The original "Join Together" by The Who is an anthemic rock song, known for its driving rhythm and strong, repetitive chord structure. The song’s energy comes from its steady tempo and communal feel, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Structure
The song primarily uses three chords: E major, D major, and A major, with occasional use of Esus (E suspended), which is simply an E major with the G# replaced by A (lift your ring finger if you’re playing open E). This makes transitions smooth and easy for beginners.
Strumming Pattern
For the rhythm, try a steady down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, which matches the song’s driving pulse. Keep your hand moving in a relaxed motion to maintain the groove. During the intro and between verses, you can accentuate the Esus by making the change sharp and immediate.
Chord Transitions
Practice shifting between E, D, and A. For E to Esus, just lift your ring finger. For E to D or A, pivot on your index finger to keep transitions quick. Play the chords cleanly and avoid muting adjacent strings.
Additional Tips
Listen to the original recording to get a feel for the energy and tempo. Start slow and speed up as you gain confidence. Focus on keeping your strumming hand loose and consistent, and don’t worry about adding embellishments until you feel comfortable with the basic chords and changes.
IntroE E E Esus E E
E E Esus Esus E E Esus
Verse 1When youE hear this sound a-comin', hear the drummers drumming
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
We don'tE move in any 'ticular directions, and we don't make no collections
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
Verse 2Do youE really think I care, what you read or what you wear?
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
There's aE million ways to laugh, and every one's a path
Come on andD join, toA gether with theE band
ChorusEverybodyE join, together. I want you to join, together
Come on andD join, toA gether with theE band
We need you toE join, together. Come on and join, together
Come on andD join, toA gether with theE band
Verse 3You don't have toE play. You can follow or lead the way
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
WeE don't know where we're goin', but the season's right for knowin'
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
Verse 4It's theE singer not the song, that makes the music move along
I want you toD join, toA gether with theE band
This is theE biggest band you'll find. It's as deep as it is wide
Come on andD join, toA gether with theE band
OutroHey hey hey heyE join, together. Oh ev'rybody come on come on join, together
Come on andD join toA gether with theE band
We need you toE join, together. Everybody come on join, together
Hey, hey, heyD join toA gether, join together with theE band