Guitar & Bass Tabs
38 Special
Learn 38 Special's Guitar & Bass Style
Discover how 38 Special developed their signature guitar and bass sound, the techniques you'll encounter in their music, and the best lessons to begin your learning journey.
Formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, .38 Special forged a swaggering blend of blues-inflected Southern rock and arena-ready hooks that defined a generation of guitar-driven rock. With a tight rhythm section and a knack for melodic guitar lines, the band quickly built a devoted following and began turning out durable classics that bridged grit and polish. Their early work laid the groundwork for a string of hits that would become staples on rock radio and MTV alike, influencing countless players with their confident fretwork and singable melodies.
Key milestones include the band's resilient run through the 1980s, marked by memorable singles that kept rock radio buzzing and cemented their reputation as one of the era's signature Southern-rock acts. Even as lineup changes came and went, .38 Special maintained its swagger and left a lasting imprint on how blues-infused riffs could drive big choruses and catchy leads, shaping the sound of modern Southern- and arena-rock guitar.
🎸 Want to know what gear 38 Special used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Fantasy Girl
38 Special
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Rockin Into The Night
38 Special
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Robin Hood
38 Special
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If I'd Been The One
38 Special
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Caught Up In You
38 Special
View Tab →Playing Style
.38 Special's playing style blends bluesy, boogie-inflected grooves with melodic rock hooks. The dual-guitar attack (lead and rhythm) creates big, singable riffs and harmonies, with Don Barnes and Jeff Carlisi trading riffs and crafting catchy main hooks. Expect crisp rhythm guitar with prominent power chords, palm-muting, and grooving downbeats; their solos lean into blues-inspired phrasing, tempered by arena-ready dynamics, and they often use clean to slightly overdriven tones to keep the melodies front and center.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Iconic gear associated with the band includes Fender Stratocaster and Gibson-style Les Pauls for bright, punchy tones; Marshall and Fender tube amps powering big stage sounds; and effects like chorus, delay, and phaser to widen guitar parts. The rhythm section's tightness and the lead tones from Carlisi and Barnes defined the signature sonic footprint of their hits.
Why Learn 38 Special Songs?
Learning .38 Special tunes on guitar gives players a solid foundation in essential rock skills: tight groove, precise rhythm playing, memorable riffs, and melodic soloing. Hold On Loosely and Somebody Like You balance accessible chord shapes with catchy lead lines, making them suitable for players progressing from beginner to intermediate. Mastering these songs helps you develop timing with groove-based rhythms, dynamic control, and the art of turning bluesy pentatonic ideas into arena-ready hooks.
Did You Know?
- 1The band name is inspired by the .38 Special revolver, a nod to their hard-hitting musical style.
- 2Donnie Van Zant is Ronnie Van Zant's brother, adding Lynyrd Skynyrd lineage to the band's story.
- 3Hold On Loosely became one of their signature anthems and a staple on 1980s rock radio and MTV.
- 4Despite lineup changes, the core of Barnes and Van Zant helped keep the band's Southern-rock fire alive for decades.
5 38 Special lesson(s) available — Start learning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to Play 38 Special Guitar
Explore 38 Special guitar and bass lessons with a focus on riffs, rhythm parts, classic rock techniques, and practice-friendly video lessons.
Start Here
Begin with the most recognizable riffs and rhythm parts before moving into harder songs.
Techniques
Practice power chords, timing, picking control, bends, vibrato, and classic rock phrasing.
Next Step
Use the lessons below to build a practice path from easier songs to more advanced parts.
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