"Still Got The Blues" by Gary Moore: A guitarist's perspective

Guitar lessons by Jamie Humphries

"Still Got The Blues" is a groundbreaking blues-rock album by the legendary Irish guitarist Gary Moore, released in 1990. After leaving his hard rock band Thin Lizzy, Moore transitioned from his previous hard rock and metal style to a more blues-oriented sound. This album showcases his exceptional guitar skills and deep understanding of blues music.

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Jamie Humphries takes you through the many highlights of each song from the guitar legend, Gary Moore, one phrase at a time, including the tracks “Oh Pretty Woman”, “Walking By Myself” and the iconic blues ballad “Still Got the Blues”. In this analysis, we'll delve into the album's tracks, discussing the guitar scales used and examining the guitar solos. We'll also pay tribute to Gary Moore and his contribution to this classic album.

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Moving On

"Moving On" is an instrumental track that opens the album with a bang. The song is based on the A Mixolydian scale, featuring Gary's signature bending and vibrato techniques. The main riff is simple but powerful, with a strong blues-rock feel. The solo showcases Moore's ability to mix speed and melody, featuring alternate picking and fast legato runs.

2. Oh Pretty Woman

This track is a tribute to blues legend Albert King, with a riff based on the E minor pentatonic scale. The song features a groovy rhythm section and a memorable vocal melody. The solo is played in the E minor pentatonic scale, with expressive bends and vibrato. Moore's use of pinch harmonics adds a touch of aggression to the song.

3. Walking By Myself

A cover of Jimmy Rogers' classic blues tune, "Walking By Myself" is played in the E major pentatonic scale. The main riff features a catchy, syncopated rhythm, while the solo showcases Moore's slide guitar skills. The song is a great example of Moore's ability to combine traditional blues elements with his own unique style.

4. Still Got The Blues

The title track is a heartfelt blues ballad, with a chord progression based on the C# minor scale. The emotive guitar solo is played in the C# minor pentatonic scale, featuring Moore's signature bends and vibrato. The song is a testament to his expressive playing style and ability to convey emotion through his guitar.

5. Texas Strut

"Texas Strut" is an uptempo blues-rock tune played in the A Mixolydian scale. The driving rhythm and aggressive guitar tone make this track a standout. The solo features fast alternate picking runs, legato, and unison bends, showcasing Moore's incredible technical skills and his ability to mix speed with emotion.

6. Too Tired

Featuring Albert Collins on vocals and guitar, "Too Tired" is a slow blues tune played in the G minor pentatonic scale. The song showcases both guitarists' skills, with expressive solos that feature bends, vibrato, and double-stops. The interplay between Moore and Collins is a highlight of the album.

7. King of the Blues

This tribute to B.B. King is a slow blues track played in the Bb minor pentatonic scale. The song features Moore's signature vibrato and bends, as well as some tasteful use of harmonics. The solo is a masterclass in phrasing and melodic playing, demonstrating Moore's deep understanding of the blues genre.

8. As the Years Go Passing By

This soulful ballad, originally by Deadric Malone, is played in the D minor pentatonic scale. The chord progression is rich and complex, while the guitar solo is emotional and expressive. Moore's use of double-stop bends and vibrato adds depth to his playing, making this track a standout.

9. Midnight Blues

"Midnight Blues" is a slow, moody blues track played in the C minor pentatonic scale. The song features a simple yet effective chord progression, creating a melancholic atmosphere. The guitar solo showcases Moore's use of string bending, vibrato, and harmonics to convey emotion. His phrasing and dynamics throughout the solo demonstrate his mastery of the blues language.

10. That Kind of Woman

This upbeat blues-rock tune is played in the G major pentatonic scale. The song features a catchy main riff and a driving rhythm section. The guitar solo includes fast alternate picking, legato runs, and chromaticism, highlighting Moore's technical prowess. The solo also features bluesy bends and double-stops, adding character to the track.

11. All Your Love

A cover of the Otis Rush classic, "All Your Love" is played in the A minor pentatonic scale. The song features a memorable riff and a strong vocal performance by Moore. The guitar solo showcases his ability to mix speed and melody, with fast alternate picking runs and expressive bends. Moore's use of harmonics and vibrato add depth to his playing.

12. Stop Messin' Around

This Fleetwood Mac cover, originally written by Peter Green, is played in the E major pentatonic scale. The song features a swinging rhythm and a catchy main riff. The guitar solo is a mix of fast alternate picking runs, expressive bends, and vibrato, demonstrating Moore's versatility as a guitarist.

Gary Moore's Contribution

Gary Moore's extraordinary contribution to the "Still Got The Blues" album cannot be overstated. As the driving force behind the album, Moore seamlessly blended his hard rock and metal background with traditional blues elements, creating a unique and powerful sound that resonated with fans and musicians alike. Throughout the album, Moore's passionate playing, technical prowess, and deep understanding of the blues genre are unmistakable, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire guitarists around the world.

As both the lead guitarist and vocalist, Moore's emotive performances connect with listeners on a profound level. His masterful use of guitar techniques such as bends, vibrato, and harmonics, combined with his innovative solos, showcase his exceptional talent and versatility. The album's memorable riffs and captivating solos serve as a masterclass in blues guitar playing, offering valuable lessons for aspiring musicians.

Furthermore, Moore's ability to pay homage to blues legends while maintaining his distinctive style is a testament to his deep respect for the genre's roots. Collaborations with renowned blues artists such as Albert Collins and Albert King enrich the album, demonstrating Moore's commitment to preserving the blues tradition while pushing its boundaries.

From intricate solos to memorable riffs, "Still Got The Blues" by Gary Moore is a testament to his versatility and prowess as a guitarist. The album showcases a wide range of techniques that guitarists can learn from and incorporate into their own playing. With its emotive, bluesy melodies and captivating solos, "Still Got The Blues" remains a must-listen for guitarists and music enthusiasts alike.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Album

Here is a list of the guitar techniques used throughout the "Still Got The Blues" album:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Harmonics
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Double-Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Open-String Riffs
• String Bending