This riff-ridden song saw the first intentional use of guitar feedback in a recorded release. The effect was used to great acclaim to extend the song’s opening note, which was played on the A-string of John Lennon’s guitar. This note then leads into the opening riff, featuring a three-chord pattern and played with great precision by Lennon and George Harrison.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
In comparison to their previous songs, the meatier guitar sound of ‘Paperback Writer’ took The Beatles’ music into the genre of Hard Rock. A memorable opening riff with a series of smooth arpeggios and flying octave fills gives way to lyrics inspired by a supposed request from McCartney’s aunt to write a song that wasn’t about love. The song’s outro again features the same riff played repeatedly as the words ‘paperback writer’ are sung over and over.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The Ultimate Rock Riffs 