Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore
About "Parisienne Walkways" and Gary Moore
"Parisienne Walkways," composed and performed by the legendary Gary Moore, is a masterful guitar piece showcasing his emotional depth and technical proficiency. Released in 1978, the track became one of Moore’s most celebrated works, co-written with Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, who also contributed vocals. Moore’s blues-infused rock style, combined with a lyrical melody, made this song an iconic showcase of expressive guitar playing.
Gary Moore’s influence extends across genres, inspiring blues, rock, and metal guitarists. His ability to combine technical brilliance with raw emotion is a hallmark of his legacy. "Parisienne Walkways" is a quintessential example of his artistry, blending intricate phrasing with soulful vibrato, making it a must-learn for aspiring guitarists. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Parisienne Walkways" meticulously breaks down every phrase, focusing on the key techniques that define the track. This lesson is ideal for guitarists looking to enhance their technical skills and emotional expression.
String Bending
String bending is pivotal in "Parisienne Walkways," used to add emotion and emulate the vocal-like quality of Moore’s playing. The lesson highlights proper finger positioning and pitch control to achieve bends that resonate with soulful intensity. Mastering string bending improves tonal expressiveness and strengthens finger dexterity.
Vibrato
Gary Moore’s signature wide, vocal-like vibrato is integral to the song’s emotional impact. This lesson guides you in developing a controlled and consistent vibrato, crucial for adding depth and sustain to your notes. A strong vibrato technique enhances overall phrasing and personal expression on the guitar.
Slides
Slides play a significant role in connecting melodic phrases, creating a smooth and flowing feel. The lesson demonstrates how to execute slides with precision, enabling you to transition seamlessly between notes. Slides improve fluidity in your playing and help maintain a lyrical quality in your solos.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Legato techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs are prominent throughout the song, contributing to its fluidity and speed. These techniques are broken down in the lesson to help you achieve clean and dynamic note articulation. Mastering these skills enhances finger strength and musicality.
Learn more about hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Sustain
Moore’s use of sustain allows notes to sing and hold their emotional weight. The lesson emphasises how to achieve sustain through precise finger pressure and amp settings. Understanding sustain control is key to mastering expressive playing.
Pinched Harmonics
Pinched harmonics add a sharp, cutting edge to certain notes in the solo, providing tonal variation and flair. The lesson demonstrates how to consistently produce harmonics and integrate them into your playing. This technique enhances your tonal palette and adds a professional touch to your solos.
Learn more about pinched harmonics.
Bluesy Bends
Bluesy bends are at the heart of Moore’s style, lending a distinctive feel to his solos. The lesson covers the nuances of executing bends with finesse, ensuring your playing captures the song’s emotive essence. Bluesy bends improve your ability to convey emotion and authenticity in your phrasing.
Learn more about bluesy bends.
Double-Stops
Double-stops add harmonic richness to Moore’s playing, and the lesson explores their application in key sections of the song. Learning double-stops enhances your rhythm and lead guitar techniques, making your playing more dynamic and versatile.
Learn more about double-stops.
Why Learn "Parisienne Walkways"?
Learning "Parisienne Walkways" is an excellent opportunity to explore the intersection of technical mastery and emotional depth. This song teaches you to balance precision with expression, a skill that defines great guitarists. By focusing on the techniques outlined in the lesson, you’ll not only recreate a classic but also elevate your own playing.
Guitar Techniques in the Lesson
Here is a list of techniques used in the "Parisienne Walkways" lesson, with links to detailed explanations for each:
Dive into the "Parisienne Walkways" lesson today and unlock the techniques that made Gary Moore a guitar legend.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Jamie Humphries
Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...