Oh Pretty Woman by Gary Moore – Guitar Lesson

Dive into one of the most powerful blues-rock renditions ever recorded with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Oh Pretty Woman” by Gary Moore. Originally written and performed by Albert King, this track was reimagined by Moore with his signature blend of soulful intensity and blistering technique. Our comprehensive guitar lesson dissects every lick and phrase from Moore’s version, helping you master key lead guitar techniques such as string bending, hammer-ons, slides, and pull-offs.

Whether you're a blues enthusiast or a rock guitarist looking to sharpen your expressive playing, this lesson offers everything you need to play “Oh Pretty Woman” with authentic feel and precision. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Technique Focus

String Bending

String bending is one of the most essential components of Gary Moore’s style, and Oh Pretty Woman is packed with vocal-like bends that bring the melody to life. Moore uses both subtle and wide bends to add emotion and energy to his phrases, giving each note a sense of movement and purpose.

Practicing string bending improves your pitch control, finger strength, and emotional expression, allowing you to mimic vocal phrasing and create tension and release in your solos.

Hammer-Ons

Throughout the track, Moore uses hammer-ons to articulate smooth legato runs and embellish bluesy phrases. These quick, fluid motions add speed and grace to ascending passages and allow for a more lyrical approach to soloing.

Hammer-ons enhance your finger dexterity and coordination, making your solos sound more fluid and dynamic while reducing the reliance on picking every note.

Slides

Slides are used frequently in this song to transition between positions and connect phrases in a smooth, expressive way. Moore often slides into target notes as a way to build anticipation or emphasize a melodic idea, creating a seamless and flowing lead sound.

Slides teach control and accuracy, helping you develop smoother transitions between notes and enhancing the expressive quality of your phrasing.

Pull-Offs

Moore also makes great use of pull-offs to add texture and rhythm to his licks. Often paired with hammer-ons, pull-offs allow him to play fast, rolling legato passages that contrast nicely with more aggressive picking sections.

Pull-offs improve finger independence and control, and they are key to developing speed and fluidity in your lead guitar lines.

Why Learn This Song?

Oh Pretty Woman is a masterclass in expressive blues-rock guitar playing. Learning this song will not only improve your technique but also deepen your understanding of dynamics, phrasing, and musical storytelling. Gary Moore’s version of the track is a benchmark for passionate guitar playing, making it an essential study piece for anyone serious about blues soloing.

This lesson is perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want to add intensity and emotion to their solos. Whether you’re building a repertoire of blues classics or aiming to capture more feeling in your lead work, this song is a rewarding challenge that delivers lasting results

About the Song and Gary Moore

Gary Moore’s take on Oh Pretty Woman appeared on his 1990 album Still Got the Blues—a defining record that marked his transition from hard rock to blues. The song captures everything that made Moore such a beloved guitarist: thick, expressive tones, masterful phrasing, and emotionally charged lead work.

Moore’s playing is deeply influenced by blues pioneers like Albert King, Peter Green, and B.B. King, yet his delivery is unmistakably his own. Known for his fiery attack and soaring bends, Moore brought a modern rock edge to traditional blues, inspiring a new wave of blues-rock guitarists. His influence stretches across generations, with players such as Joe Bonamassa, Slash, and John Sykes citing him as a key inspiration.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

This lesson breaks down every section of Oh Pretty Woman as performed by Gary Moore, including the iconic intro, searing solo lines, and expressive fills that run throughout the track. Each lick is broken down in manageable sections, allowing you to build up speed, control, and musicality.

The techniques featured in this song are essential for any lead guitarist and are presented in a way that’s both accessible and challenging, helping you to develop not only technical skill but also expressive depth in your playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• Pull-Offs

Learn Oh Pretty Woman with precision and soul, and bring your blues-rock playing to a whole new level with this LickLibrary guitar lesson.