The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends Flashcards
Describe the range of the melody of the song
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
Describe the overall melodic shape of the melody
It is conjunct in majority, using syncopation
Describe the melody in the first line of the verse
It moves entirely in step over the range of a fifth. This melody is then repeated for the rest of the verse
Describe the slight changes in pitch in the verses and bridge
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.
What melodic technique is used in verse 2?
Melisma is used in verse 2 on the words lone and own
How does Starr move between notes?
He slides between notes (portamentos)
What is the overall key of the song?
E major
In what key is the four-bar introduction?
G major
What takes place on the vocal “Billy Shears”?
Three rising consecutive chords are heard: C/G - D/A - E
What chords are used in the verses?
I, ii and V (E/B, F#m, B7)
What chord progression does the chorus follow?
A double-plagal cadence progression D - A (IV - I) then A - E (IV - I)
What chords does the chorus use?
E, D and A (I, VII, IV)
Why is the use of the D chord unusual and what effect does it have?
The D major chord is not in the E major scale, and so gives the song a chromatic feel
What chords are added n the bridge?
C#m11 and F#
What harmony is added in the second chorus and verse?
A vocal harmony in thirds
What is the final cadence of the song?
An altered perfect cadence: D major - E major (♭VII - I).
What harmonic feature is present in the vocal melody?
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
Give the structure of the song
The structure of the song is as follows:
- Introduction
- Verse 1
- Chorus
- Verse 2
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Verse 3
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Chorus
How does the piece end?
There is a six-bar ending after the final chorus
What instruments are used in the song?
Vocals (Ringo with harmonies by John and Paul), piano, drums, electric guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, tambourine, and cowbell
What technique was used to add additional instruments?
Overdubbing was used to add the tambourine, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, additional lyrics and vocal harmonies
Describe the guitar tone
Clean and bright (no effects)
Describe the hi-hat accents
Hi-hat accents are strong throughout
Describe the tempo of the song
Moderate - 110bpm
Describe the metre of the song
4/4
What rhythms do the guitar and piano mainly play?
They play mainly straight quavers
What beats does the bass guitar emphasise?
Beats 1 and 3
What direction is given regarding quaver rhythms
The instruction to swing quavers is given
What takes place rhythmically regarding the drum kit?
The drum kit begins with crotchets before moving to swung quavers on the hi-hat
What rhythmic technique is used in the vocals?
Syncopation is used in the vocals
What rhythm does the drums play?
A backbeat rhythm (emphasising beats 2 and 4)
Describe the overall texture of the song
Melody and accompaniment
Describe the texture in the bridge
There is a call and response texture between the voice and harmony vocals in the bridge
