In much the same fashion as I approach the Tim Richards Improvising Blues book, I have started on The Beatles tune Yesterday from the sheet music. I am working through it, almost note for note, and am just keeping a conscious track on the time it takes to play it well from start to finish. The arrangement isn't TOO difficult but I am interested in hearing from others who play it. Do I stick strictly with what is written, can I use a little of my own style and flare and am I write to assume that such a Beatles gem can only be interpreted on the piano since it is a classic guitar tune.

Definitely add your own style and flair! That's the really fun thing about playing stuff like that, IMO.

Good luck!

Elaine

Even on guitar you could only interpret, since it is a classic McCartney vocal tune.

You're right that the piano score is an interpretation -- someone else's. There's no reason to adhere strictly to it. Just think of it as a tool to help you find your own interpretation.

If you have iTunes (or similar), when you're learning a piece it's very useful to go listen to free samples of many different recordings of it. It helps open your ears to different ways you might approach it.

I've tired playing it by ear in C maj.,
never having looked at the sht. music.
I use three chords only: I, ii, and iii,
which, in C maj., would be: C E G B, D F A C,
and E G B D, respectively.

Starting on D in the r.h.--"Yesterday" is
then D C C--it goes:

Yesterday (C maj. 7 and 1st inversion), all
my troubles seemed so (D min. 7 and 1st inv.),
far away (E min. 7 and 1st inv.), and so forth.

That leaves out an awful lot. Here are the chords:
www.kbapps.com/lyrics/top50/01yesterday.html

Gyro, I agree with MikeA - there are a lot to be desired of the arrangement you suggest. When I play Yesterday on guitar I play in the key of G and go through G, F#m,B7,Em,D,C,D,C,G etc

I play 'Yesterday' in the Key of E flat on the Piano

Andy

If you have the talent to make up your own arrangement of Yesterday... go for that...The best performed Yesterday I ever heard was Arthur Feidler and The Boston Pops... I looked this up for you and the recording is listed under this info and the year 1971. Maybe a newer one I hope...I remember decending bass lines and beautiful minor chords in this arrangement...with the Beatles great harmony as ever...Good Luck, ...I will try this by ear now for fun...See you inspired me...Sandy B.

Dear Norm, The E flat key sounds good, I will try that key tomorrow... My Yesterday music is in the key of F. Wonder what key the Beatles Yesterday was? I will look up for fun...Thank you for your input... Sandy B

Dear Piano World Forum... To All Leaders and Members, Sandy B here and wanting to say I am wanting to learn various styles of piano and going back to 40 years ago to classical piano too. I often drop into the beginners to review and share in the excitement of learning piano and starting over to inspire me onward. Your forums and the level of leadership and member intelligence is really helping me in the feeling of a musicial community and family . I live in assisted living at 68 years old, strokes ,I have serious short term memory loss. No driving or cooking , etc. The average age is 85 yrs. old. Not much interaction except my playing the songs the elders love on the piano for them, etc. Being able to converse about piano with all of you and reading your informative and inspirational posts is a true blessing to me...Thank all of you... I will be 70 years old next next in Nov. and feel young again thanks to all of you. A new lease on life. Thank you again so very much, Sincerely, Sandy B

Because I was a nightclub performer in my early years I have many of these older tunes under my fingers – although I play them a little different each time.

As long as it’s unmistakably “Yesterday”, I see nothing wrong with altering the melody, chords, rhythm, etc. “make it yours” – so to speak.

Here’s an example of how I would play Yesterday. I find myself using a lot of sixths in the right hand melody. For playing to an audience, I would make it three times as long with added variations and improvisations.

Anyway, here’s my take:
http://www.artistcollaboration.com/~johnny-boy/Yesterday-Piano.mp3

Best, John

From a jazz-player perspective, those changes seem a little lame. If you are doing the song in C, the first chord should be C6 - you could add a 9th, then you do a ii, v going to Am which makes the second chord Bm7-5, and the third chord E7, but I would add a flatted 9th. Same ii, v in a minor key logic applies when going into the bridge. I think this will add a little color to the tune and make the changes a little more interesting to solo on.

Hey Pianojazz,

This wasn't intended as a jazz version. This is more of an “easy listening” approach. I wouldn't journey too far from the simplicity of this lovely song. The simplicity adds to the charm.

Your idea of starting with a 6th chord sounds a little corny to me. No need to add the 9th (it’s already there), the first melody note is a major 9th.

Maybe you could post your version to give us an idea from a jazzman's perspective.

As far as the chords being lame, you’ll have to take that issue up with Paul McCartney, the composer.

BTW, I played it in the key of F.

Best, John

Some years ago I used to do Yesterday with a good singer and a 12/8 bluesy feel which works quite well if you want a change. The recordings I have from then do not include Yesterday - Beatles were not our favourite material - though always popular with audiences.. I might play it for youtube if get some time - but without the singer - cos my singing is more shouting in time and though I have put a bit on you tube - I wouldn't dare try this!!

Ktom, it would be interesting to hear other versions of "Yesterday". I hope you find time to record and post it.

Best, John

I contributed a jazzy version of Here, There & Everywhere/ Yesterday to the Winter Beginner's Forum Recital. It's from a book called Jazzy Beatles or something like that.

In case you missed it, here it is: http://www.box.net/shared/ohtjimtxsv

BTW, don't be too critical, I'm just play piano for my personal pleasure.

Hey Fred,

Very nice work my friend!

Originally posted by Rerun:
Hey Fred,

Very nice work my friend![/b]
_____________________________

I'll second that! Loved the chord arrangement!

Diane
Blues/Jazz/Rock/Boogie Piano Teacher

That's cool Fred!!
tom

Fred,

is that the book you're talking about ?

http://tinyurl.com/2orkyg

Serge

Hey Johnny-Boy... I like your version.. here is a stab at what I used to do.. a bit different:-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzgeWQWqQR8
Just wish I had the singer around still - she made it, and kept me to a slower tempo!! But you will get the idea..

Hey KTom,

Geeze, nice work!! I'll have to bookmark and study that one a bit. Loved that bass line.
.....

Thanks for the comment Rerun - a bit scary posting actual playing here, in this sort of company - so your "positive feedback" has cheered me up no end!!

ktom,

Geez, if you aren't playing in the piano bars, you should be . . . loved it! Also liked the UK accent too! Nice touch!

Diane
Blues/Jazz/Rock/Boogie Piano Bar

Thanks Diane!! - yes, I've done many years of semi-pro solo duo and band stuff.. but its always nice getting other musos comments:-)

Cool Ktom!

Best, John

I know its a bit late in the discussion but Ive finally found some time to record 90sec of yesterday from a jazz-player's perspective. If anyone is still interested you can download it from here...
http://www.savefile.com/files/989667

That is really nice piano playing and it sounds different from the original. I guess it's your own arrangement.

Serge

Thanks piano jazz - I also enjoyed that.. though its a bit different to my version:-) There is one chord I might come back to you on when I have more time - it is lovely and on first listening I am not sure what it is..
I also think it is great when people put their audio where there posts are (if you see what I mean) - so thanks again..
tom