Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison

Learn to master the heartfelt beauty of Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. This timeless ballad is more than just a romantic tune—it’s a masterclass in expressive guitar techniques, tasteful phrasing, and subtle rhythm work. Our expert instructors break down every nuance of the original performance so that you can capture the emotion and tone that define this iconic track.

Whether you're a beginner looking to explore more expressive playing or a seasoned guitarist seeking to refine your feel, this lesson offers invaluable insights into the artistry behind one of Van Morrison’s most beloved songs. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Guitar Work

Originally released in 1989 on the Avalon Sunset album, Have I Told You Lately showcases Van Morrison's signature blend of Celtic soul, jazz-infused chords, and heartfelt lyricism. The guitar work on this track is subtle yet rich, blending warm chord voicings with tasteful melodic embellishments that perfectly complement the song's romantic tone.

The guitar in this piece plays a supporting role to Morrison's vocal, yet it is essential in establishing the song's mood. Through our detailed video lessons, you’ll learn how to bring out those emotional nuances while honing several key techniques that will benefit you across multiple genres.

Featured Guitarist and Musical Influence

Though Van Morrison is the main creative force, the guitar contributions on Have I Told You Lately are typically attributed to long-time collaborators like Arty McGlynn and Neil Drinkwater (on piano and arrangements). Arty McGlynn’s playing in particular is known for its Celtic roots, jazz-influenced chord voicings, and melodic sensitivity. His work on this track is a study in restraint and soulfulness, emphasising that great guitar playing isn’t always about flash—it’s about feel.

McGlynn's influence extends beyond folk and Celtic genres. His tasteful playing continues to inspire guitarists seeking a more emotive and musical approach to their craft.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Finger-Picking

One of the most prominent techniques used in Have I Told You Lately is finger-picking, which allows the player to independently articulate bass lines, inner harmonies, and melody notes. It provides a much more expressive and nuanced approach to chordal playing than strumming alone. This technique is perfect for players looking to develop dynamic control and tonal variety.

Chord Progressions

The song’s beauty lies in its chord progressions, which combine major and minor shapes in emotionally resonant sequences. By studying this, players will enhance their understanding of harmonic structure and develop the ability to create mood through chords alone—a vital skill for songwriting and arrangement.

Slides

Subtle slides between notes are used throughout the song to create smooth, lyrical transitions. Slides add fluidity to your playing and help emulate the vocal-like phrasing found in the original performance. It’s a valuable tool for injecting expression into lead lines and embellishments.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

This lesson also explores the tasteful use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, particularly in melodic fills and passing phrases. These legato techniques allow for smoother, more connected note transitions and are essential for creating a flowing, expressive style.

Vibrato

Another expressive touch comes through well-placed vibrato. This technique involves subtly varying the pitch of a note to add emotional intensity and sustain. Mastering vibrato is key for any player looking to add depth and personality to their solos or melodic embellishments.

Barre Chords

Finally, players will make use of barre chords, particularly when shifting between chord shapes across the fretboard. Barre chords increase versatility and are indispensable for playing in different keys and integrating movable shapes into your rhythm playing.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning Have I Told You Lately offers far more than just the ability to play a great song. It provides a toolkit of expressive techniques that will elevate your playing across the board. You’ll build finger independence, develop your touch and tone, and gain a better understanding of how to support a vocal line with dynamic guitar work. It’s an ideal lesson for those who appreciate the emotional side of music and want to bring more soul into their playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Barre Chords

Unlock the timeless elegance of Van Morrison’s Have I Told You Lately and bring its soul-stirring guitar work to life under your fingertips. Join us at LickLibrary.com and start mastering this beautiful piece today.