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

"Sha La La" from the iconic 'Live and Dangerous' album by Thin Lizzy is a classic rock tune that is revered by many guitarists for its intricate guitar work. With Phil Lynott as the frontman and a pair of high-octane lead guitarists, Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, the song captures a beautiful blend of rock and blues elements, paired with high-energy performance. Danny Gill breaks down this underrated live track.

Chord Progressions and Scales

The backbone of "Sha La La" is based on a straightforward chord progression. The verses mainly revolve around the A and G major chords, setting the groove and vibe of the song. These chords give the song a solid base for the lead guitarists to weave their sonic tapestry around. As for scales, it predominantly utilises the A Minor Pentatonic and A Mixolydian scales. The interplay between these scales gives a sense of forward motion and an engaging harmonic context that keeps the listener (and player) on their toes.

Lead Guitarists: Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson

The two lead guitarists, Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, showcase their unique styles in this song. Gorham's playing is marked by his melodic sensibilities. He often employs pentatonic runs that are effortlessly smooth and bluesy. On the other hand, Robertson adds a gritty texture with his aggressive picking and more rock-oriented approach. When both of these distinct styles come together, it results in an eclectic blend that is characteristic of Thin Lizzy's dual-lead approach.

Solo Analysis

The guitar solo is a spectacular section that showcases the best of both lead guitarists. It kicks off with a fast pentatonic run, using the A Minor Pentatonic scale, filled with hammer-ons and pull-offs. The articulation in bending the strings is evident here, adding a bluesy touch to the mix. Midway through the solo, you'll notice a seamless transition to the A Mixolydian scale. This gives the solo a different flavour, making it less predictable and more engaging.

The climax of the solo is a dual-guitar harmony. The choice of intervals and the coordination between the two players are nothing short of mesmerising. They manage to maintain the overall melodic sense while adding layers of complexity. The final descending run leads beautifully back into the main riff, wrapping up the solo neatly and cohesively.

Techniques Used in "Sha La La"

Here is a list of some of the guitar techniques featured in this phenomenal track:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• String Bending
• Dual-Guitar Harmonies

Understanding and mastering these techniques can give you a solid foundation to approach "Sha La La" and capture the essence of Thin Lizzy's iconic guitar work. Not only does this song serve as a masterclass in rock and blues guitar, but it also stands as a testament to the incredible musicianship and chemistry between Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Their contrasting yet complementary styles make this track a must-learn for anyone serious about understanding the intricacies of rock guitar playing.