Simple Man

Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1973, from (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd). Solo by Gary Rossington.

Rossington's solo is short and sparing, keeping the weight on the song's plain-spoken advice.

Simple Man is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most heartfelt songs, a mother's advice to her son set over a slow, heavy arpeggiated progression. Gary Rossington's solo is short and sparing, built from a few carefully chosen phrases with slow, expressive bends and a thick, weighty tone. He does not try to steal the spotlight, instead keeping the focus on the song's simple, sincere message. That restraint is part of what makes the song so affecting, and it has made the track a favourite for young players learning how less can say more. Listen for how the solo grows out of the chord pattern and returns to it, and notice the long, aching bends that echo the vocal's emotion.

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd is featured in our Southern Rock (#24) list. The solo is played by Gary Rossington and the song was released in 1973.

In our lists

• The Most-Taught Solos — #20
• The 25 Greatest Southern Rock Guitar Solos — #24
• The Best Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitar Solos — #3

Sources