Who Made Up the Lead and Intro for the Beatles Song 'Revolver'?
The lead guitar and intro for the seminal Beatles album Revolver, a track of particular note, were primarily played by George Harrison. While John Lennon and Paul McCartney co-wrote the song, George's contributions to the music—including the distinctive lead guitar lines—go largely uncredited in the songwriting partnership. This article explores the fascinating dynamics behind George Harrison's guitar contributions and the broader context of Beatles songwriting credits.
Songwriting and Credits
Despite George Harrison's significant role in crafting the lead guitar and intro for 'Revolver,' the song is officially credited to Lennon-McCartney. This practice was standard for the Beatles, as individual musicians were often not given writing credits for parts of a song, such as lead lines, bass lines, or drums. The prevailing industry norm at the time dictated that only chord progressions, lyrics, and primary melodies would receive acknowledgment. This led to occasional tensions within the band, especially as George often felt that his contributions were overlooked.
The Recording Sessions and Musical Influences
The dual lead guitar lines for 'Revolver' were developed during the recording sessions. George and Paul McCartney utilized Epiphone Casinos for this track, though Paul played a more prominent role in creating the guitar parts, which resulted in George not receiving individual writing credit.
Paul's inspiration for the guitar parts can be traced back to his exposure to Baroque music in 1966, particularly the distinctive piccolo trumpet solo in the iconic song 'Penny Lane.' The four-bar intro of 'Revolver' features glistening, almost all eighth notes, in mainly parallel thirds. This technique reminiscent of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, No. 5, creates a Baroque-like texture. In the bridge, the guitar lines employ broken chords, and the intro returns with an extended version using parallel sixths. The final eight bars are repeated as a coda, the first bar repeated three times, culminating in a unresolved IV chord (A) in the key of E.
Recording Process and Technical Details
The recording process for 'Revolver' was meticulous and time-consuming. The band recorded 11 takes of the basic rhythm track, ultimately choosing take 10 for the final version. Overdubbing the dual guitars and vocal harmonies extended the recording time even further, with the band dedicating 12 hours to the project. Despite the extensive time and effort, the final product was worth the investment, resulting in an intricate and innovative piece of music.
Historical Context and Musical Innovations
The innovation of 'Revolver' lies not only in its musical ideas but in how these ideas were presented. The album represents a shift in the Beatles' sound, incorporating complex songwriting and innovative recording techniques. It was during this period that George Harrison began to gain recognition for his individual contributions, culminating in his credit as co-composer for songs where he made significant musical contributions, such as 'In Spite of All the Danger.'
Conclusion
'Revolver' stands as a testament to the creative collaboration within the Beatles, particularly highlighting George Harrison's pivotal role in crafting the lead guitar and intro. While not credited as one of the songwriters, his contributions were crucial in shaping the album's uniquely innovative sound. As the industry standard evolved, so did the acknowledgment of individual musicians, but 'Revolver' remains a memorable example of the Beatles' collective creativity and artistry.
Related Keywords: George Harrison, Lead Guitar, Revolver