This song originally played with full instrumentation translates exceptionally well when performed acoustically on guitar. The chord progression remains consistent throughout and should present no challenges for beginning players.
This song draws its inspiration from the 1959 plane crash which claimed the lives of legendary rock and roll artists Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper; also reflecting upon McLean’s experience as a paper boy.
Key of G
This song is an ideal choice for beginners as its chord shapes are easily holdable on guitar. There are various adaptations available ranging from simple strumming chords to more fingerstyle-driven versions – pick the one that best fits you!
McLean employs mostly open chords with minor pentatonic hammer ons added for flair but nothing that should pose too many difficulties for beginning guitarists. Furthermore, his long strum pattern helps bring out the melody of each song.
Chorus
This song is relatively straightforward to learn and play; although its chord progression includes barre chords which will require forearm strength, most guitarists should find the rest easy to master. Furthermore, its steady rhythm should make this piece accessible.
A sus4 chord simply replaces the third note with the fourth note in a major or minor scale, producing one composed of only the 1st, 4th and 5th notes from that scale. This can add tension or simply alter its sound – perfect for when tension needs to be added or changed!
Verse 1
American Pie is an eight-minute-plus song composed of six verses and choruses by Don McLean that features multiple tempo changes and strumming patterns, some verses featuring longer strumming than others.
The first verse refers to the tragic plane crash which claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper during which all three died – this event which came to symbolize music history during the 1950s.
This song also references The Rolling Stones’ song, “Jumpin Jack Flash”, as well as their concert at Candlestick Park in 1969.
Verse 2
Though originally composed for full band performance, this song works equally well on solo acoustic guitar. The chord progressions are straightforward and strumming patterns not too taxing; just be wary of any sudden tempo changes throughout.
McLean used this song to draw an analogy between radical political/social changes and music’s demise, yet remain enjoyable to sing along to and play along with. Though its interpretation remains open for debate, this remains a fun tune that makes an excellent addition to any campfire jam session!
Verse 3
To play this verse, start off with the G chord for one beat before switching to C strumming for the next beat and holding G for three beats and letting it ring out – McLean seems to be paying tribute to Buddy Holly while lamenting changes in rock and roll music.
Many of his lyrics can be open to interpretation and have been the source of much debate regarding their meaning, with most agreeing on one theory which suggests he was drawing an analogy between political/social changes and music.
Verse 4
American Pie is still one of the most beloved songs today, nearly fifty years since its initial release. It has inspired generations of musicians to record their own versions and continues to reach wide audiences.
McLean used subtle and indirect references in his lyrics to illuminate an ever-evolving world, such as Vietnam war, Buddy Holly’s death, Hells Angels gang membership, Beatles popularity, hallucinogenic drugs use and God.
No one knows exactly what this song means; however, many have speculated as to its significance; however a manuscript featuring 16 pages of songwriter notes for it was auctioned in 2015 which may shed some light on its true meaning.
Verse 5
“American Pie” closes with an extended slow strum from McLean during its final verse.
Rock music fans have long attempted to understand the complex lyrics of American Pie by Don McLean. Now, thanks to an auction of his 1971 manuscript, we may have our answer: the song’s music represents the history of rock from its humble beginnings to its turbulent heyday in the 60s and 70s.
Verse 6
McLean mourns the end of an era in music which was both inspiring and pure, such as Woodstock or Altamont where Mick Jagger was attacked by members of Hell’s Angels.
The song’s cryptic lyrics have given rise to numerous interpretations and theories regarding their meaning; some have even been disproven – for instance, one theory holds that Buddy Holly died on a plane which doesn’t match up with one mentioned in verse three, when it crashed and killed Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.