“I’ll Take You,” Time & Southern Rock Guitar | Ben Gallaher
Ben Gallaher joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CRS 2026 in Nashville to talk about “I’ll Take You,” his Time album, and the Southern rock guitar legends who helped shape his sound.
Blending country songwriting with powerful guitar work and a rock edge, Ben has carved out a lane that feels equally at home in country music and Southern rock.
Ben Gallaher talks “I’ll Take You,” his Time album and the Southern rock influences behind his guitar-driven country sound.
“I’ll Take You” & the Time Album
Ben dives into his latest single “I’ll Take You” and his 2025 album Time, giving us a look at the songwriting and musicianship behind the project.
His music is built around melody, storytelling and one instrument that's been central to his identity from the beginning: the guitar.
For Ben, the guitar isn't simply something accompanying the song. It's part of the storytelling.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top & Southern Rock
Ben's influences reach deep into Southern rock.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Ben Gallaher during CRS 2026 to talk country music, guitar playing and Southern rock influences.
During his Heart of the Gulch interview, he talks about artists including Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top and how their playing influenced his own approach.
As a self-taught guitarist, Ben developed his style by studying the players he admired and eventually turning those influences into something distinctly his own.
Country Music With a Rock Edge
That guitar-driven approach gives Ben's music a different energy from much of modern country.
Country remains the foundation, but Southern rock gives the songs extra muscle—especially when Ben takes them to the stage.
We even put his guitar knowledge to the test with a game centered around some of rock music's legendary players and the sounds that helped shape him.
Ben Gallaher reflects on learning guitar, his love of Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, and bringing rock-driven guitar playing into modern country music.
Building an Audience One Riff at a Time
Ben's guitar playing has also helped him reach listeners far beyond Nashville.
Viral guitar moments, social media and touring have introduced new audiences to a musician determined to show that big riffs and guitar solos still have a home in country music.
From “I’ll Take You” and Time to Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, Ben Gallaher is keeping the guitar turned up—and bringing some Southern rock fire with him.
Watch Ben Gallaher on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Ben Gallaher interview from CRS 2026 as he joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “I’ll Take You,” Time, Southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and his journey as a self-taught guitarist.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
