I've always loved Pete's guitar playing... great tone, love his song writing. add that with Johns killer bass lines , Kieths incredible drumming and Rogers vocals.. no one sounds like The Who !!
No externalization of one's ego, no useless chatter, but what is needed: a quick and effective explanation. This is what I call a good tutorial, damn it.
Great stuff! Thanks for playing and explaining the Triplets (no, I can't do that yet). Side B to the single version of "Won't Get Fooled Again"...love that track. Thanks again. Loving the Les Paul as well.
Most Excellent cover. Your technique is spot on. Would love to hear your rendition of I can see for miles or Just another tricky day ! ! ! ! Cincinnati Ohio USA
James, I was watching you play Tattoo You Live at leads. The comments were turned off😭! Anyway, I wanted to tell you I loved your Triumph Motor Cycles tee shirt! I am very partial towards British bikes! Especially the old ones...like me. I owned a 1972 Triumph Tiger. I am nutzzz about them! Norton Comando, BSA, Triumph are my style! Only British bikes are real bikes...and of cource Harley! All else, not worth..to me, worth being seen on! Oh, watching you play Tattoo You...I got it! Thanks! Ray Boston Massachusetts
JJ, Every year my New Years resolution is to PLAY MORE GUITAR! Well one of the best things that has come out of the time I've had at home this year is that I've been able to PLAY MORE GUITAR! Thanks to you, I've learned so many of the songs I've always wanted to play, rediscovered bands I loved growing up and discovered countless new songs (and I thought I knew everything).The first UA-cam video I saw of you playing was this one, "The Seeker", I thought, "man, this guy is pretty good and he's really into The Who". Little did I know the Amazing Journey you would lead me on (add eye rolling emoji)! Thank you for your guidance during this crazy time, wishing a happy and healthy holiday to you and your family. Sent a donation to the local animal rescue in tribute. Lets Go Buffalo! RedguitarNola
Been using this for reference for months in Lockdown. I’m almost there! I can do the triplets, it’s just the D to F chord change that’s a nightmare. Almost. I’ll keep practising. This certainly isn’t an easy song
Good gravy James, I've been doing a few of your The Who demos to try and get my rock rhythm up to scratch. Loving it! Man these triplets are a work out!
People often ask about Mini Humbuckers. Jason Lollar wrote a good intro on them for the Premier Guitar, April 21, 2009 issue. (link below) The rest is me going on about my opinions and not about James James's excellent video. Two major influences to my ideas about tone come from Mini Humbucker players, albeit different flavors of Mini. Johnny Winter played two flavors, starting with an Epiphone (see Johnny Winter Live Copenhagen 1970) and later Gibson variations in his many Firebirds. I have not taken any Minis apart but popular consensus is that his favorite, a 1963 Firebird used Epiphone made pickups. Gibson modified the design for later versions of Firebirds. Gibson further modified the Mini for use in the 70s Les Paul Deluxe. For that flavor, I recommend listening to some Atlanta Rhythm Section. I once waffled between a cherry burst LP Deluxe and a Firebird V. I loved the LP's tone but it was *heavy* and I hated that red/yellow finish. Before I could make up my mind, Barry Bailey bought the LP. I bought a SG. In hindsight, I should have bought the Firebird. ;) Some links: Johnny Winter Live Copenhagen 1970 ua-cam.com/video/VqXYuWOoBl4/v-deo.html Johnny Winter - Old Grey Whistle Test 1979 ua-cam.com/video/V4BcI-o-R88/v-deo.html Atlanta Rhythm Section - Another Man's Woman ua-cam.com/video/H3Au1EaCb-0/v-deo.html Jason Lollar www.premierguitar.com/articles/Humbuckers_and_Mini_Humbuckers
Loved this song for a LONG time, great to see you playing it! Have you seen the clip of Jack White doing an improv of this with Pete in his trailer? Check it out, Jack is in total awe of Pete. Just search "jack white pete townshend"
Beautiful job! I was lucky enough to see the Who during their 1st farewell tour. I got a whole new appreciation for this great band after I started playing guitar. Hey, what did you use to capture that tone? It seems spot on. Are you using amp distortion or pedals?
Are you sure about the quick F just before the C? Who am I kidding, of course you are. Which means I never played the song 100% correctly, though it sounded fine to me.
I’m a little confused which is usually the case with me haha. In your explanation intro you say C to D but it looks like you play a quick F to C. In the song it’s the part right after he sings “ they call me the seeker”. You go from the D to what looks like a quick F before the C.
James James the two on the neck and the bridge are stock mini buckers as found on the 74' 75' deluxe LP'S ....Pete modified his numbered LP'S with a regular hummbucker, without a cover in the middle.
Its a modded 2015 Deluxe. Fairly expensive mods too. Dimazrio Super Distortion ~$80, two extra switchcraft switches ($40), presumably a full re-wire. The mini's are $90 each. The pickguard is custom made (great job too). Looks ace. I have a couple of 2015's but I can't seem to adjust to the wider neck. :(
Wildwood Guitars shows three 2016 Gibson Pete Townshend ’76 Signature Les Paul Deluxe - the Gold Top - in stock. Weights are 9.09 lbs, 9.58 lbs and 9.71 lbs. Under 10 pounds but just so.
I've always loved Pete's guitar playing... great tone, love his song writing. add that with Johns killer bass lines , Kieths incredible drumming and Rogers vocals.. no one sounds like The Who !!
No one sounds like Queen, man, they are the greatest EVER!!
Fabian Sanson behind Stones and Who, and Zeppelin who are the greatest of all.
That's one bad-ass Les Paul James 👍👍👍.
Great to hear this one and pick my guitar and play along. “The Seeker” was on of the first singles (45 rpm) that I ever bought.
Love your no nonsense approach. Thank You.
Love the Live at the Fox shirt 🤟 long live the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band !!
No externalization of one's ego, no useless chatter, but what is needed: a quick and effective explanation. This is what I call a good tutorial, damn it.
Great cover! Classic Who! Great Job! Nobody beats them live!
Except for Queen.. ;)
Agree. I was so lucky to see them many times in the 70's before Moony departed.
Stupendous. Better than Queen imho.
Great job ! What a rippin tune
Your tone is on, dude. Very well played. I think Pete would give you a "thumbs up"!
Love yer play'n and teachin', Rock ON....
Nice job! Perfectly demonstrated without a lot of extra "chatting".
It's always good to go back to this good old JJ's lesson.
Forever the best !
You, Sir, provide my favorite UA-cam guitar content. Bless you.
Great stuff! Thanks for playing and explaining the Triplets (no, I can't do that yet). Side B to the single version of "Won't Get Fooled Again"...love that track. Thanks again. Loving the Les Paul as well.
Most Excellent cover.
Your technique is spot on.
Would love to hear your rendition of
I can see for miles or
Just another tricky day ! ! ! !
Cincinnati Ohio USA
I’ve always loved the way you lay your breakdowns of the songs you play out even an idiot like me can get a handle on them.
TY most talented an honorable sir .
The solo acoustic version Pete recorded in 1969-1970 or so was fun to listen to as well, you can find it on the deluxe version of Who Came First
One of my favorite songs James, hence the name for my UA-cam channel's name "The Seeker" . Great band ❤️ The Who!
Agree!
Thank you again for the many insights of guitar playing
James James, thanks for this and all of your other videos. Great stuff!
So damn good.
the rythem thing is where i'm missing on my playing ... huge Who fan ... thanks for showing it to me :)
Great playing!! I love your pick up configuration. Never seen that b4
James,
I was watching you play Tattoo You Live at leads. The comments were turned off😭! Anyway, I wanted to tell you I loved your Triumph Motor Cycles tee shirt! I am very partial towards British bikes! Especially the old ones...like me. I owned a 1972 Triumph Tiger. I am nutzzz about them! Norton Comando, BSA, Triumph are my style! Only British bikes are real bikes...and of cource Harley! All else, not worth..to me, worth being seen on! Oh, watching you play Tattoo You...I got it! Thanks! Ray Boston Massachusetts
JJ, Every year my New Years resolution is to PLAY MORE GUITAR! Well one of the best things that has come out of the time I've had at home this year is that I've been able to PLAY MORE GUITAR! Thanks to you, I've learned so many of the songs I've always wanted to play, rediscovered bands I loved growing up and discovered countless new songs (and I thought I knew everything).The first UA-cam video I saw of you playing was this one, "The Seeker", I thought, "man, this guy is pretty good and he's really into The Who". Little did I know the Amazing Journey you would lead me on (add eye rolling emoji)! Thank you for your guidance during this crazy time, wishing a happy and healthy holiday to you and your family. Sent a donation to the local animal rescue in tribute. Lets Go Buffalo! RedguitarNola
One year later and I'm still here rocking with ya! Thanks JJ! Hope you're ok, you are missed.
Pete plays a fourth strum far more often than he leaves it at a triplet.
That is a really nice deluxe! Very unique. Sounds perfect bud
Always a favorite.
+Apostrophe This one kind of gets lost between Tommy,/Leeds/Who's Next, but it's a great single.
Agreed!
Been using this for reference for months in Lockdown. I’m almost there! I can do the triplets, it’s just the D to F chord change that’s a nightmare. Almost. I’ll keep practising. This certainly isn’t an easy song
Tx mate!
Great track, good to see Gumby has made a come back :)
I've watched a few of your videos and haven't heard you speak until now. For some weird reason, I always thought you were British until now.
Good gravy James, I've been doing a few of your The Who demos to try and get my rock rhythm up to scratch. Loving it! Man these triplets are a work out!
Well-played JJ
Hi , i own the original no5 i love these lessons just great
Cool. Where'd you get it? How much? More information please.
Love your Ronnie Van Zant shirt.
Sweet man! Thank you!!
bravo JJ
James, you must be changing strings all day! Awesome tutorials by the way
They say when Pete Townsend plays a chord, consider it played!!
great little exercise...thanks.
Pete calls the sound from that strum “yaggerdang”!
It's the lead that hooked me, just try and repeat it. I don't think Pete can replicate it even.
The Who 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍👍 👍 👌 👌👌 👌👌 👌
nobody in music history did more with the same 4 or 5 chords than MR. TOWNSHEND.
People often ask about Mini Humbuckers. Jason Lollar wrote a good intro on them for the Premier Guitar, April 21, 2009 issue. (link below)
The rest is me going on about my opinions and not about James James's excellent video.
Two major influences to my ideas about tone come from Mini Humbucker players, albeit different flavors of Mini.
Johnny Winter played two flavors, starting with an Epiphone (see Johnny Winter Live Copenhagen 1970) and later Gibson variations in his many Firebirds. I have not taken any Minis apart but popular consensus is that his favorite, a 1963 Firebird used Epiphone made pickups. Gibson modified the design for later versions of Firebirds.
Gibson further modified the Mini for use in the 70s Les Paul Deluxe. For that flavor, I recommend listening to some Atlanta Rhythm Section. I once waffled between a cherry burst LP Deluxe and a Firebird V. I loved the LP's tone but it was *heavy* and I hated that red/yellow finish. Before I could make up my mind, Barry Bailey bought the LP. I bought a SG. In hindsight, I should have bought the Firebird. ;)
Some links:
Johnny Winter Live Copenhagen 1970
ua-cam.com/video/VqXYuWOoBl4/v-deo.html
Johnny Winter - Old Grey Whistle Test 1979
ua-cam.com/video/V4BcI-o-R88/v-deo.html
Atlanta Rhythm Section - Another Man's Woman
ua-cam.com/video/H3Au1EaCb-0/v-deo.html
Jason Lollar
www.premierguitar.com/articles/Humbuckers_and_Mini_Humbuckers
Wonderful Gumby placement. \ : )
I see that it's been quite a while since you haven't got any strike, that's cool !
Loved this song for a LONG time, great to see you playing it! Have you seen the clip of Jack White doing an improv of this with Pete in his trailer? Check it out, Jack is in total awe of Pete. Just search "jack white pete townshend"
Beautiful job! I was lucky enough to see the Who during their 1st farewell tour. I got a whole new appreciation for this great band after I started playing guitar.
Hey, what did you use to capture that tone? It seems spot on. Are you using amp distortion or pedals?
Are you sure about the quick F just before the C? Who am I kidding, of course you are. Which means I never played the song 100% correctly, though it sounded fine to me.
I’m a little confused which is usually the case with me haha. In your explanation intro you say C to D but it looks like you play a quick F to C.
In the song it’s the part right after he sings “ they call me the seeker”. You go from the D to what looks like a quick F before the C.
I tried it with the quick F and I think it actually sounds correct.
I think Pete plays the F in there.
I want your guitar.
Fuckn aye!!!! 🎸🎸🎸
shiny!
....wow , where did you find this copy of Gibson? The same of Pete Townshend!
Brilliant as ever. Do you leave your Peavey on the same settings for every song you do? It's incredibly effective if you do!
It re-sets every time I turn it off, so I start from scratch every time.
Oh Ok, cheers
Excellent, as always! I have an Epi Deluxe that I really like. What is your set up? You right into the amp or use OD inline?
Straight into a Peavey Vypyr 100.
Tnx! We just hearing camera mic (my guess) or you interface guitar with camera. Always sounds good.
Just the camera mics. It records in stereo.
wow got enough switches on that les paul there buddy? haha, never seen one like that before... is it factory?
It’s a Pete Townshend replica. The Custom Shop makes them (not #5). but mine was converted by the previous owner.
Where did you get that Les Paul Deluxe like Petes?
Where did he get Ronnie Van Zant's t-shirt?
fuking nice
What do you think about Rush version from Feedback (2004) ?
I've never heard it, I'll have to look it up.
As a big The Who fan, I prefer Rush version, it's really done very well.
LuckylukeHR Love the Rush version.
Yeah, great one. Rush are extraordinary musicians and great live performers :)
Are those humbuckers different? They look slim compared to others
They're mini-humbuckers.
James James the two on the neck and the bridge are stock mini buckers as found on the 74' 75' deluxe LP'S ....Pete modified his numbered LP'S with a regular hummbucker, without a cover in the middle.
James James how different are minis in terms of the sound
To me, it sounds like more bite, less muddy.
Are you playing 16th note rhythms?
I don't know.
Love that PT LP, but I bet it weighs 13 lbs.
It's actually not that bad. My Custom is much heavier.
Remember, Lester said it was designed to be played while sitting down.
Carson voice..."I did not know that."
Its a modded 2015 Deluxe. Fairly expensive mods too. Dimazrio Super Distortion ~$80, two extra switchcraft switches ($40), presumably a full re-wire. The mini's are $90 each. The pickguard is custom made (great job too). Looks ace. I have a couple of 2015's but I can't seem to adjust to the wider neck. :(
Wildwood Guitars shows three 2016 Gibson Pete Townshend ’76 Signature Les Paul Deluxe - the Gold Top - in stock. Weights are 9.09 lbs, 9.58 lbs and 9.71 lbs. Under 10 pounds but just so.
What amp are you using? Reverb on a bit? Sounds great!
More than a bit. ;)
Fuckin' A
Is your iPad (I'm assuming it's a tablet, iPad seems like a good guess) plugged up to a speaker?
Yes, a subwoofer and two hooters.