Paperback Writer - Bass Line Video

This is my transcription of Paul McCartney's bass line on the Beatles' song "Paperback Writer," released as a single in May 1966. The song was recorded during the Revolver sessions in April 1966. McCartney played guitar on the basic track (along with George Harrison), then overdubbed his bass line with his 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S. Recording bass as an overdub afforded him the opportunity to be much more adventurous in what he played. This bass line, while it provides a suitable support for the song, is fairly soloistic, a feat he would repeat the following day for the recording of the single's B-side, "Rain." Lennon referred to this song as "son of 'Day Tripper'" because of the heavy guitar riff. McCartney's approach to the bass line, however, is one major difference between the two songs. On "Day Tripper" he doubles the iconic guitar riff on bass, adding more emphasis to it. For stretches of the song, the riff and drums are the only musical parts we hear. On "Paperback Writer," McCartney plays a bass line that is entirely independent of the guitar riff. So, while we hear the guitar riff by itself at three different points in the song, when the bass comes in it is acting as counterpoint rather than reinforcement. 

The Beatles were always experimenting and looking for ways to improve their sound. On this song, the primary experiment was the recording technique used to capture McCartney's bass. Instead of using a traditional microphone, or recording through a DI, the EMI engineers wired a large speaker in reverse, essentially allowing it to act as a giant microphone. (While it seems to have worked well enough, it is unclear if they ever tried this again during future sessions.)

I am playing a 1985 Rickenbacker 4003 through a SansAmp VT Bass Deluxe. My bass is strung with LaBella flatwound strings. 

Music and lyrics by John Lennon and Paul McCartney