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Gladys Knight & The Pips – ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’

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‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ was written by songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966 and was recorded by several artists signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown label.

The first version of the song was recorded by The Miracles, although it was rejected for release by Gordy, later appearing on their 1968 album Special Occasion. It was next recorded by Smokey Robinson, but again rejected by Gordy. In 1967 Marvin Gaye’s version was recorded but was once again rejected. This alternative, up-tempo version of the song was then recorded for Gladys Knight and The Pips in 1967, largely as a reaction to the success Aretha Franklin had with ‘Respect’ on the rival Stax record label. The song has a very busy, complex bassline from bassist James Jamerson, one that is a fantastic insight into his innovative playing style.

When learning this piece, you might find the following courses (all included in the monthly subscription cost) useful:

A transcription (with TAB and without) is available for this course. To download it, please visit the Free Stuff page. Please note that a backing track is NOT included with this course. The track used in the play-along can be purchased from www.karaoke-version.co.uk.

This course is 58 MINUTES long and contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

1. ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’

This video is a demonstration of the bass part of this song. It was performed on a Fender Custom Shop ’67 Precision bass strung with flatwound strings.

2. Course Overview

This video contains an overview of the song and the challenges it presents. It also contains advice on choosing the right instrument and tone for a piece like this.

3. Intro Section

This video covers the simple bassline from the song’s four-bar intro. Although simple, the line nevertheless contains some important Jamerson ingredients.

4. 1st Verse

This lesson covers the first verse section of the song, which features a bassline that is harmonically simple, but rhythmically quite challenging.

5. Bridge #1

This lesson covers the bridge. This is a challenging section, and one that also introduces some important elements from the forthcoming chorus bassline.

6. Chorus #1

This lesson covers the first chorus. The section is built around a repeating two-bar chord sequence, which is underpinned by an inventive line from Jamerson.

7. Bridge #2

This lesson covers the second bridge section. This part is similar to the earlier bridge, but with some variations on the established line.

8. Chorus #2

This lesson covers the second chorus section. Again, the bass part is based on the first chorus, but with many variations on already established ideas.

9. Sax Solo

This lesson covers the sax solo. Jamerson plays a complex, syncopated line over a single chord, which is one of the more difficult parts of the song to learn.

10. Middle 8

This lesson will show you how to play the middle 8, which is based on the repeating two-bar chord structure that was used in earlier chorus sections.

11. Bridge #3

This lesson covers the third and final bridge section of the song. Based on earlier parts, there are once again some subtle variations to consider.