Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore

"Still Got The Blues" by Gary Moore stands as a timeless classic in the world of blues rock, celebrated for its emotive melodies, soulful phrasing, and technical brilliance. Our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson on this masterpiece not only teaches you how to replicate the song but also explores the rich techniques employed by Gary Moore. This lesson is perfect for players looking to expand their technical repertoire while deepening their expressive playing style. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Gary Moore and the Song

Gary Moore was a highly influential guitarist known for his ability to blend technical precision with raw emotion. His playing in "Still Got The Blues" showcases his mastery of the blues genre, layered with his rock and jazz influences. The track became one of his signature songs, revered for its heart-wrenching solos and memorable melodies. Gary Moore's style has influenced countless guitarists, from modern blues players to rock icons, cementing his legacy as one of the greats.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Vibrato

One of the hallmarks of Gary Moore's playing is his controlled, expressive vibrato. This technique adds emotion and sustain to notes, making each phrase sing with feeling. By mastering vibrato, you’ll enhance your ability to convey emotion and develop your unique playing voice.

String Bending

The solos in "Still Got The Blues" are filled with soulful string bends. These bends often mimic the sound of the human voice, adding depth and intensity to the music. Practicing string bending improves your finger strength and pitch accuracy.

Bluesy Bends

A signature of the blues genre, bluesy bends are used extensively in this song. These bends often target notes just slightly off-pitch, creating a tension and release that is quintessentially blues. Incorporating bluesy bends into your playing will give your solos more emotional resonance.

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes are achieved using slides. Gary Moore uses this technique to create fluid and seamless phrases. Learning slides helps develop precision and contributes to a polished playing style.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The melodic runs in "Still Got The Blues" feature hammer-ons and pull-offs, adding speed and fluidity to the passages. These techniques are crucial for creating dynamic legato lines and improving finger coordination.

Sustain

Gary Moore's use of sustain allows notes to linger beautifully, adding a dramatic effect to his solos. Practicing sustain techniques will teach you how to control note duration and tone for maximum impact.

Pre-Bends and Unison Bends

Pre-bends and unison bends create dramatic tension and are used to great effect in this song. These techniques require precise control and are excellent for developing both ear training and finger strength.

Double Stops

Double stops provide rich harmonic content to solos and riffs. They involve playing two notes simultaneously and are a key element of Gary Moore's style. Mastering double stops adds depth and complexity to your playing.

Alternate Picking

The song's faster passages demand clean alternate picking. This foundational technique is essential for speed and accuracy, enabling you to tackle intricate licks with confidence.

Rakes

Rakes add a percussive, rhythmic quality to soloing. Gary Moore uses them to accentuate certain notes, creating a dynamic and expressive sound. Incorporating rakes into your practice routine will enhance your phrasing and articulation.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques featured in "Still Got The Blues," you’ll not only replicate the magic of Gary Moore’s playing but also develop skills that are transferable to countless other musical styles. These techniques will enhance your tone, improve your control, and allow you to express yourself more fully as a guitarist.

Guitar Techniques in "Still Got The Blues"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Sustain
• Pre-Bends
• Double Stops
• Rakes

By diving into this lesson, you'll not only learn to play one of the greatest blues rock songs of all time but also gain the tools to evolve as a guitarist, equipped with the techniques and knowledge to tackle any style with confidence.