It was from the album Rubber Soul that The Beatles first adapted the use of non-western instruments into their album. It was George Harrison, the lead guitarist who in particular was most inspired by the Indian culture and Indian sitar player, Ravi Shankar.
George: "When we were working on Norwegian Wood it just needed something and it was quite spontaneous, from what I remember. I just picked up the sitar, found the notes and just played it. We miked it up and put it on and it just seemed to hit the spot. " (Roylance, 2000).
Starting with the song “Norwegian Wood”, The Beatles began to frequently use the sitar in their music, such as in “Love You To” from the album Revolver, “With You or Within You” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The Beatles have used piano in "Let It Be" , harpsichord "In In My Life", flute in "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away".
George: "When we were working on Norwegian Wood it just needed something and it was quite spontaneous, from what I remember. I just picked up the sitar, found the notes and just played it. We miked it up and put it on and it just seemed to hit the spot. " (Roylance, 2000).
Starting with the song “Norwegian Wood”, The Beatles began to frequently use the sitar in their music, such as in “Love You To” from the album Revolver, “With You or Within You” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The Beatles have used piano in "Let It Be" , harpsichord "In In My Life", flute in "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away".