Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Christine McVie's masterpiece
  • Macca vs Phil Collins
  • Music theory tricks
  • Kiss From a Rose
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Yes
  1. Artists

Black Stone Cherry's 9 best Southern rock riffs and solos

News
By Claire Davies
Published 13 May 2014

From Lynyrd Skynyrd to ZZ Top

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

If there's one modern band who know their Southern rock onions, it has to be Black Stone Cherry. Purveyors of hard rock with a delectable Southern twang, this hard hitting four-piece have been converting minor crowds into masses with their infectious aural brew since releasing their debut in 2006.

Here, guitarist Ben Wells runs us through a sizzlin' selection of Southern rock riffs and solos, choosing nine of his favourites that embody the power, spirit and vibe of this great genre.

YouTube YouTube
Watch On
Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
Song: Freebird

Song: Freebird

"As cliché as it may sound, this is the granddaddy of all southern rock songs, especially the solos. You just can't beat the three guitar attack, the lyrics, the melody... There's a reason why everyone requests this song at every show!"

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
Song: Born On The Bayou

Song: Born On The Bayou

"I love this band, I love John Fogerty. Although from California, Creedence Clearwater Revival is an excellent southern rock band. The lyrical content mixed with the swampy guitar riffs is something that never gets old."

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Song: Tush

Song: Tush

“This excellent riff is by one of the South's greatest boogie bands. They showcase the classic southern Texas swing with rock 'n' roll. Gibbons is an insane player and his feel is untouchable.”

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
Song: Midnight Rider

Song: Midnight Rider

“The riff in this song is very catchy and the melody is infectious. The harmonies are great and the solo is just perfect. It just puts you in a certain vibe.”

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Song: Mississippi Queen

Song: Mississippi Queen

"Another band that wasn't from the South but truly had that Southern spirit. Leslie West's voice and guitar are undeniable. The cowbell, the riff... It's the whole package."

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
Song: Train, Train

Song: Train, Train

"This is a classic hard rock Southern rock riff. I would love for us to jam this sometime. Rickey Medlocke is awesome (one of my faves) and his voice is top notch on this song."

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
Song: Can't You See

Song: Can't You See

"Everyone knows and loves this song - it's a staple in Southern rock music. We covered it on our third album because it showcases the southern influence in our band. Great harmonies, too."

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
Song: Flirtin' With Disaster

Song: Flirtin' With Disaster

"If you've ever heard a southern rock song, you've heard this one. Another band with an undeniable voice, this tune is perfect for redneck living!"

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Song: Sweet Home Alabama

Song: Sweet Home Alabama

"The only reason this is number 9 is because any Southern rock list show starts and ends with Lynyrd Skynyrd! No matter what type of music you listen to, you've all heard that Stratocaster riff."

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
Claire Davies
Read more
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Artists “The record company said, ‘It’s too long.’ But we said, ‘We don’t care!’”: How Lynyrd Skynyrd created a legendary epic
 
 
ZZ Top in 1983
Artists Billy Gibbons on ZZ Top’s blues roots, ’80s mega-hits and their unique “sense of weird”
 
 
Ritchie Blackmore takes a solo on his Fender Stratocaster
Guitarists The guitar genius of Ritchie Blackmore in 5 classic tracks
 
 
Paul Rodgers in Free
Artists How one of the greatest rock anthems of all time was created in the wake of a nightmare show
 
 
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Artists “People are still trying to learn Free Bird and how to play like him”
 
 
Status Quo
Artists “I remember saying to Clapton, ‘You try playing that one riff for eight minutes!’”: The secret to Status Quo's riff power
 
 
Latest in Artists
Donna Lewis Bei "Rsh Gold Verleihung" In Kiel 010297 . (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images)
Artists How going back to her Korg M1 demo helped Donna Lewis to create one of the biggest US hits of 1996
 
 
Hot Chip in the studio
Studios "There's no barrier to capturing a performance": Inside Hot Chip's London studio
 
 
chris lake
Artists Chris Lake on why getting hold of high-end gear shouldn’t be a barrier
 
 
Ash
Artists We speak to Ash’s Tim Wheeler about the making of their beloved sci-fi love song
 
 
Brian Wilson
Artists Giles Martin on the overwhelming talent of Brian Wilson
 
 
Human brain listens to yellow headphones isolated view on blue background 3d render image
Artists Where's your head at? It's MusicRadar's Quiz of the Week #18!
 
 
Latest in News
Donna Lewis Bei "Rsh Gold Verleihung" In Kiel 010297 . (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images)
Artists How going back to her Korg M1 demo helped Donna Lewis to create one of the biggest US hits of 1996
 
 
Aston Origin deal
Microphones I've recorded everything from vocals to guitars with this unbelievably versatile mic – and it just plummeted to only $79. That's so cheap I had to check the price twice
 
 
Human brain listens to yellow headphones isolated view on blue background 3d render image
Artists Where's your head at? It's MusicRadar's Quiz of the Week #18!
 
 
Ariana Grande live looper
Artists Ariana Grande’s live looping moment on her Eternal Sunshine tour isn't her first
 
 
wrist sequencer
Tech Someone put a chiptune synth and 16-step sequencer in a watch - and it looks as bonkers as it sounds
 
 
Jack White and Charley Crockett composite image
Singers & Songwriters “You get in the Lamborghini and put your kids in private school”: Charlie Crockett gets personal with Jack White
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...