- Sheet music
- Publisher: Music Sales (1 Jan 2011)
- ISBN-10: 0711981671
- ISBN-13: 978-0711981676
- ASIN: B00144BYK6
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,366,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Songwriting Secrets Of The Beatles
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36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
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.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
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.
Listmania!
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