Play 7 Classic Songs In 7 Days:
Day 7: Sister Golden Hair (America).
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Song Introduction
Sister Golden Hair was written by America singer/songwriter/guitarist Gerry Beckley. Lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne (who also collaborated closely with the Eagles).
He said that “Jackson Browne had a knack, an ability to put words to music that is much more like the L.A. approach to just genuine observation, as opposed to simplifying it down to its bare essentials… I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, which is probably the more L.A. of my lyrics…
It was one of the first times I used ‘ain’t’ in a song, but I wasn’t making an effort to. I was just putting myself in that frame of mind and I got those kind of lyrics out of it.”Although the song is a message from a man to his lover, explaining that he still loves her despite being not ready for marriage, the title was initially inspired by the mothers of all three members of the group, all of whom had (at least some) blonde hair.
It’s a good idea to listen to the lyrics by following the song structure below. One of the lines says …”I’ve been one poor correspondent” NOT “I’ve been one war correspondent” as posted on one website!
So now onto the song itself:
It has a relatively simple structure (thank goodness) with an intro (that repeats later on in the song), 3 Verses, a couple of Choruses and an Outro, which is largely based on the chords used in the chorus.
So, as a relative beginner, this is good news, because you should not have to listen to the song hundreds of times to understand the structure, feel and component parts that make up the track. This means you will be able to concentrate on some of those “not so common chord voicings” you will be learning to play.These “non standard” chords make use of common chord shapes but played higher up the neck and incorporating open strings to create a more unique sound.
When you listen closely enough you can hear where they appear – if not, we’ll tell you – they are the last three played chords of the chorus, where the lyric “Though I tried to fake it, I don’t mind saying, I just can’t make it” occur.
If you want to learn a great “camp fire” song we reckon (judging by the amount of request we have received) this really does fit the bill. Although, as we said earlier, it will certainly stretch some of you as well as introduce you to some new chords.
All the chords and song structure are laid out below….hope you enjoy!!
IntroC#m A E E G#m G#m C#m B AVerse 1A E G#mWell I tried to make it Sunday, but I got so damn depressed,A E G#mthat I set my sights on Monday, and I got myself undressed,A F#mI ain’t ready for the altar,C#m G#m ABut I do agree there’s times,F#m11 A E Esus4 Ewhen a woman sure can be a friend of mine Verse 2EWell I keep on thinkin’ bout you,G#mSister golden hair surpriseA EAnd I just can’t live without you,G#mCan’t you see it in my eyes?F#m AI been one poor correspondentC#m G#m AAnd I been too, too hard to findF#m11But it doesn’t meanA E Esus4 E! E!You ain’t been on my mind.ChorusBWill you meet me in the middle?A EWill you meet me in the end?BWill you love me just a little?A EJust enough to show you care,E F#m11Though I tried to fake it, IEmaj7/Eb Asus2don’t mind saying, I just can’t make itPlay Intro: C#m A E E G#m G#m C#m B A
Verse 3 (Repeat of Verse 2)EWell I keep on thinkin’ bout you,G#mSister golden hair surpriseA EAnd I just can’t live without you,G#mCan’t you see it in my eyes?F#m AI been one poor correspondentC#m G#m AAnd I been too, too hard to findF#m11But it doesn’t meanA E Esus4 E! E!You ain’t been on my mind.ChorusBWill you meet me in the middle?A EWill you meet me in the end?BWill you love me just a little?A EJust enough to show you care,E F#m11Though I tried to fake it, IEmaj7/Eb Asus2don’t mind saying, I just can’t make it Outro: ?B A EDoo wop doo wop: doo wop doo wop: doo wop doo wop: doo wop doo wop – Repeat to fade.
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About Your Instructor
As a well respected player, teacher and coach, Andy Partridge is the lead instructor within the Guitar Coach Academy.
Andy’s gentle step by step approach and detailed note by note lessons, will give you the confidence, reassurance and motivation you need, to really achieve your guitar playing goals sooner than you thought possible.
His relaxed and engaging teaching style (complete with sometimes questionable jokes) make learning easier, faster, and so much more fun.
Starting today, you can remove the overwhelm and confusion of too many videos from too many different teachers, that just don’t fit your learning style… And just focus your time and effort to get the best results, fast!
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