"Are You Ready" from 'Live and Dangerous' by Thin Lizzy: Guitar Lesson

The Essentials

Lick Library veteran, Danny Gill, takes you through "Are You Ready", a track that pays homage to the quintessential hard rock and blues elements that have influenced generations of guitarists. A cornerstone of Thin Lizzy's iconic 'Live and Dangerous' album, this song embodies the raw energy that live rock music is all about. Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, the lead guitarists of the band, bring an electrifying dynamic to the table. The song primarily revolves around the key of A, but it's the nuances in its execution that make it a masterpiece.

Chords & Scales

"Are You Ready" capitalises on power chords, which serve as the backbone of the song. Mainly employing the A5, D5, and E5 power chords, the song manages to channel high-voltage rock 'n' roll while maintaining a relatively simple harmonic structure.

The scales used predominantly are the A Pentatonic Minor and A Blues scale. Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson interchangeably use these scales to carve out solos that are not just technical showpieces but soulful expressions.

Guitar Solos

Now, let's talk about what everyone's been waiting for: the guitar solos. The solos are blazing examples of how to use the A Pentatonic Minor and Blues scales effectively. A close listen reveals both guitarists taking turns to flex their stylistic attributes. Scott's lines often are more melodic and tend to stay close to the core melody, whereas Brian opts for the occasional showy runs and bends.

Brian's use of fast alternate picking runs in his solos is noteworthy. These runs are not just speedy but well articulated. Scott, on the other hand, employs a more legato approach, seamlessly transitioning between notes, making his lines flow like water. The double stops and the unison bends used by both guitarists add a third dimension to the solos, giving them a fuller, richer sound.

Lead Guitarists: Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson

Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson could not be more different in their approaches, and yet they complement each other beautifully. Scott's laid-back, melodic style serves as the perfect foil to Brian's more aggressive, flashy technique. This dynamism is what makes their guitar work stand out in the song. It's like having a conversation where one person speaks softly but firmly, while the other is loud and effusive, yet both are making impactful points.

Scott's licks often feature slow, controlled vibrato that adds a vocal quality to his solos. His subtle but effective use of harmonics adds a shimmering quality, emphasizing the nuances. Brian, on the other hand, is more in-your-face with his aggressive vibrato and strategic use of tapped harmonics. His frequent use of pinched harmonics adds an edgy, metallic timbre to his lines.

List of Techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords

So, there you have it—a deep dive into "Are You Ready" by Thin Lizzy from their legendary album 'Live and Dangerous.' This song serves as an incredible learning ground for any aspiring rock guitarist, not just for its technical aspects but also for its soul and energy. By dissecting its components, one gains valuable insights into the art of rock guitar playing.