If you’re a guitar player looking for some easy Who songs to play, you’ve come to the right place!
The Who is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and for good reason.
They were one of the first bands to make use of the Marshall stack and power chords, and their music has been a source of inspiration for generations of musicians.
From the classic “My Generation” to the timeless “Baba O’Riley,” The Who have created some of the most memorable songs of all time.
And while some of their songs may be complex, there are plenty of easy Who songs that are perfect for guitar players of all levels.
Here, we’ll provide you with tabs and chords for 10 of the easiest Who songs to play on guitar, so you can start rocking out to your favorite Who tunes in no time!
Table of Contents
10. “Behind Blue Eyes”
“Behind Blue Eyes” is a song by the British rock band The Who.
It was written by Pete Townshend and released as the second single from their 1971 album Who’s Next.
The song is known for its melancholic lyrics and its slow, bluesy tempo.
The lyrics tell the story of a person who hides their true feelings and appears to be calm and collected on the outside, but is actually filled with sadness and loneliness on the inside.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Limp Bizkit, who released a cover version in 2003 that reached number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Who are one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
They are known for their energetic live performances and their pioneering use of the synthesizer.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and were ranked number 25 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004.
9. “Magic Bus”
The Who’s “Magic Bus” is a classic rock anthem that has been a fan favorite since its release in 1968.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist, Pete Townshend, and was featured on the band’s second album, The Who Sell Out.
The song has a catchy, upbeat rhythm and a memorable chorus that has made it an enduring classic.
The lyrics of the song are a reflection of the band’s early psychedelic rock style, with references to the “magic bus” of the title as a metaphor for the journey of life.
The song has been covered by many artists, including the Grateful Dead and Phish, and has been featured in films and television shows.
The Who have continued to perform the song in their live shows throughout their career, and it remains a popular choice for fans of the band.
8. “I Can See For Miles”
“I Can See For Miles” by The Who is a classic rock song that was released in 1967.
It was written by Pete Townshend and was the first single from their fourth album The Who Sell Out.
The song peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and was the group’s highest charting single in the United States, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song is known for its catchy chorus and its unique use of a Hammond organ.
The Who, formed in 1964, were one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s.
They are credited with helping to pioneer the rock opera format and are known for their energetic and powerful live performances.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
“I Can See For Miles” remains one of the band’s most popular songs and is still played regularly on classic rock radio.
7. “Substitute”
The Who’s classic rock song “Substitute” is an anthem for those who feel like they don’t fit in.
Written by Pete Townshend and released in 1966, the song speaks to the feeling of being an outsider and the desire to find a place to belong.
The Who were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their music was a reflection of the era’s youth culture.
“Substitute” was a top 10 hit in the UK and the US, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Blondie and The Jam.
The song’s lyrics are full of angst and frustration, and Townshend’s guitar playing is raw and energetic.
The song has been described as a “paean to teenage angst” and a “classic of British rock”.
It is a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.
6. “The Seeker”
“The Seeker” by The Who is a classic rock song from the band’s 1970 album, Who’s Next.
Written by Pete Townshend, the song is a reflection on the search for spiritual enlightenment.
It features a driving rhythm section, with John Entwistle’s bass line and Keith Moon’s drums providing the foundation for Townshend’s iconic guitar riffs.
The song is also notable for its use of synthesizers, which was a relatively new technology at the time.
The Who was one of the first bands to incorporate synthesizers into their sound, and it helped to define the sound of rock music in the 1970s.
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the search for meaning and purpose in life, and Townshend’s powerful vocals capture the intensity of the search.
The song has become an anthem for many people who are on a journey of self-discovery, and it remains a powerful and inspiring song to this day.
5. “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who is a classic rock anthem that has been covered by many artists.
Written by Pete Townshend, the song was released in 1971 as the closing track of their album Who’s Next.
It is an eight-minute long track that has become one of The Who’s most iconic songs.
The song is known for its heavy guitar riffs and powerful lyrics that deal with themes of revolution and political change.
The song was also featured in the band’s farewell tour in 1982, and it has been used in various films and television shows since its release.
It is also a favorite among fans of The Who, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 and are considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
The group was made up of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.
They are known for their high energy live performances and their classic rock anthems, and they have sold over 100 million records worldwide.
4. “Who Are You?”
The Who’s “Who Are You?” is an iconic rock song from the band’s 1978 album of the same name.
Written by Pete Townshend, the song was the title track of the album and became the Who’s last Top 10 hit in the United States.
The song is an exploration of identity, with Townshend asking the question, “Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?” The song is driven by a pulsing bass line and a driving drum beat, while Townshend’s guitar work and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals provide the song’s energy.
The Who is one of the most influential rock bands of all time, having formed in London in 1964 and going on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 1960s and 70s.
They are known for their high-energy live performances and their pioneering use of the synthesizer in rock music.
The Who have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
3. “Pinball Wizard”
The Who’s classic rock anthem, “Pinball Wizard,” is one of the most iconic songs of the band’s career.
Written by Pete Townshend and released in 1969, the song was featured on the band’s rock opera album, Tommy.
The song tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who is a master at playing pinball.
It became an instant hit, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart and number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Who are one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and “Pinball Wizard” is one of their most recognizable songs.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including Elton John, who performed it at the 1975 Live Aid concert.
The song has also been featured in several films, including The Kids Are Alright and Forrest Gump.
The Who’s music has been praised by critics and fans alike, and “Pinball Wizard” is a perfect example of why they are so beloved.
Its catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
2. “Baba O’Riley”
The Who’s classic 1971 rock anthem “Baba O’Riley” is one of the most iconic songs in rock history.
Written by Pete Townshend, the song was originally titled “Teenage Wasteland” and was inspired by Townshend’s experience of visiting a London youth center.
The song’s title was changed to “Baba O’Riley” in honor of Meher Baba and Terry Riley, two of Townshend’s musical influences.
The song features a strong, driving rhythm section and a memorable synthesizer melody, as well as Townshend’s trademark power chords.
The Who were one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s, and “Baba O’Riley” is one of their most recognizable songs.
It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, and has been covered by numerous artists.
The song is a testament to the power of rock music, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
1. “My Generation”
Released in 1965, “My Generation” by The Who is a timeless classic that still resonates with people today.
Written by Pete Townshend, the song was a reflection of the generational divide between young people and their parents.
It was a call to arms for the youth of the time, encouraging them to stand up and make their voices heard.
The song is driven by the iconic opening riff, which was created by Townshend on a Rickenbacker guitar.
The Who’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey, is known for his powerful delivery of the lyrics.
His voice conveys the frustration and anger of the song, making it a powerful anthem for the youth of the time.
The Who were a British rock band formed in 1964, and “My Generation” was their debut single.
The song was a huge success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It has since become one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s, and is still widely regarded as a classic.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
