Stop Messin' Around by Gary Moore – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Master the fierce, feel-driven playing of blues-rock legend Gary Moore with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Stop Messin’ Around.” Originally a Fleetwood Mac tune written by Peter Green, this track was reimagined by Moore with raw intensity and emotional fire on his Still Got the Blues album. It perfectly captures his unique blend of aggressive British blues phrasing, smooth melodic control, and vocal-like lead work. This LickLibrary lesson focuses on the core guitar techniques that define the song’s expressive character: string bending, pull-offs, vibrato, and hammer-ons.

Whether you're deepening your blues phrasing, developing a more expressive lead tone, or studying the nuances of one of the genre’s most powerful voices, this lesson from Jamie Humphries gives you a rich toolkit for elevating your guitar playing.

Techniques Used

String Bending

One of the most defining elements of Gary Moore’s lead playing is his expressive string bending technique. In “Stop Messin’ Around,” bends are used to mimic vocal inflections, often stretching notes beyond their natural pitch to add drama and emotion. This lesson focuses on developing pitch-perfect bends and mastering control over bend-and-release phrasing, an essential aspect of Moore’s blues vocabulary. Learning this technique sharpens your ear, builds finger strength, and teaches you how to make your solos sing with feeling.

Pull-Offs

Moore’s phrasing in this track includes plenty of smooth, fluid pull-offs that add flow and grace to his legato lines. Pull-offs are used to connect phrases and create rhythmic interest without over-relying on picking. In this lesson, you'll work on integrating pull-offs into blues licks, building coordination and strength in your fretting hand while maintaining tone and control. This technique enhances your lead playing vocabulary and allows for faster, more fluid movement through scales and melodic ideas.

Vibrato

There are few players whose vibrato technique is as instantly recognizable as Gary Moore’s. Wide, controlled, and deeply expressive, his vibrato on “Stop Messin’ Around” adds richness and weight to every sustained note. It’s not just a decoration—it’s a vital part of his melodic voice. Our lesson walks you through how to develop various vibrato speeds and widths, helping you find your own expressive voice on the instrument while paying tribute to Moore’s signature sound. Vibrato improves your control, adds sustain, and breathes life into your solos.

Hammer-Ons

Moore uses hammer-ons in “Stop Messin’ Around” to create fluid lines that glide across the fretboard. When paired with pull-offs, hammer-ons build the foundation for effective legato playing—a technique that Gary Moore used frequently to connect melodic ideas with elegance and speed. This lesson focuses on clean hammer-on execution, tone consistency, and how to incorporate this technique into your blues phrasing. Practicing hammer-ons will build finger independence and allow you to articulate notes smoothly without relying entirely on your picking hand.

Why Learn “Stop Messin’ Around”?

“Stop Messin’ Around” is the perfect study in blues-rock phrasing, tone, and expression. From the fiery intro solo to the emotive bends and tasty fills, this track is filled with teachable moments that will elevate your playing. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to shape phrases with articulation and control, and how to make simple licks come alive with the right feel and technique.

This LickLibrary lesson provides you with a complete breakdown of every phrase and fill Moore delivers in the track. You’ll not only learn how to replicate his exact playing, but also how to incorporate his techniques into your own blues vocabulary. If you’re aiming to play with more soul, confidence, and emotion, this lesson is an essential step in your journey.

About the Guitarist: Gary Moore

Gary Moore remains one of the most emotive and technically skilled guitarists of the blues-rock genre. Known for his blazing tone, soulful vibrato, and jaw-dropping control over dynamic phrasing, Moore blended his hard rock roots with deep blues feeling to carve out a sound that was entirely his own. On “Stop Messin’ Around,” he pays tribute to Peter Green while putting his signature spin on every phrase, creating a performance that’s fiery, passionate, and masterful. His influence reaches far beyond blues and rock, inspiring players from Joe Bonamassa to Kirk Hammett. Learning this track offers an inside look into the phrasing and control that made Moore’s playing so revered.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons

Channel the legendary tone and feel of Gary Moore with our in-depth lesson on “Stop Messin’ Around.” This track is a treasure trove of expressive phrasing and essential blues techniques—ideal for any guitarist looking to enhance their soloing and deepen their connection to the instrument.