That's All Right – Elvis Presley

Learn to play That's All Right by Elvis Presley with our detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary. This iconic track is widely recognised as one of the cornerstones of rock 'n' roll and showcases a range of essential guitar techniques that remain incredibly relevant for players of all levels today. Our lesson dives deep into the licks, rhythms, and phrasing that shaped the early sound of rockabilly and country blues, giving guitarists the tools to explore both foundational and expressive styles of playing. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 1954, That's All Right was Elvis Presley's first single and is often credited with sparking the rock 'n' roll revolution. The song blends blues, country, and a raw rhythmic energy that set the tone for generations of guitar-based music. The guitar part, performed by Scotty Moore, is rhythmically driving and melodic, offering a brilliant study in early electric guitar technique.

In our lesson, we break down every phrase with clarity, guiding you through Scotty Moore’s legendary style. From the snapping riffs to the subtle articulation techniques, this lesson will enhance your control, precision, and understanding of groove and swing in roots-based music.

About the Guitar Player

Scotty Moore, Elvis’s original lead guitarist, is a pioneer in rock guitar playing. His unique fusion of finger-picking, country swing, and blues phrasing helped lay the foundation for modern electric guitar playing. Moore's approach influenced countless greats, from Keith Richards and Jimmy Page to Brian Setzer and Jeff Beck. His ability to seamlessly weave rhythm and lead parts together in a tight three-piece band setting made his style both innovative and timeless.

Learning Moore’s playing on That's All Right gives you direct insight into how modern rock and roll guitar evolved from a fusion of American roots music styles. His phrasing, tone, and rhythmic precision offer guitarists a goldmine of musical vocabulary.

Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Hybrid Picking

This technique involves using a pick in conjunction with the fingers to pluck strings. Scotty Moore’s rockabilly licks heavily depend on hybrid picking to articulate fast, dynamic lines while maintaining rhythmic integrity. Mastering hybrid picking enhances control and opens up a wide range of tonal and textural possibilities.

Finger Picking

Moore’s early work leaned heavily on traditional country-blues finger picking. This style allows players to develop independence between the thumb and fingers, enabling the guitarist to play bass lines, chords, and melody simultaneously — perfect for solo playing or adding nuance in a small band setup.

Slides

Slides appear frequently in the lead phrases throughout That's All Right. A well-executed slide adds fluidity and expressiveness to your playing, mimicking the human voice and helping connect different fretboard positions smoothly.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Scotty Moore uses these legato techniques to enhance phrasing and to keep the rhythm flowing during fast passages. These are fundamental techniques for fluid lead guitar playing and help improve finger strength, coordination, and tone.

Double Stops

These are small intervals played simultaneously, creating harmonically rich textures and melodies. In That's All Right, double stops are used to punctuate phrases and add a punchy, bluesy feel to the solos and fills.

Open String Riffs

One of the signature elements of the song is the use of open strings within lead phrases, adding a twangy, percussive feel that's distinctively rockabilly. This technique boosts your sense of timing and forces you to be more accurate with string muting and control.

Syncopated Rhythms

Rhythm plays a huge role in this lesson. The groove of That’s All Right is built around syncopation and swing feel. Understanding syncopated rhythms helps you develop tighter timing, making your playing feel more musical and dynamic.

Bluesy Bends

Though subtle in this early rock ‘n’ roll context, bends are used tastefully to inject blues character into melodic lines. Bluesy bends are crucial for adding emotion and personal expression to your lead playing.

Why You Should Learn This Song

Learning That's All Right gives you more than just a classic song under your belt — it gives you a foundation in essential techniques that apply across blues, country, rockabilly, and classic rock. Whether you're looking to improve your phrasing, rhythm, or finger independence, this lesson offers something valuable for every guitarist. You'll walk away with improved dynamic control, a better understanding of groove, and deeper insight into the roots of modern rock guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Hybrid Picking
• Finger Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your technique or an experienced guitarist wanting to deepen your roots vocabulary, this lesson is a must-watch. Get ready to capture the essence of early rock 'n' roll guitar and level up your playing with That's All Right.