Understanding Iconic Solos (Something By The Beatles)

So you know some scales and lead guitar techniques, but every time you try and come up with your own solos you’re left wondering why you don’t sound like one of the legends. Well, that’s because many of the most melodic lead lines are actually closely linked to the chords they’re played over.

George Harrison was a master of this very concept. And in this video lesson, Ayla breaks down his iconic solo from the song “Something” by The Beatles. It is truly a masterclass in understanding how to follow chord changes and create beautiful melodies on the guitar.

Just getting started on the electric guitar? Get free access to our 6-video course here 😎

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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - The First Part Of The Solo
6:07 - The Chromatic Lick
7:31 - The A Minor Section & The Rest Of The Solo
10:39 - Solo Playthrough With Chord Changes
12:01 - Outro
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About Ayla Tesler-Mabe:
Ayla has been making waves in the world of guitar playing as a professional guitarist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, since the early age of 14. After only been playing for two years, her first YouTube video (a rendition of John Mayall’s “Hideaway”) put her on the map and kickstarted her music career. She has since been featured in Rolling Stone magazine, become a member of the Ernie Ball and Fender family of artists, and earned various Berklee College of Music scholarships. Musically, Ayla finds great pleasure in exploring the numerous avenues available to her through various styles of music, as seen through her work with Calpurnia and Ludic.

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[MusoraOfficial]

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[gregphillips]

This is one of the guitar solos that truly does make me (gently) weep. A beautiful work of art from George.

[markshepler]

Havent picked up the guitar in years...now i will...thanks so much...40 years ago i ice skated to this song...memories

[kenwright]

Outstanding, sensitive, instruction with grace and charm!

[eduardorodrigues]

This song has one of the most beautiful solos I've ever heard: every note placed perfectly on the chord and at the exact moment. Very beautiful. Thank you so much for the video, Ayla
= )

[perrythomasmusic]

Ayla, beautifully played. I have had to play this solo hundreds of times and unfortunately, I sort of changed it up a bit over the years, though I used to play it identically to what GH played, like you are showing here. It's one of the most beautiful songs every written by GH or anybody else for that matter, and certainly a beautiful solo. People sometimes don't realize the genius of the Beatles, because they WROTE these songs, the music, and these solos and sounds are what made these songs so incredible and instantly identifiable with the Beatles. Great Job

[jimshorts]

That lick haunted me for years. I wouldn't even try to learn it because it was "magic" and the reason I started playing in the first place. I have never played a Beatles tune in public, and never will; they were done perfect in the first place to my ears. You have such a clean style, bravo ! 👏

[crazyantny]

This may be a masterclass of the solo, just never overlook the masterclass in writing and chord progresion. We know how Sinatra adored the song, but Elton John was quoted to say ..."something is one of the best love songs ever written. Better then yesterday, much better. It's like the song that I've been chasing for like 35 years". As for the solo... George performed the solo in one take with an orchestra accompaniment

[carlosquintana]

Your natural, "deep (complex) simplicity" to assimilate and"pass on" the master's music is awesome. God bless!!

[tbone]

The best break down of this beautiful solo I’ve ever heard.

[gordonquigg]

That is amazing how the technical and mathematical side of music can be figured out, understood, and played. I wish I could do what you do on the guitar. You are awesome, highly intelligent, and a very beautiful person. You've got me mystified while being demystified.

[MrTommytuna]

I learned this solo years ago by ear. Like you, I found it gorgeous and melodic.

I never dissected it in the way you have. I appreciate the lesson and will refer to it again when I am writing songs with a similar mood.

There are a lot of people who are unaware of how sophisticated some of the Beatles music was. In fact, they were versed in jazz chords very early on. And punctuated their songs and melodies with them often.

I doubt George Harrison went through this kind of analysis in constructing the solo. But he sure knew his instincts and the structure he was playing to.

Thank you for this video.

[dimpar]

This is great! Thanks for the lesson! I hope you do even more analysis like this one, cause the best thing is to really understand what's behind the melody and not just playing it.

[vinnie]

My daughter and I are sitting down today to learn this. She loves you! Great video!

[gregthompson]

It’s a beautiful tune for sure, I always like to think back and imagine when George found all these great notes and how he blended them so beautiful.

[larrypower]

In videos of George and Clapton on tour, it certainly appears he is playing those notes but in a different place on the
fret board. Looks like he’s playing higher and on different strings. It’s definitely a solo he worked out in context with the
chords he’s playing over. George always did his best to make the song better with his contribution. He understood
what “serving the music” was really about and excelled at it.

[mikebaker]

Teenager in the early sixties, how lucky was i, , grew up in England listening to the Beatles, saw them in 1965 what a great player George was, what a legacy he left

[Glasshock]

Ayla, I'm 53 years old and have been playing bad rhythm guitar for years. Since watching your channel, I've upped my game considerably. Great content and so simply walked through. Myself and my 13 year old Daughter thank you!

[hadenbaillie]

One of the greatest songs ever written, love to hear someone else exspress there love for it ❤

[rokitrik]

Ayla, accolades here are so true. Your lovely, knowledgeable presentation of one of the greatest songs ever written is wonderful **something** all musicians appreciate! Thank you.