Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic track Free Bird is a staple in classic rock history, renowned for its emotionally charged lyrics, melodic feel, and, of course, its legendary guitar solo that closes the song. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for Free Bird gives guitarists an immersive and in-depth look at the techniques that define the track. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to elevate your skills, or an advanced player diving into Southern rock greatness, this lesson provides invaluable insights and challenges across the board. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarists

Released in 1973, Free Bird showcases the virtuosic guitar work of Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. These two players defined the dual-guitar Southern rock style with soaring melodies, harmonised leads, and expressive phrasing. Collins handled the majority of the famous solo, delivering a performance that balances fire and finesse. Rossington’s slide work and rhythm playing provide the perfect counterpoint, grounding the song with bluesy depth and a raw emotional edge. Their playing influenced countless rock and metal guitarists who followed, cementing their place in the pantheon of guitar legends.

Lesson Focus: Rhythm and Slide Guitar

The opening of Free Bird features Rossington’s clean, melodic slide guitar that sets the mood of the track. The lesson breaks down this delicate slide work, showing how to control intonation and sustain while maintaining a smooth, vocal-like quality. Learning slide technique helps players improve their fret-hand control and phrasing, offering a new palette of expressive tools.

The rhythm guitar section underneath is built on a solid chord progression using classic voicings. These open-position chords provide a chance to refine your timing and chord transitions while exploring the harmonic foundation of the track. It’s a great way to tighten up your rhythm playing and understand the interplay between lead and rhythm roles in a band setting.

Lesson Focus: The Iconic Solo Section

The legendary outro solo—spanning over four minutes—is a tour de force of rock guitar, and this lesson breaks it down phrase by phrase. It features a wide range of techniques that not only showcase Collins' dynamic playing but also serve as essential exercises for any aspiring lead guitarist.

String Bending

One of the most expressive techniques in the solo, string bending is used to create vocal-like phrasing. The lesson focuses on pitch accuracy and bending with control. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to infuse emotion into solos and build tension in your playing.

Slides

Slides connect melodic ideas smoothly and add a lyrical feel to lead lines. This technique is prominent throughout the solo, and the lesson teaches how to maintain clarity and intonation during quick transitions.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are central to building fluid, legato-style passages. Practicing them improves speed and hand synchronization, allowing you to play faster licks more cleanly and effortlessly.

Alternate Picking

To execute the faster passages in the solo, alternate picking is essential. This technique improves your picking accuracy, speed, and stamina, particularly when navigating extended runs.

Unison Bends

Used for added intensity, unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another. They create a powerful, edgy sound, and practicing them sharpens pitch recognition and finger strength.

Double Stops

Double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—are used to thicken lead parts and add harmonic richness. Learning this technique develops your fretboard awareness and enhances your phrasing options.

Vibrato

Used frequently in Free Bird’s solo, vibrato brings life to sustained notes. The lesson teaches how to apply vibrato with control and consistency, a critical skill for expressive lead playing.

Benefits of Learning 'Free Bird'

Learning Free Bird isn't just about learning a classic solo—it's a masterclass in rock guitar vocabulary. The wide range of techniques challenges your coordination, timing, and musical ear. Whether you're tackling the emotional slide parts or the fast-paced solo, each section will push your playing forward. These techniques are not just useful for playing this song but apply to countless others across rock, blues, and metal genres. This lesson is a blueprint for how to build solos, craft dynamics, and blend rhythm and lead playing seamlessly.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Chord Progressions

This Free Bird guitar lesson from LickLibrary is your ticket to mastering one of rock's most iconic solos while developing a powerful command of lead guitar technique. Dive in, break it down, and let your playing soar.