Guitartricks – How to Play – Baba O’Riley (The Who)

Mike will show you the 2 guitar layers in this song. Guitar 1 is a crunch rhythm guitar playing aggressive power chords. Guitar 2 is a lead guitar that digs into some tasty licks and melodies throughout. A capo placed on the first fret is required to play this song.

The tune starts out with a synth playing a sequenced hypnotic part that sets the tone. The guitar doesn’t come in until after the first verse, when it comes blasting into the mix at a full dynamic. The arrangement also features a guitar solo, dramatic interlude, and unique outro that drastically changes the feel and ramps to a climactic ending.

In the following lessons, we’ll talk about the use of a capo, open and power chords, aggressive strumming, and textbook rock lead approaches. We are in the key of F major, with a 4/4 time signature, at a tempo of 118 BPM.

To play this tune with only one guitar, simply play Guitar 1, switching to Guitar 2 for the solos!