Gimme Three Steps – Lynyrd Skynyrd

At LickLibrary, we pride ourselves on delivering note-for-note guitar lessons for some of rock’s most iconic tracks. One of our standout offerings is our detailed breakdown of “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd—a Southern rock staple that showcases the band’s signature blend of swagger, story-driven songwriting, and guitar-driven energy.

This lesson gives guitarists an opportunity to not only learn a classic tune, but also master a set of versatile guitar techniques that will enhance your overall playing and style. Whether you're a fan of Southern rock, blues, or classic rock, there’s something in this lesson for every guitarist. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 1973 on Skynyrd’s debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), “Gimme Three Steps” is a mid-tempo rocker driven by gritty guitar riffs, catchy hooks, and lyrical storytelling. The song kicks off with an instantly recognisable guitar riff that combines rhythm and melody seamlessly, setting the tone for a track that remains a staple in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s live shows to this day.

The interplay between rhythm and lead guitars is a hallmark of the band’s sound, and this track is a great example of how they layered parts to build energy and texture. The guitar work here is tight, punchy, and deeply rooted in blues and country traditions—but with a rock 'n' roll edge.

Guitar Techniques Covered

Our “Gimme Three Steps” guitar lesson at LickLibrary covers all the signature parts of the song, breaking them down into digestible chunks so that guitarists at various levels can follow along, master each section, and build towards full-speed performance. Here are some of the key techniques you’ll develop through this lesson:

String Bending

One of the core expressive tools in blues and rock, string bending allows guitarists to mimic the vocal-like nuances that are so prevalent in Southern rock. In “Gimme Three Steps,” string bending is used to add phrasing and character to the lead guitar lines. Mastering this technique will improve your control, intonation, and feel.

Slides

Sliding between notes adds smoothness and fluidity to your playing. This song uses slides in both lead and rhythm sections to transition between licks and chord voicings. It’s a great way to connect phrases and maintain a natural flow in your solos and riffs.

Double Stops

Double stops are when two notes are played simultaneously, creating a rich and punchy sound. In “Gimme Three Steps,” double stops are used for rhythmic accents and melodic fills, giving the guitar parts a more percussive and dynamic quality. Learning this technique improves finger independence and adds harmonic texture to your playing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These legato techniques help create smoother, more fluid phrases without constant picking. They are used throughout the song in lead licks and embellishments. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs will increase your speed and expression while reducing tension in your picking hand.

Power Chords

Power chords drive the rhythm guitar sections of this track. They form the backbone of the song’s groove and are essential for rock guitarists. Learning to play tight, punchy power chords with precision will elevate your rhythm playing in any rock context.

Alternate Picking

Used in various lead runs and melodic passages in the song, alternate picking is essential for speed and accuracy. This technique trains your picking hand to maintain consistency and control at faster tempos.

Chord Progressions

The song features classic rock-style chord progressions rooted in blues and country traditions. Understanding how these progressions work helps you build a strong foundation in songwriting and improvisation.

About the Guitarists

“Gimme Three Steps” features the guitar work of Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, two of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s founding members and most iconic players. Their guitar partnership became a defining element of the band’s sound, blending tight rhythm playing with melodic and harmonised leads.

Rossington’s blues-inflected phrasing and smooth slides contrast beautifully with Collins' energetic and often unpredictable lead work. Both players were known for their ability to balance technical skill with feel, creating solos and riffs that were as memorable as the songs themselves. Their influence can still be heard today in Southern rock, country rock, and even modern blues and jam bands.

Why Learn “Gimme Three Steps”?

Learning this song goes beyond just playing a Skynyrd classic—it’s a masterclass in foundational guitar techniques that every aspiring rock guitarist should know. You'll gain:

• Improved technique and finger coordination.
• A better understanding of musical phrasing.
• Greater rhythmic confidence through tight rhythm guitar parts.
• Increased expression through bending, slides, and double stops.
• Practical experience in classic rock-style chord progressions.

By mastering “Gimme Three Steps,” you not only add a legendary tune to your repertoire but also sharpen your skills across multiple areas of your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Chord Progressions

Whether you're diving into Southern rock for the first time or you're a long-time Skynyrd fan, this “Gimme Three Steps” guitar lesson is a valuable addition to your learning journey. Let’s break it down, note-for-note—only at LickLibrary.