Tattoo’d Lady – Rory Gallagher

Dive into the world of expressive blues-rock guitar playing with our note-for-note lesson of “Tattoo’d Lady” by Rory Gallagher. This lesson is designed to give you an in-depth look at the essential techniques that shaped Rory’s signature style, offering aspiring guitarists the chance to develop their own voice by studying one of the genre’s most passionate performers. With a blend of soulful bends, dynamic phrasing, and fiery licks, this track is a perfect showcase of Gallagher's unique musicality. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

“Tattoo’d Lady” is one of Rory Gallagher’s most iconic tracks, taken from his 1974 album Tattoo. The song captures Rory’s deep connection to blues, folk, and rock, wrapped in a storytelling style that’s as vivid as his guitar tone. With its rolling rhythm, gritty solos, and heartfelt delivery, the song is a masterclass in feel and finesse. This lesson breaks down every lick and phrase, helping you understand not just how to play it, but why it works musically and emotionally.

Guitar Techniques Explored

Our lesson focuses on the core techniques that Rory Gallagher employed in “Tattoo’d Lady,” helping players of all levels expand their musical toolkit while developing feel, phrasing, and tone control.

String Bending

Gallagher’s expressive use of string bending allows him to add vocal-like qualities to his lead lines. Learning to control pitch and intonation when bending notes will greatly improve your emotional expression and enhance your phrasing.

Vibrato

Rory’s wide, controlled vibrato is a cornerstone of his tone. Adding vibrato brings sustain, character, and life to your notes, turning simple phrases into powerful statements. This lesson breaks down where and how Gallagher uses vibrato to communicate emotion.

Slides

A key ingredient in Rory’s phrasing is the tasteful use of slides, allowing for seamless transitions between notes. This technique helps develop smoother motion across the fretboard and brings a more fluid, vocal quality to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Gallagher’s phrasing is peppered with hammer-ons and pull-offs, which are essential to executing fast, flowing legato runs. These techniques improve finger strength, coordination, and speed, especially when navigating blues-based licks.

Double Stops

Rory frequently uses double stops to thicken his lead playing and emphasise harmonic intervals. Mastering this technique will add richness to your solos and give your licks more impact and attitude.

Bluesy Bends

One of Gallagher’s trademarks is his use of gritty, emotional bluesy bends. These bends often sit microtonally between notes, giving them a raw, human feel. Learning these enhances your musical vocabulary and your ability to interpret blues with authenticity.

Alternate Picking

This lesson also touches on alternate picking techniques to maintain rhythmic drive during Rory’s more uptempo lines. It's a must for developing speed and precision in your playing.

About Rory Gallagher and the Players on the Track

Rory Gallagher, the Irish guitar legend, was known for his relentless work ethic, deep respect for the blues, and raw, emotive playing. His influence spans generations, having inspired artists like Brian May, Joe Bonamassa, and The Edge. On “Tattoo’d Lady,” Gallagher performs alongside his classic power trio line-up—Gerry McAvoy on bass and Rod de’Ath on drums. The chemistry between these musicians is palpable, with Rory’s guitar front and centre, serving as both the melodic lead and rhythmic engine.

Gallagher’s playing style is defined by passion and purity. He avoided flashy gimmicks, focusing instead on tone, dynamics, and feel. Learning a track like “Tattoo’d Lady” gives guitarists insight into how to craft expressive solos and rhythm parts that truly tell a story.

Why Learn “Tattoo’d Lady”?

Learning “Tattoo’d Lady” not only helps you unlock Rory Gallagher’s expressive guitar style but also strengthens your ability to phrase musically, control your tone, and build solos that breathe and speak. The techniques covered here are timeless skills for blues, rock, and beyond.

Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your phrasing or an advanced player aiming to add soul and character to your solos, this lesson offers a treasure trove of expressive tools. Each technique has been broken down note for note, with detailed explanations to help you capture the spirit and energy of Rory’s iconic performance.

Techniques Featured in this Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Alternate Picking

Take your playing to the next level with this deep dive into one of Rory Gallagher’s most expressive songs—Tattoo’d Lady. The skills and insights you’ll gain from this lesson will stay with you for a lifetime.