As you learn to play this fingerstyle arrangement of God Only Knows, be sure to frequently return to the performance as a good reference point and guide.
4SONG DETAILS
DIFFICULTY:
4
TUNING:
Standard
CAPO:
2nd fret
TEMPO:
115 BPM
KEY:
A major
God Only Knows was written in 1966 by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher for The Beach Boys. The song appears on their iconic album ‘Pet Sounds’ and has become a massive success. Even Paul McCartney has said that it’s the greatest pop song ever recorded, and you have to agree with the man.
What’s truly amazing about Brian Wilson’s writing is his use of chords. He bends and breaks the rules of traditional music theory, and does it in such a commercially friendly way that most people don’t even realise the sophisticated chords driving the song.
It’s because of his deep knowledge of harmony that he’s written some of the most beautiful pop songs in history. I believe that his genius writing skills, combined with the incredible vocal harmonies, is the reason many of his songs have become timeless classics.
