Still Got the Blues by Gary Moore

Gary Moore's classic "Still Got the Blues" stands as a monumental piece in the realm of blues and rock guitar playing. Known for its emotionally charged solos and intricate playing techniques, this song showcases some of the most expressive and technically proficient guitar work. At Licklibrary, our note-for-note guitar lessons for "Still Got the Blues" delve into every nuance, teaching you the exact techniques Moore used to craft this timeless track. Richard Barrett breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Gary Moore and His Influence

Gary Moore was a renowned guitarist, blending blues, rock, and jazz influences into his playing style. His emotive phrasing, masterful bends, and powerful vibrato made him one of the most respected guitarists in the industry. Although originally a rocker, his transition to blues in the late 1980s, especially with the release of "Still Got the Blues," earned him acclaim as one of the finest blues guitarists of his generation.

In "Still Got the Blues," Moore’s ability to combine classic blues phrasing with rock intensity showcases his versatility and mastery over the guitar. His influence is apparent in the works of countless guitarists who followed, and learning this song will introduce you to techniques that have become staples in modern blues-rock guitar.

Techniques Covered in "Still Got the Blues"

Vibrato

One of the most iconic elements of Gary Moore’s playing in "Still Got the Blues" is his wide, expressive vibrato. This technique, where the pitch of a note is subtly varied, adds immense emotional depth to his solos. In the lesson, you’ll learn how to achieve Moore’s signature vibrato style, which is essential for creating that singing, vocal-like quality in your playing. Mastering vibrato will allow you to add more feeling and sustain to your notes, making your solos more expressive.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is another key technique used throughout the song, particularly in the soulful opening solo. Gary Moore's bends are precise and purposeful, often bending notes up to a perfect pitch. You'll also encounter bluesy bends, where Moore expertly bends between microtones to evoke raw emotion. These bending techniques not only improve your pitch accuracy but also enhance your ability to convey emotion through your playing.

Legato

Moore utilises legato playing in certain sections of his solo, creating a smooth flow between notes without the use of constant picking. This technique makes your playing sound more fluid and less choppy, especially when moving through faster runs. Learning legato can help you increase your speed and smoothness, giving your licks a more polished, professional sound.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the solo, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create fast, melodic runs. These techniques allow you to execute rapid sequences of notes without relying heavily on picking. This is beneficial for creating dynamic solos and adding variety to your phrasing.

Double Stops and Double-Stop Bends

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, are prevalent in Moore's playing. Additionally, double-stop bends, where two notes are bent in unison, give the song its distinctive blues-rock flavor. Double stops provide a fuller sound and can add harmonic complexity to your playing.

Alternate Picking

Certain phrases in "Still Got the Blues" require clean, precise picking, and this is where alternate picking comes into play. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to increase picking efficiency. Mastering alternate picking is crucial for improving speed, accuracy, and overall control in your playing.

Slides

Slides are another key technique, especially in Moore’s melodic phrasing. This involves gliding your fingers from one note to another, creating a smooth transition. Slides can add an expressive and fluid feel to your solos, making your playing sound more connected.

Unison Bends

One of the standout techniques in Moore’s soloing arsenal is the use of unison bends. In this technique, two notes—one bent, one unbent—are played simultaneously to create tension and resolution. Unison bends add dramatic intensity and are a powerful way to emphasize key moments in your solos.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are used sparingly but effectively to accent certain notes with a sharp, squealing tone. Moore employs these harmonics to add extra bite and dynamics to his solos. Mastering pinched harmonics allows you to inject more excitement and edge into your playing.

Rakes

Rakes are a technique that Moore uses to give his solos a percussive, rhythmic quality. By muting the strings before striking the desired note, rakes add an aggressive, almost staccato-like effect to the music. This technique helps to punctuate certain phrases and gives your playing more attack.

Sustain

Lastly, sustain is a critical aspect of Moore’s playing in this track. By holding notes for extended durations, Moore creates a vocal-like quality that is perfect for blues guitar. Learning how to control and enhance sustain will enable you to convey emotion through long, ringing notes, making your solos more powerful and expressive.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to playing "Still Got the Blues" with the same passion and precision as Gary Moore. These lessons not only help you replicate the song but also build a solid foundation for your overall guitar playing journey.

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