Fender Play Live: Stratocaster Basics Playlist

2 Min ReadBy Mike Duffy

In this edition of the program, the focus is on the venerable Stratocaster, and you can learn all about this guitars' history and some of its most notable players.

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 the venerable Stratocaster, which was introduced in 1954 and has gained a worldwide set of fams as the standard when it comes to the electric guitar.

You Fender Play instructors will break down the history of the Strat, discuss some if the model's most notable players and the features that set it apart from the rest.

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 Stratocaster curriculum for every level of player to follow through Fender Play. Check out the list of songs below, and if you're not a Fender Play subscriber yet, start your free trial here.

Stratocaster Crash Course: Level 1

Buddy Holly: "That'll Be the Day"

Deemed one of the founding fathers of rock 'n' roll, the greatBuddy Holly took over radio waves in the 1950s with his bright guitar tones and unique vocal affectations.

Learn how to play "That'll Be the Day" in this video.

Buddy Holly: "Peggy Sue"

Holly had another pioneering rock hit on his hands with "Peggy Sue," which really showcased his trade mark upbeat rhythm strum.

Learn how to play "Peggy Sue" in this lesson.

Dick Dale: "Misirlou"

Dick Dale is credited with creating the surf rock genre in the early 1960's. Dale's cover of the Eastern Mediterranean song "Misirlou" illustrates this early surf rock guitar sound. It's notable for its exotic sounding scales and heavy use of reverberation.

Learn how to play "Misirlou" in this lesson.

The Shadows: "Apache"

Apache was originally written by an English composer named Jerry Lordan. The Shadows heard this song for the first time while on tour with Lordan in 1960 and decided to record a cover version. It became one of most important British rock songs prior to the music of the Beatles.

Learn how to play "Apache" in this video.

The Yardbirds: "Heart Full of Soul"

The Yardbirds launched the careers of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, whose contributions cemented the band’s place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This single featured Beck's unflappable guitar work in a perfectly constructed UK rock song.

Learn how to play "Heart Full of Soul" in this video.

Stratocaster Crash Course: Level 2

The Who: "Baba O'Riley"

One of the most energizing rock anthems ever, "Baba O'Riley" featured epic power chords mixed with push-and-pull rhythms from Strat slinger Pete Townshend

Learn how to play "Baba O'Riley in this video.

The Who: "Won't Get Fooled Again"

A call to arms for the working man, "Won't Get Fooled Again" takes basic barre chords and turns them into a revollution. Try your hand at power chords, string bending and palm muting.

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

Chic: "Le Freak"

Never too far away from his trusty "Hitmaker" Stratocaster, Nile Rodgers is the undisputed king of disco/funk guitar. Chic's 1978 hit "Le Freak," was a huge hit, and Rodgers' riffage on the song just makes you want to get the platform shoes out and boogie!

Learn how to play "Le Freak" here.

Stevie Ray Vaughan: "Crossfire"

Appearing on SRV's 1989 album, In Step, "Crossfire" delivered a hard rocking riff laid over a funky rhythm that ignited dancefloors around the world. It was also a big reason why the record earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album that year.

Learn how to play "Crossfire" here.

Stevie Ray Vaughan: "Cold Shot"

“Cold Shot” is a great example of Stevie Ray’s signature sound, which blended Jimi Hendrix-influenced riffing with blistering lead work. The track came off Vaughan's 1984 release, Couldn't Stand the Weather, with the band Double Trouble.

Learn how to play "Cold Shot" 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.