With a Little Help

Question 1

Why is the song’s melody so simple? Give 2 reasons.

Answer 1

1. Lennon + McCartney wrote this song for Ringo, specifically for his limited baritone voice.
2. Lennon had damaged his forefinger and had to work out the melody with his middle finger.

Question 2

Give 4 examples of how rhythms is used in this song.

Answer 2

• use of syncopation in main melody adds interest
• steady and purposeful four square rhythm of accompanying chords in verses
• shuffle rhythm in backing + melody, especially accented in chorus
• shuffle rhythm places important words/syllables just before the beat, emphasising them and creating an uplifting feel

Question 3

Give 5 examples of how harmony is used in this song.

Answer 3

• 3 rising major chords (C, D, E) in the intro establish the key
• Harmonic structure of the verse is very simple, using only three chords: 1, 2 and 5 (E, F#min, B)
• Use of dominant 7th chords.
• chorus has D alternating with D natural in bass
• imperfect + plagal cadences used

Question 4

Give 2 examples of how tonality is used in this song.

Answer 4

• tonic key = Emaj
• in bridge, anticipated modulation to subdominant moves to submediant

Question 5

Give 6 examples of how melody is used in this song.

Answer 5

• Conjunct movement, within perfect fifth (1-5), in vocal melody throughout
• Some chromatic movement in vocal melody
• Repeating ideas in lead vocals.
• Backing vocals to add melodic interest
• Bass line often melodic in construction, rather than moving in larger intervals.
• Rise in pitch in bridge’s melody contrasts with restrictive vocal melody in rest of song
• 2-bar outro based on intro link from Sgt. P

Question 6

Give 3 examples of how texture is used in this song.

Answer 6

• Overall melody and accompaniment texture
• Antiphonal call and response between solo and backing vocals (in series of questions)
• Melodic bass guitar part against vocals creates a contrapuntal texture in some sections

Question 7

Give 5 examples of how timbre is used in this song.

Answer 7

• George Martin plays hammond organ in intro
• contrast between solo verses and closely harmonised choruses
• fluid bassline
• very bright guitar tone
• strong accent on hi-hat cymbol in chorus
• multi-tracked, harmonised vocals in intro (“Billy Shears”)

Question 8

Give 2 examples of how dynamics are used in this song.

Answer 8

• quiet opening
• loud chorus
• i.e. contrast in dynamics

Question 9

Give 7 examples of how structure is used in this song.

Answer 9

• introduced by a segue (crowd cheering) from previous song
• balanced phrasing construction in 1st verse
• strophic structure: i, v, c, v, c, b, v, c, b, c, o
• in second chorus, final 2 bar instrumental passage omitted; 2nd part of 6th bar used to transition to the bridge
• chorus varied each time, rather than being exact like most pop songs
• contrast of solo verses and harmonised choruses
• 2-bar outro based on intro link from Sgt. P[…], giving a rounded structure

Question 10

Give 3 examples of how metre is used in this song.

Answer 10

• 4/4 metre
• tempo rises from previous song