Learn to Play The Who: A Comprehensive Guitar Journey

Venture into a world of raw power, resonant riffs, and iconic anthems with our latest product, "Learn to Play The Who". This comprehensive course, taught by the one and only Danny Gill, provides detailed, note-for-note guitar lessons for five legendary songs from The Who: 'My Generation', 'Pinball Wizard', 'Substitute', 'Won't Get Fooled Again', and 'Behind Blue Eyes'. Each lesson will not only refine your technical skills but also expose you to the expressive potential of the guitar through the musical genius of Pete Townshend.

Pete Townshend: A Guitar Icon

First, let's set the stage with a brief overview of the lead guitarist whose work we'll be exploring, Pete Townshend. Townshend is not just a guitarist; he's a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and author, renowned for his audacious, yet sensitive guitar-playing style. His mastery of rhythm and melody, and his experimental use of technology, have made him a standout figure in rock music. His work in The Who has been characterized by creative chord progressions, powerful riffs, unique use of guitar effects, and a visceral live performance energy.

My Generation

The course starts with 'My Generation', an anthem of youthful rebellion. This song showcases Townshend's aggressive rhythm playing, syncopated staccato strikes, and innovative use of feedback. You'll learn the dynamic and explosive guitar part, a composition in the key of G that involves raw power chords and driving basslines. The solo of the song highlights Townshend's ability to mix major and minor pentatonic scales, blending rhythm and lead in a unique and exciting manner.

Pinball Wizard

Next, you'll move on to 'Pinball Wizard', a song that features an intricate arpeggiated intro and demonstrates Townshend's ability to create engaging melodies within chord structures. In the key of B minor, the track features a complex blend of open chords, suspended chords, and inversions, providing an excellent study in advanced rhythm techniques and fingerpicking. The solo maintains the song's energy, making extensive use of string bending and swift hammer-ons.

Substitute

'Substitute' then offers a study in catchy, melodic rock with its prominent use of open-string riffs. The song is played in D Major, with the iconic opening riff introducing you to a sequence of double stops and slides. The solo features alternate picking and fast pull-offs, adding complexity and excitement to the overall arrangement.

Won't Get Fooled Again

The course continues with 'Won't Get Fooled Again', a track showcasing Townshend's brilliant use of the synthesizer alongside his guitar work. This song, in the key of G major, highlights The Who's shift towards a more progressive sound. The guitar solo incorporates a mix of pentatonic and blues scales and showcases Townshend's use of rhythmic displacement and syncopated rhythms.

Behind Blue Eyes

Finally, the course concludes with 'Behind Blue Eyes', a song that encapsulates Townshend's capacity to evoke strong emotions through his guitar playing. You'll encounter a delicate and melodic finger-picked intro in the key of E minor, moving into intense strumming patterns and power chords. The solo is emotionally charged, employing expressive vibrato, string bending, and dynamic picking techniques.

Techniques Used

Throughout this course, you'll encounter a range of guitar techniques that Pete Townshend employed to create these timeless classics. Below is a list of the techniques used in this course:

• Power Chords
• Open-String Riffs
• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Vibrato

This is just a small glimpse into what you can expect from our "Learn to Play The Who" course. By walking in the footsteps of Pete Townshend, you'll gain not just a repertoire of great songs, but also a deeper understanding of the guitar's expressive potential. From mastering the basics to incorporating sophisticated techniques into your own style, this course offers a journey into the heart of rock 'n' roll guitar.