The Guitarists of The Beatles: George Harrison vs. Paul McCartney

The Beatles were known not just for their incredible harmonies and songwriting, but also for their distinctive guitar playing. Between George Harrison and Paul McCartney, who truly shone on the six-string? Let's dive into a deep comparison of these iconic guitarists.

Who Was Better at Guitar: George Harrison or Paul McCartney?

In the band, Paul McCartney was a very skilled multi-instrumentalist, but it was George Harrison who was acknowledged as the outstanding guitarist. While geography and role division played a significant part, George dedicated a considerable amount of effort to mastering the guitar. Similarly, Paul was an excellent bass player, taking over the role on bass after Stu Sutcliffe's departure, as John and George didn't want the responsibility. His bass lines were not only unique but also highly underrated, revealing a player who was primarily a songwriter in his own right. The same can be said of George's guitar playing. He composed his parts the way a song writer would, focusing on crafting melodies and harmonies that served the song.

George Harrison: The Lead Guitar Virtuoso

George Harrison, known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles, had a style marked by its melodic sensibility and innovative use of slide guitar. He contributed iconic riffs and solos to many Beatles songs, such as While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, and Within You Without You. His guitar work was characterized by its smooth phrasing, melody, and harmony. George was known for his perfectionism and would craft his parts meticulously, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the song's structure. However, he also showed his ability to improvise in solos, particularly in his solo career with slide playing. His playing was tastefully understated, always in the service of the song.

Paul McCartney: The Versatile Rhythm Player

While primarily known as a bassist and vocalist, Paul McCartney was also a talented guitarist. He played guitar on many Beatles tracks, demonstrating a strong command of various styles, such as hard rock in Taxman and the use of power chords in Back in the U.S.S.R. Paul's guitar work can be heard prominently in songs like Help!, Got to Get You Into My Life, and Yesterday. Paul's improvisational skills were a significant part of his guitar playing. Unlike George's smooth approach, Paul attacked his solos with an aggressive attitude, producing heavier sounds that added additional weight to the band's sound.

Debating the Metrics

Both John and Paul called George the best guitarist in the band. According to their biographer, John felt a sense of pride in George's guitar playing, often seeing him as a big brother figure. George was known to be proficient in chords, showing John and George new ones, and both would craft songs around these chords.

From a songwriting perspective, George was often better at composing guitar parts. His phrasing and licks were smoother, but he could still hold his own in creating both melody and harmony. On the other hand, Paul was better at improvising. George would create something with a focus on perfectionism, whereas Paul would simply riff away, producing solos at a remarkable pace. George's sound was smooth, while Paul's had an aggressive quality, producing heavy sounds that added to the band's distinctiveness.

Conclusion: An Uneasy Ties

Ultimately, both George Harrison and Paul McCartney left an indelible mark on the history of the guitar within The Beatles. Each had a unique approach to their instrument, contributing to the band's many hit songs. Determining who was 'better' depends on the metric used: composition, perfectionism, or improvisation. Whether it's George's melodic sensibility or Paul's versatility, both guitarists played a vital role in shaping the sound of The Beatles.

figcaptionThe guitarists of The Beatles: George Harrison (left) and Paul McCartney (right)./figcaption

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