Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird is one of the most iconic rock songs ever written with a solo that every guitarist should try and learn. But how about playing its wicked pentatonic licks on the guitars it was originally written and performed on?
Well, that’s what YouTuber Tyler Larson has (sort of) done with his his friend and fellow guitar player Nathaniel Murphy at the Chicago Music Exchange.
It has previously been taken to the stage by Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, and here, Larson takes the lead…literally.
“This is mad to think I’m playing this,” quips Murphy, who’s armed with another of Rossington’s beloved SGs. “It’s one of the most heard guitars in music.”
Larson, meanwhile, says he can smell the “ancient… important” history of the guitars.
“We don’t quite believe it,” he says, “We’re going to have to check the footage back later. It’s a true privilege.”
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It’s a True Privilege: YouTuber Plays Gary Rossington’s Legendary free Bird Gibson Les paul/SG
The Iconic Instrument behind “Free Bird”
Few guitar legends have left a mark on rock history quite like Gary Rossington, co-founder and lead guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd. his legendary Gibson Les Paul/SG hybrid guitar – the very instrument used to record the soaring guitar solo on the iconic track “Free Bird” – embodies classic Southern rock sound and timeless craftsmanship. When a YouTuber recently got the unprecedented chance to hold and play this historic guitar, the experience was nothing short of a dream come true.
What Makes the Free Bird Gibson Les Paul/SG Unique?
Hybrid Design: The guitar combines the classic single-cutaway Les Paul body with SG elements, making it visually and sonically distinctive.
Handcrafted Components: Featuring custom pickups and carefully selected woods that deliver a warm, expressive tone perfect for Rossington’s signature style.
Historical Significance: it’s the guitar that shaped “Free Bird”-one of the most celebrated guitar solos in rock history.
Playability: known for smooth fretboard action and comfortable ergonomics, allowing fluid, expressive playing.
The YouTuber’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Known for his passionate guitar covers and in-depth explorations of famous instruments, the YouTuber’s excitement was palpable as he was handed the legendary Les paul/SG. In his own words, “It’s a true privilege to play Gary Rossington’s guitar.” His video capturing the experience quickly went viral, inspiring guitar fans worldwide.
Highlights from the Video
First impressions of the guitar’s weight,feel,and tone.
Playing the iconic “Free bird” solo note-for-note on the actual guitar used by Rossington.
Insights into the technical nuances of the instrument’s pickups and controls.
Reflections on the emotional connection guitarists feel when playing historic instruments.
The Legendary “Free Bird” Solo: A Guitarist’s Ultimate Challenge
The “Free Bird” solo is one of the most recognizable and challenging guitar solos in rock music. Originally recorded with Gary Rossington’s hybrid Les Paul/SG, it features soaring bends, fluid legato runs, and melodic phrasing that makes it a rite of passage for guitarists.
Solo Section
Techniques Used
Difficulty Level
Opening Melody
Slow bends, vibrato
Intermediate
Middle Build-up
Hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides
Advanced
Final Climactic Run
Rapid alternate picking, wide vibrato
Expert
Why Playing on the Original Gibson Les Paul/SG Matters
The exact instrument is more than a tool – it’s a bridge to history. The tonal characteristics delivered by its specific pickups, wood combination, and aging electronics create an authentic “free Bird” sound that is impossible to replicate with ordinary guitars or digital modeling.
For the YouTuber, playing “Free Bird” on Gary Rossington’s Gibson meant experiencing the guitar’s unique touch and response firsthand. Every note resonated differently compared to other guitars, bringing a deeper understanding of Rossington’s musicianship.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by This Story
If you’re inspired by this iconic moment and want to master “Free Bird” or channel Rossington’s tone, consider these key tips:
Invest in Quality Gear: A Gibson Les Paul or SG (or hybrid) with humbucking pickups is critical to getting close to that warm, sustaining sound.
focus on Technique: Practice slow bends, vibrato, hammer-ons, and pull-offs regularly to capture the solo’s expressive phrasing.
Use the Right Amp and Effects: Rossington’s tone comes from warm tube amps with moderate overdrive and a touch of reverb and delay. Dialing your rig similarly will help emulate his sound.
watch Live Performances and Tutorials: Study Gary Rossington’s playing style through videos and breakdowns to understand his finger positioning and picking dynamics.
First-Hand experience: The YouTuber’s Emotional Takeaway
In interviews after the video shoot, the YouTuber shared that the moment went beyond technical achievement – it was a deeply emotional experience. Playing such a legendary guitar was like touching a piece of rock history and paying homage to a guitar hero.He urged viewers and followers to pursue their musical dreams with passion and humility,emphasizing that opportunities like this are “a true privilege” that come from dedication and love for music.
Lessons for Aspiring Guitarists
Practice consistently; opportunities to play historic instruments don’t come ofen.
Respect the legacy behind every legendary guitar.
Document and share your musical journey to inspire others.
Stay humble and passionate, regardless of your skill level.
Gary Rossington’s Legacy and Influence on Guitar Culture
Gary Rossington’s influence reaches beyond Lynyrd Skynyrd fans; his tone and technique have shaped Southern rock and inspired countless guitarists worldwide.the legendary Gibson Les Paul/SG guitar is a symbol of his enduring impact, a monument to decades of musical history.
For guitar lovers, moments like a YouTuber getting to play this historic instrument are sacred, inspiring new generations to keep the flame of classic rock alive.
Larson also picks up Rossington’s glass slide for a “sacrilegious” attempt at the song’s haunting lead line. It’s not a terrible effort. But he dares not play its solo proper.
We Played “Free Bird” on the ACTUAL Free Bird Guitars – YouTube
Watch On
Last year, it was confirmed that the Les Paul/SG would be loaned out for a series of A-list gigs, with Starr playing it for a second time just two weeks ago. And yes, he played Free Bird – something Larson feels unworthy to do fully here.
“Everybody told us that we were crazy to put the song on our first album, because it was too long,” Rossington once told Guitar World of the song’s creation. “Our record company begged us not to include it.
And when it first came out, they did all kinds of awful edits until it got big enough that it didn’t matter anymore. But it’s not magic – it’s still just a song to us.”
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He’s also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
