Free Bird Guitar Chords
Guitar chords by Lynyrd Skynyrd · Key of G Major
Chord sheet curated by JBX Music instructors · Guitar lessons in Goregaon West, Mumbai · Last updated June 2026
Chords Used
Strumming Pattern
Chord Breakdown for Free Bird
Intro
G Bm / Em F / C D — 2 Times
Verse 1
G Bm Em F / C D — 2 Times
G Bm Em F / C D — 2 Times
F C D — 3 Times
Outro / Solo
F C D/
Gm A# C — 3 Times AND END WITH G
How to Play Free Bird on Guitar
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most iconic rock songs ever written. It begins at a slow 60 BPM ballad pace in G Major, then builds into a fast-paced guitar solo section. The chord progression uses G, Bm, Em, F, C, and D — all standard open and barre positions. The slow opening verse uses a D DU DU strumming pattern, so focus on clean chord voicings before worrying about speed. The Bm barre chord is typically the biggest challenge for advancing players — practice it separately until the transition from G to Bm feels automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
› What chords are in Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd?
Free Bird uses G, Bm, Em, F, C, D, and A# (Bb). The main progression in the verses and outro revolves around G, Bm, Em, F, C, D.
› Is Free Bird hard to play on guitar?
Free Bird is rated Advanced primarily because of its famous high-speed guitar solo section. However, the chord-based slow section is manageable for intermediate players. The full song requires significant practice.
› What key is Free Bird in?
Free Bird is in the key of G Major. The chord progression G, Bm, Em, F, C, D stays consistent through the verses before the song modulates slightly for the outro.
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