'Southbound' by Thin Lizzy

Learn how to master Thin Lizzy’s timeless classic, "Southbound," with our note-for-note guitar lesson. Thin Lizzy’s unique style, featuring a blend of bluesy rock and dual-guitar harmonies, makes this song both iconic and a great technical challenge for guitarists of all levels. In this lesson, we break down the techniques used in "Southbound," helping you understand the playing styles of the band’s legendary guitarists and improve your guitar skills in the process. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic 70s rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Thin Lizzy’s Guitarists

The guitar work in "Southbound" is driven by the duo of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, two of the most influential guitarists in the classic rock genre. Known for their innovative use of dual-guitar harmonies and melodic phrasing, Gorham and Robertson shaped Thin Lizzy’s signature sound. Their playing style in "Southbound" is a masterclass in blending rock riffs with bluesy tones, and their influence can be heard in countless guitarists who came after them, from Slash to Joe Bonamassa. By learning this track, you’re tapping into a rich legacy of guitar work that has inspired generations.

Guitar Techniques Found in 'Southbound'

Alternate Picking

The song features several sections that require precise alternate picking. This technique is essential for playing the fast and intricate riff patterns found throughout the song, allowing you to maintain speed and accuracy. By focusing on alternate picking, you'll develop better control over your picking hand, leading to improved precision and endurance in faster passages.

Vibrato

Thin Lizzy’s melodic lead lines are often punctuated by expressive vibrato, which is particularly present in the solo sections of "Southbound." Vibrato adds emotion and sustain to your notes, creating a singing quality in your playing. Learning this technique will not only improve the musicality of your lead playing but also give you a personal touch to each note.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Throughout the lead sections of the song, you’ll encounter plenty of string bending and bluesy bends. These bends create tension and release in the solos, giving them a vocal-like expression. Mastering string bending is crucial for any rock or blues guitarist, helping you hit precise pitches and add emotional depth to your solos.

Double Stops

"Southbound" showcases Thin Lizzy’s love for double stops in its rhythm and lead sections. This technique involves playing two notes at the same time, adding thickness and harmony to your playing. Incorporating double stops into your guitar vocabulary will enhance your ability to create fuller, more dynamic sounds in both rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

Thin Lizzy is famous for their dual guitar harmonies, and "Southbound" is a prime example of this. In the lesson, we’ll break down these harmonized parts, giving you insight into how two guitars can work together to create a rich, layered sound. Understanding how to play and compose harmonized guitar lines is an invaluable skill for any guitarist, especially those interested in rock and metal genres.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The melodic lines in "Southbound" feature smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs. These legato techniques allow you to play faster and more fluidly, connecting notes seamlessly without needing to pick every note. Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your playing will improve your legato technique and add a polished, flowing sound to your solos.

Slides

Gorham and Robertson’s use of slides is another key feature of the song, especially in transitioning between different parts of the solo and riff sections. Slides create a smooth connection between notes, adding character and motion to your playing. Practicing slides will enhance your ability to move across the fretboard with fluidity and style.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

"Southbound" features plenty of power chords in the rhythm sections, which are paired with palm muting to create a tight, rhythmic groove. Mastering power chords and palm muting is essential for playing rhythm guitar in rock, giving your playing more punch and clarity. These techniques will help you improve your rhythm guitar playing, making it more percussive and dynamic.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Learning the guitar techniques found in "Southbound" will not only teach you how to play an iconic rock song but also expand your skill set in multiple areas. Whether it’s developing a more expressive vibrato, mastering precise alternate picking, or learning how to incorporate dual-guitar harmonies into your playing, each technique offers a unique benefit. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a more well-rounded approach to guitar playing that will serve you well in rock, blues, and other genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in 'Southbound'

• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only learn to play "Southbound" but also greatly enhance your overall guitar playing abilities.