My Generation – The Who

Take a deep dive into one of the most iconic British rock tracks of all time with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson of My Generation by The Who. At LickLibrary, we break down every nuance of the song to help you not only learn the riffs and chords but truly master the style and techniques that defined a generation of rock guitarists. This lesson focuses on the raw energy, attitude, and playing style of Pete Townshend, helping you capture the essence of this explosive track. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released in 1965, My Generation is a rebellious anthem that captured the voice of youth culture in the mid-60s. The song quickly became one of The Who's signature tracks, known for its aggressive performance, unconventional structure, and groundbreaking musical experimentation. The guitar work in this track is rhythmically intense and full of raw power, making it a must-learn for fans of classic rock and anyone looking to develop a tighter, more expressive rhythm guitar style.

About the Guitarist – Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend, the mastermind behind The Who’s dynamic sound, is one of rock’s most influential guitarists. Known for his windmill strumming, aggressive stage presence, and rhythmic innovation, Townshend revolutionised the role of the rhythm guitarist. His approach blends power chord-driven energy with controlled chaos, laying the groundwork for punk, hard rock, and beyond. Studying his playing is essential for any guitarist looking to understand the evolution of rock guitar.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our My Generation guitar lesson covers every section of the song in meticulous detail, breaking down Pete Townshend’s performance into digestible chunks. Whether you're working through the iconic riffs, power chord progressions, or punchy rhythmic motifs, you’ll gain insights into the techniques and feel that bring this track to life.

Power Chords

Townshend’s driving use of power chords is central to the track’s aggressive sound. These stripped-down chords allow for maximum volume and punch while keeping the harmonic structure simple and bold. Learning to use power chords effectively will enhance your rhythm guitar skills, especially in rock and punk styles.

Palm Muting

Palm muting appears throughout the verses to create a sense of dynamics and contrast. Mastering palm muting helps you control your sound and add texture to your rhythm playing—an essential tool in any guitarist’s arsenal.

String Bending

Although not used as extensively as in some lead guitar tracks, Townshend employs subtle string bending to add expression to short fills and solo moments. Learning string bending helps improve pitch control and emotional expression in your leads.

Slides

Townshend’s transitions between chords and fills often incorporate slides, contributing to the fluid and spontaneous feel of the performance. Slides are great for adding movement and style to your riffs and licks.

Syncopated Rhythms

The syncopated nature of the riffing, especially during the vocal sections, gives the song a punchy, unpredictable feel. Syncopated rhythms teach players how to break out of straightforward strumming and create more dynamic, groove-oriented parts.

Open String Riffs

The intro and main riffs rely heavily on open string riffs, giving the guitar a bigger, ringing sound while maintaining simplicity in fretting. This technique is useful for crafting strong, anthemic parts that sound larger than life.

Sustain

One of the unique aspects of My Generation is its chaotic, feedback-laden breakdowns and sustaining notes. Understanding how to manage and control sustain on your instrument will allow you to hold and manipulate notes for dramatic effect, especially in live settings.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Learning the techniques used in My Generation will not only help you master this legendary song but will also broaden your skillset as a guitarist. Each technique introduces you to new levels of control, dynamics, and expression. By understanding how Townshend combines rhythm and tone, you’ll gain deeper insight into how to command the energy of a performance and push your playing to a more professional level.

This lesson is perfect for intermediate players looking to solidify their rhythm playing and experiment with expressive techniques. It's also a brilliant gateway into the world of classic rock, where the attitude of the playing is just as important as the notes themselves.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Sustain

Mastering My Generation with LickLibrary is more than just learning a song—it's about understanding the raw DNA of rock guitar. Dive in, turn up your amp, and play with purpose.