Learn To Play The Who

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Licklibrary's "Learn To Play The Who" is a comprehensive and intricate journey into the guitar styles, techniques, and unparalleled energy of one of rock's most influential bands, The Who. This course from Danny Gill. offers guitarists the opportunity to delve deep into the unique guitar works of Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist whose contributions have shaped the sound of The Who. With a focus on five iconic songs - "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Substitute," "My Generation," "Pinball Wizard," and "Behind Blue Eyes" - this program is designed for guitarists who aspire to master the eclectic mix of hard rock and power pop synonymous with The Who's legacy.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Wont Get Fooled Again 

Substitute 

My Generation 

Pinball Wizard 

Behind Blue Eyes

Lesson Performance Notes

Won't Get Fooled Again

This anthem of defiance, "Won't Get Fooled Again," is known for its driving power chords and innovative synthesizer sounds. The song is primarily in the mixolydian mode, contributing to its gritty feel. The main riff is a masterpiece of rhythmic strumming, requiring precise muting techniques to replicate the aggressive attack Townshend is known for. The solo is a chaotic assemblage of pentatonic licks, string bends, and rapid-fire runs that mimic the song's anarchic spirit.

Substitute

"Substitute" displays Townshend's ability to marry catchy melodies with raw power. The song utilizes traditional open chords, but it's the unique voicings and inversions that give "Substitute" its character. The lead work, while sparse, uses the major pentatonic scale to great effect, producing licks that complement the song's melodic structure.

My Generation

The raw energy of "My Generation" captures the spirit of rebellious youth. The song's iconic bass solo is matched by the guitar's rhythmic prowess, using chord progressions that are simple but played with an aggressive strumming style. The guitar solo is frantic, employing the minor pentatonic scale with an almost reckless abandon, mirroring the song's lyrical angst.

Pinball Wizard

One of The Who's most famous tracks, "Pinball Wizard," showcases Townshend's acoustic skills. The song's arpeggiated intro is instantly recognizable, requiring precision fingerpicking. The song's structure is a mix of intricate strumming patterns and power chords, with a solo that uses double-stops and quick scalar runs to elevate the song's energy.

Behind Blue Eyes

"Behind Blue Eyes" is one of The Who's more introspective pieces. The verses' arpeggiated chords set a somber mood, while the chorus introduces a heavier feel with its use of power chords. The solo is emotional, using the minor scale to craft phrases that are both mournful and beautiful, demonstrating Townshend's versatility as a guitarist.

Pete Townshend's Contribution

Before dissecting each song, it's crucial to understand Pete Townshend's unique contribution to The Who. Townshend was not just a guitarist; he was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and chief songwriter for the band. Known for his powerful rhythm playing and his windmill strum, Townshend combined basic chords with inventive chord inversions, pioneering a distinctive sound that many have tried to emulate.

His playing, deeply rooted in the British rock tradition, incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, which he fused with his visceral, artistic instincts. This synthesis created songs that were original, powerful, and emotionally resonant, contributing significantly to the soundscape of the 20th century's second half.

Techniques Utilized

The "Learn To Play The Who" course highlights a multitude of guitar techniques quintessential to mastering these songs. Here's a compiled list with references to Licklibrary's glossary for an in-depth understanding:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Arpeggios
• Power Chords
• Finger Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions

"Learn To Play The Who" is not just a series of song lessons; it's a deep dive into the musicality and genius of Pete Townshend and The Who. It's designed for guitarists determined to understand what makes this band's music eternally resonant and influential. Whether you're a beginner looking to tackle new songs or an experienced player aiming to capture The Who's essence, this course is a crucial step on your musical journey.