Fender Play Live: Indie Folk Playlist

Fender Play Live is a weekly studio show that dives deep into the Fender's legendary gear and the iconic music that was made by it over the years.

In this edition of the program, the focus is on indie folk.

Fender Play instructor Scott Goldbaun is joined by guest Brandon Walters, a singer and songwriter who is currently playing with Lord Huron and is one half of the indie folk duo My Name Is You. The guys dive into the indie folk genre and discuss some of its biggest hits, from Bon Iver to the Avett Brothers to Lord Huron themselves.

Don't worry if you missed the show. You can watch it on Fender’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels, in addition to the video embedded below.

To accompany Fender Play Live, we've compiled a special compilation of indie folk songs you can learn through Fender Play. Check out the lesson lists below, and if you're not a Fender Play subscriber yet, start your free trial here.

Indie Folk Playlist

Bon Iver: "Skinny Love"

Written by Bon Iver creator Justin Vernon, "Skinny Love" is a modern folk classic that helped launch the popularity of the band. Vernon's etheral voice heightens the emotional feel of the tune, which is perfect to play on an acoustic guitar.

Learn how to play "Skinny Love" here.

The Decemberists: "Down by the Water"

Coming off the Decemberists' 2011 album, The King is Dead, "Down by the Water" combines folk spirit with a driving rhythm that gives it rocking vibe. The recorded version even featured R.E.M.'s Peter Buck on 12-string guitar.

Learn how to play "Down by the Water" here.

Passenger: "Let Her Go"

English singer/songwriter Passenger released "Let Her Go" in 2012 as the second single off of his fourth album, All the Little Lights. The song hit No. 5 on Billboard "Hot 100" and No. 1 in many other countries.

Learn how to play "Let Her Go" here.

The Avett Brothers: "Live and Die"

"Live and Die" was a deeply personal song for North Carolina's the Avett Brothers, coming off their album, The Carpenter. The catchy tune was even featured on the soundtrack for Judd Apatow's hit 2012 movie, This is 40.

Learn how to play "Live and Die" here.

Shovels & Rope: "This Ride"

"This Ride" by folk duo Shovels & Rope features expressive harmonies inspired by Johnny Cash and June Carter, which is appropriate considering the band's Michael Trent and Carrie Ann Hearst are married, as well.

Learn how to play "This Ride" here.

Lord Huron: "The Night We Met"

"The Night We Met" was released by Lord Huron in 2015, and was featured in the Netflix Original Series 13 Reasons Why two years later. The band's soaring harmonies will definitely put the listener in a blissful dream-like state.

Learn how to play "The Night We Met" here.

Damien Rice: "9 Crimes"

Driven by a lush piano line, "9 Crimes" put singer-songwriter Damien Rice on the map and on the charts. This ballad has also been featured in several television programs over the years.

Learn how to play "9 Crimes" here.

Kaleo: "All The Pretty Girls"

"All the Pretty Girls" by Icelandic rockers Kaleo is heavily influenced by the delta blues sound. Singer Jökull Júlíusson's voice reaches impressive heights that are matched by lively guitars that give the song an upbeat rhythm.

Learn how to play "All the Pretty Girls" here.

The Lumineers: "Ho Hey"

The Lumineers dominated charts with their first single, “Ho Hey,” launching their career of multiple Grammy nominations, triple-platinum certifications and touring slots with U2 and Tom Petty. The infectious call-and-response nature of the track helped it top several charts and still draws singalongs today.

Learn how to play "Ho Hey" here.

Iron and Wine: "Naked as We Came"

American folk band Iron & Wine is made up of just one person, Samuel Ervin Beam. His music has been featured in media, including the films, In Good Company and Garden State.

Learn how to play "Naked as We Came" here.

Ben Howard: "Only Love"

English singer/songwriter Ben Howard's tune, "Only Love," is a soothing love song that aided him in winning two BRIT Awards in 2013. The song starts out with just an acoustic guitar and Howard's pleading voice, but it gains emotional steam as more percussion and an electric guitar kick in midway through.

Learn how to play "Only Love" here.

Fleet Foxes: "White Winter Hymnal"

With ethereal harmonies and pop-folk sensibilities drawing comparison to the Zombies and the Beach Boys, Seattle’s Fleet Foxes came on the scene in 2008 to widespread acclaim with their self-titled album and its lead single “White Winter Hymnal.” It was such an impressive breakout that Pitchfork named it the No. 2 song of 2008 and No. 66 on their end-of-decade list.

Learn how to play "White Winter Hymnal" here.

For more Fender Play Live, go to Fender’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels. And if you're not a member of Fender Play yet, click here for a free trial.