EXTRA TEXTURE
MIKE CAMPBELL, KIM THAYIL, YNGWIE, JOE PERRY AND MORE SOUND OFF ON BEATLE GEORGE’S UNIQUE SIX-STRING MAGIC
RICK NIELSEN (CHEAP TRICK): “I’ve chosen three pieces that I remember loving and then stumbling trying to play along to — as either the fifth or sixth Beatle, counting Sir George Martin. So I’m the Fab Sixth, usually failing, then shown the door along with Pete Best! Those songs were ‘Help!’, ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’ and ‘Something.’ There’s nothing too obscure going on, but it’s all challenging — at least for me, especially when attempting George’s licks in front of any of the billions of listeners and guitarists who know his solo guitar parts and melodies by heart. Mistakes are not an option, but in my case… inevitable! I’m a songwriter, not a true studio session man… Help! The solo on ‘Something’ is great. There’s a great story in Geoff Emerick’s book [ Here, There and Everywhere] about the ‘Something’ solo and how George came in and nailed it in one take. Also, his quirky slide playing was unique and copied by lots of players, especially Mike Campbell.
MIKE CAMPBELL: “George really redefined himself when he started playing slide guitar. His playing was very lyrical, as if a voice was singing the notes. I once told him that I love the tones of the Gretsches and Rickenbackers on the first records, and he said in all seriousness, ‘Do you know if we would’ve had Stratocasters, we could’ve been really good?’ That’s George — a humble genius.”
DWEEZIL ZAPPA: “George’s tones always had tons of character, which enabled him to be the master of simplicity. From the spanish guitar on ‘And I Love Her’ to the perfectly glassy tone on ‘In My Life,’ George’s simplicity adds depth to the songs and helps bring out the emotion. The biggest takeaway is that he always played for the song. His slide playing was always beautifully arranged, but he often surprised us with heavy rock sounds too.”
CHUCK GARVEY (.MOE): “I love George’s songwriting as well as his lyrical slide playing, but ‘Taxman’ was one that grabbed me at a young age with its’ cynical, snotty lyrics and explosive production! The drums, guitars and voices remain full of life and are timeless. Paul’s solo also rips!”
NUNO BETTENCOURT (EXTREME): “The thing about George’s guitar playing that I believe touched us all emotionally and specifically as guitarists, was the way he’d bend notes. They always spoke and told a story and shared an emotion. I hear his bending and storytelling influence in Brian May’s playing and guys like Neal Schon who tell a verbal story with no lyrics… I am of the belief that, for a guitarist to truly connect with an audience, you don’t play to impress them; instead, you must reveal yourself and your personality and emotions through your playing. Give yourself up fully with no fear of judgement or only competing and wanting to be compared to the greats. That, in the end, will separate you from the pack. When guitar and DNA collide... it’s a wrap. It’s history. It’s forever and timeless. George played himself — quiet, moody; Edward played himself — fun, full of fire. Angus played himself — loud, in your face, passionate.
“As far as George’s Beatles tunes... ‘Here Comes the Sun’: So simple yet complex... Simplexity. Timeless. ‘Let It Be’: His solo playing off of the epic chord changes on