From Heartfelt Melody to Iconic Solo: A Guitarist's Guide to Gary Moore's "Parisienne Walkways"

Uncover the true story and master the techniques behind one of rock's most legendary guitar performances. A deep dive for guitarists looking to learn Gary Moore's style. If you play electric guitar, you know the moment. That four-note motif, weeping with sustain, dripping with vibrato, singing with a vocal-like clarity that seems to defy the laws of physics. It’s the intro to Gary Moore’s “Parisienne Walkways,” the 1979 hit that showcased the Belfast guitarist's incredible talent and gifted the world one of its most iconic guitar solos.
For decades, myths and misinformation have swirled around this masterpiece, from the gear used to Moore's own feelings about his most famous song. This article will set the record straight, correcting the factual errors and providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring guitarists who want to learn Gary Moore's guitar lessons and techniques. This is the true story of how a moment of collaborative genius and masterful technique created an immortal piece of music.

One of the most persistent myths about “Parisienne Walkways” is that Gary Moore grew to resent the song, viewing it as a creative burden. The reality, however, is far more positive. In an interview with Classic Rock, Moore expressed great pride in the song and his collaboration with Thin Lizzy frontman, Phil Lynott.
“It was such a lovely, creative process. I played it to him on an acoustic guitar and he went, ‘That sounds kinda French, let me write some lyrics.’ ... When it came out and was a huge hit, I was so proud that it showed what we could do together.”
This was not the work of a reluctant balladeer, but a testament to a powerful creative partnership. The song was a highlight of Moore's live shows, where the iconic solo would often be extended, showcasing his improvisational brilliance and emotional depth. Far from a "millstone," it was a cornerstone of his legacy.

To truly understand and learn Gary Moore's guitar style, it's essential to have the correct information about his equipment. With a lot of misinformation online, here is the setup, as confirmed by the engineer on the session, Chris Tsangarides.

Guitar: 1959 Gibson Les Paul "Greeny" The legendary "out-of-phase" middle position sound of this iconic guitar, previously owned by Peter Green, was a key part of Moore's tonal palette.

Amplifier: Mesa Boogie Combo The Mesa Boogie provided a high-fidelity, clean platform that allowed Moore's technique - his powerful attack and finger vibrato - to shine through without excessive amp distortion.

Effects: EMT 140 Plate Reverb The spacious, shimmering ambience on the recordings came from a classic studio plate reverb, not a tape echo as often incorrectly stated. This created a lush, smooth decay around the notes.

While Moore did use Marshall amplifiers and Roland echo units extensively throughout his career, particularly in live settings, the specific combination used for the Back on the Streets album sessions was key to the unique sound of "Parisienne Walkways." The claim that he used a Marshall Major is incorrect; his own Marshall Major was acquired in 1994, sixteen years after the song was recorded .

For those looking for Gary Moore guitar lessons, his performance on "Parisienne Walkways" is a masterclass in expression and control. His legendary tone was not just a product of his gear, but was primarily in his hands. Here’s a breakdown of the key Gary Moore guitar techniques you can study to improve your own playing.

1. Aggressive, Vocal-Like Vibrato

Moore's vibrato is instantly recognisable. It's not a gentle shimmer, but a wide, aggressive, and controlled shake that gives each note a human, vocal quality. He achieved this by using the full strength of his fretting hand and wrist, creating a powerful and emotive effect. To practise this, focus on using your entire wrist to bend the string, rather than just your fingers.

2. Unbelievable Sustain Through Technique

That famous, endlessly sustaining note in the solo wasn't just a studio trick. Moore's ability to hold a note for so long was a result of a combination of factors: perfect vibrato technique, precise fretting, and using the volume and proximity to his amplifier to create controlled feedback. He understood the physics of how a guitar interacts with a loud amp, and he mastered it.

3. Emotional and Precise String Bending

Every bend in a Gary Moore solo tells a story. He was a master of bending strings to the perfect pitch, holding them there, and applying his signature vibrato. His bends are not just technical exercises; they are full of emotion and passion. Practise your bending with a tuner to ensure accuracy, and focus on the emotional delivery of each note.

4. Melodic Phrasing

While capable of incredible speed, Moore's most memorable playing is often his most melodic. He had a gift for crafting phrases that were both technically impressive and incredibly catchy. He knew when to leave space and let a single note sing, a crucial lesson for any guitarist. Study his phrasing by learning to sing his solos before you play them on the guitar.

Beyond the technical aspects, the story of "Parisienne Walkways" offers profound lessons for every guitarist.

Emotion Over Perfection: The solo's immortality lies in its crying, vocal quality, not its technical complexity. A simple, heartfelt phrase played with conviction will always outlast a flurry of soulless notes.

Tone is in Your Hands (and Your Volume Knob): Moore’s sustain was a physical achievement. Before relying on pedals, master your volume dynamics, vibrato control, and the physical interaction between your guitar and amplifier.

The Right Gear for the Job: The high-fidelity Mesa Boogie amplifier was the perfect tool to capture the nuance and power of Moore's playing style.

Gary Moore's performance on "Parisienne Walkways" is a permanent monument to a time when iconic tone was wrestled from the instrument with pure technique and passion. It stands as a testament to his supreme mastery of the guitar's emotional language, and it remains one of the greatest guitar lessons ever recorded.