Thin Lizzy's "Emerald" from 'Live and Dangerous': Guitar Lesson

Let's talk about an absolute gem—pun intended—in rock guitar history: "Emerald" from Thin Lizzy's iconic 'Live and Dangerous' album. This song is a treasure trove of guitar techniques, scales, and chords. Lick Library veteran, Danny Gill, breaks down the guitar wizardry of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson.

Chords & Scales

First off, the song is largely rooted in E minor, with chord progressions frequently circling back to that root note. The verse leans on a progression of E minor, D major, and C major, which sets the mood and lays the foundation for the vocals. It's bluesy but maintains a kind of Celtic atmosphere—a unique combination in rock music. If you want to jam along, you'll find the E minor pentatonic scale and natural minor scale your best friends.

Lead Guitarists: Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson

Before we delve into the solo and other intricacies, we must talk about the guitarists. Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson offer two distinct styles that mesh incredibly well in "Emerald." Gorham, known for his melodic sense and smooth tonality, pairs beautifully with Robertson's aggressive, blues-based approach. It's a match made in heaven, or in this case, a fiery forge of Irish rock.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo section of "Emerald" is a masterclass in dynamics, tension, and release. Gorham kicks things off with a tasteful use of the E minor pentatonic, crafting a melodic lead that's perfectly complementary to the underlying chords. His choice of bends and vibrato add an expressive layer to the solo, inviting Robertson to take the helm. And when he does, hold on tight! Robertson tears into his solo with fiery alternate picking runs, descending and ascending the fretboard with ease. You'll notice some chromatic notes thrown in for added tension, which he resolves beautifully with a series of string bends.

The climax of the solo, however, comes when both guitarists engage in a harmonised lead section, a hallmark of Thin Lizzy's sound. They take a simple melody and harmonise it in thirds, creating a lush and powerful statement that brings the solo section to a close.

Techniques

Now for the meaty part: the techniques that make "Emerald" a must-learn for aspiring rock guitarists. Here's a comprehensive list:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Chord Progressions
5. Arpeggios
6. Pull-offs
7. Power Chords
8. Palm Muting
9. Barre Chords
10. Hammer-ons
11. Double Stops
12. Slides
13. String Bending
14. Harmonics
15. Dual Guitar Harmonies

So, whether you're new to guitar or a seasoned player, "Emerald" from Thin Lizzy's 'Live and Dangerous' album provides a wealth of learning opportunities. It's a sonic textbook, showing us that rock guitar is more than just noise—it's a rich tapestry of techniques, styles, and emotions.