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Tom Petty - American Girl - Guitar Lesson

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Tom Petty - American Girl - Guitar Lesson

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Tom Petty - American Girl guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

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Tom Petty Classic Rock D major
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American Girl

"American Girl" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is a rock track written by Tom Petty and recorded for the band's self-titled debut album in 1976. Released as a single in February 1977, it became a defining song of the era despite modest chart performance at the time. For electric guitar players, it is a rewarding study in classic rock rhythm work, signature riff construction, and the Heartbreakers' tight, jangle-driven sound.

  • The song features a memorable descending guitar riff that is widely recognized and approachable for intermediate electric guitar players.
  • Originally released in February 1977 on Shelter Records, it peaked at No. 40 in the UK charts.
  • It was re-released in 1994 as a single from Tom Petty's Greatest Hits album, introducing the song to a new generation.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Mike Campbell uses the Stratocaster for its versatile single-coil tones, delivering the jangly chime and smooth lead work central to Heartbreakers songs. Its bright character complements his minimalist effects approach, letting natural tone shine through.

Fender Telecaster
Guitar

Fender Telecaster

Tom Petty's blonde Telecaster became iconic for its raw, twangy bite and natural attack on rhythm parts. Campbell's 1950 Broadcaster (proto-Telecaster) uses its original single-coil for that signature edge-of-breakup crunch heard across classic Heartbreakers tracks.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Mike Campbell's 1959 Les Paul Standard with PAF humbuckers delivers warm, fat lead tones with smooth sustain for solos. Its thicker voice contrasts beautifully with his single-coil guitars, giving the band tonal variety across different songs and moods.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

While not specifically documented in Campbell's main arsenal, the Les Paul Custom shares the humbucker warmth and sustain that defines the band's heavier lead tones. Its darker character works similarly to the 1959 Standard for creating fuller, more aggressive solos.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

The Twin Reverb's clean, sparkling reverb tone provides the crystalline foundation for Petty's rhythm work and ballads. Running at moderate volume, it delivers natural tube compression while preserving the bright attack of his Rickenbackers and Telecasters.

Fender Deluxe Reverb
Amp

Fender Deluxe Reverb

Campbell relies on the Deluxe Reverb for its sweet, responsive reverb and manageable wattage that breaks up naturally at performance levels. Its warm, slightly compressed tone pairs perfectly with both single-coils and humbuckers across the Heartbreakers' catalog.

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