Over The Hills And Far Away - Gary Moore

Introduction to the Song

Gary Moore’s “Over The Hills And Far Away” stands as a masterpiece of melodic and technical guitar work. This track showcases Moore’s signature ability to blend rock energy with Celtic-inspired melodies, all while delivering deeply emotional and technically demanding guitar lines. Through Licklibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson, players can immerse themselves in the techniques that define this iconic piece, refining their skills and expanding their musical vocabulary. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Gary Moore: A Legendary Guitarist

Gary Moore is celebrated as one of the most influential guitarists of his time, known for his dynamic range, soulful expression, and virtuosic technique. Drawing inspiration from blues, rock, and traditional Irish music, his playing seamlessly bridges technical prowess and heartfelt emotion. Moore’s work in songs like “Over The Hills And Far Away” has inspired countless guitarists, including Joe Bonamassa and John Sykes, underscoring his lasting legacy in the guitar world.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Vibrato

Gary Moore’s expressive vibrato is a key aspect of his playing, adding depth and emotion to sustained notes. This lesson teaches how to emulate his smooth, controlled vibrato, improving note sustain and tonal colour.

String Bending

Moore’s precise and expressive string bends allow for seamless transitions between pitches, adding vocal-like phrasing to his solos. Mastering string bending improves your ability to inject personality into your lead playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques are used extensively in the song’s melodic runs, offering fluidity and speed. Focusing on hammer-ons and pull-offs will help you create seamless note connections.

Alternate Picking

The lesson delves into Moore’s efficient use of alternate picking in faster sections. This fundamental technique boosts speed, accuracy, and control.

Slides

Gary Moore uses slides to add a dynamic and vocal quality to his melodies. Learning slides enhances your ability to connect phrases smoothly and expressively.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios play a crucial role in the song’s harmonised lines. Understanding arpeggios improves your fretboard navigation and chordal understanding.

Tapped Harmonics

The ethereal tapped harmonics found in this track are both striking and intricate. Mastering this technique will expand your repertoire of tonal effects.

Double-Stops

Gary Moore incorporates double-stops to thicken melodic lines and harmonise with the backing. This technique adds richness and complexity to solos.

Sustain

Moore’s use of sustain is key to his emotional expression. Learning to control and extend sustain will transform your ability to play melodic solos with depth and feeling.

Palm Muting

The rhythm sections in the song feature palm muting, providing punch and clarity. This technique refines your dynamic control and adds definition to your rhythm playing.

Hybrid Picking

Gary Moore’s mix of pick and fingers, or hybrid picking, adds precision and versatility to his playing. This lesson will show you how to combine techniques for greater articulation.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique taught in this lesson provides practical skills that enhance both technical proficiency and musical expression. Whether you're focusing on expressive vibrato or the intricacies of tapped harmonics, you’ll develop a deeper connection to your guitar and elevate your overall musicianship. These skills aren’t just applicable to “Over The Hills And Far Away” but can be adapted to countless other styles and songs.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Here is a comprehensive list of the techniques featured in this lesson. Click on each for a detailed explanation:

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stops
• Sustain
• Palm Muting
• Hybrid Picking

This comprehensive lesson from Licklibrary.com gives you the tools to master Gary Moore’s iconic guitar work while enriching your technical abilities and musical expression.