Learn to Play "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz

Overview of the Song and Guitar Style

"American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz is a high-energy rock anthem that captures the essence of gritty guitar tones and vibrant playing techniques. Originally a hit for The Guess Who, Lenny Kravitz’s rendition breathes new life into the track with its powerful riffs, slick rhythms, and explosive guitar work. This lesson is designed to teach you the song note for note, ensuring you not only master the track but also gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and styles that define its sound.

The song showcases a blend of classic rock elements, bluesy influences, and contemporary flair, making it a must-learn for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire. Its intricate guitar parts, performed by Lenny Kravitz himself along with contributions from his band, provide a wealth of techniques to explore, perfect, and integrate into your own playing style. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of the song's iconic riff, delivering punch and clarity. This technique emphasises strong rhythmic playing and helps in building the foundational skill to play rock and blues-driven music. Learning power chords will improve your ability to tackle countless rock classics.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is heavily used to create the percussive rhythm that drives the song. This technique is essential for adding dynamics and precision to your playing. By practicing palm muting, you will develop better control over your pick attack and learn how to manipulate sound intensity effectively.

Slides

The song’s transitions between notes often utilise slides, adding smoothness and expressiveness to the riffs. Mastering slides enhances your fretboard navigation and helps in achieving a more fluid playing style.

String Bending

String bending, especially bluesy bends, is a hallmark of the expressive solos in "American Woman." This technique enables you to emulate vocal-like inflections on your guitar, giving your solos more character and emotion.

Double Stops

Double stops are featured in the song's licks, providing a fuller sound and harmonic richness. These are invaluable for creating interesting textures in solos and rhythm parts.

Pinched Harmonics

For an extra edge, the guitar parts often incorporate pinched harmonics, producing sharp, squealing tones. Practicing this technique will expand your tonal palette and bring a professional touch to your playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic elements of "American Woman" are highly syncopated, giving the song its distinct groove. Learning this technique will enhance your sense of timing and help you master complex rhythms.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds depth and emotion to sustained notes in the solos. This subtle but powerful technique improves your expressiveness and refines your lead playing skills.

Bluesy Bends

The lead guitar work features bends steeped in blues phrasing, capturing the soulful energy of the song. This technique is essential for understanding how to blend blues and rock styles seamlessly.

About the Guitar Players

Lenny Kravitz, the main guitarist on this track, is celebrated for his ability to fuse classic rock and funk influences into a modern sound. His approach combines technical proficiency with a deep appreciation for vintage tones and grooves. The "American Woman" recording showcases his knack for creating memorable riffs and solos that feel both timeless and innovative. The track also highlights the collaborative energy of Kravitz’s band, which brings a raw, authentic rock edge to the performance.

Kravitz’s style has inspired countless guitarists to explore the intersection of rock, blues, and funk, making this lesson an opportunity to delve into his creative mindset and technique.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

Here is a list of the guitar techniques covered in this lesson. Click on the links below to explore each technique in detail:

• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Pinched Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only play "American Woman" with confidence but also develop essential skills that can be applied to a wide variety of musical genres. Happy playing!