Empty Rooms - Gary Moore

Learn to Play Empty Rooms by Gary Moore

Gary Moore’s Empty Rooms is a masterclass in expressive guitar playing, featuring soulful melodies, emotive bends, and a dynamic range of techniques that showcase Moore’s signature sound. This note-for-note lesson at LickLibrary.com will guide you through every detail of this iconic song, ensuring that you not only play it accurately but also understand the techniques that made Gary Moore one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Gary Moore and His Influence

Gary Moore was a guitarist known for his incredible phrasing, powerful vibrato, and deep emotional connection to his instrument. Rising to fame with bands like Thin Lizzy before embarking on a highly successful solo career, Moore was a master of blues-rock guitar. His ability to blend searing blues licks with technical precision made him one of the most revered guitarists of his generation. Empty Rooms is a testament to his ability to convey raw emotion through his guitar, making it an essential piece for any aspiring guitarist to learn.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

One of the most expressive techniques in Empty Rooms is string bending. Moore's bends are precise and full of emotion, often reaching exact pitch targets to enhance the song’s melody. Learning to control bends will improve your overall phrasing and help you develop a more vocal-like quality in your playing.

Vibrato

Moore’s vibrato is legendary, adding depth and sustain to every note. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to replicate his wide, controlled vibrato, which is essential for capturing his signature sound. Mastering vibrato will add personality to your playing and make your notes sing.

Legato

Throughout the song, Moore uses fluid legato passages to create smooth, connected phrases. This technique minimises picking and allows for seamless note transitions. Developing your legato skills will increase your speed and improve finger independence.

Slides

Slides are used in Empty Rooms to add a sense of motion between notes and enhance the melodic flow. Practicing slides will improve your ability to connect phrases smoothly and give your playing a polished, professional sound.

Double Stop Bends

A staple of blues and rock guitar, double stop bends add richness and harmony to lead lines. In this lesson, you’ll learn how Moore uses them to emphasise key moments in the song. Incorporating double stop bends into your playing will add a new layer of complexity to your solos.

Sustain

One of the hallmarks of Moore’s playing style is his ability to hold notes for extended periods without losing power. This lesson will teach you how to control sustain using your fingers and amp settings, allowing you to create powerful, expressive solos.

Bluesy Bends

Moore frequently employs bluesy bends to give his solos a soulful edge. These bends involve subtle microtonal shifts that add color and emotion. Mastering bluesy bends will make your playing sound more authentic and expressive.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar sections of Empty Rooms feature beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions that add depth to the composition. Learning these patterns will improve your finger dexterity and enhance your ability to play rhythm and lead seamlessly.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Slides
• Double Stop Bends
• Sustain
• Bluesy Bends
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

By studying Empty Rooms note-for-note, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Gary Moore’s playing style and enhance your own musical expression. Whether you're a blues player looking to refine your technique or a rock guitarist wanting to develop a more emotive lead style, this lesson will provide valuable insights into the artistry of one of guitar’s greatest legends.