EXAMPLE4 PETE TOWNSHEND (ROCK)

cd track 11

Pete Townshend mixed an aggressive rhythm guitar attack with an explosive performance style. Our jam track features a few of Townshend’s classic tricks including powerchords, slash chords and fast semiquaver strumming.

[Bars 1-10] The open position A5 chord has a ringing quality and the open strings also add some nice sustain. The use of syncopation (playing on the offbeat) is a signature aspect of Townshend’s riff work so take care with this. [Bars 11-22] The verse section uses full barre chords to fill out the sound. Barre chords are a common feature in Townshend’s rhythm guitar style. [Bars 23-28 ] Shifting the same chord fingering around over a static bass note is a simple way to introduce interesting harmony and is a typical Pete trait.