Tom Petty American Girl Solo

[Mluddy]

Trying to figure out the fast solo at the end for a gig, but I can't get it down. I'm thinking it has more to to with right hand technique, can anybody shine some light on this part? Thanks!

[buddastrat]

It's pull offs for that legato kinda sound. On this video he's hybrid pick on the right hand which makes it real easy. It's a very simple lick, but what a great song.

Watch him http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyStw...eature=related

[ecm1117]

Is it the picking technique that's giving you problems or figuring out the notes he plays?

As far as I know, those fast ascending pull-off licks are done on the same string pair (G and B strings), moving up the neck. I think he uses hybrid picking to pull it off - he flatpicks the notes on the G string and uses his middle finger to pluck the B string notes.

I found it easier to lose the pick for that section and just fingerpick it, using my thumb and index finger - Knopfler style.

You can see it a little better in this video:

[stevel]

IIRC:

--8-p-7---10-p-7-------etc.-------
---------7-----------7--------------

On the B and G string.

That's the D chord, same pattern up two frets on the E chord, then the same pattern at the 12th fret on the G chord, EXCEPT that the first note of the pattern is on the 14th fret instead of the 13th fret - then the same original pattern two frets higher on the A chord

I just play it with a pick. The secret is making the pull off clean so the 2nd note of the pattern speaks clearly.

HTH,
Steve

[cmatthes]

What Steve said.

Just repeat that figure at the 7th fret, move up to the 9th fret (still on G/B strings) and repeat the pattern; Head on up to the 12th fret and do it again; then slide up to the 14th fret and you're ready to do a full bend up and hold at the 17th fret on the B string and hit your stopped 17th fret high E string and you can easily take it from there.

It's a LOT easier to play than it sounds, just might take a little practice to get it fluid like Mike plays it.

[sleshnyc]

Originally Posted by stevel

IIRC:

--8-p-7---10-p-7-------etc.-------
---------7-----------7--------------

On the B and G string.

That's the D chord, same pattern up two frets on the E chord, then the same pattern at the 12th fret on the G chord, EXCEPT that the first note of the pattern is on the 14th fret instead of the 13th fret - then the same original pattern two frets higher on the A chord

I just play it with a pick. The secret is making the pull off clean so the 2nd note of the pattern speaks clearly.

HTH,
Steve

i'm pretty sure on the G chord you play a C#.

[spiltmilk]

Originally Posted by sleshnyc

i'm pretty sure on the G chord you play a C#.

The note on the 14th fret he mentions is the C#.

[Mluddy]

Thanks for the help all! I've had the notes right, but it's been difficult to get them to sound like Mike Campbell. One of my favorite players, always plays tastefully.

[A-Bone]

I think this is the kind of lick that calls for slow, conscious repetition till you can get all the notes to sound clearly, then a gradual increase in tempo.

[DannyS]

what a cool song! thanks for sharing that one.