Paul McCartney is widely known as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but he’s also an extraordinary multi-instrumentalist. It’s been confirmed that he can play at least 54 different instruments, ranging from the classic bass guitar to the mandolin and autoharp, as well as rarer instruments like the clavichord. In this article, we’ll explore just three of the experimental instruments McCartney has used in his music—though, of course, this is only a glimpse into his vast musical range.
1. Mellotron
The Mellotron is one of the most fascinating instruments McCartney encountered during his time with The Beatles. It was featured in the iconic song “Strawberry Fields Forever,” but McCartney didn’t stop there. He continued to use the Mellotron in his solo work, including tracks like “Singalong Junk.”
But what exactly is the Mellotron? It’s an electro-mechanical keyboard that uses magnetic tapes to produce sounds, rather than digital playback. Introduced in the early 1960s in England, the Mellotron was a precursor to what would later become the modern synthesizer. While it’s not as popular today, the Mellotron was an essential part of music in the 1960s and 1970s, offering a unique sound that McCartney was eager to experiment with.
2. Wineglasses
Perhaps one of the most unconventional instruments McCartney has used is the wineglass. He famously played wineglasses on the track “This One” from his 1989 album Flowers In The Dirt, as well as on “Hot As Sun / Glasses” from his self-titled 1970 solo album.
Using wineglasses as musical instruments involves rubbing the rims of the glasses to produce a pitch, and it’s one of McCartney’s more avant-garde choices. His willingness to embrace such unusual instruments highlights his constant search for new ways to express his creativity in the studio.
3. Harpsichord
While McCartney’s experiments with instruments have certainly gone to some unexpected places, his use of the harpsichord stands out for its classic yet unique application. McCartney incorporated the harpsichord in both its acoustic and electric forms on the title track of his 2013 album New, as well as in the album and film Give My Regards to Broad Street from 1984.
The harpsichord, similar to the piano, produces sound by plucking strings inside the instrument using a quill mechanism. A soundboard inside amplifies the resulting tones. Often seen as the piano’s “guitar-playing uncle,” the harpsichord fell out of favor in the late 18th century, but McCartney’s use of it in his work revived its distinct sound, giving his music a rich, vintage texture.
These experimental instruments represent just a small portion of McCartney’s creative arsenal. Whether he’s exploring rare sounds with a Mellotron, wineglasses, or a harpsichord, McCartney’s innovation as a musician remains limitless, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music.
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