The Ultimate AMERICAN WOMAN Guitar Lesson

Let's go back in time and play an epic song from 1970… 

Currently, this tune has over 50 million views on YouTube (cumulatively between the two versions I share below.)

And here’s the crazy part, you only need 3 chords to play the main riff.

So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let’s dive into this American Woman guitar lesson.

Who originally sang American Woman?

"American Woman" is a legendary rock song originally sung by the Canadian band The Guess Who. It was primarily written by Randy Bachman (lead guitarist and vocalist) with contributions from the rest of the band. The Guess Who recorded this iconic hit at RCA Studios in Chicago, Illinois, in December 1969. It was produced by Jack Richardson.

The song has received quite a few accolades like:

• Ranked No. 3 on Billboard's "100 Greatest Canadian Songs of All Time" (2005)
• Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

Covered by numerous artists, including Lenny Kravitz, Mötley Crüe, and KISS

(We will get into the Lenny version below as well.)

The song has an interesting background. Although often mistaken for an American anthem, "American Woman" is a satirical critique of American materialism and cultural influence. 

The song's inspiration came from the band's experience touring extensively in the US, observing the stark contrast between their own middle-class Canadian values and the perceived excess of American society.

American Woman Guitar Chords

Let’s begin by taking a look at the chords used for the main riff in the Guess Who’s version.

You’ll only need 3 chords B5, D5, and E5.

These are all power chords. A power chord on is a simple, two-note chord that emphasizes rhythm and power over complex harmonies.  

Unlike traditional chords, which typically contain three notes (root, third, and fifth), power chords only use the root and the fifth of the scale. This creates a thicker, heavier sound that's often used in many styles of music.

All these chords are going to use the same “shape” but we will shift them around to different areas of the neck.

B5 is played in 7th position with a root on the 6th string like this:

D5 will take that same shape, however here we’ll shift it down one string and over to the 5th position like this:

Notice how it’s still the same “shape” as the B5 just on different strings. 

Tip: when you play all these chords. Muting is very important. You only want the notes of the chord to ring through. The rest of the strings should be muted. This is done with your fretting hand.

Then we get to our final chord E5. This is the same “shape” yet again. However, this chord will shift back up to the 7th position. But still, keep the root note on the 5th string like this:

What key is American Woman in?

“American Woman” as recorded by the Guess Who is in the key of E. It uses 3 chords E5, B5, and D5.

Here is an analysis of these chords in the key of E major:

• E5 is the tonic chord (I) of the E major scale. It represents the home base of the key and provides a sense of stability.
• B5 is the dominant chord (V) of the E major scale. It creates tension and resolves back to the tonic chord, driving the harmonic progression forward.
• D5 is the flat seven-chord (BVII) of the E major scale. Using this chord in the progression creates an iconic classic rock sound. It is a borrowed chord from the E Mixolydian scale.

A borrowed chord is essentially a chord that comes "from outside" the current key but creates a unique and often interesting effect within the progression.

“American Woman” as recorded by Lenny Kravitz is in the key of C. 

American Woman Solo 

The scale used for the iconic opening solo to “American Woman” is the E Mixolydian scale

This scale is the fifth mode of the A Major scale. This means it shares the same notes as the A Major scale but starts and ends on the E note.

It has the following formula:  

whole - whole - half - whole - whole - half - whole.  

This translates to E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D.

Compared to the E Major scale, the E Mixolydian has a minor 7th instead of a major 7th, giving it a bluesy and dominant sound.

This correlates with the chords above E5, B5, and D5. 

Here is a common way of playing this scale in 12th position:

American Woman Guitar Lesson (Lenny Kravitz version)

Lenny Kravitz's electrifying cover of "American Woman" was featured on his fifth studio album, 5, released in 1999.  However, initially, the cover wasn't intended for the album. 

It was recorded during a jam session at Abbey Road Studios in London, while Kravitz was on tour for his previous album, Believe. 

The raw energy and passion captured in the session impressed everyone involved, leading to its inclusion on a bonus disc of 5. 

Later, due to its immense popularity, it was moved to the main album tracklist for subsequent reissues.

Kravitz's version takes a more bluesy and rock-oriented approach compared to the original's hard rock sound.

He slows down the tempo a bit, contrasting with the Guess Who's version.

The signature guitar solo upfront is omitted. But there is a key change later in the song that features a new solo.

Lenny Kravitz's "American Woman" became a global hit, revitalizing the original song for a new generation. 

American Woman Guitar Lesson (Lenny Kravitz version chords)

As I mentioned above Kravitz’s version is in the key of C. He lowered the key down two whole steps. This would change the 3 power chords needed to C5, G5, and Bb5.

If you were playing the same guitar part as the Guess Who version but in a different key. However, Kravtiz changes the guitar part as well. 

He uses a C5 power chord in 3rd position like this:

And then instead of the other two power chords. He uses a small diad shape like this:

A diad refers to a two-note chord or interval. Essentially, it's the simplest form of a chord, built with just two notes played simultaneously. In this case, it is functioning like a BVII chord over I. So I think of it as a Bb5/C. While traditional chords involve three or more notes, diads offer a unique sound.

Conclusion: 

From the iconic riff to the epic solos, "American Woman" has captivated audiences for generations. 

Whether you are learning the original Guess Who version or Lenny Kravitz’s cover they both will give you great insights into how to play rock and blues guitar.

So keep practicing, and for another great Lenny Kravitz bluesy rock style guitar lesson check out this Are You Gonna Go My Way guitar lesson next.