All Right Now
by Free
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
AdvancedBass
IntermediateWhy "All Right Now" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Free's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
Inverted Upper Triads Over an Unbroken Open A Pedal Tone and Cavernous Silence
The power of this classic riff lies in what Paul Kossoff doesn’t play. By pedaling an open 5th string (A) under second-inversion D/A and G/A triads, the guitar creates a massive orchestral presence with tiny fret shifts, while the strict silence between chord chops lets the rhythm section hit like a sledgehammer.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
I - IV/I - bVII/IStep-by-Step Movement
- •A (I): Foundational tonic chord establishing authoritative classic rock power.
- •D/A (IV/I): Second inversion subdominant triad providing radiant lift while the bass note remains anchored on A.
- •G/A (bVII/I): Mixolydian subtonic triad adding swagger and blues grit without requiring a formal resolution.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The open 5th string (A) drones continuously, acting as the harmonic anchor for all three chords.
- ›The upper voices move in smooth parallel motion: C#-E to D-F# to B-D on strings 3, 2, and 1.
- ›The rests between chord hits are absolute, creating extreme dynamic contrast between explosive sound and complete silence.
Fretboard Mechanics
Barre the A5 with your index finger at fret 2, and pivot fingers 2 and 3 into the D/A and G/A triads. Keep the low E string strictly muted with your index fingertip.
Keep your bass note static while shifting simple triads over the top. It instantly creates an unforgettable stadium riff without harmonic clutter.
The classic rock scale with a flattened 7th (G natural).
The scale fueling Paul Kossoff’s soaring blues solo.
The definitive sound of 1970s hard rock swagger.
Playing triads over foreign bass notes for rich texture.
Bright diatonic triad grips across the top strings.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding A Mixolydian:
A Mixolydian has a darker, more introspective character. The Mixolydian mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Governs the chord progression; the flattened 7th (G) provides the rebellious rock punch over the open A pedal note
The bedrock of Paul Kossoff's crying, expressive blues leads and biting unison bends
Blended into solo phrases for sweeter, vocal resolution to the chord tones of D and A
The harmonic character shaping A Mixolydian
The harmonic character shaping A Mixolydian
Understand major chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in A Mixolydian
A Mixolydian mode
Notes: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G - A
Application: Governs the chord progression; the flattened 7th (G) provides the rebellious rock punch over the open A pedal note
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
One of classic rock's most celebrated triad progressions. Triads of D major and G major are played over a continuous, ringing open 5th string (A) pedal tone, creating a huge sonic footprint with minimal finger movement.
💡 Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange gives rock and metal its signature swagger.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
A
D/A
G/A
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- A (I)Tonic chord anchoring the groove with authoritative open string power
- D/A (IV/I)Second-inversion subdominant chord that adds uplifting harmonic lift while retaining the low A root
- G/A (bVII/I)Subtonic triad introducing classic Mixolydian swagger without formal classical resolution
- F#m (vi)Relative minor providing soulful melancholy and dynamic contrast beneath the guitar solo
Key Techniques
Pedal-Tone Triad Inversions & Rhythmic Space
IntermediatePlaying upper-register D and G major triads on strings 4, 3, and 2 while letting the open 5th string (A) drone underneath, punctuated by strict rests that leave cavernous space for the rhythm section
Uses chords:
Progression:
A - D/A - A - G/A - D/A - A
Technique Tips:
- •Use a firm downstroke attack to ensure all strings speak with equal punch
- •Keep your wrist relaxed and resist the urge to fill the empty beats with strumming
- •Listen carefully to Simon Kirke's kick drum to synchronize chord chops
Kossoff Soulful Vocal Hand Vibrato
AdvancedPaul Kossoff's revered, wide, slow wrist vibrato executed by shaking the entire forearm and hand parallel to the neck, giving bent notes a human vocal cry with immense sustain
Progression:
Solo over F#m - D - E progression
Technique Tips:
- •Do not rush the vibrato; Kossoff's vibrato is slow, wide, and intensely emotional
- •A Les Paul bridge humbucker with a cranked Marshall power amp is the sonic blueprint
- •Use your fret-hand index finger to mute the surrounding lower strings to prevent sympathetic noise
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of A Mixolydian. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Signature Space & Power Riff Intro
A-D/A-G/A Pedal Inversion Riff Study
One of the most famous rock entrances in history. Crisp, biting Marshall chord stabs explode out of total silence, alternating between A5, D/A, and G/A.
- •Hit the A chord on beat 1 and immediately mute on beat 2
- •Let the open A string ring as the pedal tone throughout all triad changes
- •Chop the chords staccato to keep the rhythm crisp and explosive
Verse Minimalist Groove & Bass Space
Rest & Restraint Dynamic Comping
Paul Kossoff drops out of the arrangement, leaving Andy Fraser's melodic bassline and Paul Rodgers' vocals to command the spotlight before stabbing isolated chord accents.
- •Resist the temptation to strum continuously; silence creates the groove
- •Enter with decisive, ringing chord punches at section markers
- •Keep your guitar volume knob ready to roll back for clean dynamics
Pre-Chorus Rising Tension
Syncopated Pre-Chorus Cadence
Harmonic energy escalates as the guitar re-enters with driving syncopated downstrokes, propelling the arrangement into the stadium chorus.
- •Play full open G and D major chords to expand the harmonic width
- •Dig into the pick attack as the vocal phrasing intensifies
- •Accent the downbeat transitions into each chord change
Chorus Anthem Hook
Anthem Chorus Power Progression
The quintessential sing-along hook. Kossoff blends the driving intro triad riff with full-throated power chords, driving the title phrase home.
- •Coordinate chord stabs with the vocal phrasing 'All right now'
- •Use open A string pedal tone to glue the progression together
- •Apply aggressive right-hand downstrokes for maximum punch
Paul Kossoff Iconic Melodic Solo
Soulful Vocal Blues Solo Study
One of classic rock's most studied and expressive guitar solos. Kossoff proves that note selection, space, and crying vocal vibrato trump blazing speed every time.
- •Begin with the famous double-stop bend on strings 2 and 3 at the 14th fret
- •Hit target chord tones squarely on the downbeat of chord transitions
- •Apply wide, slow forearm vibrato to every sustained note
Outro Riff Vamp & Climax
Outro Vamp & Lead Embellishment
The band locks into an unyielding groove. Kossoff weaves energetic blues fills and double stops between the driving A-D/A-G/A chord framework.
- •Vary the intensity of the chord chops as the jam builds energy
- •Drop subtle blues licks into the silent gaps between chord stabs
- •Maintain unwavering tempo discipline through the extended vamp
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Bridge humbucker with tone on 10 and volume on 9 for responsive touch sensitivity
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 7.5
Treble: 6.5
Middle: 8.0
Bass: 6.0
Presence: 7.0
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
Pure power-tube saturation from cranked British tube amplifier
Reverb / Delay:
Subtle studio plate reverb to replicate the Olympic Studios live room sound
Modulation / Other:
No pedals; direct guitar-into-amp connection for maximum touch response
Recommended Learning Path
Mastering the Open A Pedal Chords
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
- •Learn the fingering for A5, D/A, and G/A while keeping the 5th string open
- •Practice muting the low 6th string with the fret-hand index finger pad
- •Work on stopping the chords cleanly with palm muting at 80 BPM
Groove, Timing & Rhythmic Space
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Count the rests strictly to avoid rushing the silent gaps in the verse and intro
- •Synchronize your downstroke stabs with a metronome at full 120 BPM tempo
- •Play through the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus transitions smoothly
The Kossoff Vibrato & Solo Nuances
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Develop the forearm rotation technique for wide, slow, vocal vibrato
- •Transcribe and perform the expressive bends and microtonal inflections in the solo
- •Improvise blues-rock phrases in F# minor and A major with intentional note placement
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Letting the low E string ring out, creating a muddy dissonant low end beneath the A pedal chords
- •Strumming through the rests rather than embracing the silence that defines the song's swagger
- •Using a fast, nervous finger vibrato instead of Kossoff's wide, slow, singing forearm movement
- •Over-saturating the amplifier with modern high-gain distortion, which destroys the punch of the chord attacks
⏱️Targeted Practice Routine
0/4 Completed (0%)Check off each segment during your session to track your practice progress:
- 5 mins: A5, D/A, G/A chord transition drills with thumb and index muting check
- 10 mins: Slow metronome practice at 90 BPM counting '1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and' to master the rests
- 10 mins: Kossoff vibrato drills on whole-step bends at frets 7, 9, and 14
- 10 mins: Solo phrase phrasing and dynamic control against a backing track
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Total silence during rests through simultaneous pick-hand and fret-hand muting
- •Clean pick attack across strings 5, 4, 3, and 2 without touching string 6
- •Slow, circular wrist/forearm vibrato on sustained lead notes
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Practice the intro riff with the metronome clicking on all four quarter notes at 85 BPM
- •Shift the metronome to click exclusively on beats 2 and 4 to internalize the classic rock backbeat
- •Increase tempo gradually up to the album's native 120 BPM pocket