Yellow Submarine is one of the first Beatles songs that beginners learn, making it one of their more accessible songs for new players to learn and perform. Its straightforward chord progression makes this an accessible song to play for anyone just starting out.
Beginners can practice strumming and hand-eye coordination, making this an excellent opportunity to show off new abilities!
Verse 1
“Yellow Submarine” stands out among the Beatles’ catalogue as one of their more unique songs, exemplifying how the group could elevate gesture over content. Although its music may seem simple or simplistic at times, it provides a sturdy foundation for the campy-yet-futuristic collage of sampled sound bites laid atop.
First verse features a brief guitar lick followed by backing vocals; this was unique among The Beatles as this track used the same overdubs for the main vocal track and its backing vocals.
During the second verse, one can hear Ringo’s voice crackling (which some believe indicates that he may be playing out of key), along with an audible click from his hi-hat.
The eight-measure refrain breaks into four 4-squared measures with an ‘AA’ structure, bordering on monotony with its unsettling harmonic rhythm and closed chord shape, ending on I. However, by sustaing V through two inner measures some slow-motion syncopation adds slow relief from four squareness in music.
Verse 2
The second verse features an iconic doo-wop chord progression (I, V, vi) popular at that time; you may recognize it from U2’s “Within You Without You” and other pop songs of the 2000s. Written in F# Major according to Theorytab website this song contains nine most-popular major chords – learn one strum per bar while working towards making your chords sound consistent!
Chorus
At the recording of “Yellow Submarine”, The Beatles ventured far from their usual rock sound. Instead, the group employed nautical sound effects and party ambience on this double A-side single released alongside Eleanor Rigby.
The song’s chorus is composed of simple and repetitive lines, giving it a childlike quality and reflecting themes such as escape and idealism in its lyrics. While chord progressions in its chorus may initially prove challenging to learn, once they become second nature they will quickly become second nature to play.
Yellow Submarine’s chorus is performed in F sharp major, providing Paul McCartney with an easy vocal range. This key was often chosen by The Beatles due to its melodic range and variety of chords; F sharp also happens to be one of the most frequently played keys (it ranks 9th on Theorytab’s database).
Verse 3
The eight-measure refrain has a 4+4 ‘AA’ structure and may veer toward monotony more dangerously than its companion verse. The combination of its harmonic shape ending on V and its repetitious four chord repetition creates an aura of droning when repeated for extended stretches. But this criticism should be seen as minor; its acoustic simplicity serves as another example of how the Beatles elevated gesture over content by mid-Middle Period, providing a solid platform on which campy yet futuristic collage of sampled sound-bites could be added on top.
Strumming can be tricky at first, but the key to playing it well lies in practice. Strumming each beat with an even rhythm will help build your ability and move you towards reaching the speed recorded on this chart.