"Cowboy Song" on 'Live and Dangerous' by Thin Lizzy: Guitar Lesson

Ah, "Cowboy Song," a hidden gem from Thin Lizzy’s 1978 classic live album 'Live and Dangerous'. As a guitar teacher, I find this song to be a treasure trove of techniques and an amazing showcase of the prowess of Thin Lizzy’s dual lead guitarists, Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Danny Gill digs into what makes this song a guitarist’s dream.

Guitar Chords and Scales

The song predominantly revolves around the chords A, D, and G, classic open chords that lay the foundation for the melody and the solos. The song gravitates mostly around the A Mixolydian scale, which fits perfectly with its classic rock vibes. For those who are not familiar, A Mixolydian is spelled: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, and G.

The Lead Guitarists

Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson contribute equally to the uniqueness of this track. Gorham’s playing is typically cleaner, with smooth bends and emotive phrasing. Robertson, on the other hand, is raw and aggressive, known for quick runs and intricate picking. The synergy between these two guitarists results in the ethereal dual guitar harmonies that Thin Lizzy is famous for.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The song features multiple guitar solos, each exhibiting a blend of melodic structure and technical prowess. A close analysis reveals both guitarists employing a mix of the A Mixolydian and A Minor Pentatonic scales. The solos start off relatively simple with slow bends and vibrato, but as the energy rises, so does the complexity. You’ll notice fast alternate picking runs segueing into legato phrases. There’s also generous use of double-stop bends which bring in that “crying” quality. Don't overlook the tasteful use of tapped harmonics, which add a sparkling texture to the solos.

What’s unique about "Cowboy Song" is how the guitarists use unison bends. It gives that signature “wail” that compliments the anthemic chorus and captures the essence of the song. And of course, the interplay between the two lead guitarists is phenomenal. They perform harmonised runs that are reminiscent of classical counterpoint, adding a sense of grandeur.

Techniques

Here is a list of guitar techniques used in this song, for your further exploration:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions

"Live and Dangerous" is one of those albums that needs no introduction, and "Cowboy Song" stands as one of its crowning jewels. It's a track that every aspiring rock guitarist should dissect and understand. From the chord progressions to the interaction between the lead guitars, this is a song that can teach you about cohesiveness in a dual-lead setup, and how to marry technique with emotional expression. Every note played serves the song and embellishes the story it tells, making "Cowboy Song" a textbook example of guitar craftsmanship at its finest.