My Sweet Lord

Artist: George Harrison

Album: All Things Must Pass

Released: 1970

Genre: Folk rock, gospel

Length: 4:40

Key and Pitch

The song “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison is in the key of E major.

Instruments and Effects

Instruments include acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, tambourine, piano, and slide guitar. Effects include reverb and slight delay.

Main Instrument and Style

The slide guitar is prominent, creating a soft, gliding sound reminiscent of spiritual introspection. It stands out with its melodic, sustained notes that gently weep throughout the song.

Unique Instrument Usage

Harrison’s use of the slide guitar, influenced by Indian music, adds a distinct spiritual tone. The fluid, continuous notes provide a meditative quality.

Prevalent Notes

The slide guitar plays a C# minor (C#, E, G#) and B major (B, D#, F#) prominently. The notes slide seamlessly, evoking a serene and yearning sensation.

Phonetic Onomatopoeia for Main Chords

• E major: “ching-a-chang-a-ching”
• C# minor: “weng-weng-waaah”
• A major: “dum-dum-duuum”

Vocals

The vocals are soulful and resonant. Harrison’s voice is a gentle prayer turned into a melody.

Metaphor for Vocals

The vocals are like a river of devotion flowing through a mountainous landscape of sound.

Phonetic Breakdown of Vocals

• “My Sweet Lord”: “My sweeet lorrrd”
• “I really want to see you”: “I reeally want to seeeyoou”

Harmony Example

During the chorus, the vocals and slide guitar harmonize, creating a spiritual blanket of sound that feels both uplifting and grounding.

Keys to Playing or Singing

• Use open chords (E, A, B) for guitar.
• Maintain a calm, relaxed vocal timbre.
• Focus on the gentle, flowing slide guitar technique.

The Silent Field

Composition Breakdown of “My Sweet Lord”

The song “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison is primarily recognized for its blend of spiritual themes with pop rock music. The composition is notable for a significant degree of both originality and controversy due to similarities with another song. Here’s a breakdown:

Distinct Tracks and Elements

• Verse and Chorus Structure: The melody features a simple chord progression, typically found in pop songs, making it catchy and memorable.
• Instrumentation: The use of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and harmonies enhances its rich, layered sound.
• Motif: The repeated chanting of “Hare Krishna” blends Western pop music with Eastern spiritual ideas.

Loops and Samples

No notable use of modern loops or digital samples. The track was produced using traditional instruments and recording techniques of the 1970s.

Origin and Influence

• “He’s So Fine” Controversy: The song was famously involved in a legal case due to its melodic similarity to The Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” This similarity underscores the challenge in creating entirely original music while navigating existing musical structure.
• Spiritual Influence: Harrison’s deep interest in Indian spirituality is evident, setting it apart from typical rock music of the time.

Originality

While the spiritual and melodic fusion was refreshing, the originality was somewhat impacted by the controversy over melodic similarities. However, the thematic depth and execution remain distinct and influential.

Lyrical Structure and Subject

The song uses repetition and straightforward themes focused on spirituality and longing for connection with the divine.

AABB Rhyme Pattern

The lyrics incorporate a simple AABB rhyme scheme, emphasizing certain phrases and creating a rhythmic flow.

Key of the Lyrics

The song is primarily sung in the key of A major.

Singing Rhythmic Patterns

The rhythm shifts between steady beats and more fluid phrasing, supporting the emotional tone of the lyrics.

Do the Lyrics Tell a Story?

Yes, the lyrics convey a personal spiritual journey.

Story Summary

The story reflects a person’s yearning for deeper spiritual connection, expressing both happiness and a sense of longing for a divine presence.

Verse 1

Harrison yearns for a spiritual connection, expressing a deep desire to be closer to the divine.

Chorus

Repeated calls for the Lord, emphasizing the eagerness to know and be with God. A spiritual plea wrapped in melody.

Verse 2

A continuation of his spiritual journey, acknowledging how long he’s been seeking this divine connection.

Hare Krishna Section

The song transitions into a mantra, blending Hindu chants with Western pop, highlighting Harrison’s spiritual exploration.

Chorus & Outro

Ends with a meditative repetition of the chorus, reinforcing his longing for God, blending into a fade-out that echoes the song’s pleading nature.

Chord Progression for “My Sweet Lord”

The main chord progression in “My Sweet Lord” is simple and repetitive. The primary chords used are:

• G
• A
• G#m
• F#m

Chords for Piano

G Major:

Finger Placement: G (1), B (2), D (3)

A Major:

Finger Placement: A (1), C# (2), E (3)

G# Minor:

Finger Placement: G# (1), B (2), D (3)

F# Minor:

Finger Placement: F# (1), A (2), C# (3)

Chords for Guitar

G Major: (320003)

A Major: (x02220)

G# Minor: (466444)

F# Minor: (244222)

Playing Instructions

For piano:

• Play chords steadily to match the rhythm.
• Use your wrist to maintain relaxed movement.
• Experiment with dynamics; try softer during verses, louder in choruses.

For guitar:

• Strum gently to emulate the song’s feel.
• Try fingerpicking for a different texture.
• Be mindful of tempo; slow down as needed.

Chord Diagrams

G Major:

 e|---3--- B|---3--- G|---0--- D|---0--- A|---2--- E|---3---

A Major:

 e|---0--- B|---2--- G|---2--- D|---2--- A|---0--- E|-------

G# Minor:

 e|---4--- B|---4--- G|---4--- D|---6--- A|---6--- E|---4---

F# Minor:

 e|---2--- B|---2--- G|---2--- D|---4--- A|---4--- E|---2---

Expert Advice

Practice transitioning between chords slowly to ensure smooth changes.

Listen to the original track for tempo and dynamics reference.

Consider using a capo if it helps with your vocal range or comfort.

Seek the sunlit path where devotion whispers, follow the echo of threefold mantra’s tune, amongst starry night and celestial spheres, the answer lies in the heart’s monsoon.

Analysis of My Sweet Lord

Overview: “My Sweet Lord” is a song by George Harrison that combines spiritual themes with pop music. It was released in 1970. The song has a distinct sound, which blends various musical styles.

Tone

The tone of “My Sweet Lord” is both yearning and spiritual. Harrison expresses a deep longing for a connection with the divine. The lyrics reflect a sense of devotion and sincerity. There are moments of joy but also a feeling of searching. This duality adds depth to the tone of the song.

Tempo

The tempo of the song is moderately fast. It is upbeat and driving, which gives it an energetic feel. The moderate tempo allows the spiritual message to resonate while maintaining listener engagement. It feels like a celebration of faith rather than a somber reflection.

Melody

The melody is memorable and catchy. Harrison uses simple, singable phrases. The main melody is uplifting and draws the listener in. It builds on repetition, making it easy to remember. The use of vocal harmonies adds richness to the melody and enhances its emotional impact.

Rhythm

The rhythm of “My Sweet Lord” is steady and consistent. The song features a strong backbeat, which creates a sense of momentum. The rhythm guides the listener through the song. There are moments of syncopation in the instrumentation that add interest without overwhelming the overall flow.

Harmony

The harmony in the song is simple yet effective. It primarily relies on major chords, which contribute to the uplifting feel. Harrison uses harmony to support the melody without overshadowing it. The background vocals provide a harmonic depth that enhances the spiritual message.

Detailed Breakdown

Lyrics

The lyrics express a longing for connection with the divine. Repeated phrases like “My sweet Lord” emphasize devotion. The use of “Hallelujah” and “Hare Krishna” reflects a blend of different spiritual traditions. This multicultural approach broadens the appeal.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation is rich and layered. It features guitars, keyboards, and drums. The use of slide guitar adds a unique touch. The presence of strings gives the song a lush quality. Each instrument plays a role in creating a cohesive sound.

Vocal Delivery

George Harrison’s vocal delivery is passionate. He sings with sincerity and emotion. His voice has a smooth quality that fits the spiritual theme. The background vocals complement his lead, creating a call-and-response effect. This enhances the communal feel of the song.

Production

The production quality is polished. It captures the essence of the instruments and vocals effectively. The layering of sounds creates a rich listening experience. The balance between vocals and instrumentation is well executed, allowing each element to shine.

Impact and Legacy

“My Sweet Lord” is significant in music history. It was one of the first solo hits for Harrison after The Beatles. The song broke barriers by merging spiritual themes with popular music. It has influenced many artists and continues to resonate with listeners today.

Recording Quality/Production

Recorded mainly at Apple Studios and Columbia Studios, “My Sweet Lord” showcases a polished yet organic sound. The analog recording medium played a key role in capturing warmth and depth. Utilized a 16-track tape machine, typical for high fidelity during this time.

Techniques in Recording

Layering was vital; Harrison employed multiple takes for each instrument to achieve a fuller sound. Key tracking sessions featured dedicated rooms for instruments, minimizing bleed. The vocals were often overdubbed, complementing the harmonies, especially during the choruses.

Mixing and Mastering

Mixing focused on blending the instruments with Harrison’s lead vocal to maintain clarity. Automation was implemented, particularly for panning and volume fades, creating dynamic shifts throughout the track. The mastering process used typical vinyl standards, limiting fidelity to around 15 kHz to ensure playback across varying equipment.

Effects Processing

Reverb was applied judiciously, providing ambient space without overwhelming the mix. A large plate reverb helped vocals to float above the instrumentation. Delay effects, particularly on the backing vocals, created a lush tapestry that added depth.

Compression was used subtly on drums, evening out the dynamics, while the guitars received parallel compression to retain their punch. Modulation effects appeared in the latter parts, adding movement to the arrangement.

Special Equipment

• Microphones: Neumann U67 for vocals, complemented by Shure SM57 for guitars.
• Preamps: API 312 for drums, ensuring a robust signal capture.
• Recording Medium: 1-inch, 16-track tape, allowing for richer audio depth.
• Effects Pedals: Use of an MXR Phase 90 for modulation effects.
• Processors: EMT 140 for reverb; an Eventide H910 was reportedly used for some pitch effects.