Song practice guide
How to Practice Baba O'Riley
The Who's 'Baba O'Riley' (often mis-titled 'Teenage Wasteland') is one of the most-played pre-synth-rock songs ever recorded. The hypnotic synthesizer pattern, the building chord progression, and Roger Daltrey's iconic vocal have made it a rock-radio mainstay.
Song Details
- Key
- F
- Tempo
- 116 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
Structure
This song is still under copyright, so we publish its form rather than its chord chart. Add it to your library and you can enter or attach your own chart, and Repertoire will schedule it either way.
What to Focus On
Smooth chord changes (often C-Bb-F or similar). Building dynamics from intimate verses to the climactic 'teenage wasteland' chorus. Pete Townshend-style power chords.
Practice Tips
- 1
The synth pattern is the song's signature. Most cover versions don't try to recreate it, and that's fine.
- 2
The chord progression is straightforward. The challenge is the dynamic build.
- 3
The vocal is meant to be belted. Sing the chorus with full commitment.
Why This Song
It's The Who's great anthem, a cornerstone of '70s rock.
Practice Baba O'Riley Daily
Repertoire uses spaced repetition to keep your songs sharp. Add this song to your collection and the system schedules your practice automatically.
No credit card required • Free tier: 3 collections · 15 songs each
Related guides
Make sure you're hitting the notes
Find your voice type and pick the right key
A siren across your whole range before you sing this, no account
How many songs can you actually start cold?
What decays first, and why you find out on stage
Tabs vs spaced-repetition repertoire