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If you’re a fan of music from the 70s, here’s an iconic tune that captures the essence of the folkrock style during this time.

It’s got a 12string, acoustics, electrics, and even a lap steel melody that is sure to transport you back in time to this wonderful era of music.

It’s a crowdpleasure to play at parties. In fact, I’d recommend every guitarist add it to their setlist.

So grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s dive into this Sister Golden Hair guitar lesson.

Who Wrote Sister Golden Hair
"Sister Golden Hair" was written by Gerry Beckley, one of the founding members of the American rock band America. It was released in 1975 on their album Hearts.

Beckley has said that the song is about a person who is hesitant about love and unsure about making a serious commitment. The title character, "Sister Golden Hair," is often interpreted as a symbol of an idealized love interest who represents both attraction and the fear of commitment.

The album Hearts was produced by the maestro George Martin. Who is famously known for his work with The Beatles.

George Martin was introduced to America through their manager, David Geffen. Martin helped America transition from their earlier, more acoustic sound to a more polished and radiofriendly style. This evolution is particularly evident in the albums "Holiday," "Hearts," "Hideaway," and "Harbor." His meticulous approach to production and arrangement brought a new level of sophistication to America’s music. He introduced more complex arrangements and orchestral elements, which really developed their sound.

Beckley has also mentioned that “Sister Golden Hair” was influenced by the music of Jackson Browne. Particularly his style of blending rock and folk elements together to create something new. Personally, I can totally hear this in the melancholy sound and introspective lyrics definitely give off a Jackson Browne vibe to me.

"Sister Golden Hair" was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California. The recording sessions for the "Hearts" album took place in early 1975 and featured:

Gerry Beckley: Lead vocals, guitar
Dewey Bunnell: Guitar, backing vocals
Dan Peek: Guitar, backing vocals
David Dickey: Bass guitar
Willie Leacox: Drums
"Sister Golden Hair" became a significant hit for America. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1975, making it one of the band's most successful singles. Also, the album "Hearts" itself was very wellreceived, reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The tune stands as a timeless classic encapsulating the 1970s folkrock blend.

Who Played Slide On Sister Golden Hair?
Gerry Beckley said he played the 12string guitar and then overdubbed the catchy slide melody line on a lovely lap steel guitar David Lindley had picked out.

The melody line uses notes straight from the E major scale. Here’s a simple way to play this scale on guitar in the 12th position...

Follow along with the FULL lesson here: https://www.jonmaclennan.com/blog/sis...