Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress Guitar Lesson (The Hollies)

In this post, you’ll learn how to play in the style of “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by the Hollies. It has an awesome riff and is very much based on blues guitar patterns, so tune-up and let’s get started!

Who wrote Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress?

"Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" was written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway. Allan Clarke, the lead singer of The Hollies, claimed in a 2023 interview that he and Cook wrote the song, with Greenaway receiving writing credit due to a long-standing agreement between Cook and Greenaway.

The song was recorded in London in 1972 at Trident Studios. It was produced by Mike Leander, who was known for his work with artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Who. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.

It was the band's most successful single in the United States, spending seven weeks in the top 10 and 15 weeks on the chart overall. The song has been covered by many artists and was featured in the films "The Full Monty" and "Rushmore."

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song number 454 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The song's catchy melody, simple lyrics, and driving beat have made it a classic, and it remains one of The Hollies' most popular songs.

What key is Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress in?

“Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” is in the key of Em and is heavily based on blues progressions. The intro is very clearly an Em/G major chord progression. While the main groove in the Verse and B Sections goes to E major with a bluesy feel and uses the I, IV, bIII, and V chords.

Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress Chords

As mentioned above the main chords being used in the Verse and B Sections are the I, IV, bIII, and V chords.

The I chord is going to be E and I play that like this:

The IV chord is going to be A and I play that like this:

The bIII chord is a G chord and I play it like this:

Finally, the V chord I play as a power chord in second position like this:

Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress Intro Riff

The opening riff is arguably the most recognizable element of the song, often imitated by guitarists. Its catchy melody and driving rhythm helped make "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" a global hit. The riff is played with a clean electric guitar tone, often with a slight reverb effect. The picking is rhythmic and driving, pushing the song forward.

The use of hammer-ons and open strings gives the riff a light and airy feel, contrasting with the heavier rhythm section.

Conclusion: 

There you have it! Whether you're a blues fan or just love a good groove, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and work on your playing. Learning this song is a blast. Now, it's your turn to take this tune and make it your own.

Remember to take it slow, and have fun practicing. And for more great bluesy rock style lessons check out this American Woman guitar lesson or Sweet Home Alabama guitar lesson next!