Learn to Play Van Morrison with Licklibrary.com

Welcome to Licklibrary's "Learn to Play Van Morrison" - a comprehensive course, taught by our very own Lee Hodgson, that demystifies the intricate finger work, compelling rhythms, and soul-stirring harmonies in some of the iconic Irish singer-songwriter's greatest hits. This meticulously crafted course will walk you through note-for-note guitar lessons for five of Van Morrison's most beloved songs - "Gloria", "Bright Side of the Road", "Moondance", "Have I Told You Lately" and "Brown Eyed Girl". Let's delve into what each of these song lessons offers.

Gloria

A classic Van Morrison track from his band 'Them', 'Gloria' is an excellent starting point for burgeoning blues enthusiasts. The lesson dissects the tune's main E minor pentatonic riff, a vital piece in understanding blues guitar. The core of the riff relies on techniques such as slides and double-stops, which are useful tools for creating dynamic solos.

The solo analysis focuses on the inventive interplay between the guitar's percussive rhythmic section and the vocal melodies. It emphasizes syncopated rhythms, creating a rock 'n roll feel that's integral to the song's raw energy.

Bright Side of the Road

"Bright Side of the Road" gives you the chance to delve into Morrison's cheerful, optimistic style. The lesson explores the main D major scale used in the song, essential for composing melodious solos. The chord progressions weave a rich tapestry of harmonic textures, each progressing organically into the next.

The solo analysis highlights the effective use of arpeggios in crafting a resonant and melodic solo. Paying attention to these can dramatically improve your lead guitar skills and broaden your understanding of how melodies fit into chord structures.

Moondance

An irresistible jazz-influenced pop tune, "Moondance" presents an opportunity to explore complex harmonic structures and octave melodies. The lesson focuses on the Am Dorian scale, a cornerstone of jazz, soul, and blues genres. The intriguing chord progressions demand a keen sense of rhythm and timing.

The solo analysis delves into the swing rhythm feel and the expressive use of arpeggiated chord progressions. You'll learn to play the memorable solo and observe how these techniques contribute to the song's irresistible groove.

Have I Told You Lately

A tender love song that has touched many hearts, "Have I Told You Lately" is the perfect song for exploring the art of finger-picking. The lesson covers the primary scales used - G Major and E Minor, which offer a balance between melodious and emotive tones.

The solo analysis focuses on the subtle nuances of the lead guitar, including the harmonious blending of single-note lines and chordal fills, making the song an excellent case study in combining rhythm and lead guitar.

Brown Eyed Girl

This upbeat, nostalgic tune is a perfect encapsulation of the feel-good vibe that characterizes much of Van Morrison's work. "Brown Eyed Girl" employs a simple yet compelling chord progression, with the primary scale of G Major grounding the song's bright, cheerful tones.

The solo analysis looks at how the lead guitar employs syncopated rhythms and quick slides to enhance the song's playful, danceable vibe. The use of power chords, coupled with palm-muting techniques, further contribute to the song's rhythmic foundation.

Throughout these lessons, the contributions of Van Morrison's lead guitarists, particularly Herbie Armstrong and Mick Cox, are thoroughly examined. Their unique styles and techniques, ranging from intricate finger-picking to driving power chords and expressive soloing, have been instrumental in crafting the distinctive sound that is Van Morrison.

To truly master these songs, it's essential to understand and practice the following guitar techniques that they utilize:

• Slides
• Double-stops
• Syncopated rhythms
• Chord progressions
• Arpeggios
• Finger-picking
• Power chords
• Palm-muting
• Octave melodies

In conclusion, our "Learn to Play Van Morrison" course offers an engaging and rewarding journey into the musical genius of Van Morrison and his lead guitarists. It's an opportunity to master not just the notes, but the soul behind these timeless classics. Let the journey begin.