David walks us through all the chord progressions and strumming patterns for American Pie in this lesson, as well as its song structure with verses and choruses connected seamlessly together. All chords and progressions are played at both slow speeds as well as regular speeds to make learning the song fast and simple. All are displayed using on screen text so learning it quickly.
Verse 1: G
American Pie is an iconic song, beloved by everyone and beloved to play as well. Though challenging due to the chord progression and strumming pattern, with practice you’ll soon have it down pat!
The song captures the cultural shifts taking place in America during the late 1960s: protests, civil rights struggles and generational tension were all hallmarks of change at this time – not least of all due to Buddy Holly’s untimely death in a plane crash.
Don McLean himself has never revealed its meaning; many theories have surfaced as to what this song represents over time.
Verse 2: D
American Pie has long enthralled music enthusiasts. There are various interpretations of its lyrics; most center around the notion that rock ‘n’ roll may be in decline.
Some also believe the phrase “Helter Skelter” refers to the social chaos and political upheaval that marked 1960s American society, including war protests, civil rights movements, generational conflict and more.
The jester represents the counterculture movement and its effort to challenge establishment authorities, yet its lyrics remain obscure; Don McLean has not fully explained what these represent.
Verse 3: A
American Pie was composed by McLean in the late 1960s during a time of political and cultural unrest, when innocence and optimism had begun to decline in his youth due to tragic deaths such as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper”.
American Pie is an iconic song, often discussed and debated over. Though its true meaning remains unclear, its message continues to touch millions of listeners each time it plays on radio or at concerts. Listeners frequently point to “helter skelter,” which many interpret as referring either to Civil Rights Movement protests or youth tension with elders.
Verse 4: E
American Pie is an iconic work in cultural history and remains popular to this day, whether interpreted as a memorial to those lost in an airplane crash, or as an analysis of rock and roll music itself. McLean’s six mysterious verses have generated various theories and interpretations since its release, making this piece of cultural writing one of the best-known works ever.
McLean wrote the initial verse after reading an article in a newspaper about Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. Richardson passing away; he dedicated American Pie album to their memory.
McLean references the swinging 1960s as an era of social transformation; during this era, faith in religion gave way to faith in music.
Verse 5: C
American Pie’s verse 5 chord progression can be challenging to play, requiring multiple finger positions but is easily learned with practice. The key to playing this song successfully is keeping your strumming pattern consistent throughout.
McLean used an extended strum pattern on the beat and increased his tempo in the chorus tempo for added variety in his guitar playing. This approach can add flair and variety to your own playing.
American Pie’s lyrics remain mysterious and even the singer himself has declined to explain their meaning. Some speculate they may refer to Buddy Holly’s death in a plane crash on February 3rd; however, this remains unverifiable.
Verse 6: G
American Pie is an iconic song, beloved at parties worldwide. Though its unique chord progression and strumming pattern might make it challenging at first, with practice you’ll soon be playing this timeless tune like an expert!
He uses various strum patterns to keep the song interesting; for instance, long and fast strums in verses alternated with shorter, faster ones in choruses.
This song marks the conclusion of an entire cultural era, covering some of the major events from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. It uses short verses with bold statements as well as metaphors to communicate its message.