Norwegian Wood
by The Beatles
Album: Rubber Soul
Released: 1965
Genre: Folk Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding E Mixolydian:
E Mixolydian has a darker, more introspective character. The Mixolydian mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Pro Tip: These keys utilize open strings on guitar, making them ideal for powerful, ringing chords. The open strings add natural sustain and harmonic richness.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E Mixolydian
E Mixolydian mode
Notes: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D - E
Application: Primary tonal framework; the D natural (flat 7th) instead of D# defines the Mixolydian sound heard throughout the song
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
The main verse progression features the D major chord (♭VII) which contains the D natural note, creating the Mixolydian sound. The D chord played over the droning E bass note produces the modal character.
Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange is common in rock and metal music.
Chord Shapes Used:
E
D
A
Harmonic Functions:
- E (I):Tonic chord and drone center; provides the modal foundation for the entire song
- D (♭VII):The flat seventh chord borrowed from E Mixolydian; its D natural note is the defining color tone
- A (IV):Subdominant that appears in the middle eight, providing conventional harmonic motion
Key Techniques
Waltz-Time Acoustic Strumming
BeginnerA 3/4 time strumming pattern that gives the song its characteristic swaying, waltz-like feel. The pattern emphasizes beat 1 with a bass note followed by lighter strums on beats 2 and 3.
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E - D - E (Verse in 3/4 waltz time)
Tips:
- • Count the iconic vocal hook throughout to maintain the waltz feel
- • Keep the strumming hand moving in a circular motion for fluidity
- • The song feels deceptively fast at 184 BPM but is actually a gentle waltz
- • Practice with a metronome set to 3/4 time
Mixolydian Modal Harmony
BeginnerUnderstanding and applying the ♭VII chord (D major in key of E) to create the distinctive Mixolydian modal sound that gives this song its folk-influenced, slightly exotic quality
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
I - ♭VII in E Mixolydian
Tips:
- • Try keeping the low E string droning while playing the D chord
- • Listen for the D natural note - it is the soul of the Mixolydian sound
- • Compare with playing E to D# diminished to hear the difference modes make
- • This technique appears in many folk, rock, and world music traditions
Simple Melodic Fingerpicking
BeginnerBasic fingerpicking patterns used in the sitar-inspired melodic line and acoustic guitar accompaniment, suitable for beginners learning to move beyond strumming
Progression:
Over E drone bass
Tips:
- • Start by just playing the bass drone with your thumb in 3/4 time
- • Add one melody note at a time over the drone
- • The melody is simple - focus on clean, even note production
- • Use the open E string as a constant drone anchor
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E Mixolydian. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro / Verse (A Section)
0:00-0:28Chord Voicing Exercise
The song opens with the sitar and acoustic guitar establishing the waltz-time groove and the E-D Mixolydian movement. The verse melody floats over the gentle 3/4 strumming pattern.
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • 3/4 waltz time - count in three
- • Sitar carries the main melodic line
- • Acoustic guitar provides rhythmic and harmonic foundation
Middle Eight (B Section)
0:28-0:48Chord Voicing Exercise
The contrasting middle section shifts to E minor, creating a darker, more introspective mood. The change from E major to E minor is dramatic yet subtle, reflecting the narrative shift in the lyrics.
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Shift from E major to E minor for emotional contrast
- • The A chord provides harmonic variety in this section
- • Maintain the same 3/4 waltz strumming pattern
Return to Verse
0:48-1:18Chord Voicing Exercise
The verse returns with the familiar E-D Mixolydian movement, now enriched by the contrast of the middle eight. The sitar melody weaves through the acoustic guitar pattern.
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Same progression as the opening verse
- • Sitar becomes more prominent in the mix
- • Maintain consistent waltz-time feel
Sitar Solo and Outro
1:18-2:05Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
The sitar takes an extended solo over the verse progression before the song fades out. On guitar, this can be approximated with a simple fingerpicked melody using the Mixolydian scale.
Arpeggio Fingerpicking Exercise
- • The sitar takes the lead - guitar can play melody or continue strumming
- • If playing melody, use E Mixolydian scale in open position
- • The D natural note (open D string or 3rd fret B string) is prominent
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Acoustic - no pickup needed for practice; acoustic-electric for performance
Alternatives:
- • Any steel-string acoustic guitar
- • Martin D-28
- • Epiphone EJ-160E
- • Taylor 214ce
Amplifier
Recommended:
No amplification needed (acoustic)
Settings:
Gain: 1 (clean, no overdrive)
Treble: 6 (bright acoustic clarity)
Middle: 5 (natural midrange)
Bass: 4 (controlled low end for waltz clarity)
Presence: 5 (natural acoustic presence)
Alternatives:
- • Acoustic guitar amp (Fishman Loudbox)
- • PA system for live performance
- • Any clean-channel amp if using acoustic-electric
Effects
Distortion:
None - clean acoustic tone
Reverb:
Natural room reverb only; slight reverb if amplified
Other:
No effects pedals - pure acoustic guitar tone
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks with regular practice
- • Master open E, D, Em, and A chord shapes
- • Practice counting in 3/4 time (1-2-3, 1-2-3)
- • Learn the basic waltz strumming pattern at slow tempo
- • Practice switching between E and D chords smoothly
Time Estimate: 2-4 weeks for confident performance
- • Learn E Mixolydian scale and identify the D natural as the key note
- • Practice the A section (verse) and B section (middle eight) transitions
- • Add the fingerpicked melody approximation
- • Work on maintaining consistent 3/4 time at full tempo (184 BPM)
Time Estimate: 4-6 weeks for solo guitar arrangement
- • Transcribe the sitar melody and adapt it for guitar
- • Combine bass drone, chord strumming, and melody simultaneously
- • Explore the Mixolydian mode across the full fretboard
- • Create a complete solo guitar arrangement incorporating all elements
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Playing in 4/4 time instead of 3/4 waltz time
- • Rushing through the gentle, floating feel of the waltz
- • Missing the transition from E major (verse) to E minor (middle eight)
- • Ignoring the Mixolydian D natural and treating it as standard E major
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with open E, D, Em, and A chord changes for 5 minutes
- • Practice 3/4 waltz strumming pattern on E chord only at 120 BPM
- • Add the E-D chord change in waltz time, gradually increasing to 184 BPM
- • Practice the A section and B section separately, then combine
- • Play through the entire song structure with a metronome
Focus Areas
- • 3/4 waltz-time feel and counting
- • Clean open chord transitions (E to D especially)
- • Understanding Mixolydian mode and the ♭VII chord
- • Dynamic control in acoustic playing
- • Smooth transitions between major and minor sections
Metronome Work
- • Set metronome to 3/4 time, starting at 120 BPM
- • Practice basic waltz strum (bass-strum-strum) per measure
- • Gradually increase to full tempo of 184 BPM
- • Work on keeping beats 2 and 3 lighter than beat 1 for authentic waltz feel