Fender Play Live: Power Pop 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 year.s

In this edition of the program, we’ve got a crash course on Power Pop. Hosted by Eugene Edwards (guitar player for Dwight Yoakam), with special guest Vicki Peterson of the Bangles, the broadcast goes full-on with loud guitars, energetic hooks and melodies that you won’t be able to get out of your head for days. Missed the show? You can watch the show on Fender’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

For fans of ‘60s pop that want something a little heavier, power pop is the perfect genre for you. It’s accessible for beginner guitar players but tons of fun for players of all levels.

Give it a try or hone your skills with these special lesson lists for every level of player. Not a Fender Play subscriber? Start your free trial here.

Power Pop Crash Course: Level 1

Tone Quest: Overdrive

Take your tone to the next level by adding some overdrive. This flexivle gain-based effect unlocks a multitude of sonic flavors that are perfect for power pop.

Watch how overdrive can supercharge your sound in this video.

Exercise: A5 - G Switch

Switching between a power chord and an open chord is a staple of power pop. In this lesson, you'll learn about moving between an A5 chord (a power chord) and an open G chord.

Exercise: Power Chords to a Rhythm

Once you're comfortable moving from a power chord to an open chord, you can try putting power chords into a rhythm. This lesson utilizes the E5, A5 and D5 chords to demonstrate how important playing in time is. After all, you'll need to play in time so you can jam with others.

Exercise: E - D with Palm Muting

Palm muting is another skill that is consistently used in power pop. Songs like Green Day's "Basket Case" or anything from Blink 182's catalog use palm muting wiht great success. Check out this video to see how to do it.

The Who – “Baba O’Riley” (Riff)

"Baba" O'Riley" is one of the biggest songs ever, as Pete Townshend drives it with huge power chords and incredible changes. Interestingly enough, the windmill master also used a capo on this rock anthem. Learn this timeless riff here.

Power Pop Crash Course: Level 2

Course: Major Chords in A

This course introduces the concept of playing the major chords in any given key by focusing on the I, IV and V chord progressions in the key of A.

Course: Major Chords in G

Now take another course in which you'll focus on the key of G major.

The Kinks – "Sunny Afternoon"

Released in 1966, "Sunny Afternoon" by the Kinks spent two weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. This breezy song has since been recorded by Jimmy Buffet and Michael McDonald.

Learn how to play "Sunny Afternoon" here.

Cheap Trick – “I Want You to Want Me”

Coming off their second album, In Color, Cheap Trick's "I Want You to WAnt Me" was a runaway hit. It just took a few years before that happened in the U.S. The single quickly rose to No. 1 in Japan, which prompted the band to include it on their 1978 live album, Cheap Trick at Budokan. After that, it hit No. 7 on the Billboard chart.

Learn how to play "I Want You to Want Me" here.

The Outfield – “Your Love”

Written by English band the Outfield, "You Love" became a major hit in the U.S. It was first released as the second single from the Play Deep album in November 1985 and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Learn how to play "Your Love" here.

Power Pop Crash Course: Level 3

The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

Put your skills with power chords and palm muting to the test with the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again." The Townshend-penned song has been a staple of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's setlist since 1971, often serving as an epic closer.

Learn how to play "Won't Get Fooled Again" here.

The Raspberries – “Go All the Way”

Considered risquè for the day, 1972's "Go All the Way" earned a massive following for its suggestive lyrics and infectious, funky groove that could not be denied. It has since been included on several music critics' lists of greatest singles ever.

Learn how to play "Go All the Way" here.

Cheap Trick – “Surrender”

Another one of those great singles is Cheap Trick's "Surrender," which Rolling Stone deemed as "the ultimate '70s teen anthem." Like many other Cheap Trick songs, it was played live in concert before its release, much to the delight of audiences around the world.

Learn how to play "Surrender" here.

The Romantics – “What I Like About You”

"What I Like About You" was included on the Romantics' self-titled debut album, which was released in 1980. It has since become a staple of television programs and movies, in addition to a stadium anthem at sporting events. Interestingly enough, the band's drummer, Jimmy Marinos, is featured on lead vocals for the track.

Learn how to play "What I Like About You" here.

Smithereens – “A Girl Like You”

Written by Smithereens frontman Pat DiNinzio, "A Girl Like You" was an iconic song during the early 1990s, as it's drenched in power chords and a driving beat.

Learn how to play "Girl Like You" 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.