Do You Read Me – Rory Gallagher

Learn to play "Do You Read Me" by Rory Gallagher note for note with this in-depth guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This classic track is a masterclass in expressive blues-rock guitar, and in our comprehensive tutorial, we break down every lick, phrase, and technique used by Rory Gallagher to help you not only learn the song but also deeply understand the stylistic approach of one of Ireland’s most legendary guitarists.

Whether you're a blues fan or just looking to expand your musical vocabulary, this lesson delivers a valuable set of techniques that will sharpen your phrasing, touch, and tone. From aggressive bends to subtle articulations, Rory’s playing in “Do You Read Me” is an ideal study in dynamic and emotional blues guitar. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Rory Gallagher and the Track

Rory Gallagher was one of the most electrifying blues-rock guitarists of all time. Known for his raw tone, passionate playing, and down-to-earth demeanour, Gallagher influenced a generation of guitarists including Joe Bonamassa, The Edge, and Brian May. His playing was characterised by fiery improvisation, melodic phrasing, and a uniquely expressive vibrato.

“Do You Read Me” opens Gallagher’s 1976 album Calling Card and showcases a fusion of blues, rock, and jazz elements. The track features a soulful intro, melodic solos, and a rich harmonic structure, all delivered with Gallagher’s signature intensity. This performance is not only a testament to Rory’s feel and tone but also a treasure trove of techniques for any serious guitar student.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Vibrato

Rory’s vibrato is one of the most emotionally charged elements of his playing. In “Do You Read Me,” he uses it to add depth and sustain to longer notes, giving them a vocal-like quality. Mastering vibrato helps players inject more feeling into their solos and enhances their ability to control the dynamic flow of a phrase.

String Bending

This song is a masterclass in bending with purpose. Rory’s bends are expressive, accurate, and perfectly in tune. Learning to execute bends the way Rory does will develop your ear for pitch and strengthen your fingers, while also teaching you how to use bends to convey emotion.

Slides

Gallagher often glides into notes with effortless slides, giving his solos a flowing, lyrical feel. Slides are excellent for improving fretboard navigation and connecting phrases smoothly, a skill that is essential in blues and rock soloing.

Pull-offs and Hammer-ons

These legato techniques appear frequently in Rory’s phrasing, helping to create fluid, quick note runs. Practicing pull-offs and hammer-ons will improve your left-hand strength and coordination while enhancing your speed and fluency.

Double Stops

Used to thicken up melodies or create rhythmic stabs, double stops in this lesson showcase Rory’s clever chordal phrasing. They help players understand harmony in a lead context and are perfect for expanding your rhythm and soloing vocabulary.

Bluesy Bends

Throughout the track, Gallagher uses microtonal and expressive blues bends that fall somewhere between semitones and whole tones. Mastering bluesy bends will make your playing sound more authentic and emotionally rich.

Alternate Picking

Some of the faster phrases in the solo sections require tight alternate picking. Developing this technique improves accuracy, timing, and speed across all genres.

Unison Bends

A staple of Gallagher’s style, unison bends give the solo a gritty, wailing feel. They are an excellent tool for dramatic expression and will challenge your bending precision.

Trills

Rory uses trills to add energy and emphasis to certain licks. Practicing trills builds left-hand endurance and adds an exciting texture to your playing.

Palm Muting

While mostly known for his lead work, Rory uses palm muting for dynamic control during riff sections. This technique is essential for managing articulation and tone in both rhythm and lead contexts.

Benefits of Learning “Do You Read Me”

Learning “Do You Read Me” will provide any guitarist with a toolbox of expressive and technical skills. You'll develop better control over your tone and phrasing, while gaining insight into Rory Gallagher’s unique approach to the guitar. This lesson will improve your:

• Expressiveness and vibrato control
• Accuracy and strength with bends
• Smooth fretboard transitions through slides and legato
• Understanding of blues phrasing and rhythmic dynamics

It’s a valuable journey into the mind of one of the most respected guitarists in blues-rock history, offering real-world application of core techniques that every guitarist should master.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Palm Muting

Whether you're diving into Rory Gallagher’s style for the first time or refining your blues-rock chops, this LickLibrary guitar lesson for “Do You Read Me” is a must-watch. Plug in, turn up, and let Rory’s legacy shape your sound.