Guitar & Bass Tabs
Free
About Free
Free emerged from London's late-60s blues-rock scene in 1968, formed by Paul Rodgers (vocals), Paul Kossoff (guitar), Andy Fraser (bass), and Simon Kirke (drums). They fused gritty blues with punchy rock, drawing on American blues-rock fire while cultivating a distinctly British hard-rock punch. Their early albums, Tons of Sobs (1969) and Free (1969), showcased Kossoff's melodic guitar voice and Rodgers' commanding vocal presence, laying the groundwork for a generation of guitar-driven rock.
Their 1970 breakthrough came with Fire and Water, featuring the evergreen anthem All Right Now and hard-hitting tracks like Be My Friend and The Stealer. The band's riff-centric, groove-driven approach helped define early 70s blues-rock, influencing countless players with Kossoff's singing tone and Fraser's muscular bass. Free's punchy live shows and tightly arranged studio work earned them global fans despite a tragically short run.
Though Free disbanded in 1973, Paul Kossoff's legacy as one of rock's most expressive blues-rock guitarists lives on, and the band remains a touchstone for rhythm-and-lead interplay. Kossoff's untimely death in 1976 cut short a career that many consider a high-water mark for melodic hard rock, but Free's catalog continues to inspire players chasing warm, singing guitars and blistering yet tasteful solos.
🎸 Want to know what gear Free used, their playing style, and fun facts? Scroll below the lessons!
Watch the Lesson
Fire And Water
Free
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Walk In My Shadow
Free
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All Right Now
Free
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Mr Big
Free
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The Stealer
Free
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Be My Friend
Free
View Tab →Playing Style
Free's guitar lines were built on blues-based phrasing, melodic hooks, and expressive vibrato. Paul Kossoff favored singing, legato leads that used bends and careful note choices over flashy runs, while the rhythm section—especially Andy Fraser's heavy bass—provided a tight groove. Expect a mix of punchy power-chord riffs for rhythm sections, tasteful solo statements, and dynamic contrasts that breathe between sections. The band's sound centers on melodic, expressive playing that makes every note feel purposeful rather than showy.
🎸 Gear & Equipment
Kossoff's iconic guitar was the sunburst Gibson Les Paul Standard, delivering the warm, singing sustain that defined Free's leads. He also used various Les Pauls and, on occasion, other classic Gibson and Fender guitars. Free relied on a Marshall tube-amp setup—typically a stacked head and 4x12 cabs—to push grit and dynamics. For tone shaping, expect wah-wah and light fuzz or overdrive to sculpt those shimmering blues-rock solos.
Why Learn Free Songs?
Learning Free's material on DadRock Tabs—six carefully designed lessons—will sharpen both rhythm and lead guitar skills. You'll practice tight blues-rock comping, precise alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and melodic phrasing, all while building a solid foundation in groove and dynamics. The songs range from accessible to moderate in difficulty, making them ideal for developing confident tone, pocket, and expressive soloing that truly sounds like classic rock.
Did You Know?
- 1Paul Kossoff's guitar tone and melodic phrasing helped define Free's blues-rock sound and influenced countless players.
- 2The band formed in London in 1968 and scored a major worldwide hit with Fire and Water, featuring All Right Now.
- 3Before Free, Kossoff played in the blues band Black Cat Bones, honing his expressive, soulful style.
- 4Kossoff's untimely death in 1976 at age 25 cut short a career that had already left a lasting mark on rock guitar.
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