John Lennon‘s name is enshrined in decades worth of diamond discs and gold-plated songs. As part of the songwriting partnership of Lennon-McCartney at the centre of The Beatles, the Liverpudlian can be rightly regarded as one of the greatest songsmiths of all time. His music has changed the course of music history and delivered tracks that still stand up over decades after their release.
Lyrically, Lennon is almost unmatched. While not possessing the poetic dexterity of Leonard Cohen or the powerful vocabulary of Bob Dylan, Lennon would allow the passion of his emotions to permeate every word he sang in the studio. Coupling this with a potent vocal delivery, it is easy to see how he became known as a rock icon across the globe.
However, few people speak of the musician’s uncanny ability with the guitar. While never seen as the lead guitar in the band, with George Harrison’s unique tone underpinning every good thing the band ever released, Lennon’s contribution as a pivotal rhythm guitarist should never be understated.
Inspired by rockers like Buddy Holly, Lennon was a sparing performer, rarely overcomplicating his sound. However, he was also at the centre of some incredible guitar developments, including the first ever feedback recorded on a song. Yet, his donations to the instrument are rarely given the spotlight.
Below, we’re doing just that and providing ten classic Beatles songs that showcase John Lennon’s guitar mastery.
10 Beatles songs to prove John Lennon was a great guitarist:
1.‘Dear Prudence’ – The Beatles
2.‘Girl’ – Rubber Soul
3.‘All My Loving’ – With the Beatles
4.‘The End’ – Abbey Road
5.‘Revolution’ – The Beatles
6.‘Yer Blues’ – The Beatles
7.‘Across the Universe’ – Let It Be… Naked
8.‘Julia’ – The Beatles
9.‘She’s A Woman’ – Beatles ‘65
10.‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ – Abbey Road
