Still Got The Blues by Gary Moore – Guitar Lesson

Learn to master the emotionally charged and expressive playing style of one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists of all time with our note-for-note guitar lesson of “Still Got The Blues” by Gary Moore. This detailed tutorial will guide you through the rich, melodic phrasing and soulful licks that make this track a timeless classic. From expressive string bending to delicate vibrato, this lesson covers essential blues lead guitar techniques that will take your playing to the next level. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Technique Focus

String Bending

One of the most expressive tools in any blues guitarist’s arsenal, string bending is used masterfully throughout Still Got The Blues. Gary Moore’s bends are vocal-like, often mimicking the inflection and dynamics of a human voice. This technique allows you to transition smoothly between notes, creating tension and resolution in a melodic line.

Mastering string bending helps you develop pitch control, ear training, and expressive phrasing, adding depth and emotion to your solos.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The intro and verse sections feature beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions, providing a rich harmonic foundation for the vocal melodies and lead lines. Moore uses this technique to great effect, letting each note of the chord ring out with clarity and emotion.

Practicing arpeggiated chord progressions improves your picking accuracy and hand coordination while enhancing your understanding of chord structures and voicings.

Vibrato

Gary Moore’s vibrato technique is a signature element of his playing and is present throughout this song. It’s wide, slow, and deeply expressive, often applied at the end of a bend or sustained note to prolong its emotion.

Developing a strong vibrato enhances your sustain and emotional expression, making your solos more personal and compelling.

Hammer-Ons

Moore uses hammer-ons in fast, fluid legato passages and slower, melodic runs. They provide smooth transitions between notes and are crucial for achieving the seamless phrasing heard in his lead lines.

Hammer-ons help improve finger strength and fluidity, making your lead playing more dynamic and less rigid.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning Still Got The Blues is more than just copying a solo — it's about learning how to communicate emotion through your guitar. This lesson gives you the skills to do just that by focusing on the expressive techniques that made Gary Moore a legend. Whether you're looking to improve your phrasing, refine your tone, or master the blues-rock style, this is the perfect track to study.

About the Song and Gary Moore

Released in 1990, Still Got The Blues is arguably Gary Moore’s most iconic song and a standout track from his album of the same name. Departing from his hard rock roots, Moore embraced the blues with open arms, delivering an emotionally driven masterpiece filled with expressive lead guitar work and smooth phrasing.

Gary Moore was renowned for his fiery technique and passionate playing, seamlessly blending blues phrasing with rock intensity. His tone, feel, and emotive vibrato have influenced generations of guitarists, including legends like Joe Bonamassa, Kirk Hammett, and John Sykes. Moore’s ability to wring emotion from every note is what sets him apart and makes studying his work not only enjoyable but deeply rewarding for any aspiring guitarist.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

Our guitar lesson breaks down every lick, phrase, and solo passage in Still Got The Blues in meticulous detail. You’ll not only learn how to play the song accurately but also how to inject your own emotion and feel into the music, just like Gary Moore.

This song is an excellent study for intermediate to advanced guitarists looking to improve phrasing, control, and expressive lead guitar techniques.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Explore these techniques in detail through our interactive Guitar Glossary and strengthen the foundations of your lead guitar playing.

Ready to bring your blues playing to life? Dive into the Still Got The Blues guitar lesson and learn how to channel Gary Moore’s unforgettable style through your own fingertips.