American Girl

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1976, from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Solo by Mike Campbell.

Campbell's jangling, Byrds-inspired lead through the outro is as essential as the chorus.

American Girl ends with one of rock's most memorable outros, and Mike Campbell's lead guitar is at its heart. His playing is jangling and bright, drawing clearly on the Byrds' 12-string sound, with ringing notes that ride the song's driving rhythm. Instead of a traditional solo, Campbell builds a melodic, chiming line that is as catchy as the chorus. It adds momentum and a sense of release as the song reaches its end. Listen for the shimmering, ringing tone and how Campbell's phrases weave around the chords, and for the way the outro feels like the song is racing off into the distance, full of energy and open-road excitement.

American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is featured in our Power Pop (#11) list. The solo is played by Mike Campbell and the song was released in 1976.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Power Pop Guitar Solos — #11
• The Best Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Guitar Solos — #2

Sources