Still Got the Blues - Solo by Gary Moore

Gary Moore’s iconic track Still Got the Blues is a masterclass in emotive playing and technical prowess. At Licklibrary.com, our "Still Got the Blues - Solo" lesson provides an in-depth exploration of the techniques that define this unforgettable solo, empowering guitarists to recreate its magic note-for-note. Whether you're a blues aficionado or looking to elevate your expressive capabilities, this lesson is packed with skills that will sharpen your playing and deepen your musical understanding. Jamie Humphries breaks down this iconic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Gary Moore and Still Got the Blues

Gary Moore, a virtuoso guitarist known for his soul-stirring blues and rock performances, left an indelible mark on the music world. His ability to blend technical brilliance with raw emotion influenced countless musicians. In Still Got the Blues, Moore channels the essence of blues storytelling, weaving heartfelt melodies with intricate techniques. The solo is a testament to his dynamic approach to guitar, characterised by soaring bends, fluid legato lines, and expressive phrasing.

Moore's work on this track has influenced players like Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer, who credit him as a pioneer in bridging traditional blues with modern virtuosity. This lesson not only honours Moore’s legacy but equips you to harness his techniques and integrate them into your own playing style.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending is the heartbeat of Gary Moore’s emotional phrasing. This technique involves pushing a string up or down to reach a higher pitch, allowing you to mimic vocal-like expressions. In Still Got the Blues, bends are used to create tension and resolution, capturing the essence of blues storytelling. Mastering this will refine your ear for pitch and enhance your expressive range.

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Vibrato

Moore’s vibrato is a signature element of his playing, adding depth and sustain to his notes. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note for a singing quality. In this solo, his controlled and expressive vibrato elevates the emotional impact of each phrase. Developing this skill will enhance the tonal richness of your playing.

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Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The solo features fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs to achieve smooth, cascading runs. These techniques allow you to articulate notes without re-picking, adding speed and fluidity to your playing. Incorporating these into your practice will strengthen finger dexterity and precision.

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Legato

Gary Moore’s legato passages are a hallmark of his technical mastery, creating a seamless flow between notes. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute legato runs with accuracy and finesse, improving your ability to articulate smooth, melodic lines.

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Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are central to the emotional core of Still Got the Blues. These subtle, deliberate bends add soulfulness and character to your playing. By mastering this technique, you’ll enhance your phrasing and develop a more nuanced sense of musicality.

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Slides

Slides contribute to the fluidity and lyrical quality of the solo. This technique involves gliding between notes to connect phrases gracefully. It’s a versatile tool that enriches your musical vocabulary and complements expressive solos.

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Double-stops

The lesson dives into double-stops, where two notes are played simultaneously for a fuller sound. Moore’s use of this technique adds harmonic depth and dynamic contrast. Practicing double-stops will improve your finger independence and expand your chordal vocabulary.

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Pre-bends

Pre-bends are another key technique in this solo, adding tension and drama to the phrases. You’ll learn to bend a note to pitch before striking it, creating a unique emotional impact. This skill is invaluable for enhancing the expressiveness of your solos.

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Pinched Harmonics

Moore incorporates pinched harmonics for an edge and brilliance in his tone. This technique produces high-pitched overtones, adding intensity to key moments in the solo. Learning this will refine your pick-hand control and tone shaping.

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Complete List of Techniques

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Legato
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Double-stops
• Pre-bends
• Pinched Harmonics

With this comprehensive lesson, you’ll gain invaluable insights into Gary Moore’s legendary solo, mastering techniques that will transform your playing. Explore the emotional depth and technical brilliance of Still Got the Blues today on Licklibrary.com!