More than thirty years after The Beatles split up, the music of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison lives on. What exactly were the magical ingredients of those legendary songs? why are they still so influential for today's bands? This groundbreaking book sets out to exlore The Beatles' songwriting techniques in a clear and readable style. It is aimed not only at musicians but anyone who has ever enjoyed the work of one of the most productive and successful songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. Author Dominic Pedler explains the chord sequences, melodies and harmonies that made up The Beatles' self penned songs and how they uncannily complemented the lyrical themes. He also assesses the contributions that rhythm, form and arrangement made to the Beatles unique sound. Throughout the book the printed music of the Beatles' songs appears alongside the text, illustrating the authors explanations. The Songwriting Secrets of The Beatles is an essential addition to Beatles literature - a new and perceptive analysis of the music itself itself as performed by what Paul McCartney still calls 'a really good, tight little band'.
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About the Author
Dominic Pedler is a contributor to Total Guitar, Europe's best-selling guitar magazine.
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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By N Stubbs
Format:Hardcover
Every fan must have wondered why the Beatles were so consistantly brilliant in their songwriting and 'Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles' hopes to explore just that. However, it is not really a book for every fan - knowledge of musical theory and keyboard or guitar playing is almost essential (to be fair, the author does provide a brief appendicised introduction to theory). Yet given that caveat, what is left is a fine study of the techniques that the group used in producing their masterpieces.
How John, Paul, George and Ringo took the influences of blues, doo-wop, skiffle and many more types of popular music and pushed the boundaries so far in just one decade is explored in minute detail - there's a whole chapter on the nature of that famous guitar chord at the begining of 'A Hard Day's Night'. The author starts with the simplest V-I progression and gradually expands on the songwriting methods The Beatles used, taking in melody and rhythm and ending up with what must be the most comprehensive exposition on a popular musicians'catelogue.
Anyone looking for real secrets of the bands' musical success will not find the answers here - the real answer lies in the genius of the four men (if you wish an insite into this then McDonalds' 'Revolution in the Head' is the book you need). But what you will find in 'Secrets...' is how that genius manifested itself.
'Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles' has a rather narrow audience but if you do fall within those bounds, you'll find it fascinating.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Toronto
Format:Hardcover
This is one of the greatest books ever written on music and music theory for people who know nothing about music. I cut out the original set of articles that spawned this book, and was thrilled to discover that he had turned it into a big book (and it is big!). The best thing about the book, if you have been saturated in Beatles music, is that the theory is learnt really quite effortlessly. The author has done everything he possibly could to make it easy for you. This book should be given to everyone free upon reaching the age of 15 or thereabouts.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By SimonW
Format:Hardcover
The book was recommended by a friend. I am still only 1/4 way through, because the book is so packed with gems that I am studying it carefully, but I have no hesitation in recommending it strongly. It is not so much the stories behind the songs, as the title may suggest, but a thorough explanation of how chords and chord sequences work to make a song, based on examples from the Beatles (and other classics). Examples of each sequence are given with excerpts in music notation. Using the Beatles' music as examples is perfect because the songs are so familiar that one can hear them in one's mind without having to resort to CDs or mp3s. As well as a reference source for songwriters, the book has greatly increased my appreciation for the songwriting talents of the Beatles, particularly in the interplay between the music the the lyrics. It is really well written, sprinkled with wit and humour. A must-read for any musician.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is possibly the best, but certainly the most entertaining book on music theory that I've read. There is a huge amount of detail here, but the author doesn't take the subject too seriously. It helps that I know the songs so well that I can hear the examples in my head while checking the notation.
If I was washed up on the shore of that desert island with an acoustic guitar and this book...
If I was washed up on the shore of that desert island with an acoustic guitar and this book...
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have always been interested in songwriting, and especially the incredibly varied output of songs from Lennon and McCartney. This book is a bit of a tome, but is a fascinating and somewhat scholarly 'unpicking' of the Beatles songs.
Much interesting information on chords and how they fit in to the overall pattern and mood of the songs.
If you are ready for a long read - this is a book you should look at.
Much interesting information on chords and how they fit in to the overall pattern and mood of the songs.
If you are ready for a long read - this is a book you should look at.
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