Recording: We Can Work It Out

Studio Two, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith

The Beatles had recorded ‘Day Tripper’ at Abbey Road on 16 October 1965. Four days later they began work on the other song on the double a-side single, ‘We Can Work It Out’.

Two recording sessions were scheduled on this day. The first lasted from 2.30-6.30pm, and saw the rehearsal of ‘We Can Work It Out’ plus the taping of two takes of the rhythm track. This included bass guitar by Paul McCartney, drums by Ringo Starr, John Lennon’s Gibson Jumbo acoustic guitar, and tambourine by George Harrison.

The evening session took place from 7-11.45pm. On track two of the four-track tape McCartney and Lennon recorded their vocals, and track three contained a harmonium part played by Lennon.

The song was completed on 29 October with the addition of more vocals by McCartney and a second harmonium part from Lennon.