Learn to Play Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher stands as an emblem of blues-rock guitar, melding fiery licks, delicate touch, and raw power into a style unmistakably his own. This series on Licklibrary.com dives deep into five of his standout tracks, providing an insightful exploration of each with our very own Michael Casswell.

Do You Read Me
Starting with a song that typifies Gallagher’s ability to blend rock and blues in a seamless weave, “Do You Read Me” is a true masterclass in guitar technique. The guitar scales revolve around the bluesy E minor pentatonic, giving it that gritty edge. An analysis of the solo section reveals an ingenious blend of quick alternate picking runs interspersed with deep bends and smooth legato phrases.

Secret Agent
This track takes us on a journey through the world of undercover blues. The main riff is based on the A minor pentatonic scale, characterized by aggressive string-bending and punctuated by sharp staccato notes. Delve deeper into the solo, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of quick hammer-ons and pull-offs combined with bluesy bends that convey a sense of urgency and intrigue.

Moonchild
A song that showcases Gallagher’s more melodic side, “Moonchild” flits between the D major and B minor scales, creating a soundscape that’s both ethereal and grounded. The solo here stands out, blending trills, slides, and harmonics. It’s an exercise in expressiveness, with each note dripping with emotion.

Tattoo Lady
Driven by a boisterous riff rooted in the G major scale, “Tattoo Lady” exemplifies Rory’s penchant for crafting infectious hooks. The solo section in this tune is a celebration of guitar prowess, with extensive use of legato, two-handed tapping, and tapped harmonics. The perfect blend of technique and feel, it’s a segment that every budding guitarist would yearn to master.

Shadow Play
Last but not least, “Shadow Play” epitomizes Rory’s rock-infused blues style. The song is heavily anchored in the A minor scale, but it’s the application that stands out. A heady mix of alternate picking, pinched harmonics, and fast pull-offs, the solo section in this track is both a challenge and a delight.

Rory Gallagher: The Legend and His Contribution
Rory Gallagher was more than just a guitarist; he was a musical maverick. His ability to marry the traditional blues scale with contemporary rock techniques made him a pioneer. Each of these songs encapsulates a piece of Rory’s soul, a testament to his virtuosity and vision. While the scales provided the foundation, it was his unique touch, tone, and technique that brought these songs to life.

Guitar Techniques Used In These Lessons
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Two-handed Tapping
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• String-bending

Dive into these lessons on Licklibrary.com, and embark on a journey to master the genius of Rory Gallagher. It’s not just about learning songs, but imbibing the spirit and essence of one of rock’s greatest guitarists.