Moonchild by Rory Gallagher

Dive into the soul of blues-rock with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson for "Moonchild" by Rory Gallagher. This in-depth lesson captures the electrifying energy of Gallagher’s performance, focusing on the techniques and phrasing that define the song's guitar work. Whether you're looking to improve your expressive playing, strengthen your technique, or explore Rory Gallagher's unique musicality, this lesson offers a rich, immersive experience. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Rory Gallagher

Originally released on the 1976 album Calling Card, "Moonchild" showcases Rory Gallagher at his melodic and improvisational best. Known for his raw tone, soulful phrasing, and untamed energy, Gallagher was a master of blending blues, rock, and jazz-influenced progressions into a style all his own.

Gallagher’s playing on "Moonchild" is both lyrical and aggressive, filled with nuance and fire. His influence spans generations of players, from blues purists to modern rock guitarists. Artists such as Brian May, Joe Bonamassa, Slash, and The Edge have all cited Rory as a key inspiration, and “Moonchild” is a perfect example of why—blending groove, phrasing, and emotion with technical flair.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Our lesson breaks down the signature techniques Rory Gallagher uses in “Moonchild” with detailed instruction and slow-tempo demonstrations, allowing players of all levels to follow along and master the details.

Vibrato

One of Gallagher’s most emotional tools, vibrato is essential to his expressive sound. In this lesson, you'll learn how to execute wide, vocal-like vibrato that adds intensity and character to your lead playing. Developing your vibrato helps bring your solos to life and makes your phrasing more distinctive.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

“Moonchild” is filled with nuanced string bending that gives Rory's solos a vocal, expressive quality. You’ll also learn to execute bluesy bends, a technique that encapsulates the feel of classic blues phrasing. These are essential for building emotional depth and tension in your lead lines.

Slides

Gallagher seamlessly glides between notes using fluid slides, often combined with vibrato and bends. This technique enhances phrasing and connects notes smoothly, adding a lyrical quality to your solos.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Dynamic legato phrasing is central to Gallagher's melodic runs. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve your speed and fluidity, especially when executing pentatonic and blues-scale licks.

Double Stops

In “Moonchild,” Gallagher makes clever use of double stops to thicken his solos and add harmonic texture. This technique is great for developing your fretboard knowledge and adding grit and punch to your lead playing.

Trills

Gallagher’s energetic lead lines sometimes feature fast trills, injecting fire into his phrasing. Learning to trill with control helps improve finger independence and builds endurance.

Pinched Harmonics

Used for extra bite and aggression, pinched harmonics appear in Rory’s arsenal to highlight specific notes. Incorporating this technique gives your solos a cutting, modern edge.

Palm Muting

While most known for his lead playing, Gallagher also uses palm muting to inject rhythmic interest during verses and instrumental sections. This lesson shows how to apply muting for dynamic contrast and tight rhythmic control.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique featured in this lesson is more than just a technical skill—it’s a tool for expressing emotion and building your own voice on the instrument. Here's how each benefits you as a player:

• Vibrato & String Bending improve control and emotional depth.
• Slides & Hammer-ons/Pull-offs enhance phrasing and fluidity.
• Double Stops & Pinched Harmonics add texture and sonic colour.
• Trills improve dexterity and stamina.
• Palm Muting sharpens rhythmic tightness and dynamic control.

By mastering these elements in the context of “Moonchild,” you’ll not only expand your technical repertoire but also gain valuable insight into the phrasing and expression that make Rory Gallagher such a revered guitarist.

Guitarist Line-up on “Moonchild”

While Rory Gallagher was the primary guitarist, vocalist, and composer, the tight interplay with his band—especially keyboardist Lou Martin and drummer Rod de’Ath—gave the song its groove and dynamics. Gallagher’s tone came from his famously worn Fender Strat, played through cranked tube amps with minimal effects, relying instead on touch and articulation to convey his message. His fearless improvisation and natural musicality have influenced generations, cementing his place among the guitar greats.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Trills
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting

This “Moonchild” guitar lesson from LickLibrary is not just about playing Rory Gallagher’s notes—it's about understanding his feel, his fire, and the techniques that gave his music such timeless impact. Whether you're a blues aficionado or a rock player looking to add depth to your playing, this lesson is a must-have for your learning journey.