Magic Bus (Explained) - The Who

[@swatprof]

Outstanding. There are absolutely two guitars on this song - you can clearly hear them on separate channels when wearing headphones. And one sounds higher up on the neck than the other.....and that's the guitar with the solo. You nailed it. Another guitar mystery solved.

[@Avenuehebert]

I'm always overwhelmed and appreciative of people like you who generously share their knowledge here on RUclips. All the best!

[@caryboyd2181]

Dude you have the best Stones and. Who lessons on the internet. It's because those two bands have a similar approach to song writing.

[@ursafan40]

The car is one of the best places to listen to music.

[@shaunw9270]

Thanks for making this video, and confirming what I had thought for years ,that the acoustic guitar is capo'd . I have been a big Who fan across 5 decades btw and I'm pretty certain that in one of the first Who books I read in my teens , Pete said that there are two guitars an acoustic and a Telecaster on Magic Bus ... only read it once but I remember me & my friends talking about it at School 😉✌️🎸

[@larrybarge6085]

James, thanks! I saw The Who perform Magic Bus in 1967. Your lessons are spot on. Beautiful guitars!

[@adriantyler6911]

I think you have got it right there. As soon as you started messing around the high b and e with the capo, you can just hear it! 10/10 for perseverance!!!

[@benjamincolman6414]

This is a great breakdown of this song, thanks for sharing!

[@bondhughbond]

Sounds right to me.
I never really played this song so tonight I put it on and grabbed my acoustic. Immediately I knew it was capo'd and went looking for confirmation. Thanks! You nailed it perfectly.

[@bryanmannoia8410]

one thumb up for showing me a better way to play this tune after playing it for 30 years. another thumb up(if I could) for the house of guitars shirt. I went in there a lot as a kid and was always blown away by the amount of guitars in that place.

[@lonerwiththecamera]

Just want to thank you my man for being so giving. Some of us really appreciate your time and effort, and most importantly - the spirit in which you offer thee lessons to others.
Personal note...I say I appreciate your spirit knowing I'm going to sound like a tree-hugging hippie, but in fact, while I have hugged some trees, I do not reek of patchouli, wear my hair short sometimes (see picture) and wear items of clothing not made from 100% hemp.

[@Daytripper51]

I've been playing this song capo'd like this for years....Like you,one day I heard something different in the TONE of certain notes. I knew it was in A so I started experimenting with the capo and landed what I thought was better! The tonal quality of those notes played high on the neck was the clue!
Good video!!!!

[@jamesjames9275]

I agree. There are a few spots where you can really hear a capo'd tone of the strings, e.g., in the part when it gets to "thruppence and sixpence every day" and he hits those 5th chords between the vocal lines, the tone definitely sounds capo'd.

[@guitarcag]

You have an amazing ear for chord voicings.

[@bumsharvest5493]

Yup. That little lead bit gives it away. It's capo'd. Thanks!

[@jtbjr58]

Great insight -- G sus. Makes a big difference. Then what you demonstrate with the capo. I will experiment. The thing about that song? The aggressive down up strum and how you drop in the chords. This is the best How To on RUclips. Thanks for that.

[@EdwardHomerVIC]

Just watched your farewell from Feb 2015. I can relate, I have a ch and some of the comments about my personal style are just stupid. Have always really liked your vids and you have helped my guitar playing a lot. cheers and keep it up man.

[@randykintzley5923]

That track has the meanest sounding acoustic I've ever heard. The capo theory makes perfect sense. There's a punch to it that just sounds like a short scale. Also makes it easy to play aggressively which is definitely a component here. I also wonder if there's a nylon string acoustic in there. That A note has such a low-end to it. However he did it; the sound is just plain bad-ass.

[@funguy4utube]

First way is fab 'n sounds so right .... but then the second way is Perfecto !
At 7:07 when you break to the leads ... my mind popped with an epiphany ... orgasmic man ... you nailed it ! This could be the perfect song to go to when one has had a hard day and just needs to blow away the frustrations ... plug into the amp - let the neighbors know you are home - and feel like ol man Peter Townsend ( his initials are like your prior handle ! ). Many thanks JJ.

[@johnbilewicz6392]

Enjoy your videos. Keep 'em coming. 🙂

[@lancevoorhees7318]

Sounded great, I picked up a lot from your video! I love The Who, great songs, great lyrics! Thanks for sharing!

[@jimr6971]

Sounds right to me. Thank you! I enjoy your videos and appreciate you show us how you play them!

[@funguy4utube]

Perfecto ... both sound great but I think you are right .. the capo version is just a nudge different and crisper and it hits the nail on the head. Fantastic musical sleuth work. Love the lead breaks ( 4:52 ) you do so well. I will switch to this way. Thanks !

[@johnnyr11111]

Excellent JJ🎸🎶. I'm adding this gem to my repertoire ( with capo )😎

[@philbarrows424]

Your Gibby sounds exquisite 👍🏻🎼
Ice lesson as well. U hit PT’s intricacies on the nose👍🏻

[@tricorn1776]

Great stuff my favorite band. Wish I could keep up with this strum. LOL. Thanks a bunch I'll keep tryin'

[@johnbzombie]

Brilliant that's what I think. Once again I think you've nailed another layer of the way Simon ,or Pete ,or someone with a much thicker richer, wall of guitar that just may have been played on such a simple song that is much more than I've ever even imagined and it's probably ,one of the many layers ,there's that word again, of how he plays that makes him so hard to copy and sound like PETE??? Thank You for all your inputs on how you hear in certain songs !!!!! Peace & Cheers Mate........

[@maxwellfan55]

Great to see, hear the Everly's Gibson. Rare sight nowadays. Excellent choice (R Daltrey collects them!).

[@martydibergi5228]

My friend Albert Lee got one from an Everly Brother,😍

[@doogle-gf3fi]

Well done! Love those 'while driving' musical epiphanies. Almost the best excuse for missing an exit. Thanks for sharing.

[@garybalfour5549]

once again you solved the mystery that has been befuddling me for decades. Great ear, great lesson, thanks.

[@word67]

Love these Townshend rhythm figures. Some day soon I'm going to sit here with my Martin and get these down. Thank You JJ

[@harleck9119]

I used to play this on A without the capo. After watching this, it was like a revelation lmao, and now I only play it with the capo on the 5th. Great finding!!

[@csgsmolders]

I'm sold! Been playing it in the open for as long as I've been playing it..Not any more!!!

[@stonz82]

I trust your ear JJ, sound great to me!!!

[@willshultz7813]

I know its late, but. There's 3 guitars in it - two acoustic, one electric that comes in at the end. Regardless, all are in E and tuned down 3/4 step. And yes. A capo is definitely used; its placed at fret 5. Chords are E, G5, D, and A. When I play this, G5 sounds best with A-string muted, B and E on the third fret (no Cowboy G).
The rest, you pretty much nailed it as usual. THANK YOU!

[@GaryBook]

I love your videos and lessons and stories; I feel like I am at a show. When it is just straight hit this string than that string it gets dry. It is as good as Letterman's or Colbert's monologues. Thanks for being so entertaining. Your like Bruce Springsteen who chats with his audience and has made it to Broadway; James on Broadway is a show I would see.

[@stevecarter7001]

Sounds spot on to me James ! Well done and many thanks.

[@ericheine2414]

I play it using a CD player.
And it's perfect every time.

[@david135-6]

Thanks for the break down, awesome as ever. Have struggled (never figured out) trying to replicate the acoustic parts on this song during the break. You definitely convinced me there's two acoustic parts, one that has dominant attributes , one more secondary . Per your comments, seems Pete performs the dominant part to get that 'power G note' as the tune begins to finish up

[@riverreasteve]

Hi James, Like you Ive been listening to this song for years. I particularly like Petes solo version on the Jools Holland show. Trust you've seen that one? I could never work out the chords though until I stumbled across your RUclips tutorial today. Ive just got back from rocking in the kitchen with my guitar. Many thanks 👍

[@williambush1975]

so inspiring! thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@ystadcop6935]

You nailed it. Excellent.

[@Beachbumartist]

Man that is fantastic you figured that out bro, awesome job. Thanks so much.

[@brankoj62]

You're right,capo and without capo goes thrue the whole song.,in the intro start with capo and secund later start another,great guitars.From that epoca Magic Bus and Jumping Jack top songs with acoustics riffs.

[@rodx5571]

Seems right. Sounds close enough to pass at a hippie jam session. Which let's be honest, is every WHO concert ever. Learning it now.

[@vettesquared]

Nice! Great ear for a great song! (And I like your other vids too!)

[@TopCatOadby]

Brilliant as always, thanks!!!!!

[@kirksART]

I saw the who live recently and Pete played Magic bus with the capo on just like this, then removed it half way through,I think this video is right.

[@jperce1]

Glad your still out here!!

[@graymouser5609]

I believe you are right about the capo. And, it seems simple enough when you play it, but there is enough finesse and flourish in there to aggravate my ability to play it. Dang it. Will keep at it as this is definitely one I have wanted to play for decades

[@williamblair9597]

I think you took it down the right path, plus I believe you're correct that 2 - 3 guitars are probably being used on the recording. Capo on the 5th seems dead on. Icing this cake with the 1/2 step down does it for me. Good listening on your part, great job presenting all these variables. Thanks, I have to hope this will improve my listening skills in spite of my aging ears. Thanks you for sharing.

[@nothousebroke]

hey jj i think you got it. but the first moment you strummed the capo guitar it sounded right. the other sounded good but this just fits the bill.

[@NutleySam]

Well done, pal. That high B (or C tuned down like you have it) always mystified me.

[@dinofortsas4420]

Awesome analysis James 👍

[@guitartinman]

Sounds great. I never thought to play with the capo, but I sometimes play the G with a D shape chord. I kind of play both at the same time I guess. Without the capo, alternating between regular open G, and the D shape G you are playing with the capo. The lead fill seems easier with the capo though. Great stuff. Thanks for posting!

[@gooseit]

Sounds spot on to me. I play this with a friend some times and I can't wait to hit him with this.

[@subdude724]

Dude, this and the Stealers Wheel reveal. Whoa.

[@mattyc.9332]

How very interesting. I love the capo! It's so handy...

[@furncemanjim]

Agree 100% those A double stops are dead on.

[@rickd5997]

The original acoustic on the record is phenomenal

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Sounds Spot on to me. Thanks!!

[@thewhoyouknow]

Fits pretty well and seems more easy to play than the famous one.
I remember that in one interview John said that he hated Magic Bus because it's always on A in the bass, and in live they made it longer than the studio version.

[@southriverdrive]

I wonder if the reason Townsend didn't use a capo on stage is because it took away from the "look" of his guitar theatrics, windmill-type power chords, etc.

[@cameroncooper2277]

Yeah, and he is playing an electric, so the sonic ballgame changes anyway.

[@Hortron69]

And they play it more Bo Diddley style live

[@PeterSchuett]

He is doing it with a capo live, at least nowadays! See ruclips.net/video/D-hc7jHRY5w/видео.html

[@stonz82]

Like your approach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimsrv711]

It sounds good to me ) you really got petes strum mastered nice ear JJ

[@stevep2430]

I always thought it was two guitars, one of them a 12 string and both tuned down 3/4 step.

[@philgowling2114]

wow, just wow - you have a gift man

[@alan717]

wow, right on! I would have played the first way and would have been close but no cigar. Good catch

[@yrulooknatme]

I really think pete is all over the place on this one. sometime riffs of the d / a sometime off tha g / d hell I think a couple times off d / a .... I really don't think he gave 2 shits if he made a chord, I think he was going for the vibe.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !

[@gerardosaucedo1309]

Great as always

[@walterfish2]

Yep. ...spot on....I hear exactly what you are referring to....thanks

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Um hum, same here. How about those ears?

[@pjmoreau]

awesome, you're right on the capo....

[@marked1959]

nailed it as always

[@danemartin4155]

Great song

[@geoker55]

Mind: Blown.

[@graymouser5609]

Outstanding

[@bucknlori]

Sounds great. Tune down 1/2 +5 is the same as standard +4. But really great! Thank you 👍E G D is Pete u r correct

[@Cascademenace]

Now I've got my Magic Bus :)

[@archermcflatty8706]

sounds valid. top product here.

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

I'm betting one guitar track had capo, the other not. Good lesson. Makes one think! which is good!!

[@dr.hookyeah2883]

Beautiful guitar. I want it I want it I want it.I always thought it was two guitars.

[@HealeRx21]

Awesome!! Thanks!!

[@kingdom777866]

I hear Pete slide up to the (A) note on the D string at the beginning of that little solo, cant do that with a capo in the way ? the following notes are pulled off as he go down the neck..
interesting though...

[@sammyrussell936]

Thanx Brother

[@townsey5612]

We all have the days where we can't tune.

[@jamesjames9275]

I have more of those days than most people.

[@mojo5904]

What would be wrong with using standard tuning and putting the capo a half step lower? Just wondering...Great video. Entertaining and instructional as ever...Thanks.

[@jamesjames9275]

Nothing.

[@thepaulmacfarlane]

stellar.

[@funguy4utube]

It would be so cool of PT wrote a response ..... ; ]]'

[@paulcarr5555]

think your right bout the capo. BTW what brand of capo do u use/ recommend.
Thanks and keep up the good work. Missed your post the last few so glad ur back

[@jamesjames9275]

I honestly don't pay any attention to the capo brand. I buy whatever's cheap.

[@rogermartin9068]

Miss you JJ. Hope you are well.

[@nasalwhine]

James! I agree you've nailed the very sound on the capoed guitar but if the progression you proposed is right (capoed A being in the form of chord E), then the two chords you play after A is C and G (that's what you actually play naming the capoed chords G and D). So if you play without capo it must be as well A, C, G and not A, G, D. That's why you prefer the chord "G" with a C - because IT IS C! The problem however is with the melody, because Roger ends every verse on chord D instead of G. Why? God knows. My guess is Roger sings to the progression of A, G, D and not to the apparent capoed guitar which play different chords. That's what alcohol can do to music! I looked up Pete's rendition of Magic Bus from 96 and nowhere does he play G after initial A. Pete's a genius rock amateur musician. What I love about his playing is that it is purely intuitional. And that's what rock should be. Oh, and vonhasselbach here also plays A, C, G! And rightly so!

[@melodymaker135]

Listen real close: Pete actually uses BOTH those progressions in the original. He usually plays (this is with capo) E---D-A-. Then occasionally he plays E---G-D- for extra spice (especially noticeable right before "I don't care how much I pay!").

[@melodymaker135]

I think he even varies the chord voicing beyond that. I think I hear an occasional x04230 D-over-A in there. It's a real classic Pete acoustic-rhythm tour de force along the lines of "Pinball Wizard," the BBC version of "The Seeker," and assorted live Pete performances of "Drowned" and "Won't Get Fooled Again."
Having said that, thank you James for another excellent video; I learn lots from you, and I dig your obvious love for rhythm guitar and great parts. Too many advanced players are 99% fancy single-note lead.

[@ajdc88]

it's shit like this that makes youtube the 8th wonder of the world.

[@harrykadaras9459]

Townshend's songs are like simple riddles...that arent so simple...

[@jamesjames9275]

True. If you write the chords to a lot of his songs on paper, they may tend to look very similar. But he was as good at arranging as he was at songwriting, so they don't all seem so repetitive.

[@TonyHickschick]

Cool lesson

[@msa614]

love that guitar out

[@DaveBelling]

What's the progression at about 7:55? I can play this in a number of positions but not this one. I wonder if it has a name. I call it the Sesame Street shuffle. Or the Good Vibrations shuffle. It's everywhere. "The Last Time' uses it but kinda reversed.

[@danfreeman8369]

i was taught to switch the cord with my fingers. but maybe that was because I'm a lefty. maybe i was being taught it upside down the trick is that it isn't the way is supposed to be played at all reverse the fingers in your cord.

[@jamesjames9275]

I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about.

[@RobertLane78]

I'm alway aghast at how accurate your ear is. I'm not worthy. Players are notorious cheaters so this works.

[@NCWharfRat]

Cool. You need to take more road trips...

[@terrihandman7231]

nice work !... personally prefer Townshend demo over Who version

[@kenwalch9717]

nice

[@keithdavis2601]

Gud day mate - gud ear too !