Guitar World takes a look at the acoustic guitar-based songs on the "White Album" -- how they were written and the process they went through to become finished tracks.

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"JULIA"

Recorded October 13, EMI Studios, Abbey Road

Written by John Lennon for his late mother, the elegant and wistful "Julia" was the last track recorded for the "White Album." Lennon recorded the song solo, playing acoustic guitar and singing a guide vocal. The basic track was completed in three takes, after which Lennon added two lead vocals, which can be heard together at various points throughout the song.

The session tape reveals that Paul McCartney was present in the control booth during the recording. McCartney, whose own mother had died when he was 16, can be heard offering his bandmate encouragement when, late into the second take, Lennon loses his rhythm in the midst of what is an otherwise flawless fingerpicked performance.

"You were doing great," McCartney says reassuringly to Lennon, who laughs with embarrassment at his fumble. "That one was perfect, wasn't it?" he asks McCartney. "Yes, it was," replies Paul, inviting Lennon to give the song another try.

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