Learn “Something - Solo” by The Beatles

At LickLibrary.com, we bring you a comprehensive, note-for-note breakdown of the guitar solo in “Something” by The Beatles — a timeless George Harrison composition and one of the band’s most iconic love ballads. This classic track from Abbey Road is a masterclass in melodic guitar soloing, and our expert lesson dives deep into the techniques that define its emotional phrasing and tasteful delivery. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson goes beyond simply playing the notes; it explores the expressive articulation and stylistic nuances that make this solo so unforgettable. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Legacy of George Harrison

The solo in “Something” was performed by George Harrison, whose playing style has influenced generations of guitarists. Known as the “quiet Beatle,” Harrison brought a deep sense of musicality, restraint, and melodic sophistication to The Beatles’ catalog. His solos were never about flash or speed — instead, he focused on telling a story through tone, phrasing, and musical taste. In “Something,” Harrison’s use of expressive bends, lyrical phrasing, and slide-like articulation showcases his signature touch and a clear departure from more blues-based playing, highlighting his influences from Indian music and jazz-pop stylings.

Harrison’s playing on “Something” helped cement his reputation as a guitar player with a deep emotional vocabulary. For learners, studying this solo offers a gateway into expressive soloing techniques that favour melody over speed, providing an invaluable education in tasteful guitar work.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

This lesson provides a detailed breakdown of each phrase in the solo, focusing on tone control, bending accuracy, and expressive timing. By learning this solo note-for-note, players will not only improve their technical facility but also gain a deeper understanding of how to craft melodic guitar lines that evoke emotion.

String Bending

One of the most defining elements of the “Something” solo is string bending. Harrison uses a variety of bends — from subtle half-steps to expressive whole-step bends — to add vocal-like inflections to his lines. Mastering these bends helps players develop pitch control and adds a dynamic, singing quality to their solos.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the solo to create a smooth, legato flow between notes. Practicing slides teaches players how to connect phrases more fluidly and maintain momentum in melodic lines. This is especially useful in ballad-style solos where continuity and expression are key.

Vibrato

Harrison’s tasteful vibrato adds warmth and character to sustained notes. This lesson explores how to execute controlled, expressive vibrato that enhances note sustain and adds emotional depth to phrasing — a crucial skill for any lead guitarist looking to develop a personal voice.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Some of the transitions in the solo use subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs to add smooth articulation between notes. These legato techniques help develop finger strength, control, and speed while preserving a natural, flowing sound.

Double Stops

In this solo, double stops are used to harmonise melodic ideas and emphasise key chord tones. Practicing double stops enhances fretboard awareness and harmonic control, allowing you to add more colour to your own solos.

Pre-Bends

The use of pre-bends adds a vocal-like, expressive nuance to key phrases. By bending to pitch before striking the note, players learn to mimic the human voice — an essential element of George Harrison’s lyrical playing style.

Why This Solo Matters

Learning the solo from “Something” is more than just learning a classic Beatles guitar part — it's about understanding how to serve a song with taste and emotion. Every phrase George Harrison plays supports the vocal melody and enhances the overall mood of the track. By dissecting this solo in our step-by-step lesson, you'll develop an ear for phrasing, an appreciation for minimalism, and the skills to translate emotion into music.

Whether you're a Beatles fan, a classic rock enthusiast, or simply a guitarist looking to improve your melodic playing, this lesson is a must. You'll walk away with improved bending accuracy, smoother articulation, and a deeper understanding of how to use tone and phrasing to create unforgettable solos.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Pre-Bends