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The Hollies - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Guitar Lesson

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The Hollies - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Guitar Lesson

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The Hollies - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother guitar lesson video
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The Hollies Pop Rock G major
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He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a melodic ballad written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, recorded by The Hollies in 1969 and released to worldwide success. The song gained a second life when The Hollies' version was re-released in 1988, becoming a major UK hit again. For electric guitar players, it offers a rewarding study in smooth, emotive chord work and restrained lead playing that serves the song's gentle, expressive character.

  • The song was originally recorded by Kelly Gordon in 1969 before The Hollies released their iconic version the same year.
  • Neil Diamond also charted with his own version in 1970, showing the song's broad commercial and stylistic appeal.
  • The Hollies' recording became a UK hit twice, first in 1969 and again when re-released in 1988, nearly two decades later.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Tony Hicks used the Strat in The Hollies' early years for its bright single-coil bite and string separation, perfect for jangly Merseybeat rhythms. The extra snap helped cut through on their sparkly, chord-driven arrangements.

Gibson ES-335
Guitar

Gibson ES-335

Hicks' primary guitar from the mid-1960s onward, the ES-335's warm PAF humbuckers delivered the chiming clarity needed for Hollies harmonies while providing sustain for lead passages without ice-pick harshness through the Vox AC30.

Vox AC30
Amp

Vox AC30

The AC30's Top Boost circuit gave The Hollies their signature chimey, harmonically rich clean tone that could stay pristine on ballads or break into natural tube warmth on rockers like 'Long Cool Woman,' all without pedals.

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