Guitar & Bass Tabs
Drivin' 'N' Cryin'
About Drivin' 'N' Cryin'
Drivin' 'N' Cryin' emerged from the Georgia rock scene in the 1980s, led by Kevn Kinney's gravelly voice and hard-twisted guitar storytelling. They blended Southern rock, blues, and folk into a sound that felt both rootsy and restless, winning a loyal regional following and helping define a distinctly Georgian strain of rock. Early records and relentless touring built a durable foundation for a band that would keep pushing forward for decades.
The band's breakthrough arrived with the 1991 album Fly Me Courageous, which paired blistering riffs with anthemic songs and a charismatic, road-tested live show. Over the years, Drivin' 'N' Cryin' became known for marathon performances, a fearless independent streak, and collaborations with fellow Georgia musicians that expanded their reach beyond the Southeast. Their enduring catalog and relentless work ethic have inspired generations of guitarists to blend blues, country, and rock into a unifying, singable sound.
With a devoted fanbase across the U.S. and a reputation as one of Georgia's defining rock acts, they remain a touchstone of Southern-flavored rock. Their legacy lives in the way they fuse gritty riffing with storytelling and memorable melodies, inviting players to learn, borrow, and make those classic sounds their own.
🎸 Want to know what gear Drivin' 'N' Cryin' used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
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Fly Me Courageous
Drivin' 'N' Cryin'
View Tab →Playing Style
Drivin' 'N' Cryin' guitar work sits at the crossroads of blues-infused riffing and rock bravado. Kinney's parts lean on punchy power chords, tight palm-muting, and melodic lead lines that ride above a driving groove. The band alternates between crunchy, riff-driven verses and more breathy, bluesy solos, often using slides and bends to add grit. The approach rewards dynamic playing—with quiet, acoustic moments giving way to high-energy, distorted sections—so players learn to shape phrases, lock in with the rhythm section, and craft hooks that stick.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Gear-wise, the band's sound has leaned on a mix of Fender and Gibson electrics for bluesy bite and Southern twang. Kevn Kinney has riffed on Les Paul-style guitars and Telecasters, while the rhythm guitars have helped craft chunky, driving tones. In the amp room, tube rigs and stack tones—often in Marshall- or Mesa-style flavors—provide warmth and aggression. Effects like analog delay, chorus, and gentle fuzz texture the songs with space and punch, especially on tracks that demand big hooks.
Why Learn Drivin' 'N' Cryin' Songs?
Learning Drivin' 'N' Cryin' songs is a practical path to solid rock playing. You'll build tight rhythm chops, palm muting, and power-chord fluency, while exploring bluesy scales and melodic hooks that sit under strong vocal lines. The material sits mostly in accessible tempos with groove-forward structures, making it suitable for intermediate players who want to grow timing, dynamics, and phrasing. Mastering their riffs also gives you a strong foundation in Southern-rock storytelling—skills that translate to countless classic-rock favorites.
Did You Know?
- 1They emerged from Georgia's vibrant 1980s rock scene and became a touchstone of the Southeast's sound.
- 2Kevn Kinney's rasping, narrative vocal style helped define the band's signature blend of blues and rock.
- 3Fly Me Courageous (1991) is widely regarded as a landmark Southern rock record that expanded their audience.
- 4The band is famous for marathon live performances and a fiercely loyal, cross-generational fanbase.
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