The legendary guitar solo in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is considered one of the greatest and most influential in rock history. Played by guitarist Allen Collins, the solo is known for its soaring melodies, technical complexity, and emotional impact. Mastering the “Free Bird” solo takes a lot of practice, but breaking it down into sections and slowly building up speed and precision is the key.
What Makes the “Free Bird” Solo So Iconic?
There are several factors that contribute to the iconic status of the “Free Bird” solo:
- Length – At over 5 minutes long, it allows for a great buildup and release of musical tension.
- Melody – The main melody is extremely memorable and emotive.
- Technique – It showcases advanced guitar skills like rapid alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and use of the whammy bar.
- Improvisation – Parts of the solo feature improvisational passages that showcase Collins’ feel and musicality.
- Tone – Collins’ distorted Gibson Les Paul captures a bold, sustained, singing tone perfect for solos.
- Structure – The solo unfolds and builds emotion in sections, keeping listeners engaged throughout the length.
- Influence – Inspired countless guitarists to stretch out creatively on the instrument.
Even close to 50 years after its 1973 release, few guitar solos pack the same punch and have retained such an exalted position in the pantheon of rock. Capturing the sorrowful spirit of a relationship that ends too soon, the passion Collins pours into his playing is a huge part of the solo’s timeless appeal.
Solo Structure
The full “Free Bird” solo is divided into distinct sections that follow the guitar solo structure typical of 1970s rock:
- Opening licks – The solo starts off with a series of crying, bent notes that instantly draw the listener in.
- Main melody statements – Collins introduces the first part of the majestic, soothing main solo melody with repeating motifs and lots of vibrato and string bending.
- Connecting runs – Quick bursts of notes transition between the main melodic statements.
- Improvised variations – Collins departs from the set melody at times for some passionate improvisations.
- Building repetition – The main melody repeats again up higher on the guitar neck, steadily increasing in intensity.
- Climactic high notes – The solo builds to an exhilarating peak with a climactic scream to the guitar’s highest registers.
- Resolution – The intensity finally releases, returning to the tranquil main theme and ending on an unresolved, melancholy note.
Keeping this overall rising and falling dynamic in mind helps guide learning the “Free Bird” solo. With constant repetition, it can be built up section-by-section.
Gear Needed
Getting the right guitar gear goes a long way in achieving an authentic “Free Bird” tone and feel:
- Electric guitar – Collins used a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard, but any Les Paul-style guitar works well.
- Amp – A tube amp like a Marshall or Fender is ideal for the warm overdrive tone.
- Distortion pedal – A pedal like an Ibanez Tube Screamer can be used in addition to amp distortion.
- Effects – A wah-wah pedal (for the intro), delay, and reverb effects help capture Collins’ ambience.
- Pick – A medium thickness pick makes it easier to alternate pick fast.
- Strings – Light or extra-light gauge allows strings to bend easier.
Nailing the tone on recordings like Skynyrd’s will also require some studio tricks like double-tracking guitars. But the right basic guitar gear provides a foundation to build on.
Techniques Used
Allen Collins employed a range of advanced guitar techniques to create the “Free Bird” masterpiece. Getting comfortable with these is critical before attempting to learn the solo at full speed:
- Bending – Pushing strings up or down to raise or lower pitch.
- Vibrato – Shaking a note subtly to add expression.
- Sliding – Shifting from note to note by sliding along the string.
- Hammer-ons/pull-offs – Sounding notes without picking by fretting and releasing fingers.
- Raking – Strumming notes back and forth with one pick stroke.
- Palm muting – Dampening strings with picking hand palm.
- Alternate picking – Strict up and down pick slanting for speed.
- Economy picking – Combination of alternate picking and sweep picking.
- Whammy bar – Manipulating the bridge to dip and raise pitch.
Collins seamlessly blended all these techniques together to create the emotion and excitement of the “Free Bird” solo. Isolating each one and developing control is the first challenge.
Getting Started
When first learning the solo, it’s important not to get frustrated. Take it very slow and set realistic goals. Useful starting points include:
- Listen to the solo over and over to get every bend and note change memorized.
- Break the solo down into short, manageable segments and loop them.
- Pick a small section and slowly work up finger strength and dexterity.
- Focus on accuracy first, speed later. Nail the pitches and phrasing first.
- Isolate tricky techniques like string bending and vibrato until they feel comfortable.
- Use a metronome and gradually increase the tempo in small increments.
- Record yourself regularly to compare progress over time.
Learning by ear and watching live videos of Skynyrd can help visualize Collins’ hands. Be patient, and with time the hands will start remembering the patterns and finger movements. Speed comes naturally once the foundation is built.
Most Challenging Licks
After breaking the solo down into bite-sized pieces, some sections clearly emerge as more troublesome. A few of the most challenging licks to master include:
- The opening bend, establishing the sorrowful mood.
- The 16th note rhythmic strumming after the first melody statement.
- The rapid descending run after “and this bird you cannot change.”
- The upper register string skipping section starting at 3:46.
- The final climb to the climactic high note bend at the end.
Nailing the feel of these sections requires slowing down to a crawl and gradually perfecting the phrasing. Isolating the technical skills needed, like alternate picking or bending, also pays off here. Eventually muscle memory kicks in and the most troublesome parts become fluid.
Putting it All Together
After honing each portion of the solo individually, it’s time to start piecing them together. A systematic approach helps maintain steady progress:
- String together 2-3 licks at a time, looping them until they flow smoothly.
- Increase the phrase length, adding more notes and sections.
- As phrases lengthen, use the metronome to increase speed.
- Record full solo attempts to analyze problem spots.
- Keep backing tracks handy to get used to soloing with the full band.
- Stay loose and don’t tense up as the solo takes shape.
- Note especially difficult transitions requiring more woodshedding.
Gradually the entire solo emerges. Where it once seemed impossible, now fingers automatically perform intricate sequences and phrases connect seamlessly. With enough quality practice time, the full majestic solo finally comes together.
Nailing the Sound
Beyond just the notes and technique, capturing Allen Collins’ tone is equally important for an authentic “Free Bird” solo sound. Consider these tone tips:
- Crank up the gain until the amp is just breaking up.
- Use lighter pick attack and keep pick slanting consistent.
- Add reverb for a spacious, airy tone.
- Boost solos with an Ibanez Tube Screamer for warmth and sustain.
- Pick closer to the neck for a round, fatter tone.
- When bending, push strings up confidently to pitch for great intonation.
- Vibrato wider and slower than usual for an intense, crying vibe.
- Incorporate natural amp feedback into long sustained notes.
Blending these elements together achieves the sacred, singing tone that’s such a hallmark of a well-executed “Free Bird” solo.
Putting on a Show
Once fully prepared technically and sonically, it’s time to put the “Free Bird” solo on stage. Some showmanship tips include:
- Build dynamics with guitar volume and dramatic whammy bar dips.
- Interact with other band members during instrumental sections.
- Move around stage rather than staying static.
- Make eye contact with band mates and different audience sections.
- React facially to accent the most emotional bends and phrases.
- Stretch out improvised sections more live for added excitement.
- At climax, bring it home with the biggest windmill strum possible!
The better the performance, the louder the inevitable “Free Bird!” shouts from the crowd. Playing flawlessly caps off all the woodshedding required to master this legendary solo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most seasoned guitarists can fall into some traps when attempting the “Free Bird” solo. Be mindful of these common errors:
- Inconsistent timing, especially rushing 16th notes.
- Not bending notes up to proper pitch.
- No dynamics – playing at same volume throughout.
- Missing notes from skipping strings improperly.
- Tensing up right hand and poor pick slanting.
- Fumbling transitions between positions.
- Whammy bar overuse or poor pitch control.
- Running out of stamina before solo’s end.
Make a mental checklist and use recordings of problem spots to course-correct. Breaking old bad habits takes time but is essential for nailing this demanding solo.
Conclusion
The celebrated guitar solo in “Free Bird” stands among rock’s most iconic, capturing a magical, exhilarating musical moment. With extreme patience and regimented practice, the towering achievement of Allen Collins can be replicated by devotees of the guitar. From bending and vibrato finesse to tonal mastery and seamlessly linking together licks, the attention to detail required is immense. The work is well rewarded, as there are few playing experiences more satisfying than performing the full “Free Bird” solo flawlessly from start to finish. It is an ultimate rite of passage for any rock guitarist.