"Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who

Dive deep into the power and energy of The Who's legendary track "Won't Get Fooled Again" with our exclusive note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. This lesson dissects every nuance of the song, from its iconic riffs to the subtle but intricate techniques employed by The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend. Known for his innovative approach, Townshend infused this track with techniques that are both powerful and expressive, creating a blueprint for rock guitar playing that countless musicians have drawn inspiration from. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Pete Townshend and The Who

Pete Townshend, the principal guitarist and songwriter for The Who, is celebrated for his unique approach to guitar playing, which combines raw energy with a deep musicality. His contributions to "Won't Get Fooled Again" showcase his ability to combine rhythm and lead parts seamlessly, utilising techniques that enhance the song's dynamic range and drive. Townshend’s style has inspired generations of guitarists, blending elements of blues, rock, and classical music into a cohesive and forceful sound. This lesson on "Won't Get Fooled Again" is not just an opportunity to play along with a classic rock anthem but also a chance to understand the depth and innovation in Townshend’s playing style.

Lesson Breakdown: Key Guitar Techniques in "Won't Get Fooled Again"

Power Chords

One of the foundational elements in this track is the use of power chords. Power chords are simple yet incredibly effective in creating a full, powerful sound. By focusing on just two or three notes, power chords cut through the mix and provide a driving force behind the song. Learning power chords is essential for any guitarist aiming to master rock music, as they’re commonly used across genres for their versatility and punch.

String Bending

In "Won't Get Fooled Again," string bending is used to add emotional expression to certain notes, allowing the guitarist to create tension and release within the music. String bending requires strength and control, but mastering this technique will enable you to add a personal touch to your playing, giving notes a vocal-like quality that can add depth to any song.

Vibrato

Vibrato, a technique where the guitarist rapidly oscillates the pitch of a note, is utilised to bring life and sustain to key notes. In this song, vibrato is applied in various sections to maintain the energy and intensity. Practicing vibrato will improve your control over pitch and sustain, and it’s a great way to add character to your sound.

Slides

Slides are another technique that plays a prominent role in this lesson. By sliding into notes, the guitarist can create fluid, connected phrases that add to the song's momentum. Slides are particularly effective in transitioning between chords and riffs, and they’re useful for adding a sense of smoothness and expression to your playing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a crucial technique for creating dynamic contrast within the song. It involves lightly resting the picking hand on the strings near the bridge to produce a muffled, percussive sound. Palm muting is used throughout "Won't Get Fooled Again" to control volume and tone, making the louder, more open parts of the song feel even more powerful by comparison. Mastering palm muting will enhance your ability to add dynamics and precision to your playing.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are utilised in parts of the song to outline the chord progressions with individual notes, creating a more melodic texture. In this track, arpeggios are played with a steady rhythm, adding complexity to the structure. Practicing arpeggios helps improve finger coordination and dexterity, making it easier to tackle more complex pieces in the future.

Alternate Picking

To keep up with the fast-paced sections of "Won't Get Fooled Again," alternate picking is essential. This technique, which involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allows for quicker and more efficient picking. Practicing alternate picking will increase your speed and accuracy, enabling you to play complex riffs and solos more fluidly.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song features moments where hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, flowing lines. These techniques allow for rapid note changes without the need to pick each note, making for fluid and expressive phrasing. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs will enhance your ability to create legato phrases, making your playing sound smoother and more connected.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are a versatile chord form that allows for quick transitions across the fretboard, essential for Townshend's rhythm work in this track. Barre chords allow you to move chord shapes up and down the neck, making it easier to play in any key. Learning barre chords will strengthen your hands and broaden your chordal vocabulary, which is invaluable for any guitarist.

Sustain

Sustain is a technique that lets certain notes or chords ring out longer, creating a sense of resonance and fullness. By using sustain, Townshend adds a powerful, lingering effect to key parts of the song. Working on sustain improves your control over note length and tone, allowing you to add a richer texture to your playing.

Benefits of Learning Techniques from "Won't Get Fooled Again"

Each technique in "Won't Get Fooled Again" serves a specific purpose, from enhancing the song's dynamic range to adding depth and emotion. Learning these techniques will not only help you play this iconic song but also improve your overall guitar skills. Mastering techniques like vibrato, alternate picking, and power chords will give you greater control over your sound, while skills such as palm muting and string bending allow you to add a personal, expressive touch to your playing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these techniques are building blocks for rock and roll guitar mastery.

List of Guitar Techniques in "Won't Get Fooled Again"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Barre Chords
• Sustain

This lesson on "Won't Get Fooled Again" is a comprehensive guide that gives you the skills to tackle one of the most iconic rock songs in history while expanding your guitar technique toolkit. Each technique taught in this lesson is a building block toward becoming a more versatile and expressive guitarist.