Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Ukulele
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Piano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
American Girl Chords – Harmonica
Tom Petty’s classic rock anthem about freedom and youthful energy. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Classic Rock Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
123456
Tip: Play with driving energy. This song is all about attitude and forward momentum — keep the strum tight and confident.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – E
G – A – D
D – E
G – A – D
Chorus
G – A
D – Bm
G – A
D – A
Verse 2
D – E
G – A – D
D – E
G – A – D
Verse 3
D – E
G – A – D
D – E
G – A
D
Chorus
G – A
D – Bm
G – A
D – A
Outro
D – E
G – A – D
D – E
G – A – D (×2)
Practice tip: The D-E-G-A verse progression drives the whole song. The E chord is the only potential stumble — make sure your index finger is well-placed on the G string, 1st fret.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "American Girl"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "American Girl" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "American Girl" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "American Girl"?
It was written by Tom Petty, and released in 1976.