Pete Townshend mainly played guitar in The Who.
Townshend was the band’s principal guitarist and one of its primary songwriters. His powerful rhythm-guitar style helped define The Who’s sound, especially on songs such as “My Generation,” “Substitute,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” He often used large chords, dramatic strumming, feedback, and windmill-style arm movements rather than focusing mainly on extended lead-guitar solos.
Townshend’s role is sometimes confused with that of John Entwistle, who played bass, or Roger Daltrey, the lead vocalist. Keith Moon was The Who’s famously energetic drummer. Townshend also played keyboards, synthesizers, banjo, and other instruments on some recordings, but guitar remained his main instrument in the group.
His guitar-smashing stage routine became one of rock’s most recognizable spectacles, although it was only one part of his much broader contribution as a composer, arranger, and musical architect.