If you’re a fan of classic rock and the sound of the Southern United States, then you’ve probably heard of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This iconic band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964 and is best known for their hits “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”.
They have a unique sound that is a blend of blues, country, and rock and roll, and is instantly recognizable.
For those looking to learn some of their songs on guitar, we’ve compiled a list of 10 easy Lynyrd Skynyrd songs that are perfect for beginners.
All of the songs come with tabs so you can learn them quickly and easily.
So grab your guitar and get ready to rock out with some of the best Southern rock songs of all time!
Table of Contents
10. “Saturday Night Special”
“Saturday Night Special” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic rock song that was released in 1975.
It was the lead single from their fourth studio album, Nuthin’ Fancy.
The song was written by lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Ed King.
The lyrics of the song address the issue of gun control and the proliferation of handguns in the United States.
The song has a hard-driving rock sound, with a heavy emphasis on the guitar and drums.
The band was known for their Southern rock sound, which was heavily influenced by blues and country music.
The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964 and went on to become one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 1970s.
They sold over 30 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
The song “Saturday Night Special” remains one of the band’s most popular songs and is still played on classic rock radio stations to this day.
9. “The Ballad of Curtis Loew”
“The Ballad of Curtis Loew” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic Southern rock song that was released in 1974.
It was written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant and is featured on the band’s second album, Second Helping.
The song is a tribute to a fictional blues musician, Curtis Loew, who is described as an old, wise man who could play the guitar better than anyone else.
The lyrics tell the story of a young boy who meets Curtis and is taught by him how to play the guitar.
The lyrics also touch on the themes of loneliness and poverty, and the song has been praised for its vivid storytelling.
The song has become one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most popular and enduring hits, and has been covered by many other artists, including Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton.
It is one of the most iconic songs in the band’s catalog, and has become an anthem for Southern rock fans everywhere.
8. “Call Me The Breeze”
“Call Me The Breeze” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic rock staple and an iconic song for the band.
Written by J.J. Cale, the song was first released in 1972 on the band’s debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd.
The song has become one of the band’s signature songs and is a fan favorite.
It is a bluesy rock song with a catchy guitar riff and a memorable chorus.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is living a carefree life and is content with his situation.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton, and has been featured in several movies, including Dazed and Confused.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1964 by Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, and Gary Rossington.
They are best known for their hit songs “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama”.
The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
“Call Me The Breeze” is an essential part of their discography and is a timeless classic.
7. “What’s Your Name?”
“What’s Your Name?” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic rock anthem that has been a staple of the band’s live shows since the mid-1970s.
Written by lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, the song features a driving guitar riff and a memorable chorus.
It is one of the most recognizable songs by the legendary Southern rock band and has been covered by many other artists.
The song was released on the band’s 1977 album Street Survivors, and it has since become a classic rock radio staple.
The song is about a man looking for a woman he met in a bar, and it features a memorable guitar solo by lead guitarist Gary Rossington.
The lyrics are a testament to the band’s Southern roots, and the song has become a timeless classic.
Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964 and quickly rose to prominence with their hard-driving Southern rock sound.
They released their debut album in 1973, and the band has since released a total of thirteen studio albums.
They have sold over 30 million records worldwide, and their songs have become anthems for generations of rock fans.
6. “That Smell”
The iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd released “That Smell” as part of their 1977 album Street Survivors.
The song was written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, and its lyrics focus on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
The song is driven by a heavy, blues-inspired guitar riff that is instantly recognizable.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man’s descent into addiction, and the chorus warns of the consequences of drug use:
“That smell, can’t you smell that smell? / Oh Lord, it’s the smell of death’s around you.”
The song has been covered by many artists, including Lynyrd Skynyrd’s own surviving members.
It is widely considered to be one of the band’s best-known songs, and it has been featured in many movies and television shows.
The song has become a classic in the Southern rock genre, and its message of cautionary warning still resonates with listeners today.
5. “Tuesday’s Gone”
The classic rock song “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a melancholic yet passionate anthem of longing and loss.
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, the song was released in 1973 on the band’s debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).
It is a classic example of the Southern rock genre, with its soulful guitar riffs and lyrics that tell a story of a man who has lost his love.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, such as the line “Tuesday’s gone with the wind”, which paints a vivid picture of the man’s sorrow.
The song is also notable for its use of a Hammond organ, which adds a unique flavor to the track.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1964.
They are best known for their hit songs “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”, and are considered one of the most influential bands in the Southern rock genre.
“Tuesday’s Gone” is a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners to this day, and its legacy lives on in the hearts of Lynyrd Skynyrd fans everywhere.
4. “Free Bird”
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is an iconic song that has become a staple of classic rock radio.
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, the song was released in 1973 on the album “Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd”.
The song is widely known for its extended guitar solo, which has been described as a “monumental, timeless classic”.
It is also known for its lyrics, which express a longing for freedom and a desire to break away from the constraints of society.
The song has become an anthem for freedom and has been covered by multiple artists, including the Allman Brothers Band, Willie Nelson, and Kid Rock.
It has been featured in movies and television shows, and has been used as a rallying cry for various causes.
The song has become a classic and is one of the most requested songs at concerts.
Lynyrd Skynyrd has become one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music, and “Free Bird” remains one of their most beloved songs.
3. “Gimme Three Steps”
“Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a classic rock anthem, released in 1973 on the band’s debut album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd.
The song was written by lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Allen Collins, and drummer Bob Burns, and is one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
It tells the story of a man who walks into a bar and finds himself in a potentially dangerous situation.
The song features a catchy guitar riff, a steady beat, and Van Zant’s powerful vocals.
It quickly became a staple of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s live performances and has been covered by many other artists over the years.
The song’s popularity has endured for over four decades, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio stations today.
“Gimme Three Steps” is a testament to the band’s songwriting and musicianship, and it continues to be an anthem for fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd and classic rock music.
2. “Simple Man”
“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is an iconic classic rock song that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1973.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant, and guitarist Gary Rossington.
It is a simple yet profound acoustic ballad that speaks to the heart of many people.
The lyrics are about a mother giving her son advice on how to live life, telling him to be honest, work hard, and stay true to himself.
The song has become a timeless classic, with its message of hope and perseverance resonating with people of all ages.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was a Southern rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964.
The band is best known for their hit singles “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”. “Simple Man” is one of their most popular songs, and has been featured in films, TV shows, and video games.
It is a testament to the band’s lasting legacy, and is a reminder that life can be simple if we stay true to ourselves and our values.
1. “Sweet Home Alabama”
One of the most iconic songs of all time, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, is a classic rock anthem that has been beloved by generations of fans.
Released in 1974, the song was written by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Ed King and was the second single from the band’s second studio album, Second Helping.
The song is a tribute to the band’s home state of Alabama and its culture, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song has been covered by many artists and continues to be a popular sing-along anthem at concerts and sporting events.
The band itself has a long and storied history, having formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and their influence on the Southern rock genre is undeniable.
“Sweet Home Alabama” is a timeless classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
