Beatles sound

Hi all. I have to perform Beatles "Get Back" in two weeks! I've learnt the song for one guitar, but not having played much Beatles don't know how to get even close to the tone.

I'll be playing a Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins with a Vox AC 15 (remember this amp has treble and bass but no mids, and has a tone cut, reverb and trem). I'll also have access to an overdrive pedal, but that's it.

I realise their setup is more complex and by 1969 possibly used Fender amps(?), but there is no prospect for any other gear. So hoping someone can tell me the best way to set this amp/box with the gear I have.

very grateful for your responses.

Originally Posted by: FirebirdNickHi all. I have to perform Beatles "Get Back" in two weeks! I've learnt the song for one guitar, but not having played much Beatles don't know how to get even close to the tone.
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That sounds fun! The most important part is just to play the song right. Make sure you've got all the right notes in the right order. :) As long as you can play the tune confidently, just about any tone will work.

Are you playing with a bassist & drummer? Backing tracks? Just solo? Are you singing?

[quote=FirebirdNick]

[br]I'll be playing a Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins with a Vox AC 15 (remember this amp has treble and bass but no mids, and has a tone cut, reverb and trem). I'll also have access to an overdrive pedal, but that's it.

http://www.guitarworld.com/song-facts-beatles-get-back

John had his semi-hollowbody Casino, George his rosewood Tele. Both plugged into Fender silverface Twins. It sounds like both were cranked up pretty good. Lots of clean Fender tone cranked to the edge of breaking up (with a bit of warm tube saturation). The only other thing I'd say was important is that it sounds like the tone knobs were turned down a bit, because Twins are notoriously bright, trebly & twangy, but those guitar tones are pretty rounded & mid rangy.

Set the Gretsch on the bridge pickup & dial the tone down a bit. Turn the Vox volume up high enough to get a little natural overdrive. I suggest the Top Boost input so you can dial in a little bit of pre-gain (maybe 30-40%), then how ever much overall master volume depending on the room you are playing.

But, remember that is just get the notes right, then just about any tone is find.

Hope this helps! Have fun!

Thanks for all that feedback Chris.. very helpful as always!

It's nothing fancy. I'm actually performing at a school concert (singing and playing) with my 8yr old son who's turning into a great little drummer! We've adapted "Get Back" for one guitar and to show off the drum kit and his skills. It's more about him than me. Very proud of him of course. So there's no bass either, just the two of us, but I still want to achieve a good Beatles like sound....hence the question I asked.

So I set the gretsch to bridge, set tone to roll off the high frequ. On the amp, I've added just a little bass and reverb to the top boost. Seems to give it a bit of presence. Also turned up the tone cut.

I thought the solo felt a bit thin with just the one guitar though, so thought I could use a bit of extra gain from the overdrive pedal to add a little to just the solo and leave it off for the verse/chorus. It sounds ok to me, but is that an ok thing to do?

You're welcome!

Originally Posted by: FirebirdNickIt's nothing fancy. I'm actually performing at a school concert (singing and playing) with my 8yr old son who's turning into a great little drummer! We've adapted "Get Back" for one guitar and to show off the drum kit and his skills. It's more about him than me. Very proud of him of course.[/quote]

Awesome! That sounds like a lot of fun! :) I've also very much enjoyed playing music with my son. It's the best.

[quote=FirebirdNick]

I thought the solo felt a bit thin with just the one guitar though, so thought I could use a bit of extra gain from the overdrive pedal to add a little to just the solo and leave it off for the verse/chorus. It sounds ok to me, but is that an ok thing to do?

Your plan sounds fine. With no bass, it will be tricky to keep the low end happening. So a little overdrive will help. In those situations I've also noticed that playing any kind of double stop lick instead of single note lines helps keep things thick. And it's also important to play licks that keep the rhythm moving along. With drums that won't be as crucial. But it will help keep both of you locked into the groove.

I've done gigs with my kid just singing or playing keys & I found it's best to just keep the guitar very rhythmic with little or no fills.

Fortunately, the solos & fills in 'Get Back' are all very rhythmic, early rock and roll sounding. And there are lots of double stops to keep the sound thick.

I hope you guys have a great time performing. Enjoy it!

Thanks a lot Chris. Grateful for the advice. I have kept it mainly to the rhythm part except the iconic solo and a boogie pattern for the drum solo and with the gain it does keep the sound thick.

You've given me some confidence. Thanks again.