Too Tired by Gary Moore – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Learn how to play one of the most energetic blues-rock tracks from Gary Moore’s Still Got the Blues era with our note-for-note breakdown of “Too Tired.” A powerful blend of fiery phrasing and old-school blues charm, this track captures Moore at his most playful and punchy. Originally written by Johnny “Guitar” Watson, “Too Tired” was given a new lease of life by Moore, who brought his signature tone, technical precision, and expressive feel to the forefront. In this detailed LickLibrary lesson, we explore the key techniques that make this song a must-learn for blues guitarists: string bending, alternate picking, vibrato, and hammer-ons.

Whether you’re looking to refine your lead work, improve your articulation, or build soloing vocabulary, this lesson taught by Jamie Humphries, delivers valuable insight into the core building blocks of expressive blues-rock guitar.

Techniques Used

String Bending

At the heart of Moore’s melodic approach is string bending. In “Too Tired,” he uses bends not just to reach target notes, but to infuse phrases with attitude and energy. You’ll encounter quick, snappy bends as well as slow, emotive ones—all performed with precise intonation. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to develop strong, accurate bends, gain confidence with micro-bends and half-step inflections, and understand how bending contributes to the vocal-like phrasing that defines Gary Moore’s sound. Mastering this technique will help you deliver more expressive solos with greater pitch control and sustain.

Alternate Picking

The fast-paced lead runs and articulate phrasing in “Too Tired” rely heavily on alternate picking. Moore’s ability to maintain precision during rapid licks and flurries is a testament to his right-hand control. Our lesson breaks down his picking mechanics, focusing on economy of motion, hand synchronization, and rhythmic precision. Practicing alternate picking through these passages helps develop speed and clarity while keeping your tone consistent. This technique is especially useful for executing blues licks with technical flair and tight articulation.

Vibrato

As always with Gary Moore, vibrato plays a central role in shaping the emotion of his solos. In “Too Tired,” he uses a range of vibrato types—from fast and aggressive to wide and dramatic—to punctuate his phrasing and give his notes a life of their own. This lesson shows you how to develop control and variation in your vibrato, helping you craft a personal touch that brings depth to your playing. Vibrato isn’t just a technique—it’s your voice on the guitar, and Moore’s approach offers the perfect model.

Hammer-Ons

In many of the quick blues runs featured in “Too Tired,” Moore uses hammer-ons to add smoothness and speed to his phrasing. When combined with pull-offs and picking, hammer-ons create a more fluid, connected sound. You’ll learn how to perform clean, dynamic hammer-ons that maintain volume and tone, improving your legato technique and phrasing accuracy. This skill enhances your lead lines and helps you navigate the fretboard with less reliance on constant picking, adding a vocal, flowing feel to your solos.

Why Learn “Too Tired”?

“Too Tired” is an upbeat, groove-driven blues track that demands both technical control and expressive power. It’s an excellent study in phrasing, timing, and dynamics—teaching you how to construct solos that are both melodic and full of attitude. By learning this song, you’ll gain experience in combining fast lead runs with expressive bends, articulate vibrato, and dynamic variation—all in the context of a high-energy blues groove.

Our LickLibrary lesson takes you step-by-step through each section of the song, covering rhythm parts, lead fills, and all the expressive nuances that make Moore’s performance so memorable. This isn’t just about learning licks—it’s about learning how to feel them.

About the Guitarist: Gary Moore

Gary Moore was a towering figure in the blues-rock world, known for his intense playing style and emotional depth. After a successful rock and fusion career, Moore turned his focus fully toward the blues with Still Got the Blues, bringing a new level of virtuosity and power to the genre. “Too Tired” showcases a different side of Moore—upbeat, rhythmic, and full of personality. His phrasing, tone, and technical command on this track are a brilliant tribute to blues forefathers like Albert Collins and Johnny Watson, while firmly bearing his own unmistakable stamp. His influence spans generations, and this track is a masterclass in blending technique with character.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons

Learn how to bring attitude, precision, and energy to your blues playing with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Too Tired” by Gary Moore. It’s a celebration of groove, melody, and expressive lead work—a must for any serious blues-rock guitarist looking to level up their phrasing and technique.