How to Play Guitar Like John Lennon

So, you want to play guitar like John Lennon. Whether you're a Beatles fanatic or just appreciate Lennon's knack for crafting timeless tunes, you're in for a fun journey. This post is all about capturing the magic of Lennon's guitar style, from rhythm techniques to those distinctive chord progressions that made The Beatles' music so iconic. We'll break down his playing style, explore some of his famous songs, and give you tips on how to incorporate his techniques into your own playing.

Channeling the Right Vibe: Understanding Lennon's Gear

Before we start strumming away, let's take a quick look at the gear Lennon used. He wasn’t one to load up on fancy effects; rather, he preferred straightforward setups that highlighted the purity of his playing. Here’s a peek into his gear box:

• Guitars: Lennon’s early days featured the Rickenbacker 325, which had a jangly tone perfect for the early Beatles sound. Later, he moved to the Epiphone Casino, which he used extensively during The Beatles' middle period.
• Amps: The Vox AC30 was a staple in The Beatles' rig, known for its bright, chimey sound. This amp was crucial in shaping the Beatles' sound, ensuring that Lennon's rhythm parts cut through the mix.
• Effects: Unlike today's guitarists who often rely on a pedalboard full of effects, Lennon kept it simple. He was fond of using a fuzz pedal on occasion, especially during the later years with The Beatles, but generally, his sound was clean and direct.

While gear isn't everything, having the right setup can help you get closer to that authentic Lennon tone. That said, if you don't have a Rickenbacker lying around, don't sweat it. Focus on the playing techniques, and the sound will follow.

Rhythm Guitar: The Backbone of Lennon's Style

If there's one thing to know about John Lennon, it's that he was a rhythm guitarist through and through. His playing provided the backbone for many Beatles songs, giving them that driving energy. Here's how to capture some of that magic:

The Art of Downstroking

Lennon's rhythm style often involved aggressive downstrokes, giving songs like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" their infectious energy. To get this down, practice strumming with consistent power and precision. Try this exercise:

1. Pick a simple chord, like E major.
2. Set a metronome to a moderate tempo (around 120 BPM).
3. Strum the chord using only downstrokes, focusing on keeping each stroke even and in time.
4. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Chugging Along: Syncopated Rhythms

Lennon loved using syncopated rhythms to create a sense of movement and groove. Listen to "All My Loving" for a great example of this. To practice, try playing along with the song, focusing on hitting the off-beats accurately. It might feel tricky at first, but with practice, you'll start to feel the groove naturally.

Chord Progressions: The Lennon Touch

John Lennon had a knack for crafting chord progressions that were both simple and innovative. Many of his songs feature unexpected chord changes that keep listeners on their toes. Let's break down a few techniques:

Using Open Chords Creatively

Open chords are a staple in Lennon's toolkit. Songs like "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" make extensive use of open chords to create a bright, ringing sound. Experiment with different open chord voicings to add color to your progressions. Here’s a quick exercise:

• Take a basic progression, like G - C - D.
• Try substituting different open chord voicings, such as G7 or Cadd9, to see how the sound changes.

Unexpected Chord Changes

Lennon often used unexpected chord changes to keep his songs interesting. In "In My Life," for example, he uses a C# minor chord to create tension before resolving back to the key of A. To incorporate this into your playing, try adding a minor chord that’s not in the key you’re playing in, and notice how it affects the mood of your progression.

Melodic Fills and Embellishments

While Lennon wasn't known for blazing solos, he did have a talent for adding tasteful melodic fills and embellishments to his rhythm parts. These little touches added depth to his playing and made his parts stand out. Here's how you can start incorporating them:

Simple Pentatonic Runs

Lennon often used simple pentatonic runs to add flavor to his playing. These are especially effective during transitions between chords. Try this exercise to get a feel for it:

• Pick a basic chord progression, like C - F - G.
• Play a simple C major pentatonic scale over the progression, focusing on creating small, tasteful runs.
• Experiment with different rhythms and note combinations to see what sounds good.

Adding Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are great for adding expressiveness to your playing. Lennon used these techniques to create smooth transitions and add interest to his rhythm parts. Practice incorporating them into your chord changes, like this:

• Choose a chord progression, such as A - D - E.
• Play the progression, focusing on adding hammer-ons and pull-offs between chord changes.
• Experiment with different fingerings to see what feels comfortable and sounds good.

Crafting Harmonies: The Lennon-McCartney Magic

One of the hallmarks of The Beatles' sound is the vocal harmonies between Lennon and McCartney. While this might seem more relevant to singers, it’s also a crucial part of Lennon’s guitar style. Understanding harmony can help you create more interesting guitar parts and arrangements.

Understanding Thirds and Fifths

Most of The Beatles’ harmonies are built on thirds and fifths. To practice this on guitar, try playing the melody of a song you know well and then harmonizing it by adding a third or a fifth above the melody notes. This can be a fun way to add depth to your guitar parts.

Incorporating Harmonized Guitar Parts

Once you’re comfortable with vocal harmonies, try applying the same principles to your guitar playing. Play a simple melody, then add harmony notes using the third or fifth intervals. This technique can add a lush, full sound to your playing.

Embracing Simplicity: Less is More

One of the most important lessons from Lennon’s playing is that less is often more. His parts were rarely complex, but they were always effective. Here’s how to embrace this philosophy:

Focusing on the Groove

Lennon’s playing was all about serving the song. Focus on locking in with the rhythm section and providing a strong foundation. Practice playing along with a metronome or a drum track, and pay attention to how your playing fits with the beat.

Leaving Space

Don’t be afraid to leave space in your playing. Sometimes, it’s the notes you don’t play that make the biggest impact. Practice playing a simple progression, and experiment with leaving space between notes or chords. Listen to how this affects the overall feel of the song.

Learning from Songs: A Practical Approach

The best way to learn to play like Lennon is to study his songs. Here are a few iconic tracks to get you started:

"Come Together"

This song features a laid-back groove and some classic Lennon chord changes. Focus on the syncopated rhythm and the bluesy fills in the verses. Try playing along with the recording to get a feel for the vibe.

"Norwegian Wood"

This track showcases Lennon’s ability to blend folk and pop influences. Pay attention to the fingerpicking pattern and the use of open chords. Practice playing the intro riff and experiment with adding your own embellishments.

"Help!"

"Help!" is a great example of Lennon's energetic rhythm playing. Focus on the driving downstrokes and the syncopated accents that give the song its urgency. Play along with the song to lock in with the rhythm.

Putting It All Together: Developing Your Own Style

While learning to play like Lennon can be rewarding, it’s important to remember that he was all about innovation and creativity. Use these techniques as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to make them your own. Here are some tips for developing your own style:

Experiment with Different Genres

While Lennon was rooted in rock and roll, he drew inspiration from a wide range of genres. Explore different styles of music and see how you can incorporate elements into your playing.

Focus on Songwriting

At the end of the day, Lennon was a songwriter first and foremost. Use your guitar as a tool for writing and expressing yourself. Don’t get too caught up in technique; instead, focus on creating music that resonates with you.

Interestingly enough, while you’re honing your skills and discovering your style, Riffhard offers an incredible resource for guitarists. With lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists, you can learn techniques that go beyond just rhythm guitar, helping you craft your unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Playing like John Lennon is about more than just technique. It’s about capturing the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined his music. As you explore his style, remember that it’s okay to put your own twist on things. And if you’re looking to expand your guitar skills further, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources to help you grow as a guitarist, from rhythm techniques to songwriting tips. Happy strumming!