Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd is widely considered one of the greatest guitar solos and songs of all time. Released in 1974, the 9-minute epic features an iconic extended guitar solo by Allen Collins and Gary Rossington that is instantly recognizable. But is it truly the “best” guitar solo ever? Let’s take a deep dive and explore some key questions.
How popular and influential is Free Bird?
There’s no doubt that Free Bird is one of the most popular classic rock songs of all time. It reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974 and continues to receive heavy radio airplay to this day. Lynyrd Skynyrd fans have a tradition of shouting “Free Bird!” at concerts to request the song. It’s also been featured in numerous films and TV shows over the years, exposing it to younger generations.
Beyond its popularity, Free Bird has been hugely influential among rock guitarists. It inspired many players to push their soloing skills and showed the power of an extended guitar jam. The epic guitar trade-off between Collins and Rossington raised the bar for complexity and endurance. And it helped cement the Southern rock style defined by bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers.
What makes the Free Bird solo special from a technical perspective?
The Free Bird solo is an absolute clinic in masterful guitar playing. Here are some of the technical elements that make it special:
- Length – At over 3 minutes long, the solo has an exceptionally long runtime to showcase guitar skills.
- Structure – It follows a cohesive arc, starting slow and restrained before building up to an intense, high energy peak.
- Dynamics – Collins and Rossington utilize powerful loud/soft contrasts to build drama.
- Melody – The solo is highly melodic and incorporates country-influenced blues licks.
- Harmony – The two guitarists trade-off harmonized licks seamlessly.
- Phrasing – Their phrasing is impeccable, mixing fast flurries of notes with protracted bends.
- Tone – The Les Pauls deliver a thick, sustaining tone that complements the melodies.
The technical mastery on display is one of the big reasons why musicians study and revere the solo to this day. Very few guitarists could compose and perform with that level of skill.
How does it compare to other famous rock guitar solos?
The pantheon of all-time great rock guitar solos includes many iconic contenders. Here’s how Free Bird stacks up against a few other famous solos:
Solo | Length | Emotion | Technicality |
---|---|---|---|
Eruption – Van Halen | 1:42 | Exuberance | Very High |
Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd | ~4:00 | Melancholy | High |
November Rain – Guns N’ Roses | 3:00 | Passion | Moderate |
Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd | 3:04 | Jubilation | Very High |
While all these solos are brilliant in their own way, Free Bird stands out for blending high technical demands with an uplifting emotional quality. The length allows the full story to unfold.
What makes Free Bird so memorable and impactful?
Beyond just the guitar playing, a few key factors make Free Bird such an iconic piece of music:
- Emotion – The solo erupts with joy and jubilation, communicating a cathartic release.
- Singability – The guitar melodies are highly hummable, sticking in your head.
- Layering – The additional guitar lines create a rich musical texture.
- Energy – The propulsive tempo and driving drums build an incredible sense of momentum.
- Climax – The full band crashing back in after the solo provides a climax like no other.
All these elements combine to create an immediately recognizable sound that resonates deeply with listeners. The emotion flows through the notes in a way that transcends technical analysis.
Are there any potential drawbacks of the solo?
Given its status as an all-time great, it may seem sacrilegious to point out any flaws in the Free Bird solo. But a few modest critiques can be made:
- It drags a bit in the middle section before picking back up.
- The backing band is very sparse during the solo, placing all the focus on guitar.
- The extensive length could be trimmed slightly without losing impact.
- The tone lacks some of the bite and aggression of later solos by heavier bands.
However, these small drawbacks pale in comparison to everything the solo gets right. When a piece of music can both display tremendous skill and connect emotionally with millions of listeners, any minor flaws fade away.
How has the solo influenced modern rock guitarists?
Free Bird continues to influence modern rock guitarists in a few key ways:
- Inspiring extended solos as a showcase of creativity and talent.
- Setting the bar high for melodic expression and singing tone.
- Demonstrating the power of guitar harmonies and countermelodies.
- Proving long chronological solos can build tension and emotion.
- Pushing the limits of dynamics, phrasing, vibrato, and feel.
While guitar techniques have evolved, Free Bird remains a masterclass in the foundations of great soloing. The best shredders today still adhere to principles like phrasing, tone, and melodic clarity that Free Bird epitomizes. Its DNA lives on in any solo focused on skill, feel, and musicality over pure speed.
Does it have cultural significance beyond just music?
Absolutely. As one of the most celebrated classic rock songs, Free Bird carries substantial cultural weight:
- It’s cemented as a quintessential 70s rock anthem, conjuring up images of big hair, leather, muscle cars, and Marshall stacks.
- The lyrics touch on timeless themes of loss, longing, and existential wonder.
- “Free Bird” is intertwined with pop culture from references in major films and TV shows.
- It has become something of a defiant, rallying cry against authority – played proudly as an act of rebellion.
- The solo epitomizes the bravado and swagger of rock music.
In many ways, Free Bird has become larger than just a song – it represents a whole attitude and era. Its soaring melody is the soundtrack to letting loose and sticking it to the man. The solo conveys the spirit of rock ‘n roll itself.
Conclusion
Stacking up everything we’ve explored, I believe there is a strong case to be made for Free Bird featuring the best guitar solo of all time. It has the perfect storm of technical brilliance, massive popularity, enduring influence, and cultural weight that defines an all-time great. The length allows the full story to unfold in way that most solos simply can’t match. Collins and Rossington reach a stunning peak that still sends shivers down spines. Ultimately, there are many contenders for the crown, but Free Bird soars above the pack as my choice for best ever.