Guitar & Bass Tabs
America
About America
America formed in London in 1970 by Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek, fusing American folk-rock with lush vocal harmonies and a bright, jangly 12-string guitar sound. Their early records helped spark a wave of soft rock that bridged intimate storytelling with catchy pop hooks, turning simple chord progressions into timeless radio staples. Over the years they built a catalog of hit singles and platinum-selling albums, leaving a lasting imprint on the sound of 1970s rock and inspiring countless players with their melodic clarity and sunlit production.
With a string of enduring hits and a signature, harmonious approach, America became one of the era’s defining soft rock acts. Dan Peek left the group in 1977 to pursue a solo path, but Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell continued touring and recording under the America name, keeping the music alive for decades. The band’s influence extends beyond chart positions to the way it popularized bright, jangly guitar textures and accessible songcraft that still resonates with new generations. This artist page features two lessons focused on their iconic tracks, designed to teach players the 12-string feel, vocal harmony awareness, and solid rhythm chops that translate to a wide range of classic rock tunes.
🎸 Want to know what gear America used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
A Horse With No Name
America
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Sister Golden Hair
America
View Tab →Playing Style
America’s playing style centers on shimmering 12-string acoustic textures, tight vocal harmonies, and melodic rhythm guitar. Their approach favors simple, open-chord progressions and crisp strumming that let the singing carry the hook. The guitar work often stays in a bright, jangly tonal space with tasteful electric fills that support the melody without overwhelming it. Songs like A Horse With No Name emphasize a hypnotic groove and a memorable motif, while Sister Golden Hair leans into smooth phrasing and strong melodic lines. Overall, their sound blends folk-rock clarity with pop accessibility, inviting players to develop timing, dynamics, and harmony-led phrasing rather than flashy technique.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear for America centers on jangly 12-string acoustic guitars—often paired with a clean, bright amplifier setup and light reverb—to deliver that signature sunlit tone. While gear varied across tours and eras, the enduring image is a radiantly resonant acoustic rhythm guitar, with occasional electric layers and subtle effects that maintain a warm, uncluttered mix. For players studying these tracks, a reliable 12-string or a high-quality 6-string with a bright pickup can capture the essential sparkle, complemented by a clean amp and gentle reverb to mimic the classic cut-through-the-mixture sound.
Why Learn America Songs?
Learning America’s catalog is a smart move for guitarists looking to cement foundational rock skills. The songs emphasize strong rhythm, memorable melodic hooks, and tight vocal harmonies—excellent for developing timing, dynamics, and musical phrasing. A Horse With No Name and Sister Golden Hair are approachable for intermediate players, offering opportunities to practice 12-string textures, open chords, and steady strumming patterns that translate to a wide range of classic rock tracks. These tunes build confidence, ear training, and the ability to craft sunlit, radio-friendly arrangements with tasteful, melodic guitar work.
Did You Know?
- 1America formed in London in 1970 by Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek, blending American folk-rock with lush vocal harmonies.
- 2They are famous for their jangly 12-string guitar-driven sound that became a hallmark of early 1970s soft rock.
- 3Dan Peek left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career, and Beckley and Bunnell continued as America.
- 4Their hits like A Horse With No Name and Sister Golden Hair remain staples of classic rock radio and guitar lesson repertoires.
2 America lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
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