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.
American Pie is an examination of America from its idealistic 1950s through to the more dispiriting 1960s, along with music’s development during those decades.
McLean uses different strum patterns and tempos to keep his song from becoming monotonous over the eight-minute span of verses and choruses. To ensure an engaging experience for listeners, McLean employs various strum patterns and tempos throughout.
Intro
Don McLean’s American Pie is a beloved folk classic sure to get everyone singing along at your next gathering. While its unique chord progression and strumming pattern may prove challenging at first, with practice it can quickly become second nature!
This song is composed in G Major and thus makes it easier for listeners to learn than songs written in major or minor keys. McLean uses long strums in his verses while for the chorus he employs an eighth note-based strum pattern.
Verse 1
American Pie by Don McLean, released in 1975, was one of the earliest rock songs to explore the end of sixties optimism. Over its eight-and-a-half minute running time it narrates a tale spanning Buddy Holly’s death through Altamont, Candlestick Park and beyond.
Fans have attempted to interpret several events surrounding “the day the music died”, yet no definitive conclusion can be drawn from their interpretation. Some speculate it might refer to JFK, Martin Luther King Jr. or Charles Manson – none can be sure.
Verse 2
American Pie is one of the world’s best-known songs. Its mysterious yet thought-provoking lyrics have long enchanted people of all ages.
The second verse of McLean’s song references Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and JP Richardson who perished in a plane crash on February 3rd 1959; an event known as “the day the music died”. Additionally, McLean likely referenced Mick Jagger and The Beatles when writing it at 13. He began penning it at his gatehouse in Cold Spring New York.
Verse 3
This verse features multiple chords. At first it may seem challenging, but with some practice you will quickly learn it!
McLean uses this song as a vehicle for personal reflection on America from its idyllic 1950s through to the bleaker 1960s, as well as on the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J P Richardson (The Big Bopper) in a plane crash.
The final line evokes three assassinated civil rights leaders – Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks – slain during their civil rights activism.
Verse 4
American Pie can have many interpretations. Some suggest it evokes memories of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J P Richardson’s plane crash on February 3rd 1959 – known as The Day the Music Died.
Others argue it is a form of protest against the Vietnam war, social revolution and Martin Luther King Jr.’s death.
No matter what its original intent was, this classic party song never goes out of fashion! Easy to play and ideal for getting everyone singing along together.
Verse 5
This song contains many layers to unpack. From its namesake “Jester”, which refers to Bob Dylan, to its reference to Satan (referring to Hells Angels), there are numerous interpretations available in regards to its interpretations.
McLean was an avid admirer of rock and roll music from the 50s, so this tribute to this genre served to honor their legacy while paying a nod to those lost due to plane accidents; particularly Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. “The Big Bopper”.
This song spans eight minutes and features an intricate strumming pattern, but with practice you’ll soon become adept at playing this timeless party song!
Verse 6
Don McLean may be alluding to something specific with this verse of his song. Some have speculated it is related to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J P Richardson (hence the Father, Son and Holy Ghost references); others might see an allusion to Mick Jagger being attacked by Hell’s Angel bodyguards at Altamont concert.
This verse gives a glimpse of American life during the early seventies – Watergate, Vietnam War, and an overall feeling that nothing seemed to be working right.
Chorus
The chorus is often considered the cornerstone of any song. Ideally, its energy should surpass all other sections and include an engaging melody.
McLean does this effectively in American Pie by switching up his strumming pattern and even the tempo from verse to chorus; for example, using long, slow strums in verse one and increasing to an eighth note count during chorus two.
The post-chorus is the song section that comes after the chorus and typically features a melodic hook or serves as a dynamic bridge between verses and chorus.