Learn to Play Thin Lizzy with Licklibrary.com

Expand your guitar vocabulary with Lick Library tutor Jamie Humphries and capture the essence of one of the greatest rock bands, Thin Lizzy, with our meticulously crafted guitar lessons. Guided by the legacy of their influential lead guitarist, Scott Gorham, we'll deep dive into five of their iconic songs.

Don't Believe a Word

The riffs of "Don't Believe a Word" are as catchy as they are insightful. Primarily using the E minor pentatonic scale, Gorham's combination of chord progressions and alternate picking techniques make this song a goldmine for aspiring guitarists. Its solo section takes the listener on a melodic journey through the highs and lows of the scale, demonstrating the power of legato, and slide techniques.

The Boys Are Back in Town

One of Thin Lizzy's signature songs, "The Boys Are Back in Town" is a lesson in the use of power chords and open string riffs. Operating in G major, it's filled with syncopated rhythms that provide a unique rhythmic challenge. The solo is a mixture of carefully chosen notes from the G major and E minor pentatonic scales, showing Gorham's masterful use of string bending and vibrato. His use of unison bends and double stops help to create a thicker, more harmonious sound, giving the solo its memorable punch.

Whiskey in the Jar

This traditional Irish song adapted by Thin Lizzy presents an amalgamation of finger-picking, alternate picking, and hybrid picking techniques, masterfully executed by Gorham. The D major pentatonic scale takes precedence here, with occasional chromaticism giving the tune its distinctive color. Dive into the intricacies of its arpeggiated chord progressions, and enjoy the exploration of bluesy bends in the solo, offering a sweet and sour contrast to the rhythm guitar parts.

Still In Love With You

This emotive power ballad in the key of D minor shows Gorham's sensitive side. The expressive melody line uses the D minor pentatonic scale, punctuated with hammer-ons and pull-offs, revealing the depth of Gorham's playing. The solos are a study in guitar phrasing, employing slides, bends, and vibrato, epitomizing the idea of 'less is more.' The song's middle section showcases a clever use of harmonics, adding an ethereal quality to the overall composition.

Dancing in the Moonlight

"Dancing in the Moonlight" shows Gorham’s versatility, combining a disco rhythm with rock guitar. Primarily utilizing the F# minor pentatonic scale, the song introduces you to the world of octave melodies and dual guitar harmonies. The solo section uses a tasteful combination of slides, bends, and the characteristic Gorham vibrato.

Scott Gorham's Influence

Scott Gorham, the maestro behind these iconic tracks, played an instrumental role in shaping Thin Lizzy's sound. His signature style - combining hard rock roots with a more melodic approach - allows for an enriching learning experience for guitarists. His ability to balance the rhythm and lead duties whilst maintaining the overall groove of the songs is what makes these tracks so compelling.

To truly capture the spirit of Gorham's playing, our lessons guide you through his specific guitar techniques - from his unique vibrato style to his melodic solos laden with slides and bends. His use of double stops and unison bends gives the solos a fuller sound and learning these techniques will add depth to your own solos.

Techniques Used

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Slides
5. Power Chords
6. Open String Riffs
7. Syncopated Rhythms
8. String Bending
9. Unison Bends
10. Double Stops
11. Chromaticism
12. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
13. Bluesy Bends
14. Hammer-Ons
15. Pull-Offs
16. Harmonics
17. Octave Melodies
18. Dual Guitar Harmonies

Our "Learn to Play Thin Lizzy" package offers a comprehensive guide to mastering these techniques within the context of some of rock's most loved tunes. Get ready to absorb the essence of Thin Lizzy and boost your guitar prowess!