Few bands have shaped the soundscape of modern music quite like The Beatles, and even fewer songs reveal the intricate craftsmanship behind their hits as vividly as “You Won’t See Me.”

In a recent deep-dive video, music educator and multi-instrumentalist Rick Beato unpacks the subtle genius of Paul McCartney’s bass lines and piano voicings in this classic track, offering fans and musicians alike a fresh perspective on a song many thought they knew inside out.

“You Won’t See Me,” penned by Paul McCartney and featured on The Beatles’ iconic 1965 album *Rubber Soul*, has long been appreciated for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics.

But as Rick Beato reveals, the song’s harmonic and melodic complexity often goes unnoticed by casual listeners.

Rick opens his analysis by isolating the piano part, highlighting a particularly unusual chord voicing that he previously misidentified.

What he thought was a diminished chord turns out to be a minor chord with a sharp 4, a rare and sophisticated choice that adds a unique tension and resolution within the song’s progression.

This voicing exemplifies McCartney’s knack for blending traditional pop songwriting with unexpected musical twists.

One of the defining features of “You Won’t See Me” is McCartney’s bass playing, which Rick describes as a series of arpeggios outlining the chords with precision and melodic flair.

Unlike straightforward bass lines, McCartney’s approach involves outlining the chord tones—root, third, and fifth—and often walking down or connecting notes in a fluid, almost vocal manner.

This technique not only supports the harmonic structure but also adds a melodic counterpoint that enriches the overall texture.

Rick points out how the bass starts the song by outlining a D major chord and then moves to A major, setting a solid foundation.

Throughout the verses, McCartney’s bass lines carefully navigate between A major, B7, and D major chords, creating a seamless flow that guides the listener through the song’s emotional narrative.

Beato’s breakdown delves deep into the song’s chord progressions, particularly the use of secondary dominants—chords that temporarily tonicize a chord other than the home key.

For example, the B7 chord functions as a “five of five” (V/V), leading the ear to expect a resolution that McCartney cleverly manipulates.

The bridge section reveals even more complexity.

Here, McCartney uses a B minor chord followed by a D minor with a sharp 4 voicing, a sound that Rick describes as unique and rarely heard in pop music.

This chord choice, combined with the voice leading—the smooth movement of individual notes from one chord to the next—creates a hauntingly beautiful effect that contrasts with the song’s otherwise upbeat feel.

Rick also discusses how McCartney sometimes plays inverted chords, such as B7 with an A note in the bass, adding further depth and interest to the harmonic landscape.

These inversions help maintain a pedal tone—a sustained bass note—that anchors the harmony while allowing the upper voices to move freely.

Another fascinating aspect Rick highlights is the chromatic movement in the harmony vocals and bass lines.

Chromaticism—notes moving in half steps—adds tension and color, making the song more engaging and emotionally resonant.

The interplay between the bass and harmony vocals creates a counterpoint that is both intricate and accessible, showcasing The Beatles’ mastery of blending complexity with catchiness.

Rick uses this analysis not only to celebrate the brilliance of McCartney’s songwriting but also to emphasize the importance of ear training and understanding music theory for musicians.

By learning to identify arpeggios, chord functions, and voice leading by ear, players can unlock new levels of creativity and interpretation.

He offers his own educational courses, including an arpeggio master class and music theory for songwriters, designed to help musicians develop these skills.

According to Rick, being able to break down songs like “You Won’t See Me” enables musicians to communicate ideas clearly in bands and create more nuanced performances.

This deep dive into “You Won’t See Me” serves as a reminder that The Beatles’ music, while often perceived as straightforward pop, contains layers of sophistication that continue to inspire musicians decades later.

Paul McCartney’s ability to fuse melodic bass lines, inventive chord voicings, and compelling vocal harmonies elevates the song beyond a simple love lament into a masterclass of musical arrangement.

Rick also touches on how The Beatles were multi-instrumentalists who understood each other’s parts intimately.

For example, John Lennon’s switch from guitar to organ on some tracks without needing chord charts illustrates their intuitive grasp of music theory and ensemble playing.

For Beatles fans and musicians, Rick Beato’s analysis of “You Won’t See Me” offers a compelling invitation to listen more closely and appreciate the technical artistry behind the timeless music.

The song’s blend of harmonic innovation, melodic bass work, and vocal interplay exemplifies why The Beatles remain a benchmark for songwriting excellence.

Whether you’re a guitarist, bassist, pianist, or simply a lover of music, this exploration reveals new dimensions of a classic tune, encouraging everyone to look beyond the surface and discover the musical treasures hidden within.

If you want to explore these concepts further, Rick Beato’s courses and tutorials provide an excellent resource to deepen your understanding of music theory, ear training, and instrumental technique.

His Black Friday bundle, currently available with a special discount, includes lessons that can help you learn to play and analyze songs like a pro.