"Still Got the Blues" by Gary Moore - An In-depth Analysis

Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues" album is a seminal work that stands as a testament to Moore's mastery of the blues genre. Released in 1990, the album marks a return to Moore's blues roots and showcases his incredible guitar playing. The album incorporates a mix of hard rock and authentic blues, making it a standout work. This article analyzes each song, focusing on guitar techniques, scales, solos, and the lead guitarist's overall contribution.

This album was Gary Moore’s most successful album both in sales and chart positions - ‘Still Got the Blues’ is a masterclass in rock and blues guitar playing. Spawning the hit songs such as the title track, “Still Got The Blues”, “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Walking By Myself” that remained constant in Moore’s setlist throughout his career, the album is jam-packed with killer riffs, soulful turnarounds and blistering solos. In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Jamie Humphries teaches you the highlights of each song from this masterful and original blues-rock record one phrase at a time and explores the powerful and sometimes subtle trademarks contained within Gary Moore’s legendary phrasing 

Gary Moore - The Lead Guitarist

Gary Moore's style is characterized by emotion, precision, and technical ability. His use of various scales and techniques, including blues and pentatonic scales, adds richness to the album. Known for his unique phrasing and expressive vibrato, Moore's work on "Still Got the Blues" is nothing short of breathtaking.

Guitar Lessons Included

Guitar Lesson 1: "Moving On"

This upbeat track is built around a basic blues shuffle in A, using the A major and pentatonic scales. The solo in this song is particularly expressive, utilizing techniques like string bending, slides, and vibrato. It's an excellent demonstration of Moore's ability to blend rock and blues effortlessly.

Guitar Lesson 2: "Oh Pretty Woman"

A tribute to Albert King, this song uses the B minor pentatonic scale and offers some classic blues licks. The guitar solos are soulful and played with great feel, featuring Moore's use of bends, vibrato, and alternate picking.

Guitar Lesson 3: "Walking By Myself"

This track is set in E and employs the E major pentatonic scale. The guitar work is rhythmic and uses techniques like palm muting and power chords. The solo showcases Moore's expressive bends and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 4: "Still Got the Blues"

The title track of the album, played in A minor, is a masterclass in emotive blues playing. Moore's use of the A minor pentatonic scale, along with arpeggios and sustained notes, creates a soul-stirring experience. The solo is a delicate blend of techniques, including legato, bends, and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 5: "Texas Strut"

A hard-rocking track in the key of E, this song uses the E blues scale. The guitar solo is aggressive and showcases Moore's precision with alternate picking, string bending, and slides.

Guitar Lesson 6: "Too Tired"

A collaboration with Albert Collins, this song, in G, showcases a more traditional blues approach. The guitar work includes classic blues licks, vibrato, and the use of the G major and pentatonic scales.

Guitar Lesson 7: "King of the Blues"

Set in C, this song uses the C blues scale. It is a powerful tribute to blues legends, and the guitar solo is filled with emotive bends, trills, and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 8: "As the Years Go Passing By"

This slow blues in D minor showcases Moore's ability to convey emotion, using the D minor pentatonic scale. The solo is filled with feeling, utilizing slides, bends, and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 9: "Midnight Blues"

An evocative piece in B minor, it utilizes the B minor pentatonic scale. The guitar solo is delicate and expressive, with the use of bends, vibrato, and legato techniques.

Guitar Lesson 10: "That Kind of Woman"

This song in E uses the E blues scale. The guitar work is energetic and features techniques like alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato.

Guitar Lesson 11: "All Your Love"

This Otis Rush cover in C# minor showcases Moore's use of the C# minor pentatonic scale. The guitar solo is filled with feeling, including the use of vibrato, bends, and slides.

Guitar Lesson 12: "Stop Messin' Around"

A Fleetwood Mac cover set in E, it features a classic blues rhythm. The guitar work includes string bending, vibrato, and the use of the E major pentatonic scale.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Album:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Trills
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

Moore's "Still Got the Blues" is an indispensable album for blues enthusiasts and guitarists alike. It serves as a window into Moore's soul, showcasing his deep understanding of blues, and it's a masterclass for guitarists seeking to explore the depth and emotion of blues guitar.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE