Pete Townshend's A-G-D Songwriting Foundation

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  • Опубликовано: 4 янв 2025

Комментарии • 224

  • @stephenlewis9632
    @stephenlewis9632 4 года назад +89

    I really can't get over how prolific James you are here turning out tutorial gems. Breaking down the chord progression is really helpful. Many thanks!

    • @als1023
      @als1023 4 года назад +2

      Same thoughts.

  • @scottca9780
    @scottca9780 4 года назад +56

    I like when you mix it up with these sorts of lessons/discussion.

  • @edf9682
    @edf9682 4 года назад +29

    Thanks for being the best guitar teacher I’ve ever had in the 30+ years I’ve been playing guitar!

  • @michaelr4063
    @michaelr4063 4 года назад +22

    Love when you talk PT and The Who

  • @Zepster77
    @Zepster77 4 года назад +7

    That guitar has one hell of a sound. Thanks for all the vids!!

  • @quarter_moon_and_a_guitar
    @quarter_moon_and_a_guitar 4 года назад +37

    No one writes better bridges in songs than Townsend. It was his secret weapon

    • @alann5003
      @alann5003 3 года назад +10

      The bridge in Bargain is my favorite.

    • @dorkbrandon4422
      @dorkbrandon4422 2 года назад +10

      My favourite townshend bridge was on punk and the godfather
      The chords , melody and those lyrics man
      I have to be careful not to preach
      I can't pretend that I can teach
      And yet I lived your future out
      By pounding stages like a clown
      And on the dance floor broken glass
      And bloody faces slowly pass
      The numbered seats in empty rows
      It all belongs to me you know
      although it's a quadrophenia song it sounds like it's personal lyrics about himself

    • @daviddemaria3982
      @daviddemaria3982 Год назад

      ​@dorkbrandon4422 absolutely killer. One of the best

  • @quarter_moon_and_a_guitar
    @quarter_moon_and_a_guitar 4 года назад +52

    No group ever like The Who. Bass player often carried the lead with the drummer playing lead drums (whatever that is), and the guitar player keeping the time with the rhythm. That back-asswardness defined their greatness

    • @joebloggs4754
      @joebloggs4754 4 года назад +4

      i have said same thing since 1967

    • @jakethomas3205
      @jakethomas3205 Год назад +3

      Absolutely!

    • @gordonlandreth9550
      @gordonlandreth9550 Год назад +4

      Pete even said Keith was a great drummer , but just couldn't keep time very well .

    • @krisscanlon4051
      @krisscanlon4051 Год назад +1

      Yep all completely backwards...to other lead instruments from the actual lead rhythm section!!!

    • @leachrinsinte983
      @leachrinsinte983 Год назад +4

      Best live band ever.

  • @stevecarter7001
    @stevecarter7001 4 года назад +16

    Nothing wrong with keeping it simple. When you hear the raw power of the Who and Pete’s guitar it’s absolutely awesome .
    😎

    • @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et
      @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et 4 года назад +1

      Never ever forget the dominant rhythm section Entwistle and Moon. Pete has said he NEEDED the OX there to play his music or would need 8 other people with brass and wood instruments.

  • @ryanwilson5782
    @ryanwilson5782 4 года назад +8

    Man, I love it when you post Townshend videos

  • @billyturbert7629
    @billyturbert7629 4 года назад +14

    Awesome man !! I’ve noticed that Pete’s brilliance is how awesome his rhythm and chord voicings/diction are. He’s a master song writer!! Thank you for sharing, as always 👍🏻

  • @xyogibear11
    @xyogibear11 4 года назад +18

    This is fantastic! This is valuable insight for those seeking to learn Pete's techniques and song construction. I would love to hear you expand on more of his techniques. Cheers!

  • @roberteberhart1139
    @roberteberhart1139 4 года назад +9

    Love the shirt, always loved that guitar.
    Great lesson, thanks. I find myself trying to figure out who times every day almost. They're just stuck in my heart, and head. Definitely my favorite group of all time

  • @whatswithgus
    @whatswithgus 3 года назад +11

    The first two that I thought of were "I Can't Explain" and "Join Together". I had never realised how often he uses that particular chord progression elsewhere. Only a songwriter like Pete could use it that many times without you realising it!

  • @TGiannini007
    @TGiannini007 4 года назад +6

    Thanks James. You’re really helping a lot of guitarists during this damn pandemic. And this is a very unique lesson.

  • @sonicmilk
    @sonicmilk 2 месяца назад

    Very informative and gave me some ideas for my own playing. Nothing like studying the greats and using some technique as a building block for your own art.

  • @petejohnston5375
    @petejohnston5375 8 месяцев назад

    I lucky to see them back in December '75 in Philly. I was 15 years young. Wonderful and Loud...
    They up to their usual on stage antics. Great show, thanks for the lesson mate.

  • @AugustMedia
    @AugustMedia 5 месяцев назад +1

    James I must say, your tutorials and covers are just the best!

  • @michaelorourke3976
    @michaelorourke3976 4 года назад +3

    This ranks up there as one of my favorite lessons

  • @CoryBoyd-ro4gk
    @CoryBoyd-ro4gk 18 часов назад

    Your one of the best pop guitar teachers on planet earth. Especially how you disect Stones , Who, and Beatles. I'm Trying to figure out an old Grateful Dead acoustic song. Rosemary from Axomoxa. It's a Renasance Celtic sounding song.

  • @lsteved
    @lsteved 2 года назад +5

    Good stuff... you can really see the influence on AC/DC!

  • @AFaceintheCrowd01
    @AFaceintheCrowd01 3 года назад +2

    In PT's hands, there are mystical powers in the A-G-D progression. Hey, I really enjoy your vids. Thank you for doing these. They are extremely enlightening -- and I also enjoy seeing your truly excellent guitar collection.

  • @TheDevinShamel
    @TheDevinShamel 4 года назад +1

    Amazing. Straight to the point with tons of examples. This is a wonderful video. Helped out a ton. Thank you.

  • @ricktheexplorer
    @ricktheexplorer 4 года назад +7

    With people locked in their homes, they all want to hear The Who songs to rejuvenate us, and it works. Some of the best music the human soul can witness. Thank you, Pete, and hell, all 4 of you.

  • @jimmysupafly1547
    @jimmysupafly1547 4 года назад +1

    You are easily my favorite you tube wizard. I love the amount of knowledge you share in these. It amazes me on how much stuff you know and remember. If I don't play a song for a week or two I forget it and have to look it up again. You somehow are a walking encyclopedia of music.

  • @philhopoh2841
    @philhopoh2841 4 года назад +2

    Thanks for your help my fingers are destroyed trying to get the tunes...you have made me pick the guitar again ...thanks for showing me how to do my favourite who tunes ...you are a star x

  • @joeygosney5251
    @joeygosney5251 4 года назад +2

    James,
    I have been watching your videos for so many years now. I’m 29 and have been playing guitar for 17 years or so now and I have always been a fan of yours. I am a huge PT fan and was always impressed with your covers and song choices, especially because there aren’t many PT covers on RUclips. Just wanted to say thanks for what you do and keep rocking !!!
    Also a good example I don’t think you mentioned... THERE ONCE WAS A NOTE , LISTEN !!

  • @michaelmastrangelo4665
    @michaelmastrangelo4665 4 года назад +4

    Many classic songs have come from those chords. Proof that songs don't need to be complicated.

  • @jesseserna8424
    @jesseserna8424 Год назад +1

    That’s all the chords I know pertty much ..and I love The Who, so thnx and I love the sound of your guitar.. I already want a 12 string Martin.

  • @alfatone2654
    @alfatone2654 4 года назад +6

    Thanks for that 'thumb on the G' trick, I've started 'thumbing' my bar chords lately for both the E and A shapes, 'Hey Joe' by Hendrix is super easy that way. Now so are these PT classsics.

  • @CCB6939
    @CCB6939 4 года назад +4

    Great lesson James ! I learned guitar mostly from a friend who showed me some chords. but got to say for the last 10 or so years I've learned a ton from you and your channels... Cheers !! and thanks!

  • @1rwjwith
    @1rwjwith 4 года назад +12

    Marvelous anaylysis and 100% correct. Really the only time he would vary much is on ballads like Behind Blue Eyes...BUT even on that one in the uptempo part he kind of reverts! Still great songs.

  • @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et
    @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et 4 года назад +3

    I have been hoping someone would break down Pete's style. One You Tube only one other fellow even bothered to tackle his progressions. I've known that there had been tons of G - D. He even stated he loved the A - that was his money maker.
    You are so great at breakdowns and analysis. You help with my music theory so dang much. I commend you for your content and want more Pete Townshend / Who philosophy. Thank you for what you do for guitar players!

  • @michaelholmes9874
    @michaelholmes9874 4 года назад +9

    Love Pete Townsend as well👍

  • @cmartin1959-qq2mi
    @cmartin1959-qq2mi 4 года назад +1

    Love that Gibson !

  • @dodgedandle8311
    @dodgedandle8311 3 месяца назад

    In a way It’s easier to try and be complicated then it is to do something great with something so simple.. that’s just the way I look at it and Pete was a Master of that 👊⭐️🌞🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

  • @guilhermecadima4201
    @guilhermecadima4201 3 года назад +2

    I've a authoral project with a friend and we discussed how we always sorta use the same notes or foundation haha it's a relief see how a genius as Pete did the same haha

  • @gill.5116
    @gill.5116 Год назад +1

    Great work james man I always find your site when I get stuck on a song

  • @adebeauchamp3117
    @adebeauchamp3117 4 года назад +2

    Cheers pal that explains a lot about Townsend's quick changes and rhythm 👍

  • @marksieber8140
    @marksieber8140 4 года назад +2

    Thanks James James, love this. Flashing back with the madras pantaloons...

  • @michelecuoghicostantini7653
    @michelecuoghicostantini7653 4 года назад +1

    Thanks James! i love pete and your are the number one!

  • @donnabutt8602
    @donnabutt8602 2 года назад +3

    If there were a Nobel Prize for music teaching then our amazing American friend would receive it. We absolutely love you.

  • @malcolmbenson6368
    @malcolmbenson6368 2 года назад +1

    THIS IS BRILLIANT !! TO SEE A REAL WHO NUT IS ENCREDIBLE. SUPERB AND INTERESTING THANKS. YOU SHOUL BE IN A TRIBUTE BAND

  • @hallamhal
    @hallamhal 2 года назад

    Why does he like this progression?
    I can't explain.

  • @lorenzodicapo6305
    @lorenzodicapo6305 Год назад

    You are always the first guy I turn to for accurate versions.
    I love The Who, and when my friends and I were learning their songs I remember discussing that Pete had based his career on bVII-IV-I. Cool to see it in all the examples.
    Yeah, I know I'm three years late, but I'm trying to catch up.
    Another one I've thought about: Mark Sandman, from Morphine, where a minor third is the basis of most of his songs.
    Anyways, thanks again

  • @chrissnape9537
    @chrissnape9537 4 года назад +13

    I am a huge Who fan thanks for this

  • @dugguvan.
    @dugguvan. 4 года назад +2

    Fantastic lesson JJ, thanks you're great!

  • @seanoconnor2531
    @seanoconnor2531 Год назад

    the Punk Meets the Godfather is another one, so much fun to play and crunch on those chords,

  • @melissayost4888
    @melissayost4888 3 года назад +1

    If u run up & down the neck w A & D shapes/variations you can figure out Amazing Journey. It may not be correct but it works.

  • @christopherruddick2469
    @christopherruddick2469 2 года назад +1

    Cool t-shirt!
    Thanks, also, for uploading!

  • @tylerthompson1842
    @tylerthompson1842 5 месяцев назад

    It’s all the licks he would do in between that made in unique

  • @SpuzzyLargo
    @SpuzzyLargo 4 года назад +3

    That G chord fingering is sometimes used by Stephen Stills. It's called a Delta G, I believe. See "Helplessly Hoping": Am7 C (delta)G D, etc.

  • @yourbigtony
    @yourbigtony 4 года назад +2

    Hey ..i just wanted to say Thank you for sharing .. i think your awe some . i have followed you for probably 7 or 8 years and have learned countless songs.. mostly acoustic. thanks again .

  • @randywarren6925
    @randywarren6925 4 года назад +2

    Wow, I just found your channel. How cool. You have a new subscriber 😎😋🤓

  • @peliguitarcovers
    @peliguitarcovers 4 года назад +8

    This kind of video is great. I noticed the ADG pattern somewhat between The Seeker and WGFA and certainly noticed the triplets, but I didn't really make the connection through alot of the songs you showcased (And I know them all very well from listening). Thanks for this. The 'Cheat G' certainly makes that DG switch alot easier. Shame the C to F one in The Seeker is still a nightmare for me. I'll keep working on it :)

  • @jonathanbanks8749
    @jonathanbanks8749 2 года назад +2

    Thank you.

  • @thinkandbefree9398
    @thinkandbefree9398 4 года назад +4

    Kind of encapsulates Townsend's genius - I consider Pete to be the proto-punk, favoring big chords to tease the melody, wrote all the music, and tho Daltrey could and still can kill the vocals, let's not forget Entwistle and Moon!

  • @gregaltenhofel7326
    @gregaltenhofel7326 3 года назад +2

    Spot on. This was perfect well perfect would be Pete knocking on my door right now. But this was good.

  • @johnnystrayhorn3591
    @johnnystrayhorn3591 4 года назад +2

    AWESOME

  • @imannonymous7707
    @imannonymous7707 4 года назад +3

    So obvious now that you point it out.
    My favorite acoustic player still after all these years.....cool lesson.
    Oh I can think of tommy examples too....overture ...for one

  • @paulioannou9675
    @paulioannou9675 4 года назад +1

    Great tutorial. Nice breakdown of loads of Who songs. You got a new subscriber !

  • @BC99
    @BC99 4 года назад +2

    Awesome.

  • @TAYLORFAN50
    @TAYLORFAN50 2 года назад

    Damn... I miss James James! He was always a bright spot in my day. 😮‍💨

  • @jluttr9808
    @jluttr9808 4 года назад +2

    Brilliant, made my day!

  • @timwestcott361
    @timwestcott361 4 года назад +6

    Deconstructing Townshend's guitar compositions - endlessly interesting. Less is more ? Chords in Amazing Journey / Sparks , Bell Boy , Tattoo etc always give joy, inspiration and intrigue. And easily playable - no jazz degree required. Love your work - personification of the power of RUclips for good.

  • @neilrogers242
    @neilrogers242 4 года назад +2

    Love the Who & your lessons. Thanks dude!

  • @Borat_Kazakh
    @Borat_Kazakh 4 года назад +7

    You once made the comment, when breaking down a song, "it's actually simpler than it sounds, which is the case with most pop songs." Drawing such patterns of guitarists really helps!

  • @anulonilatac
    @anulonilatac 3 года назад +5

    Yes. That's simple and easy. The secret to success. By the way, awesome t-shirt and guitar.

  • @jaym4958
    @jaym4958 4 года назад +2

    Nice Change-Up, thanks again James.

  • @natchezgolfclub5379
    @natchezgolfclub5379 3 года назад +1

    Great work James, thank you

  • @jdkazoo
    @jdkazoo Год назад +1

    Cry If You Want is such an underrated gem of a song.

    • @jamesjames9275
      @jamesjames9275  Год назад +2

      Yes, especially as a live number. Pete's soloing in the outro on those '82 versions is some of my favorite playing of his.

  • @bennythejet4064
    @bennythejet4064 4 года назад +2

    Tip top!

  • @DannyBoi2112
    @DannyBoi2112 4 года назад +9

    Pete Townshend, my favourite songwriter ever

  • @alosadav
    @alosadav Год назад +1

    I came for the ey all. Love the shirt!

  • @alfredpaliani1800
    @alfredpaliani1800 4 года назад +2

    I have always marveled at all of the open chord sounds with all kinds of different suspended notes in Pete Townsend's work and this is really helpful in discovering how he does it . Thanks.

  • @guitinwidit
    @guitinwidit 4 года назад +2

    Excellent vid, thanks!

  • @davidwilson1724
    @davidwilson1724 Год назад +1

    I love the lookout your #5 Les Paul Deluxe! Obviously, not a Gibson Custom Shop model. Is that a TPP (The Painted Player) guitar?

  • @theresadimasi6899
    @theresadimasi6899 4 года назад +50

    When he wrote “Same Old Song”, he wasn’t kidding

    • @peliguitarcovers
      @peliguitarcovers 4 года назад +2

      I was literally thinking of that Lyric from 'New Song' as I was watching this :)

    • @robtoc
      @robtoc 4 года назад

      HA! No doubt!!!

    • @melodymaker135
      @melodymaker135 4 года назад +1

      @@robtoc and that lyrics is literally over that same I-VII-IV progression!

    • @stratowhore9051
      @stratowhore9051 4 года назад +1

      Lonnnie Johnson, one of the first great jazz/blues guitarists, used the same chords to write 125 songs. At least that's what he said. It ain't the chords, it's what you do with them. As for Pete, look at the intro to "Tommy" -- hell, the whole damn thing!

  • @michaelorourke3976
    @michaelorourke3976 4 года назад +1

    My favorite thing about JJ is I don't necessarily need a lesson on so.e of these things, but I love to watch him do it, fantastic player

  • @RobertWaldmann-u9h
    @RobertWaldmann-u9h 9 дней назад

    I love the Who and your t-shirt, bro 🤘🏻

  • @fabricefournier3274
    @fabricefournier3274 3 года назад +2

    I want your tee shirt!!!!

  • @spamdmd
    @spamdmd 4 года назад +1

    Another excellent lesson!! Thank You!

  • @beckblowbyblow
    @beckblowbyblow 4 года назад +4

    Great insight bro. Say want you want peoples,.. He's the greatest rhythm guitar player ever made. 👍👍 way up.

  • @openroadfilms3494
    @openroadfilms3494 Год назад +1

    Thank You really appreciate all your lessons. Would you be willing to do a quick lesson on Pete's Sheraton Gibson? I feel like I have a good portion but something is missing. Thanks again

  • @joesmith6865
    @joesmith6865 4 года назад +2

    Thanks for this!

  • @FrontRowRock
    @FrontRowRock 4 года назад +2

    Lessons like this one take your channel to another level! Luv'n it! You are a great story teller when you teach. THANK YOU!

  • @2345cbreslin
    @2345cbreslin 4 года назад +2

    nice share...I have some new inspiration to work on...

  • @McChill6561
    @McChill6561 Год назад

    Great session - love it!

  • @GG-Wolfhound
    @GG-Wolfhound 7 месяцев назад

    I wish i had you as a teacher40 years ago!

  • @spoonbender123
    @spoonbender123 3 года назад

    Just another fun awesome video. James is the best.

  • @guitargods4424
    @guitargods4424 4 года назад

    Thank you James, for another fantastic video.

  • @sjt4225
    @sjt4225 4 года назад +1

    Really helpful lesson. Thank you.

  • @stagehand9002
    @stagehand9002 4 года назад +2

    Great video! Love Aint For Keeping is another haha Thanks!!

    • @jamesjames9275
      @jamesjames9275  4 года назад

      Yep, just slower than he usually does it. And the outro for Pure and Easy.

  • @vancesorell9923
    @vancesorell9923 4 года назад +2

    Thanks, that is so helpful. I need to get you to move 3hr 17mins to the east, down I-90!

  • @franklincoolport27
    @franklincoolport27 4 года назад +1

    Great video James.......

  • @davidbrown410
    @davidbrown410 4 года назад

    Great insight definitely helpful enjoy all of your videos rock on !

  • @Foofang65
    @Foofang65 4 месяца назад

    Miss you james

  • @lawrencebarnes6893
    @lawrencebarnes6893 4 года назад +1

    Good Lesson. I just learned a basic 1-7-4 progression gets me a good chunk of The Who. Thanks

    • @MrFrampo56
      @MrFrampo56 3 года назад

      I don’t think it would be a 1-7-4 That’d be A -G# dim7 - D.
      Do you mean a 1-5-4 ? A-E -D Or in G. G-D -C. ? The 7 chord is very rarely used. Possibly never in pop / rock songs.

  • @RavenMadd9
    @RavenMadd9 4 года назад +2

    thank you boss

  • @woody558
    @woody558 4 года назад +8

    If you can play The Seeker with the A-G-D and triplet strums, you can play The Who

  • @paulphaze
    @paulphaze 4 года назад +2

    I liked this.