscription for a few years in the 90s.
Few guitarists are as identifiable. His music has an aura of greatness around each song. As a player, he became a pre-eminent, top-level guitarist the moment he picked up slide
The George solo that never gets mentioned and is arguably his best is the one in The End . A combination of " Till there was you" in how he plays over the changes and "Something" in terms of his note choices and exquisite feel. Only a few seconds long - but a masterpiece for all that. Check it out!
I guess you mean the very last solo, the one that leads up till the very end (no pun intended) chord?
Yes, that’s a fantastic bit! Great, partly sweep picked, arpeggios, that perfectly outline the (tricky) chord progression. In fact, “side B” (the medley) is full of George’s very best guitar work.
@@Marathanz Rick Beato did a "whwhat makes this song great" vid on this; well worth checking out.
@@patriciolegett1757 thank you for the tip! I just watched Rick’s special on Bohemian Rhapsody this afternoon 😃
Glad someone finally mentioned that beautiful arpeggio on The End ( Paul’s song ) . That is easily if not more melodic than the Till There Was You solo.
You can probably find that isolated somewhere. It will bring a tear to your eyes if you hear it in the context of the song .
Good call.
My favorite Beatles tunes are Harrison's. He was a masterful songwriter. R.I.P.
Excellent discussion and demonstration. Thank you for sharing.
George Harrison’s slide sole on the bluest blues by Alvin Lee is just so damn good
Oh yes, I'll have to listen to that again...and again...and again!
Thanks I’ll have to check it out .
George played with Alvin Lee on many occasions, they lived close to each other. Alvin recorded So Sad, written by George and released on 'On The Road to Freedom' with Mylon LeFevre. Ron Wood was part of that group of talented musicians who often got together for a pint, dart-throwing, and revelry. The guys from King Crimson and Traffic also were part of what was known as The Thames Valley Gang. Amazing stuff. George was also good friends with Mick Fleetwood. Mick was married to Patti Boyd's sister Jenny.
I really like his playing on Dear Prudence it pushes the song into the stratosphere.
I love that song. Probably my second favorite song on The White album next to while My Guitar Gently Weeps. The guitar playing on Dear Prudence nothing short of remarkable.
John wrote Dear Prudence in the #9 cabin or hut where he slept at the Maharishi Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand February 68 I think. On December 10,2010, I sat 9 minutes in that cabin or hut or call it whatever you want, as this was on my bucket list of things to do before I die. Dear Prudence his one of my 5 favorites Beatles song. It brings so many memories of my boarding school college 1967-71 where I was disc-jockey at the college radio in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Imagine, I was paid to go to Music city store on King St. to buy the White Album. I didn't know at the time but it was the best years of my life. And of course I'm a Beatles child generation. George is my favorite today, yesterday it was John, the day before it was Ringo, and the day before it was Paul. And every week is the same since 1963. I like all kind of music but for me, nothing beats The Beatles. I'm 66 now and I tell you guys, I still listen to The Beatles every day. My man cave is a shrine for these four lads who shook the world (to my wife despair sometimes) but I keep telling her that nothing's gonna change my world. #9 fan here. So long!
@@jbqu3142 Thankyou for sharing that. There is something so special about the way The Beatles make you feel and I think I mean the way you feel about life. Very few artists have some a profound effect although there's a few others. Keep enjoying and loving the music.
@@BaxterStoneTV You're welcome Baxter. I'm french-canadian and for me British music of the sixties (some of the 70's too) is the best ever. I repeat, for me!
Hey brother, loved this Video. I was surprised that your first choice was " Till there was you" one of my faves too ! I remember as a kid learning that particular solo. it wasn't easy it just kept on going. So melodic. George was a beautiful and Bitchin guitar player , singer, slide guitar player... artist. Thanks for taking the time to share his incredible timeless talent and contribution to the world of music and art.
Cheers !