38 Special, a revered Southern rock band, has carved out a distinct niche in the music world with their infectious melodies, pulsating rhythms, and unmistakable guitar prowess. For aspiring guitarists eager to delve into their rich repertoire, a treasure trove of iconic songs awaits. From timeless classics to hidden gems, exploring their catalog offers a journey through the heart and soul of Southern rock. To kickstart your musical exploration, here are some standout tracks to immerse yourself in, each offering a unique glimpse into the band’s sonic landscape. And fear not, for those eager to master the intricate chords, electrifying riffs, and soul-stirring solos that define 38 Special’s sound, a wealth of resources awaits to guide you on your musical odyssey. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of 38 Special.
Classics with Distinctive Guitar Parts:
Hold On Loosely: This upbeat anthem features a memorable opening riff and a singalong chorus. The main riff uses power chords and palm muting for a punchy sound.
Caught Up in You: Another rock radio staple, this song features a bluesy shuffle rhythm and a catchy guitar hook played on the clean channel.
Fantasy Girl: This classic ballad showcases Jeff Carlisi’s melodic playing with its fingerpicked intro and soaring solo. The song is in the Key of B and Can Be Played using the Chords ABEA for the main progression see the full Payalong on Chordify
Like No Other Night: This rocker features a driving tempo and a powerful guitar riff made up of power chords and single-note lines. See the tab here on E-chords
Rockin’ Into the Night: This high-energy track features a fun, bluesy riff and a scorching guitar solo from Donnie Van Zant.
Resources for Learning:
Ultimate Guitar: This website offers several lessons on 38 Special songs, including “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You.” See more 38 special tabs here on Ultimate Guitar
Echords: Echords provides free guitar lessons online including these 38 special songs with chords and tabs, including some on Southern rock styles that would be applicable to 38 Special songs.
YouTube: Many guitarists share tutorials and covers of 38 Special songs on YouTube. Search for specific songs or techniques to find helpful videos such as this one By Late Night Lessons on Youtube and another useful video tutorial I discovered from guitar control on Youtube in the Additional Tips section Below.
Additional Tips:
- Start with learning the basic chords and strumming patterns used in Southern rock music.
- Pay attention to the dynamics and phrasing of the guitar parts in the songs.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own touches to the songs.
- Most importantly, have fun!
By exploring these songs and resources, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the guitar style of 38 Special and adding some Southern rock flair to your playing.
Jeff Carlisi on Leaving 38 Special
You can’t mention 38 special without mentioning Jeff Carlisi. Carlisi’s departure from 38 Special marked a significant turning point in both his career and the trajectory of the band. As one of the founding members and the lead guitarist of the iconic Southern rock group, Carlisi had played a pivotal role in shaping their distinctive sound and contributing to their success. However, after years of dedicated service, Carlisi made the difficult decision to part ways with the band, citing personal reasons and a desire to pursue new musical endeavors. His departure undoubtedly left a void within 38 Special, as his talent and creative vision had been integral to their identity. Yet, despite the bittersweet nature of his exit, Carlisi’s legacy continues to endure through the enduring impact of his contributions to the band’s storied history. Here is more on Jeff in this extra long interview
Cover Photo Credit
Jimmy Flemming