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Substitute
The story behind the song
"Substitute" delves into the feeling of being a stand-in, a second choice in a relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who appears to fit in, perhaps looking "pretty good together," but internally knows they are merely a replacement for "another guy." The song, written by Pete Townshend and released by The Who in 1966, was inspired by a line from Smokey Robinson's "The Tracks of My Tears" and its celebration of the word "substitute." It captures the bittersweet reality of presenting a façade, like a "fine-looking suit" that's "really made out of sack," while longing for genuine acceptance.
Story time
Substitute
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Substitute
by The Who
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About Substitute Chords by The Who
Learn how to play Substitute by The Who with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Substitute chords”, “Substitute guitar chords”, or “The Who Substitute chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Substitute chords and for experienced players who want accurate Substitute lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, G, D, A, E, A/D.
FAQ — Substitute by The Who
How do I play "Substitute" by The Who on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Substitute" by The Who on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "Substitute" by The Who free?
Yes. The chords for "Substitute" by The Who are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Substitute" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Substitute" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Substitute"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Substitute" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Substitute" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Substitute" by The Who with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by The Who below.
What key is "Substitute" in?
The chords for "Substitute" show the original chord names (including B, G, D, A, E, A/D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.