Recording: Hey Jude

Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Engineer: Ken Scott

George Martin was unavailable for this session, which saw work begin on The Beatles’ next single ‘Hey Jude’.

Six takes, which were closer to rehearsals than proper attempts, were recorded between 8.30pm and 4am in Abbey Road’s Studio Two.

Only three of the takes – one, two and six – were complete, and lasted 6’12”, 4’30” and 5’25” respectively. Take two was later issued on 1996’s Anthology 3, although faded out slightly early.

This day’s takes had Paul McCartney’s vocals on track one, his piano on two, John Lennon’s acoustic guitar and George Harrison’s electric on track three, and Ringo Starr’s drums on four.

The Beatles continued work on ‘Hey Jude’ on 30 July 1968, before it was taken to Trident Studios in London for completion using their eight-track facilities.