3 Things to Know About the Backwards Guitar Solo on “I’m Only Sleeping”

The backwards guitar solo is on “I’m Only Sleeping” from Revolver George Harrison recorded a normal guitar solo, then the tape was flipped to create the dreamy, psychedelic sound.

It was an intentional experiment, not a gimmick The band used tape manipulation to match the drowsy, floating mood of the song.

Paul McCartney also used a backwards bass part on “Rain” But “Rain” does not have a backwards guitar solo—that effect is unique to “I’m Only Sleeping.”