The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends

Question 1

Describe the range of the melody of the song

Answer 1

The range is only that of five notes (E-B) as it was written for Ringo Starr’s limited baritone voice. The final note is the exception, which is sung falsetto

Question 2

Describe the overall melodic shape of the melody

Answer 2

It is conjunct in majority, using syncopation

Question 3

Describe the melody in the first line of the verse

Answer 3

It moves entirely in step over the range of a fifth. This melody is then repeated for the rest of the verse

Question 4

Describe the slight changes in pitch in the verses and bridge

Answer 4

In verse 1, line 1, the melody starts G♯-A-B, while in line 2, it starts G♯-B-B. The first bridge begins B-C♯ and the second bridge begins G♯-B.

Question 5

What melodic technique is used in verse 2?

Answer 5

Melisma is used in verse 2 on the words lone and own

Question 6

How does Starr move between notes?

Answer 6

He slides between notes (portamentos)

Question 7

What is the overall key of the song?

Answer 7

E major

Question 8

In what key is the four-bar introduction?

Answer 8

G major

Question 9

What takes place on the vocal “Billy Shears”?

Answer 9

Three rising consecutive chords are heard: C/G - D/A - E

Question 10

What chords are used in the verses?

Answer 10

I, ii and V (E/B, F#m, B7)

Question 11

What chord progression does the chorus follow?

Answer 11

A double-plagal cadence progression D - A (IV - I) then A - E (IV - I)

Question 12

What chords does the chorus use?

Answer 12

E, D and A (I, VII, IV)

Question 13

Why is the use of the D chord unusual and what effect does it have?

Answer 13

The D major chord is not in the E major scale, and so gives the song a chromatic feel

Question 14

What chords are added n the bridge?

Answer 14

C#m11 and F#

Question 15

What harmony is added in the second chorus and verse?

Answer 15

A vocal harmony in thirds

Question 16

What is the final cadence of the song?

Answer 16

An altered perfect cadence: D major - E major (♭VII - I).

Question 17

What harmonic feature is present in the vocal melody?

Answer 17

Chromaticism is heard in the vocal melody. This can be heard on the word friends in the chorus and in the bridge on the words “need” and “be”. The vocal line slides from G♮ to G♯ in both instances

Question 18

Give the structure of the song

Answer 18

The structure of the song is as follows:

• Introduction
• Verse 1
• Chorus
• Verse 2
• Chorus
• Bridge
• Verse 3
• Chorus
• Bridge
• Chorus

Question 19

How does the piece end?

Answer 19

There is a six-bar ending after the final chorus

Question 20

What instruments are used in the song?

Answer 20

Vocals (Ringo with harmonies by John and Paul), piano, drums, electric guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, tambourine, and cowbell

Question 21

What technique was used to add additional instruments?

Answer 21

Overdubbing was used to add the tambourine, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, additional lyrics and vocal harmonies

Question 22

Describe the guitar tone

Answer 22

Clean and bright (no effects)

Question 23

Describe the hi-hat accents

Answer 23

Hi-hat accents are strong throughout

Question 24

Describe the tempo of the song

Answer 24

Moderate - 110bpm

Question 25

Describe the metre of the song

Answer 25

4/4

Question 26

What rhythms do the guitar and piano mainly play?

Answer 26

They play mainly straight quavers

Question 27

What beats does the bass guitar emphasise?

Answer 27

Beats 1 and 3

Question 28

What direction is given regarding quaver rhythms

Answer 28

The instruction to swing quavers is given

Question 29

What takes place rhythmically regarding the drum kit?

Answer 29

The drum kit begins with crotchets before moving to swung quavers on the hi-hat

Question 30

What rhythmic technique is used in the vocals?

Answer 30

Syncopation is used in the vocals

Question 31

What rhythm does the drums play?

Answer 31

A backbeat rhythm (emphasising beats 2 and 4)

Question 32

Describe the overall texture of the song

Answer 32

Melody and accompaniment

Question 33

Describe the texture in the bridge

Answer 33

There is a call and response texture between the voice and harmony vocals in the bridge