Learn To Play Van Morrison
Song Lessons in this Course
Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill
This guitar lesson course includes complete, song-by-song breakdowns of the following Van Morrison classics:
Gloria – Originally recorded with Morrison's band Them, "Gloria" is a cornerstone of blues-rock guitar. This lesson dissects the song's driving E minor pentatonic riff, exploring the use of slides and double-stops to create dynamic, energetic playing. The solo analysis focuses on the interplay between percussive rhythm guitar and vocal-style melodic lines, with an emphasis on syncopated rhythms that give the track its irresistible rock and roll feel. An ideal starting point for guitarists looking to develop their blues vocabulary.
Bright Side of the Road – A cheerful, uplifting track that showcases Morrison's melodic sensibility. This lesson explores the D major scale and the rich, layered chord progressions that give the song its warm, optimistic character. The solo analysis highlights the effective use of arpeggios to craft resonant, melodic lead lines—a technique that will dramatically improve your understanding of how melodies relate to chord structures and enhance your lead guitar skills.
Moondance – One of Morrison's most celebrated recordings, "Moondance" is a jazz-influenced gem that demands a keen sense of rhythm and timing. This lesson focuses on the Am Dorian scale—a cornerstone of jazz, soul, and blues guitar—and explores the complex harmonic structures that give the song its irresistible groove. You'll learn the swing rhythm feel, the expressive use of arpeggiated chord progressions, and the octave melodies that make this track so distinctive and musically rewarding.
Have I Told You Lately – A tender, heartfelt ballad that is the perfect vehicle for exploring the art of finger-picking. This lesson covers the primary scales used—G Major and E Minor—and focuses on the subtle nuances of the lead guitar part, including the harmonious blending of single-note lines and chordal fills. This song is an excellent case study in how to combine rhythm and lead guitar to create a full, expressive sound.
Brown Eyed Girl – One of the most recognisable songs in popular music, "Brown Eyed Girl" is built around a simple yet compelling chord progression in G Major. This lesson explores the lead guitar's use of syncopated rhythms and quick slides, as well as the rhythmic foundation provided by power chords and palm-muting. A feel-good classic that will add an instantly recognisable crowd-pleaser to your repertoire.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
Our Learn to Play Van Morrison guitar course is essential for any guitarist who wants to explore the rich intersection of blues, jazz, soul, and folk guitar, and develop a more versatile, expressive playing style. This course is ideal for intermediate players who want to broaden their musical horizons and add depth to their playing.
Perfect for Guitarists Who:
- Are fans of the soulful, eclectic sound of Van Morrison and classic singer-songwriters
- Want to master the art of intricate finger-picking and melodic soloing
- Are looking to improve their understanding of chord progressions and harmonic textures
- Admire the diverse styles and techniques of guitarists like Herbie Armstrong and Mick Cox
- Believe that playing with feeling and understanding the song's groove is the foundation of great guitar
- Want to develop a more versatile, genre-spanning approach to guitar playing
What will I achieve from completing this course?
Learning to play Van Morrison is a fundamental education in the art of melodic, rhythm-driven guitar. This online guitar course will supercharge your finger-picking, sharpen your understanding of chord structures and harmonic progressions, and instil in you the power of subtle, expressive playing. By the end of this course, you will have five timeless classics in your arsenal and the ability to play with the soulful, nuanced authority of a truly versatile guitarist.
You will develop a deep appreciation for the musical diversity of Van Morrison's catalog—from the raw blues of "Gloria" to the jazz sophistication of "Moondance"—and gain the technical tools to navigate a wide range of styles and genres. You'll learn how to create a full, dynamic sound by blending rhythm and lead guitar, and you'll gain the confidence to perform these beloved songs with feeling and authenticity.
Technical Skills You'll Develop:
This comprehensive guitar lesson course will help you master the following techniques and concepts:
- Mastery of the E minor pentatonic, D major, and Am Dorian scales across different genres
- The ability to play with a compelling, syncopated rhythmic feel and swing groove
- Execution of intricate finger-picking patterns and arpeggiated chord progressions
- Proficiency in blending single-note lines and chordal fills for a full, expressive sound
- Expressive use of slides, double-stops, and octave melodies
- Application of power chords and palm-muting in an upbeat, folk-rock context
- The ability to craft solos that are both melodic and rhythmically engaging
- Enhanced understanding of complex harmonic structures and jazz-influenced phrasing
- A deep appreciation for how to create a dynamic, genre-blending guitar style
- The confidence to perform some of the most beloved and enduring songs ever written
WE CAN HELP...
1-ON-1 COACHING
Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!
** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with
Van Morrison
nor does
Van Morrison
perform or appear on this course.*
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.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Lee Hodgson
"Lee's contribution here at LickLibrary is a masterclass in classic guitar playing, from Hank Marvin to Simon & Garfunkel, but that certainly isn't the limit of his skills. In reality, Lee is one of the most technically able country guitar players we've ever seen, in fact his book ""Hot Country""...