Reach For The Sky – Gary Moore
Unlock the emotion, fire, and finesse of Gary Moore’s playing with “Reach For The Sky”, one of his most electrifying guitar showcases. This note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com guides you through every nuance of Moore’s phrasing, tone, and signature techniques. You’ll learn not only the notes but also the feel, precision, and musical depth that make his playing so unforgettable. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song
“Reach For The Sky” captures everything that made Gary Moore one of the most expressive and technically gifted guitarists of his generation. From searing solos to beautifully phrased melodies, the song combines blues-based emotion with rock-driven power. The result is a masterclass in dynamic control, melodic storytelling, and expressive soloing.
In this Licklibrary lesson, each section of the song is broken down carefully, giving you the opportunity to master both the technical details and the emotional subtleties that define Moore’s style. Whether you’re working on your bends, vibrato, or phrasing, this lesson ensures you capture the essence of the original performance.
About Gary Moore
Few guitarists have blended emotion and technical brilliance as seamlessly as Gary Moore. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Moore’s musical journey took him from the hard rock world of Thin Lizzy to an acclaimed solo career that reshaped modern blues and rock guitar.
Moore’s tone was instantly recognisable — full of warmth, sustain, and expression. His influences ranged from blues legends like Peter Green and Albert King to the fiery rock intensity of Jeff Beck. This combination produced a sound that was both soulful and explosive. “Reach For The Sky” represents Gary at his best — a fusion of power and passion that has inspired generations of guitarists around the world.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
The “Reach For The Sky” lesson focuses on many of the signature techniques that defined Gary Moore’s style. Each one is explained and demonstrated in detail, giving you the tools to sound and feel like the master himself.
String Bending
A cornerstone of Moore’s sound, string bending allows you to mimic the vocal quality of his solos. This technique teaches control, pitch accuracy, and emotional phrasing, helping you make every note sing.
Vibrato
Gary’s powerful and expressive vibrato adds depth and character to every sustained note. Learning to develop a confident vibrato will make your playing sound more professional and emotionally charged.
Legato Phrasing
Moore often used smooth legato lines to connect his fast runs seamlessly. Practicing this technique will improve your fluidity, strength, and coordination between fretting and picking hands.
Slides
Slides create expressive transitions between notes and add a vocal-like quality to phrasing. Incorporating them as Moore did helps your solos flow naturally and with greater emotion.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
These two techniques work hand-in-hand to produce smooth, connected notes without excessive picking. They’re essential for mastering Gary’s quick, melodic runs and intricate phrasing.
Double Stops
Double stops add harmonic depth and power to your solos. Gary’s use of this technique adds a soulful, bluesy flavor that enhances melody and intensity.
Pinched Harmonics
Used to add a screaming, high-pitched edge to certain phrases, pinched harmonics help capture the aggressive side of Moore’s tone and add variety to your lead lines.
Bluesy Bends
Gary’s playing is filled with expressive, vocal-style bends that evoke deep emotion. Mastering this technique improves your sense of pitch and your ability to phrase with feeling.
Sustain and Tone Control
Moore’s tone was all about control — sustaining notes that seemed to hang in the air forever. Learning how to use sustain effectively will help you manage feedback, tone, and dynamic balance.
Arpeggios and Chord Progressions
The rhythm and harmonic sections of this song use rich arpeggios and dynamic chord progressions. Understanding these will give you insight into how Gary built his melodic and harmonic ideas.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
By studying “Reach For The Sky” in detail, you’ll not only expand your technical ability but also your musical expression. Techniques like bending, vibrato, and sustain teach you how to feel every note, while legato and slides develop your speed and smoothness. Pinched harmonics and double stops add tonal variety and intensity, and the focus on chord progressions and arpeggios deepens your understanding of song structure and harmony.
This lesson isn’t just about learning a song — it’s about transforming your approach to the guitar. You’ll gain control, precision, and emotion, making your playing stand out in any genre.
Technique List
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Sam Bell
Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...