Michelle Guitar Riff

Learn to Play "Michelle" by The Beatles on Guitar

"Michelle" by The Beatles is one of Paul McCartney's most beautiful compositions, combining elegant chords with a melody that truly shines. Today, we’ll explore the main elements of this classic song to help you understand its brilliance and elevate your guitar playing.

Key Features of the Song

• Capo on the 5th Fret: This simplifies many of the shapes while maintaining the song's dreamy sound.
• Chord Progressions: The intro features a mix of triads and bar chords, creating a smooth, flowing progression. While starting in F minor, the transition to F major brings a bright, uplifting feel to the verse.
• Jazz Inspiration: The chord choices and movements are reminiscent of jazz standards like "My Funny Valentine," showcasing how The Beatles drew from multiple genres.

Notable Chords and Techniques

• F Minor and F Major Contrast: The shift between these two gives the song its emotional lift.
• B♭ Minor Variations: Supporting the melody with subtle tweaks, like adding the 7#9, creates extra tension and beauty.
• E♭6 and G Diminished: These unique chords add texture and movement, showing how melody and harmony can work together.

Why Learn "Michelle"?

• Improve Your Chord Knowledge: From triads to jazz-influenced shapes, this song is a great way to expand your repertoire.
• Understand Melody and Harmony: Supporting melodies with chords can add depth to your playing.
• Inspiration for Songwriting: "Michelle" is a masterclass in blending simplicity with sophistication.

Ready to dive into the details? Try playing the intro and experiment with the transitions between chords. You’ll soon see why this song is a favorite among guitarists.

If you’re a Beatles fan, check out my Beatles Guitar Playlist for more iconic songs to learn.