Rory Gallagher - "Secret Agent"

Take a deep dive into the powerhouse guitar work of Rory Gallagher with our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Secret Agent", a standout track that showcases Gallagher’s fierce tone, bluesy phrasing, and high-octane delivery. In this exclusive LickLibrary lesson, we break down the main guitar parts and explore the rich vocabulary of techniques that Gallagher brings to life throughout this track. Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or looking to build a strong rock foundation, studying this song will bring a massive boost to your playing technique, control, and expression. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

"Secret Agent" is a gritty, groove-laden blues-rock track that captures Rory Gallagher’s signature style: a blend of passionate blues phrasing, slide guitar finesse, and dynamic soloing. Built on a swampy, pulsating rhythm, the song is peppered with expressive bends, biting vibrato, and raw blues-rock fire. It’s a masterclass in how to blend technical ability with soulful feel, and this lesson will walk you through all the elements that make this track such a guitar gem.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

One of Gallagher’s trademarks is his expressive use of string bending. Throughout “Secret Agent,” he uses full bends, pre-bends, and bluesy bends to add tension and emotional depth. String bending not only enhances pitch control but also builds finger strength and dexterity—essential for expressive soloing.

Vibrato

Gallagher’s vibrato is bold, wide, and vocal-like. This lesson helps you emulate his unique vibrato style, giving your notes character and life. Developing good vibrato is essential for any guitarist seeking to inject more personality into their playing.

Slides

Slides are integral to Gallagher’s phrasing. They connect phrases smoothly and add a vocal-like quality to licks. Mastering this technique improves fretboard navigation and the fluidity of your solos.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Used extensively in Rory’s legato-style runs, hammer-ons and pull-offs help create fast, flowing lines. These techniques enhance finger independence and allow for speed and fluidity without constant picking.

Double Stops and Double-Stop Bends

Gallagher often plays double stops, creating harmony within his licks, and uses double-stop bends to add a gritty blues-rock edge. These techniques enhance chordal soloing and allow for expressive phrasing.

Unison Bends

The use of unison bends adds a soaring, vocal-like element to his solos. These are not only visually impressive but also a great tool for building strength and control in your bending technique.

Open String Riffs

Gallagher cleverly uses open string riffs to keep energy high while adding tonal variety. These are great for developing rhythm control and picking accuracy.

Pinched Harmonics

A few moments in “Secret Agent” showcase pinched harmonics, which give certain notes a snarling, aggressive edge. This technique adds texture and excitement to your playing, especially in high-gain settings.

Palm Muting

Gallagher uses palm muting to control dynamics and emphasise rhythmic accents. It’s essential for players looking to develop tight rhythm skills and articulation.

Rakes

A common blues and rock technique, rakes add aggression and rhythmic flair. They help in developing right-hand control and muting techniques.

About Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues-rock virtuoso known for his raw, soulful playing and relentless energy. Armed with his battered Fender Stratocaster, Gallagher influenced generations of guitarists, including Brian May, Slash, and Joe Bonamassa. His tone was all about honesty—no frills, just fingers, amp, and emotion. In "Secret Agent," Rory channels the spirit of classic blues through his signature phrasing and dynamic command. His approach is a perfect study in blending blues authenticity with rock power, making him a must-learn guitarist for any serious player.

Benefits of Learning "Secret Agent"

Studying "Secret Agent" is more than just learning a song—it's an opportunity to absorb Gallagher’s stylistic trademarks and enhance your guitar language. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Improved finger strength and pitch control through consistent bending and vibrato.
• Better phrasing and melodic expression via the use of slides, legato, and harmonics.
• Greater command of rhythm guitar techniques with palm muting and open string riffs.
• Advanced fretboard knowledge and coordination, critical for fluent soloing.
• A deeper appreciation for blues-rock phrasing and dynamics, as modeled by one of the genre’s legends.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Open String Riffs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Rakes

This lesson is an exciting, immersive look at one of Rory Gallagher’s most compelling performances. It not only strengthens your technique but also connects you to the emotion and power that defines great guitar playing.