"Who Are You" - The Who

LickLibrary’s guitar lesson for "Who Are You" by The Who offers an in-depth exploration of the techniques that make this iconic rock track a staple in guitar music. This lesson is designed to guide players through every note, riff, and nuance, enabling learners to accurately capture Pete Townshend’s legendary guitar work. In addition to honing technical skills, this lesson helps students build an understanding of song structure, rhythm, and expressive playing, making it suitable for both intermediate and advanced players who want to delve into classic rock guitar styles. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Pete Townshend's Influence and Style in "Who Are You"

Pete Townshend, the principal guitarist and songwriter for The Who, is celebrated for his innovative approach to rock guitar, often blending aggressive rhythmic playing with melodic and harmonic intricacies. Known for his powerful strumming, unique chord voicings, and iconic stage presence, Townshend’s influence extends across rock and beyond. In "Who Are You," his guitar work encapsulates his bold yet nuanced style, combining forceful strumming, delicate picking, and unexpected chord progressions. Learning this song allows guitarists to connect with the energy and originality of Townshend’s playing, which has inspired countless musicians to explore more expressive and dynamic approaches on the guitar.

Techniques Explored in the "Who Are You" Lesson

Power Chords and Rhythm Playing

In "Who Are You," power chords are foundational, creating a driving, rock-solid rhythm. The lesson focuses on perfecting these two-note chord shapes and emphasises precision in timing and hand positioning. Mastering power chords in this track gives players the tools to bring power and cohesion to their rhythm playing, essential for rock music. Players benefit by developing confidence in anchoring their hand positions, which aids in achieving a tight, professional sound in any rock context.

Palm Muting for Dynamics

Palm muting is used extensively throughout "Who Are You" to create a dynamic, punchy rhythm. This technique involves lightly resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, muting them slightly to produce a percussive sound. By practicing palm muting in this lesson, players learn how to control the dynamics within their playing, adding texture and variety. Mastering palm muting also encourages rhythmic discipline and improves control over volume and tonal nuances.

Open-String Riffs

The song’s main riff utilises open strings to create a ringing, resonant sound characteristic of Townshend's style. Open-string riffs allow notes to sustain and blend, creating a layered, full-bodied sound. In this lesson, players focus on the precision needed to incorporate open strings seamlessly, improving accuracy and timing. Practicing open-string riffs helps players enhance their understanding of sustain, timing, and tonal consistency, which are crucial in many styles of music.

String Bending for Expressive Phrasing

String bending is a powerful tool in creating expressive phrasing, and it’s used effectively in "Who Are You." Bending strings to reach desired pitches adds intensity and emotion, particularly in the song’s lead sections. This lesson teaches correct bending techniques, ensuring students develop control and accuracy while bending. Learning string bending enhances finger strength, pitch sensitivity, and expressive control, which are beneficial in soloing and melodic expression across various musical genres.

Alternate Picking for Precision

Alternate picking, which involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, is critical in achieving the tight rhythmic precision needed for the faster passages in "Who Are You." This lesson covers how to execute alternate picking fluidly, focusing on timing, hand position, and relaxation to avoid fatigue. Mastering alternate picking helps guitarists play more efficiently at higher speeds, an essential skill in both rhythm and lead guitar contexts.

Slides for Smooth Transitions

Sliding between notes and chords is a signature element in "Who Are You," providing fluid transitions and adding character to the song's melodic lines. The lesson covers how to execute slides cleanly, allowing players to connect phrases smoothly and maintain momentum in their playing. Learning slides helps guitarists achieve a more polished sound, as it emphasises smooth movement along the fretboard and aids in the development of coordination and finger dexterity.

Double Stops for Harmonic Depth

Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, create harmonic depth and are used to great effect in "Who Are You." This technique adds richness to the melody and allows for more expressive phrasing. Through this lesson, players learn to execute double stops with clarity, improving their ability to bring harmonic interest into their playing. Double stops are valuable for any guitarist looking to add a fuller, more complex sound to solos or rhythm sections.

Trills for Ornamentation

In certain passages, trills are used to add ornamentation and drama to the song. Trills involve rapid alternation between two notes, creating a fluttering effect that enhances the song's energy. This lesson provides practice in achieving speed and accuracy with trills, focusing on finger agility and control. Mastering trills gives players the ability to add decorative flourishes to their playing, enhancing solos and melodic lines in various styles.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique covered in "Who Are You" brings its unique benefits to guitarists:

• Power Chords develop rhythmic strength and are essential for foundational rock playing.
• Palm Muting improves control over dynamics, crucial for adding texture and variation.
• Open-String Riffs enhance sustain control and timing, enriching a player's tonal range.
• String Bending strengthens finger technique and emotional expression.
• Alternate Picking aids in playing cleanly and quickly, a critical skill for complex riffs.
• Slides improve fluidity and transition across the fretboard.
• Double Stops add harmonic richness, essential for fuller soundscapes.
• Trills sharpen finger agility and ornamentation skills for expressive playing.

By practicing these techniques in the context of "Who Are You," players not only learn to perform an iconic track but also gain transferable skills that enhance their overall guitar proficiency.

Technique List

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Trills
• Open-String Riffs

With this lesson, guitarists can truly immerse themselves in The Who's classic, improving their technique while mastering a piece of rock history.