How to Play Fantasy Girl by .38 Special on Guitar

OK, here's the reality. The only Southern-fried band that could sing, "the childhood illusions / were merely delusions" back in 1981 is .38 Special. Otherwise, you'd have to turn to Elvis Costello or Squeeze for the cerebral. In this lesson, none other than Jeff Carlisle teaches you how he pulled off the guitar, too.

[@iROLL24]

What a privilege it is to be taught the lesson by the man himself.

[@tim8767]

THE MAN

[@juana1483]

Brian May does it too!!!

[@chucklambert7283]

what an enjoyable person to listen and learn from. intelligent, articulate and humble.

[@sjdanthem]

I absolutely love this. I could listen to these stories and lessons all day. I've discovered that great guitar players (Satriani, Vai, Frampton, Lifeson, Carlton, Lukather, etc) are all well-spoken, intelligent, generous people. Carlisi is no exception. What a great guy and great musician.

[@erikguidotti8640]

Add Damon Johnson to that list.

[@brianpeterson9751]

jeff is such a talented player,38 special was never the same without him.some people just cant be replaced.his lead was amazing!

[@manusisback]

I'm certainly one of Jeff Carlisi's biggest fans in the world, and this video is a real treasure !!!

[@murtonmuffley6724]

Manu NatcheZ Me too and I totally agree with that

[@DaveSchultzXXL]

This is the best video.

[@johnwinger2240]

So you like him half as much as me. Nice

[@DavidShort-ov5vb]

@@murtonmuffley6724 So Cool!

[@claudemcwhorter]

Me too. Thx alot Jeff !

[@muddlermike]

I have to say I completely loved this video. I’ve always thought that both Jeff and Neil Schon were sadly underrated guitarists through the 80’s. Both were incredibly melodic artists that constructed their solos as an extension of the song and not just as an opportunity to shred and show off. And having Jeff share stories of the early days and development of the band and their music is priceless. How amazing it is to have the man who wrote the song take the time to break down every part of the arrangement? Thank you, Jeff!

[@goopah]

I don't think Schon is underrated. Just ask Schon himself. ;-) Okay, that was mean and unnecessary. But seriously, both are truly excellent, and masters of creating melody on guitar that make your ears perk up and twitch as the sweet sounds hit them.

[@kirkm5]

At first I thought I'd skip ahead to the lesson, but the stories were so interesting, I just couldn't do it. What an amazing video―and great guitar player.

[@Cyberfender1]

same same

[@stricknine8623]

This is priceless....One of the finest written guitar works ever !!!!

[@claudemcwhorter]

Smokin Hot !!

[@stanesposito2664]

Met him when he was in Pittsburgh promoting his guitar camp. He used this guitar and played over tracks. Very tasteful player and a heck of a nice guy.

[@Betterifitsfree]

How freaking cool is this? Thank you Mr. Carlisi for your explanation. I still get goose bumps when I hear this song.

[@patrickfraley4545]

I have always loved this tune but what really grabbed me the first time I heard it was the guitar part during the chorus. Jeff even said that was his favorite part. Superb video!

[@MarkH457]

Wow, I come to KZbin to brush up on Fantasy Girl and who do I find? The man himself! Very thankful for the lesson and the memories Mr Carlisi shared in the beginning, such a great guy and a very cool video.

[@clobbersnoggin623]

Carlisi is da man. Some of the best solos in the world. Wish he was still around a lot.

[@patrickmcintyre3760]

I too admire Jeff's smooth leads. I've been trying to play this piece since the 80s, and doing it wrong all along. Re the musical starts, I got ya beat - my folks decided I needed to play trombone. Just miserable, as you can imagine. Dad wasn't happy I decided on guitar, and in '64 bought me a firewood Kay box guitar. I could stop practicing when my fingers bled. Next year I got a '58 Les Paul; double cut TV model, and the race was on. Thank you so much, Jeff, for giving us great music, and lessons to play it.

[@nicholasmercorella5318]

I keep coming back to this video. When I started playing last year I didn’t understand most of what Jeff was saying. Came back recently and it all makes sense. Wish all guitar video lessons were his complete and in depth. Jeff is an amazing musician and a good man. Also makes me proud to call Jax my home. Great people here.

[@parkenstein2000]

Truly amazing. I just saw 38 Special last week after wanting to see them for 40 years. They played 20 songs, all which are incredible. Fantasy girl is one of my favorites so this video with Jeff is fantastic to hear about the creation of the band and song. To be able to hear Jeff play the riffs are simply awe inspiring. What an awesome guy to take time to do this.

[@Garystrat1263]

I am happily impressed with this tutorial so extensive and a welcome relief after those very competent teachers and their "This is how I hear the song" tutorials. I appreciate Jeff's dedication to making sure we get his song correct, I am so thrilled by his dedication to our craft...Thanks Jeff

[@sandrabishop7472]

Really enjoyed listening. I have always enjoyed Jeff's work. Now even better yet.... He shares my admiration for Benjamin Orr. Never knew they were friends. Both Jeff and Ben made my world a better place! I thank you both for that. Best regards. Todd

[@jeanniemartin999]

Fantasy Girl... My favorite song ❤

[@another4778]

It's obvious why that chorus is Jeff's favorite part, that riff from the minor to the minor 7 sounds SO unique and perfect between the vocal lines. It's a very clever variation of the classic Rolling Stones/Free type riff adding the minor in there. That pre-chorus as well, with Don singing up high in his range, such a buildup, my personal favorite .38 song. Studio One, Rodney Mills, I could happily listen to almost anything recorded there; magical place and sound, incredible engineering. Skynyrd's best sounding recordings (IMO) were made there, all of ARS hits, Gregg Allman's "I'm No Angel" and of course, .38 Special.

[@Paul-Mac]

Well, he definitely hasn't forgotten the song! My favorite .38 special song, thank you Jeff Carlisi for taking the time to break this down, as well as the documentary, and thanks for the post!

[@kimberlymurphy5690]

Good God I love this song!!!! Especially the solo riffs. This great music keeps this 62 yo young and rockin'. Thank you Jeff Carlisi !!!!

[@jeffsmith6187]

🎼 Kim we will always stay young at heart listening to this. I'm 51 but whenever I'm playing this I'm a kid again. Have you ever heard them play "Robin hood"? If you haven't then you really need to. 🎸Great song Take Care Jeff

[@mikecunningham6154]

@@jeffsmith6187 yeah and if you want to watch it you can probably find a lot of videos from the "protestors" and they're all "Robin' Hoods".

[@jimmyz2098]

Incredible. Man this is good stuff. What a song. What a riff! It's just a beautiful piece of work. One of my all-time fave songs, from one of my all-time fave players, and bands. Jeff Carlisi and Don Barnes = pure magic.

[@markgillespie7948]

The solos ARE very melodic! Big wall of guitar sound from this band,1 of the most in depth but well paced tutorials I've seen on you tube👍

[@raydanielz9408]

Wow, just spend 1:09:54 time with Jeff Carlissi, taking me back to my early twenties in the 80's😭😭😭. All my 38 special records are still in perfect condition and like gold to me🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@tubularbill]

Jeff is such a class act. “Hold On Loosely” is one of my all time fav songs. Still holds up. All time classic.

[@gregfrazier6291]

What an interesting and neat guy. Thanks Jeff. Great video.

[@SeekTruthinLight]

People are amazing.... the stuff they come up with. Jeff is a real inspiration, even together with iVideosongs, teaching a new generation.

[@brianruyack7632]

I just have to say WOW!!! Never could figure out those chorus chords, and to learn it from Jeff is the best way, so happy!!!

[@janvan31166]

Loved his solo's, one of my guitar hero's, and the connection to Benjamin Orr, my other hero, too much!

[@mikecunningham6154]

First Time Around, Back on The Track, You're The Captain, Rockin' into The Night, Stone Cold Believer, Hittin' and Runnin', Chain Lightnin', Rough Housin', You Keep Runnin' Away, Wild Eyed Southern Boys, Rebel to Rebel, Twentieth Century Fox and So Many More Great 38 Special Songs... They Were Rockin'!!! They were Something to See, Great Live Show and Played Their Asses Off!!!

[@chucklambert7283]

some of my favorite guitar tones and compositions are from Mr. Carlisi. thank you for the inspiration and sharing this great lesson! I would have never figured out the correct chords in the chorus. So creative and cool.

[@DetVen]

I've been to many concerts in and around the Detroit area where I grew up, mostly hard rock and metal, but man I just loved me southern rock. One of the best concerts I've ever seen was Rainbow, .38 Special and Iron Maiden in 1982. Me and my friends weaseled our skinny scrapy bodies up to the front row, minutes before Iron Maiden came out. I caught Clive Burr's drumstick and also got a piece of Richie Blackmore's strat body, still have them. .38 Special were great too, those riffs and guitar solos are stuck in my head forever, soundtrack of my youth. God Bless!

[@ferengibri]

Piano was my first instrument too! I am so grateful my parents paid for the lessons. I stopped playing for awhile. I started playing guitar and guitar is my main instrument, But I find myself going back to piano lately!

[@jeffsmith6187]

Jeff always has been and always will be my favorite guitarist not to mention he's one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and his compassion for helping others separates him from all the rest. Jeff I love you buddy🎸

[@billthornton847]

Taking a little trip back in time for a minute. This was mine and many others journey. These were the times when a car had one speaker in the dash for that AM radio to blare thru. Really bad sound quality was the norm. Our records were played on a record player with a 4 inch speaker. Back then we didn't know about Hi-Fi equipment. Wasn't a lot available then. Well one day I needed a ride home from the county fair. Caught a ride with a friend in his older brothers '68 Bonneville. I'm in the backseat. And I start to hear this hissing noise from behind me. Just as I start to tell my friend, I think there's a tire leaking. I get blasted with the cleanest loud sounding stereo I've ever heard in my life. I will never forget the chills I got hearing the intro to "Hold on Loosely". We've all heard artist say their life changed when they saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. That night was my Ed Sullivan moment. My life changed that night as well. I became infatuated with Hi-Fi stereos. Have in the past and currently owned some of the finest sounding car stereos you'll ever hear. 30 years later I get chills and go back to that night. when I hear the "Wild Eyed Southern Boys" album. Hope I didn't bore you all. Thanks for letting me reminence[hope that's spelled correct].

[@jimmysix4708]

My first concert was 38 Special and Eddie Money in Jacksonville Florida in 1982 or 1983. It was terrific. I still listen to 38 Special regularly.

[@mattmurphy5164]

Jeff, thanks for this video. You and 38 Special, Skynyrd, ARS, and the rest of the Southern Rock influence we’re a huge part of me teen years in the late 70’s. I’ve seen you guys live about 20 times over the years. A few years ago, you guys played in Atlanta with REO Speed Wagon, and Styx. I was fortunate to have my wife and kids there rocking with you! Thanks for the tunes and memories!

[@drchill8837]

I just love this. Thanks so much for showing us all, Jeff! Brilliant composition, brilliant playing.

[@lovetogolf4184]

38 special was awesome, great sound, amazing guitar..You will never die!!!!!

[@OsamaBenFartin]

🎸This song has always been my fav 38 Special song just for for the solos in it. Thanks for the many years of great tunes Jeff!

[@danstringer7610]

I watched this a while back and had to see it again. Jeff is one of my favorite guitarists! This song and the whole “Wild Eyed Southern Boys” album is in my top 10. I seen them in concert and even opened for .38 in 2009. Jeff wasn’t in the band then but he was and is still my favorite!

[@northsongs]

Fantastic video! Carlisi is undoubtedly one of the greatest. His lead guitar on "Bring It On" is exceptional. Truly melodic, tasteful phrasing, and an overdrivingly powerful technique. Thanks for the wonderful music.

[@coffinshaker]

Always one of my fave guitar riffs since I heard it the first time as a kid.

[@REDBULL3045]

Thank you so much. That's a great lesson for a great song !! Please do more of your songs !!

[@hausf.kartreit1111]

Bravo Maestro👍🍺🤳Such a gracious musician always giving credit where credit is due🎸Definitely some fine instructions on Guitar & Life lessons as well. One of my favorite songs and Guitarists✌️🤠☮️

[@MatthewSmith-fy5hk]

Its interesting to me that people might say .38 Special isn't necessarily southern rock. It has a down home, comfortable feel that is explicitly southern. The Fantasy Girl solo is wonderful in its cheerful whimsy. Thanks, Jeff. Thanks for being you and sharing good music with us.

[@blackfender100]

Love this song ! Jeff is a Fab player and a nice guy to boot.Great video

[@haigthomasbabaian6241]

Always loved your solos. The bridge and outro solos are some of my favorites...! Thanks

[@gsmith207]

Love this guy! I’m a drummer but always wanted to play guitar because of him! Knew he loved the cars and Eliot’s guitar! So awesome. Love them more now.

[@mckenziesmall6275]

The "Mother of all E's - into the stratosphere" is not only nirvana but pure genius. Jeff you are one hell of a composer.

[@danriley5848]

Great video and a fantastic song, they really don't write songs like this anymore. This tune has great hooks great melodies and just an all around great song. I've always been a fan of your playing and how it always fit the song yet took it to another level. 👌✌

[@danstringer7610]

I really enjoyed this video! Great story, song, and playing by one of my guitar heroes! Thanks

[@kakelson92]

I have alway thought that his guitar solos sounded more like a melody than almost any other lead guitarists. My life was made a little bit better by 38 special music.

[@ekimtuoraey]

When I first heard of 38 special, I was 28. And I just loved "hold on loosely" I've been a big fan ever since, and still am. I'm loving this story of how you formed the band, Thanks for the great music.

[@pjburke131]

Probably my favorite .38 Special song since I saw Jeff stand at the edge of the stage at Great Woods in MA and rip solo after solo, including this one. Such a tasty player. Such an interesting interview.

[@tamdsms]

WOW!!! What a gift! In depth history PLUS all the nuances, & done the RIGHT way!!! Thank you & kind regards :-) .

[@robertlyle3806]

Jeff ... I've always loved your playing ... and did not know your name until today. Years ago I was in a band that covered "Hold on Loosely" and loved the construct of the tune. I'm also a Barry Bailey fan. Your idea of singing your solos before composing them is compelling because I'm often guilty of many notes in search of saying something. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks!

[@teddyoverbaugh1246]

Great video. Enjoyed the back ground story behind 38 special as well as the tutorial. Great job have always been a big fan

[@elvisbullets7382]

This is the song that lured me to being a fan of .38 special. Thanks Jeff

[@troyjenkins578]

I grew up in Southern Georgia and got to see you guys (.38 Special) at the Savannah Civic Center with Honeymoon Suite on the "Strength in Numbers" tour in 87' or 88'. I still remember how great you guys sounded. I wish I could have caught more live shows. Thanks for taking the time to share lessons on playing that wonderful Southern Rock that still flows in my veins.

[@dougsmith1251]

Jeff and 38 special past and present .... great selection of real rock songs ...thank y all ...rock on d. S

[@davehollamon1985]

Now that Donnie is retired, i'd love to see Jeff back in 38.

[@theussfontana3731]

Why did he quit the band?

[@goopah]

@@theussfontana3731 IIRC, after 25 years of 38 special, he'd simply had enough and wanted to try something else. As far as I know, it was an amicable split. If you think about it, 25 years of doing anything at all would probably get to a person. But yeah, I'd love to see him back with 38 Special again. His playing was such an integral and signature sound of the band. Danny Chauncey did a fantastic job as his replacement for many, many years, and I came to accept him as a true member of the band, but I believe he is gone now as well, and I don't know who replaced him.

[@jimmyz2098]

@@theussfontana3731 There's a great video interview with Jeff, done by Craig Garber. Jeff talks a little bit about leaving .38. Here on KZbin search for EverybodyLovesGuitar (Craig Garber's channel). It's an incredible interview, chock full of a little of everything. It's a 3hr vid. I have been watching it in chapters. He talks gear, and even shows you some of the iconic guitars that he recorded with, and toured with. Custom stuff. He talks Life, music, etc. It's an incredible piece of work, if you like .38 Special, and Jeff Carlisi, as I do. One of my all-time fave bands, players, and guitar duos.

[@pjburke131]

@@jimmyz2098 that's a fascinating interview.

[@marksullivan1736]

Never heard a song any better than this one , but after watching this video , i am totally impressed by this man. No wonder the music was so good.

[@richardchampagne2864]

Jeff you are a very skilled intelligent guitar player so much wisdom, thank you and God bless.

[@PaulMikna]

One of my favorite guitarists and my favorite outro solo of all time! Thank you for this video!

[@davidhoward8951]

I was just a young lad when I saw y'all playing Memphis Tennessee first time I ever saw 38 special but always loved Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd y'all were fantastic band for playing loud and playing clean and hitting notes right on the money I take my hat off to you for this lesson nowhere sells guitar strings out learning thank you my brother God bless you I was 17 man and I'm sitting here listening to you and watching you play this song and I'm 66 music never ends it sure brings a lot of delight in life

[@charlespeasleyjr9281]

Please keep showing us more,you guys are now and always my favorite band,be coop thanks.

[@douglasreagan4979]

Cant tell ya how many times Ive watched this video..I will never stop.

[@wesleyadams5097]

Been a fan since a kid my mom bought Wild Eyed Southern Boys for me when I was 16. Fantasy Girl is my favorite song. Thanks for showing this to us, I'm going to wear it out now God Bless Dr J. Wesley Adams ThD

[@manydreams1life315]

Another simply stellar and forever cemented into the worlds brain. Brilliant

[@davehollamon1985]

How Awsume is this?! learning a 38 Special song from Jeff "the Man" the guy who played these Awsume songs! thanks Jeff!

[@ernestmiller4476]

I met Jeff back in 2003 in a bar about 24 miles north of Jacksonville Fla called Casey’s Hideaway. Really nice guy,great guitar 🎸 layer!!!

[@MrJoeyplatinum]

True story.....this song was playing on the record player at the very second that I lost my virginity. Dammit I’ve had a good life!

[@vincentmccrosky1394]

been listening to you since 1978. Man , thank you, thank you, thank you,

[@jameswingard4503]

Very Cool. Thank you Jeff !

[@jeffsmith6187]

🎼Jeff is with no doubt one of the"GREATEST GUITARIST" to ever live and the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Thank you Jeff *I wish before I die I could meet you. Take Care Always Your friend in Tennessee Jeff Smith

[@calvinduffield112]

Great job on this video. Fantasy girl is my favorite 38 special tune. 🎹🎤🎸🙂

[@GUITARTECHify]

i was lucky enough in the early 90's jeff had I believe three songs on this Ivideosongs and and I got to take a " caught up in you lesson that was AMAZING!! i still paly right to this day LOL!!) and he talks about the inspiration behind 38 special was A CARS song !!! that's all I'll say . awesome content !!!

[@dianajones5059]

Thank you so much, I love this song, you have something to be very very proud of in rock 'n' roll history , u took the time to break your song down and the tab two,I love down to earth people,keep kicking hope to hear from u ,I think u got a lot to give in life

[@barryfowler-dl2ej]

Outstanding Jeff outstanding very good 👍

[@Lespaul23]

I just came across this video from one of my all-time favorite guitarists. Jeff’s outro solos are more structured and melodic than most people’s main solos. My all time favorite solo by him is from “Like No Other Night”, which I’ve been trying to perfect since about 1984! Every time I think I’ve nailed it, I’ll hear the song and go “ oh wait, he’s doing that there instead of this”! Plus he seems like a good guy..I remember he and Don Barnes from a radio interview they did on K-SHE95 in St. Louis around 1978. He mentioned another of his favorite guitarists, Barry Bailey from ARS, in this video…I wonder if his Gold Top is a nod to him…

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Man....That was awesome, rockin' out with 38 !!!!!

[@tim2b98]

Thanks Jeff! for revielng your secrets! Very important moments in my life

[@DBrianHod]

Awesome band awesome video and awesome song!!!

[@kimterry4239]

We had a beer at a party outside of Nashville, back in like 83-84.

[@auroraduo7210]

Always loved his playing. Hold on loosely was always loved when we played it in my band

[@tylerleavitt2715]

Amazing group that I literally grew up with

[@calvinduffield112]

Hi Jeff. Love the lesson. My band is getting ready to do this. Hoping to get you to sign my guitar one day. I live just across the border from Jacksonville, Florida in Camden County, Ga. Our band is the Bluff 5 Band. We play some venues in Jacksonville as well. Thanks. You are the best, very inspiring. Rock on 🎹🎤🎸🙂

[@Terrysoddy]

Hey Jeff I'm a big fan of yours , could you do a tutorial on somebody like you

[@matthewcoddington2389]

This is so OUTSTANDING!!!

[@andyr8625]

1 of my favorite all time songs...I am going to try to learn on my guitar for sure.

[@stevestarr6395]

Beautiful song and can relate with Jeff’s story about seeing the Beatles and John Lennon’s guitar then doing Mel Bay before taking off on my own. Jeff’s great!

[@bsindy7863]

I literally went down the rabbit hole... started with looking at Les Paul Jr tribute guitars...then remembered 38 special Don Barnes played one.. the. Landed on Carlisi and this video... Damn this guys style is unmatched. What a damn great player. Watched the hole thing.

[@happygolucky6331]

Yes a big fan of Jeff from years ago I really like this guy what a player and I love how he shares how he did things very humble guy.I remember watching vids of him tearing it up and thinking man this guy can play a really un celebrated picker darn good.

[@jeffjohnson7381]

Love the blues Eric Clapton and of course classic rock blues and zeppelin stones etc 🎸🎶

[@skynyrdfan5298]

Hi Jeff , Excellent song!. I have always loved it and have been trying to play it for years. Now it is finally making some sense to me and I find myself picking up on the parts that I was missing particularly the leads .I still remember when you were still lead for 38, and played the San diego fairgrounds back in the 90's. I don't remember which year, but I remember that Donnie was in the Hospital for something, and Don Barnes came out on stage and brought a cardboard cut out of Donnie and said that ..."He was there in spirit, and then he said ,No he is here in cardboard,," That was priceless. I believe you opened up with Chained Lightning, and then you Guys Kicked Ass!! Even though you are no longer in the band YOUR INFLUNCE IS STILL FELT!! Keep up the good work ..As a side note I am related to Billy Powell through my Grandma Powell . And I am sure that he and Ronnie ,and all the Freebirds are still enjoying 38 music along with the rest of us..Later Jake P

[@caboluna2927]

I'm watching this and a feel a parallel (maybe that's why I was always a Carlisi fan when he was .38 guitarist). My parents met in Atlanta. My mother grew up there. My dad was stationed (near) there in the military. My father had a bit of a musical talent about him. He was a singer. He used to sing Hank Williams all the time. He would go into bars and cut the juke box off and sing, mostly to get people to buy him free beers. Lol. Anyway, there was always a family story about how one night he got up on stage and sang with Jerry Reed in Atlanta. So, hearing Carlisi tell his story about him finding country and blues while in GA brings back that memory. For me, I always wanted to be a guitarist which is why I admire the talent of a guy like Carlisi. Very underrated guitarist! I can play the guitar but not like these guys (strictly rhythm). But, I did seem to inherit some pipes like my father. I didn't really start "showcasing" my singing ability until I was about 40 when my wife finally convinced me when I was drunk to do some karaoke. Lol. And also what a coincidence I'm also a designer. Seems like many musicians are either that or Engineers, Tom Scholz for example. Still, this is a fun video for me. Glad I watched.

[@Nonokast]

Merci Jeff ! Tu fais partie de mes influences et donc partie de ma vie, merci 🙏🏼

[@frankoshields6643]

Oh jow I wish I had found this video when it first was recorded. Do I love me some 38 Special yeah man. From the first time my ears heard those guitar licks, the riffs lead solo's and Donny along with Don vocals I was hooked. And I'm still hook. This is one fantasy video for me, Fantasy Girl is my favorite 38 song. Love every aspect the guitar lines bass lines yhe drums with that kicking back beat. First time I saw 38 live was in Sylva N.C. Cullowhee college the Catamounts lol, in a high school gym believe it or not, the place was standing room only. And it was the best show Special Forces had just come out right before that. But I was hooked way before that night. I had all of the album vinyl, cassettes even couple on 8 track. Jeff was a monster that night along with the whole band, and those awesome backing ladies beautiful voices. After that I got to see them 6 more times. I'm from Jacksonville 103rd street. Saw Skynard in Greenville S.C. their last show before that plan crash. Then there was MollyHatchet all 3 from Jax. Got to see all 3, I was blessed. Thank you Jeff for this video, I have all those memories going through my brain with a big smile and my Fantasy Girl on my mind.