THE BEATLES' Songwriting Secret Lost To Popular Music Today

Summary

This video script delves into the unique songwriting techniques of The Beatles, attributing their global success to more than just hype. It argues that their mastery of chord progressions, including the use of non-diatonic chords and subliminal key changes, set them apart. The script simplifies music theory, illustrating how Lennon and McCartney's focus on intricate song structures, rather than reliance on technology or showmanship, created a timeless appeal that continues to captivate listeners.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The Beatles' success was not solely due to their music, but their songwriting technique set them apart, especially the use of 'subliminal key changes'.
• 👂 The script emphasizes the immediate impact of the Beatles' music on listeners, highlighting the power of their songwriting over other factors like hype or promotion.
• 📈 The Beatles' chord progressions were more complex than today's pop music, which often sticks to basic seven-chord structures.
• 🔑 The script introduces the concept of 'subliminal key changes' as a key technique used by the Beatles to enhance their songwriting, making it more engaging.
• 🎸 John Lennon and Paul McCartney were deeply interested in mastering chords, which was central to their songwriting process.
• 🛤️ The Beatles' early songs, even before meeting George Martin, were more advanced than many current top-charting songs, utilizing extended and non-diatonic chords.
• 🔄 The script explains various techniques of key changes, including abrupt changes, major-minor switches, and the '25 turnaround' method.
• 🎼 The '25 turnaround' is a specific technique where chords two and five from a new key are introduced to subtly shift the song's key without the listener noticing.
• 📚 The importance of learning music theory and being open to studying it is underscored, as it was part of McCartney's early development.
• 🌟 The Beatles' music was raw and simple, focusing on song quality over production techniques, which is a lesson for aspiring musicians to focus on songwriting.
• 🚀 For aspiring musicians, incorporating complex songwriting techniques like those used by the Beatles can help stand out in today's music scene.

Q & A

What was the main argument presented in the video about the Beatles' success?

The video argues that while the Beatles' music alone was not enough to account for their success, their unique songwriting techniques, especially the use of subliminal key changes, played a significant role in their global appeal.

What does the video claim about the current state of pop music in comparison to the Beatles' era?

The video claims that pop music has become more simplistic and less innovative over the past 20 years, lacking the complexity and sophistication found in the Beatles' songwriting.

What is the '25 turnaround' technique mentioned in the video?

The '25 turnaround' is a songwriting technique where chords two and five from the new key are introduced into the song, tricking the listener's ear into subconsciously transitioning to the new key.

How did the Beatles' songwriting evolve from their early days to later albums?

The Beatles' songwriting evolved from using basic chords and extended chords to incorporating non-diatonic chords, genre swapping, and eventually mastering subliminal key changes.

What is the significance of the song 'Drive My Car' in the video's narrative?

The song 'Drive My Car' is used as an example of the video creator's initial negative reaction to a Beatles song without knowing who was singing, highlighting the power of their songwriting once the creator recognized the song's brilliance.

What role did George Martin play in the Beatles' songwriting journey?

George Martin, a producer, provided the Beatles with access to advanced recording techniques and musical knowledge, which helped them further develop and refine their songwriting skills.

What is the 'seamless key change' technique the Beatles were known for?

The 'seamless key change' technique refers to the Beatles' ability to change keys within a song so smoothly that the average listener might not even notice the transition.

How does the video suggest aspiring songwriters can emulate the Beatles' success?

The video suggests that aspiring songwriters should become obsessed with chords and melody, learn from everyone they can, and not be too proud to study music theory to incorporate advanced techniques into their songs.

What is the 'major minor switch' technique discussed in the video?

The 'major minor switch' technique involves abruptly switching between major and minor chords, often used to transition between different sections of a song, such as from verses to choruses.

What examples of Beatles songs demonstrate the use of key changes?

Songs like 'From Me to You,' 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,' 'Norwegian Wood,' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' and 'Fool on the Hill' are examples where the Beatles used key changes to enhance their songwriting.

How does the video describe the Beatles' approach to songwriting compared to modern pop music?

The video describes the Beatles' approach as more sophisticated and innovative, using a variety of songwriting techniques, compared to modern pop music, which is described as having become more simplistic and formulaic.