Stop for a minute and think about some of the coolest concerts you’ve ever seen…

The roar of the crowd… even in a small venue (even more so really) the energy is totally off the charts.

Now think about the guy up on that stage giving it all he’s got… do you think he’s got much on his mind? How about…

“I can’t hear the monitors quite right, is the singer singing in key?”
“oh shoot… on that last bend my G string just went flat….”
“I hope I don’t step on the wrong pedal for the solo…”
“My amp sounds a little bright tonight, I wonder what’s going on…”
“I heard some clicking sound when I kicked that cable, if it goes out now I’m in big trouble…”
“If I pull out that dorian scale over this solo, will it sound like I think it will?”
“I hope I can pull off that triplet run coming up after this section…”

Truly, the possibilities are endless… and I know them all intimately after a few thousand shows of my own.

And on top of that, I’ve read studies that show the human brain can keep track of about 7 things at once (give or take 1 or 2.) And those things are actually pretty simple things. Things like the feeling of your feet on the floor, the guitar on your shoulder, how you are holding the pick, the fact that there is a lot of sound going on… pretty benign stuff really.

So if you add all that regular stuff with all the stuff that might be going wrong right now, how is it that anyone gets through a performance at all (and if you’ve ever done one you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!)

The answer is actually really simple… it’s our own skill and technique on the guitar. The more you have, the more things you can do without having to concentrate and focus on actually playing the guitar.

Can’t sing and play? That’s because you can’t do either on autopilot and you don’t have enough brain power for both.

Can’t count out loud when you play? Same reason.

Can’t queue the drummer and bass player in the middle of a solo? Again… too much going on.

And yet, your heroes do these things… and more… every day at every show.

So today, think about something you can do to improve your technique and your skill on your guitar. You probably have a couple, and I’ll see what I can come up with tomorrow to help you out.

In the meantime, in tribute to one of my personal guitar heroes who has moved on from us, a little Gary Moore doing an incredible rendition of “Red House.” This is what incredible technique and skill can achieve… we’ll miss you, Gary.

Got a particular thing you do to improve your skill? Want to tell me what you think of this post? Leave it in the comments below…


    219 replies to "Skill Is Not A 4 Letter Word"

    • Bob E

      I really like Garry Moore`s playing although sometimes in some songs the sound is too busy,like he gets too carried away in the moment sometimes.

    • Steven

      I Love it. I will check Him out. He’s on My list. Thank You

    • Paul Warner

      Don’t know if you will get to read this but I was introduced to Gary Moore many many years ago. Somebody told me about him and I happened to stop at some store that had a bunch of old albums for sale real cheap and I found an album by him and scooped it up, more out of curiosity than anything. Well I liked his stuff so much that I bought up as many Gary Moore albums that I could find. What he plays is blues to the nth degree. To be able to have the knowledge, the skill, the ability to express oneself as he did here, on this song is the ultimate dream. He lived the life, he played the song, and his guitar was his language, and it was and forever will be held as the ultimate antithesis what blues sounds like when you are really feeling it.

    • Ray

      Griff, you’ve really inspired me over the last 3 months. I’m 50 years old and disabled, and thought my life was washed up with little hope.
      I’ve been getting your emails and such for a while but 3 months ago something you said really finally clicked, it gave me desire, hope, a goal to look forward to working towards. Thanks, but don’t go and get big headed! Pride comes before a fall

      • LouisVA

        Hi Griff and Ray,
        I am 64 and in the same boat as Ray; however, I am finding that playing and learning is another way to keep my brain from going downhill. My disability also affects my short-term memory; thus, singing and playing at the same time is impossible. I’m hoping to get a multi-track recorder and sing over my playing on a new track. THANKS GRIFF, you are an inspiration.

    • Roger Chandler

      Been try’in to record sumthin and not thinking veery highly of anything and to top it off I have a first live jam coming up July 26th and trying to improve my chops…it was suppose to be just a jam and a few guy’s,bb-q and a big pool for out door jam for fun…lead singer owns the house and we been workin together for about 8 mths now..5 of us…we talked about it on Sunday and there’s 70 ppl coming sooo far 4 days later…scared shitless but that video made me feel a lil better for my break plus what you said!! Hope i can keep it together cus guess who the lead guy is…no pressure!!! nun what sooooo ever AWWWWWWE!!!! lol It will be fun but talk about the yipp’s already OMG!!!

    • Alan Mitchell

      I can admire the skill but I have no wish to be able to be able to enjoy the music. I come from another era (prehistoric?) Mozart also had special skills.

    • Gaston Collin

      Hi! Griff thank you for sharing this and keep up the great work ! have a good one!

    • Jim O

      Wow! Amazing guitarist! Excellent video.
      I’m sure he lives on…not just in the CD’s and videos from his career, but somewhere between the minds and sweaty fingers of guitarists pouring out their souls in road-houses, garages and back porch’s across the globe and across the years.
      Long live the blues!

      • Ray

        You nailed it,

    • Adolph

      Guess Gary has mastered his breathing exercises as well as his scorching licks…

      Please don’t compare Jimi and Gary. Both were mastered in their own right and style..

      Cheers

    • Adolph

      Guess Gary has mastered his breathing exercises as well as his scorching licks…
      Please don’t compare Gary and Jimi, both are masters in their own right and style…

      Cheers

    • james sternberg

      I wasn’t able view this clip.
      “this video does not exist” came up on my screen.
      tried to down load also.

    • ANDREW SMALL

      Thanks Griff,good basic help.
      Regards .
      Andrew

    • FRay

      Video does not exist?

    • Tim

      Sorry Griff. Same for me too. I’ll try and find it on U-Tube.

    • David Robinson

      The video does not exist. Are you checking what you put on this site?

    • Homer

      I am told video does not exist

    • Ray Juliano

      Your information is very good, but the video says, “This video does not exist” I like all of your tips and I usually print them out and keep them all in plastic sheet protectors in a 3-ring music binder. Keep up the good work…

    • MisterWill

      Hi – love your blog and your lessons. The Gary Moore link seems te disabled — but I’m guessing this is the same performance. What an amazing player. Rest in Peace, GM. And thanks, Griff, for all you do.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBTRtL-OcPQ

    • dave williams

      Hi Griff,
      I had a problem with the doggone vid buffering every 10 seconds or so, usually not an issue on my fairly new ‘puter. SO…. I went to youtube directly, and it played just fine from beginning thru to the end without the first hitch. Then back to your email, it was still loading/buffering, and not even halfway done STILL. Just FYI, most of your stuff is top drawer. I am enjoying all your emails, even tho I’m a drummer. I do pass them on to my son, a novice picker.
      This song is ‘Gary Moore’s version’, it was written WAY before Hendrix, why even mention him? Who did the original? To be sure, it didn’t have all that shredding and unnecessary noise. Stuff only a guitar player would appreciate.

    • Dave

      Gary was more ‘musical’ than Hendrix. A great loss to the music world. He always inspired, after listening to him I always thought ” I could do that” of course I could not, but he made me try!!

    • Saun Door

      Sad to see him go. He blistered that guitar.

    • NICK NICHOLS

      I’ve been a Gary Moore fan for 25-30 years- even back to ‘Thin Lizzy’ and before..I’ve heard his music so many times that It’s almost like I know him even though we’d never met {Gary Moore is my all-time favorite musician}. Having him pass away is like I’m in denial…as I’m older that he was..I have used Gary as my mentor in guitar playing as I have played my guitar for (over 40 years)and have gone so far as to call my guitar ‘beverly’ in memory of a young gal out in South Carolina 20 years ago. Thanks for the info, and I’ll keep on playing my Gary Moore CD’s and try to immulate the master blues guitar player(thank you gary moore)he was in hopes I can reach for the highest level of guitar playing I can. thanks again, Nick

    • Walter

      Hello Griff
      Is it possible to cover a few speed building licks. Also it would be nice to cover a few quick lick lead-ins and turn arounds, something that can be inserted between blues vocals, with the proper timing. You know, that Albert Collins, Eric Clapton or Albert King type fills.
      I like your teaching style, it is simple and easy to follow.

      Best regards,
      Walter

    • blueser

      Excellence

      ——————————————————————————–
      The quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue.

      ——————————————————————————–
      An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue.

      ——————————————————————————–
      A title of honor or respect; — more common in the form excellency.

      Too Good;Priceless,Muchas Gracias !

    • nsicoudo

      pls i want to be a good bass guitarist, i need some material to groom my self

    • Justin

      Sorry about my spelling up there. I meant to say that I add “life” to my playing. Then it sounds better

    • Justin

      That was beyond exceptional. But I should say that one of the main reasons it sounded so great was because he had superior effects. (I’d sound better too if I had a screaming foot pedal and Marshall amp:) What I do to sound better, and I figured this out recently, is I play notes a certain way. Using a scale in a solo is like saying a word. You have to anunciate correctly. If I just play the scale in a monotonous way it doesn’t sound good. But if I stress certain notes, pause between others, and add “life to my playind, then I sound OK. (For some reason, everything I play sounds like blues even if I try to play rock.) Thanks so much Griff for your lessons and excellent video. I owe my success to your efforts.
      Stay well and God bless,
      Justin

    • adam

      that was truely awsome.

    • Talvi

      Kudos for the tips, I read somewhere that knowledge is born from experience. With this in hand , I immersed my son into as many Live shows as possible that come our way so he can watch, hear, study the craft of Guitar and the relationship to other instruments including voice. I explained that the guitar will be your friend for life, unconditional love treat it with respect, it will take you on journeys that those of us who don’t play will never take. So at 16 in his seventh year as a guitarist he has seen many of the legends play live. Gained insights, techniques, mannerisms, felt the vibe that cannot be learned from playing in your room. We will soon see BB King to enjoy his timeless music and another milestone in the boy’s journey to becoming a better guitarist.

    • Jenny Goff

      I just need to comment again, Griff. If I were the guitar player in the house, I’d been honored to have Gary play mine.

    • Jenny Goff

      Dude! Are his fingers made of fire or cut diamonds? I enjoyed watching him. He loved his guitar. I can’t wait to show my husband, and tell a friend of mine about this video clip. Thanks Griff, I see why Gary was a favorite. Sorry he’s no longer with us.

    • Anthony

      Way Cool!
      thank you!

    • Greg

      Thanks for the link to Gary’s version of Red House, it was awesome. Sadly, I didn’t even know he had passed away until I got your email. He and Scott Gorham made Thin Lizzy a powerhouse band; (have you ever listened to the Black Rose album?) And of course Gary was a master of sound and technique all on his own. He will be sorely missed. Check out his song ‘No reason to cry’ on Rhapsody or one of your go-to music sites; the phrasing and attack of his intervals is astounding; I’ve never heard anything like it. Play on brother!

    • Ron

      Hey Griff,
      I don’t know if you can help me or not.
      I’ve been playing guitar for many years (rhythm), I’m actually a vocalist so I never really worried about lead (let someone else take care of that). Recently I decided to take a shot at lead and if I do say so I’m not half bad but I have one immense problem, I find that I’m missing the string that I aim for and it seems the harder I try the worse it gets (maybe the rhythm thing hasn’t left me) I’m fine when I look at the guitar and find the strings I’m aiming for but that’s not always easy when you’re singing as well, excersises don’t seem to help……Any suggestions?

    • Chris Hickok

      interesting,,, I know exactly what you mean. dog barking, wife talking to me, missed that note; damn, I’ll get it, stay in the groove, concentrate!
      So sad about Gary, very sad, he was way to young.
      I work on my playing skills so that what I REALLY want to hear becomes second nature, so no matter who walks in the room, I don’t miss that note, I hear what my wife is saying, I am in the groove, I am playing the right note at the right time. Next is singing along.

    • Sandie

      Oh, Griff…….Thank you for that. I’d never heard him before. He was just wonderful.

    • Reyff

      Yeah man, thanks for this eye opener into this great talent; better late than never. Reyff

    • Craig M. Heder

      OK,,now that you got me interested, then hooked me , then netted me, give me more of Gary Moore, then I promise to practice Moore, I mean more :] He Lives…….

    • Jim S.

      That was absolutily one of the best in your “OWN ZONE” songs I have heard in a long time. Thats proof great music will play in heaven.

    • John

      As a musician, I’ve always heard of that mystical place where a player arrives upon so mastering his/her instrument that the instrument becomes an extension of the player and truly speaks as the voice of its master. Gary Moore was one of those master musicians. Thanks, Griff . . . and Thanks, Gary. May you rest in peace.

    • Mike

      Griff, I can strum and sing, because I’ve done both for over 40 years, and as you point out (and as I tell anyone that thinks they can’t sing and play), You have to be able to do both with minimal brain participation. You nailed it on the head. Autopilot is the perfect analogy. When a pilot has his plane in autopilot, it doesn’t mean that he’s not still spending brain cycles watching what’s going on, just that it all gets easier with a few less things to worry about. SO, how do you get there? Practice, Practice, Practice.

    • Bobby

      Wow !! Thanks Griff ! One day I wish I could play like Gary……hope that’s my last dying breath day….what a way to go out !!

    • michael creech

      We will all miss him very much,,

    • michael creech

      Totaly awsome wish i was there,, Into it 100%

    • Bob E. Barnes

      Holey s;;; he is triffic, wish Gary was still with us and I know I am not alone.

    • Michael B

      I shall miss him also. Thanks for sending this Griff.

    • DAve R

      I did not know that Gary Moore died. When and how did he die?

    • jdemossjr

      That was awesome dude .I gotta long way to go now.

    • David R. Frye

      COOL BEANS…. There’s a red house somewhere,, always….

    • steve

      Wow! I wanna do that!Really nice.Thanks for sharing that Griff.

    • steve

      Wow! I wanna do that!Really nice.Thanks for sharing that.

    • tom webb

      †his is what The blues to me is all about….i willl miss jimi and gary

    • DEE

      WOW!! HE WAS IN THE ZONE!! I CAN SEE WHY HE IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES AND SUCH AN INSPIRATION. THANKS FOR THAT ONE GRIFF.

    • maurice laine

      Thanks ,he is a guy with his own particular style,shame he has moved on

    • jspeed

      Bah! Perfection! I could only hope to get 1/1000th of that down!
      THANKS! Very Inspiring … ( : – D

    • John Kent

      Good blog.
      I did a gig the other day and I realised that my sound is just too hit or miss. I’ve been playing for…well, er since 1972. I have a 1971 Marshall 50 combo which is just great when it is set up right but I can’t predict when it is going to be right. Sometimes it is fantastic and sometimes I spend all gig fiddling with it to get it to work. I’ve been thinking for some time that I need to take lessons on how to play an amp. I have a friend who is a brilliant sound engineer and I need to get some time with him to show me how to get that sound everytime. Better late than never.

    • pat

      now thats real talent!!!!!

    • Gavin d. Smith

      Thanks, Griff. This was the first time that I had the rare pleasure of hearing
      Gary Moore play. Truly, he has expressed the energy and the phenomenal dynamics
      of Jimi Hendrix. They are both greatly missed, but have left some of the best guitar playing ever.

    • mark

      awsome video ! Gary’s perfect bends and vibrato’s are a signature in his playing, u can tell he plays from the heart ! thanks for posting, sad to have lost another great guitarist ! Mark

    • John

      Fantastic!Something like that is a gift!

    • joe

      Pure garbage. After being in this type of business for 47 years, I’ve seen too many wannabees.

    • Glo

      The best way to learn is to listen!!! I am a late starter and never had the opportunity but now I do. Thanks you for this Griff!! I would love to take the course by Steve Vai at Berklee but I do not have enough of the pre reqs.. Maybe soon!!!
      Watch and listen while you are young and then it all seeps in by osmosis and pretty soon you are playing this stuff and then improv!!!

    • D. Winn

      Where have all the flowers gone? Gary thanks for the music, the world won’t be the same without you.

    • GREG V

      HEY GRIF , WHATS UP ? LOVED THE GARY MOORE VID, IT WAS GREAT ! I THINK YOUR BUDDY CLAUDE J SENT THIS OUT THE WEEK THAT GARY PASSED , ITS STILL GOOD TO SEE THE MAN SHRED LIKE HE DOES! ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO I GOT TO SEE ALVIN LEE OR TEN YEARS AFTER , THEN HE CALLED HIS BAND TEN YEARS LATER , IN A SMALL MOVIE THEATRE CALLED THE MARIETTA STRAND , IT HELD ABOUT 300 PEOPLE , WHAT A KILLER SHOW THAT MAN PUTS ON ! IF YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM YOU MISSED A TRUE GENIOUS ON GUITAR , HE NEVER USED ANY SPECIAL AFFECTS EXCEPT AMPS AND HIS GUITAR , CHECK HIM OUT ON YOU TUBE ! THANKS AGAIN ,AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU INFO ! KEEP ON ROCK’IN GREG

    • Cleophas Mc Donald

      taught i had seen it all, but i got into it na, lets say it got into me. thanks

    • CTosso

      That’s a real tribute to master Hendrix, Thank You for this post.

    • John Walti

      That was a great posting. Thanks for sharing it Griff, Gary was a great guitar player.

    • nigelrox

      Did you mean “cue the drummer”? Not “queue the drummer”.

    • LJ Hoskins

      Great guitar playing of classic Hendrix tune. Gary put his heart and soul into playing his guitar. Thanks for posting this video!!!

    • Dave Shephard

      Wow! Thanks Griff! The skill thing is sort of like – right now I’m teaching my daughter to drive. She has to concentrate on every little thing: turn signal, speed, stop and starts, turns, mirrors, everything. BUT – I know there will come a day when most of that stuff will be “second nature” to her” and she will be able to enjoy driving safely without spending all her “brain power” on the fundementals. Peace!

    • Terry Fisher

      FANTASTIC! That is the type of true emotional outpouring through guitar that I have always aimed for in my playing. Gary will be missed. Thanks!

    • ray

      Simply put “WOW”… will miss Gary…

    • Pete

      When did Gary die, how? He will be missed.

      Great post. It takes a great deal of practice to play automatically, and subconsciously.

    • Jim

      The less you have to think about while delivering on stage, the better!
      The more you practice, keep up with your equipment, and take care of your guitar, when it is time for you to play in-the-spotlight, delivery is all that you have to give.
      Mind-body memory from diligent practicing helps over-come any, if not all, worries.

      Thanks, Griff, for the fine video of Gary.
      RIP Gary Moore~!

    • Al Kanosky

      Excellent!

    • Michel Grimard

      Hi Griff,
      thanks for all the good things you send our way. It’s great! I am in China at the moment and no YOU TUBE here. So couldn’t see the video.
      We will all miss Gary. Least we can do in tribute is continue to learn, improve and most of all, play & have fun!
      Cheers,
      Mich

    • JohnnySoundMan

      This was great, I love good blues, I don’t care who it is, and man that guy smoked it, but because I’m a soundman it was hard to focus on his playing with his mic not being on when he went to speak, I have seen this kind of thing to many times, and don’t understand what the soundguy is doing at the time, well not his job I’ll tell you that. Anyway thank you for the video it was cool.

      Thanks, JohnnySoundMan

    • gemuel dagaerag

      i’m in my fifties and practice guitar daily. i’m conditioning my fingers coz i believe if my fingers fingers are not ready then i can not do those fast notes. the gary moore video is awesome. thanks for letting me view it. more videos like it would be greatly appreciated.who is the bass player?

    • Monte

      Thanks for the clip Griff; I’ve seen it a number of times and never tire of it. Just sensational!
      While I was watching it, a dim lightbulb ignited; I paused the clip, picked up my guitar and strung a handful of notes together that actually sounded half sensible.
      During this, I began to ponder (yes, 2 things at once – only 5 to go) what happens to all that talent? I think, in some part, it’s spread to all of us. We see someone inspirational and, by definition, a small measure of it rubs off.
      What an amazing guitarist!

    • gemuel dagaerag

      i’m in my fifties and practice guitar daily. i’m conditioning my fingers coz i believe if my fingers fingers are not ready then i can not do those fast notes. the gary moore video is awesome. thanks for letting me view it. more videos like it would be greatly appreciated.

    • Godfrey Uttanwalla

      Blues Guitar at it’s very best…..used the entire fretboard with easy flow….yes, Jimi would be pleased with that. Thank you,really enjoyed the treat……

    • joe

      Hi Griff, I have been watching you and you’re posts for quite a long time now, I would only aspire to the level you have achieved. I also watch and listen to some great guitarists on the web, my only regret is that you do not play enough while imparting the great tips to playing. Sometimes It’s inspiring just to listen to great players. I can get a buzz from that. I also rate Garry SRV and Mr Clapton as being the greats. Please show what inspires you when you play. Keep up the good work. Joe .

    • beaux

      Love the video… Gary is a blast…

      Thanks for these tidbits of advice… I find them very motivational and helpful in my pursuit of the blues. Thanks for all your help with the lessons and the forum. It’s the best package deal around!

      bx

    • gavan

      wow . enjoying this.
      Griff, first up. thank you. your emails and instruction i rate highly.
      i wish you great karma.
      singing and playing?
      why cant i seem to do it and its alway stops. almost straight away. i;m playing finger style, pick a note theme of the song i’m playing.
      Been practicing my blues/scales endless song. (and loving it 99)
      But try to sing. my brain turns off. i’ve got a mental block on hearing my own voice. figured that out. ok so i couldnt handle that my voice broke during my regular church solo. Got that far. but still?….

    • Grahame Ross

      wow what can u say ??? another 6 stringer gone BUT not forgotten. cheers Griff. y dont u post something about my fav guitarists Joe Bonamassa , man that guy is a freak (nicest way) Thanks mate …….Grahame

    • Dominic Popolillo

      Good stuf,Man! Thank you for the “Treat”! I’am a stret lover,Trying desperatly to find a “Maple Neck” (when I can afford it)! Alos am a seriouse fan of Stephy Ray Vaughn> (Hope I spelled that correctly),as well as Rodger Water’s>
      Perhap’s you can help me find a nice Strat,O(On a thght budget)?
      Alos please check my F.B. and find a photo of my (Dearly departed good frieng) Gary. The gug put a Strat neck on a Les Paul Body!! Back in 1973!!!!

    • Luis vasquez

      hot n heavy!

    • John Cassis

      You Bet . Actually Stevie was the only white guy who could not only play this but sing it too. Gary is , or was a superior player . Its just hard to recreate a moment where it all works . Epic Landmark covers are almost impossible . You sometimes become stressful listening as your holding your breath praying he doesn’t hit any clams. Great to see & hear this , brings back memories . Gary Moore , one of the Worlds foremost Guitar players of his time.

    • YD

      Great video Griff !!! Still amazed by the power of the brain !!, I am really looking forward to reading your technique to improve brain skills on the guitar.

      Thanks again

      YD

    • Lee Smith

      I have noticed that when I’m playing guitar and singing that the quality of my singing voice is not as good. BUT if I concentrate harder on my singing and keep the guitaring simple the total presentation is better but not better enough. It’s interesting.

      I’ve heard it called time slicing. The brain shifts attention and manages to keep all of the body activities appearing simultaneous.

      I have to learn to package my guitar playing better so that I don’t drift mentally as much. 1) Change the keys of songs to familiar ones to me? Perhaps only two.

      Lee

    • Terry Hutchings

      Hi Griff.
      Great post. But you left one thing off the list of things a guy needs to think about. We’ve all come across it at some time I think. I have and I think the mayor of Hiroshima was onto it as well back in about 1945. It’s the one that makes you go: “WHAT THE FUK WAS THAT”? Anyway, I’ve been in and out of bands for years. Rock maunly, did some folk going right back, a little country rock. But I put the thing down for about 20 years on and off. When I got back into it (and Gary Moore is to blame), I needed Moore speed. Is there some kind of drill I can do or a special “Speed” exercise technique? You know, one that works overnight? ha… Great clip of My Hero too. You included it in one of your emails before I think. But I like watching it. Moore on Hendrix. Great stuff. What actually happened?? I knew nothing about it untill I read it in your email. Nothing on the news. I didn’t even know he was sick. We’ll all miss him. Serious loss…

      Again Great post. Great program. I haven’t bought anything yet. I’m dealing with some major fraud. It’s cost me my wife, my business, house, etc. etc. But I’m climbing back out. Anyway I love the your program, I have all the emails going right back So bear with me.

      Before I go, Was there any tribute or anything to Gary? I’ve actually seen or heard nothing. I can’t believe it. Nothing at all.

      Regards.
      Rickotez

    • Bob Pirie

      Gary was an extremely talented guiterist and a great performer. thanks for the video Griff !!

    • Jd Wells

      Gary Moore’s playing is brilliant.
      Jimi would be pleased with his playing of his song.
      Thanks for posting this video.
      Sincerely, Jd

    • Barry Snyder

      Amen!!!

    • Thendrall

      Hi,
      This blog was great. And useful too.
      I wanna know about Steve Vai and his techniques of playing Guitar solo’s. Not to forget Frank Zappa. I wanna know some the techniques which he employed. If you know any please share it with us.
      Kindly reply
      Thanks a lot.
      🙂 :-/

    • ML

      Thank you so much for that.

      RIP

    • joe g.

      HOT,HOT,HOT……… Gary is one of those Guitar God’s that truly will be missed!!
      Love his tone!! I thank he was one of the GREAT Showman to. R.I.P. Blues Man!!!!

    • Walter B Thomas

      This is a great post. I never could get the hang of singing and playing together that well. The best I could do was to actually learn to play and sing the song simultaneously. If I knew the song and could sing it, learning to play it also was difficult. I had to start all over again learning the song. If I could play the song but didn’t know the lyrics, that was even tougher! Starting over as if I never knew the song is the only way I could do it and I realized also that my playing or my singing suffered some either way.

    • Ralph

      Hello Griff,

      Thanks for all the emails you send me, I have learned a few things from you and also learned a few different ways of thinking about the guitar. Thanks much for this video, Gary Moore will be truly missed, what a great guitar player.

      Thanks again

      Ralph

    • Darryl

      It was wonderful such passion. Raw emotion.The unity of manifesting your heart through those fingers was amazing!

    • Donald

      I Pl;ay a little but Not Like that Beautiful Thks

    • fab video thanks griff

      well griff way down in new zealand were we have had it rough lately with our earth quake so a special mention would be appreciated to christchurch people thanks kev

    • dr.palmer

      Listened to Jimi do this back in the 60’s, one of my favorites (yea, I’m that old).
      Seems like the good ones move on too soon.
      Have played guitar on and off for 45+ years.
      Me and my Martin…

    • Johnny W

      I really dig this video Grif, thanks for sending it. I was unaware of this artist as I’m mainly concentrating on Robin Trower, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Jimi Hendrix. I really need to research Gary Moore for more great videos. He was truly a great blues player and singer. I’ve played in bands, (rock, country) and understand that a lot goes thru your mind while playing. I can sing but I can’t remember lyrics any tips on remembering lyrics? It’s a simple problem but very frustrating to someone who really would like to sing but is held back by this problem. Thanks, and keep up the great work! John.

    • Brad

      one of my all time blues favourites done beautifully.
      r.i.p. Gary

    • eugene

      very nice stuff to die for

    • Mark Stein

      Awesome, didn’t know Gary Moore was such a M’F__r!! Put a smile on my face.:)

      Thanks Griff

    • Danny

      Hey Griff,
      The post was great that’s what i like about you right to the point and you
      don’t pull any punches. The video was great if i could only play half the speed
      Gary was playing that my problem. I have short fingers with a wide palm 96%
      of the women i know their fingers are longer than mine and it’s killing me. But i
      really enjoyed your Blog and the video you always surprise me good job Griff.

    • Donell Harvest

      I like his style…

    • Chris Harwood

      WOW!! Thanks for sending this incredible version of Red House. Not many can cover Jimi like that, love it and speechless!

    • eduardo

      it looks so easy….. i feel very good

    • JJCylk

      I wasn’t able to list to the Gary Moore video cause my wi-fi can think & process video at the same time. My question is this, ’cause all I play is a harmonica, can I develop that skill level? Is a every person born with an equal amount & so are able to develop and some are not put in the right circumstance. I think we all have the capability but we don’t get the opportunity. My experience is from my youth. I always played sports. I never was a super player. When I was in the Army playing baseball, a guy, being funny, sent a line drive at my head while I was talking to the pitcher. by sheer accident, I saw it coming, put my glove up & caught it. For the next two years I was the MVP at 3rd base for the Fort’s baseball league.
      If I was never giving the “opportunity” I would never had known I could. How do we push the next gen into those opportunities? If we don’t, will we slide down the scale and never have another Gary Moore?

    • JR

      Jimmy Thackery does the best cover of “Red House” EVER.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gdbm0mAlFU
      Check it out…

    • rich cibelli

      Griff,
      Thankx for posting this. I could probulby write the same thing about the Late Willie Pine Top Perkins who pased away today. He was my favorite blues piano player.
      Gary Moore was one of a kind that will be trully missed by many. The thing that really impressed me was his ablity to improvise at the drop of a hat. I think he got better as in his later days playing blues..
      To improve my skill I try to listen to as many players as possible. My goal is to keep improving on my solo. I know that you put out a lesson on that some time ago. The other thing that I need to do is get out and play at local jams, but like many folks my age it’s hard to do when you have to get up and go to work.
      Keep up the great work, you inspire me to keep playing and learning everyday!

    • Andy

      that was incredible

    • Grahame

      wow now that is wot I call playing from the hart amassing technical ability and total inspirational thank you for posting this grate video

    • terry

      No, it’s two 4 letter words. Work. Play.

    • Barr

      Am just starting out on the guitar . Yup, can’t sing and play at the same time – strumming patterns and solos will go haywire if i try …

    • Jim

      The thing that bugs me is how guys like Gary Moore( I’m sad we lost another great, I’m still reelin’ from losing Rory) , Eric Clapton, and others is that they use the first finger and second finger stretch between three frets. My fingers aren’t that long, even if I angle them and I have a tough time being fluid and accurate with pressure. I use one finger per fret. What’s your take on that Griff?

      I just jam with my buddies, however they do play out. I’ve been asked to join them on a couple songs( but they don’t ask me to practice the songs with them before the gig), so my confidence level is low. Practice or no practice, I some how have to just believe I can do it. I can rip it up pretty good at home.
      Post is interesting,…if the passion is there, you can overcome all those things,…look at Rory Gallagher, he was so taken with playing the guitar, he was in another world on stage.

    • Doug Johnston

      While I am not an advanced player – Yet -, I definitely know the answer to improving in these areas. Notice I said answer? Yep, singular because it is only one thing that works. Practice. In any discipline, a person has to do something thousands of times and then a few more thousand times before that act bypasses the motor section of the brain and becomes a conditioned reflex. Only then will it happen on auto-pilot, and leave you free to concentrate on the polishing aspects. If you are counting a beat, and wondering if your bend was precise enough, you don’t have enough mental bandwidth to work out a new variation on the fly. Simple harsh truth, work long enough and build up those callouses while making sure that you are also being precise in timing, tone and theory and it will happen.

    • Jerry

      Gary Moore probably made the ugliest faces in rock history, ya know, with the way he showed emotion through his guitar, but OMG he could do some amazing things with his piece. The man literally gave me chill bumps while listening to him express himself. I probably make uglier faces listening to him play,because of the chills and all,than he ever did while playing…hehe. Wow, what can you really say, ya know, the guy was simply phenominal, just…..AWESOME. We honestly lost an amazing guitarist and he will be missed. I thank God for giving us Gary Moore for the amount of time that He did. But hey, through his music, he will live forever ya know. Thanks, Griff, for sharing this video with us. That was really great,man.

    • Rick Russell

      Wow, thanks Griff!!!
      Gary has been a favorite of mine too, for several years. R.I.P. Gary! I have all of his Blues albums, and a few of his other stuff. This video of Red House is the absolute BOMB! I’ve not seen it untill now. Thanks so much for sharing it!
      To be able to be one with your guitar like that would be every guitar player’s dream. I got a late start, but I hope to play that song half as good, no, a tenth as good as he did! I have Jimi’s TAB for it, but it’s still above my level. I’m learning a little bit about simplifying sections, somaybe I’ll attempt it in the next year or two.
      Thanks again Griff!

    • Jeff

      Man o man, I’ve always wanted to learn that tune ever since I was 14.

      • Matilda

        Do you play like Gary Moore?

    • Paul Waite

      Hey Griff,
      Excellent post. I’d sell my soul to play like that! Twice.
      Wanted to thank you for your PTTB course too. I’ve gone from strumming chords for 30 years to having a blast with Mr Clapton on my Jamvox rig in a few short months. Your course was the first thing I bought after picking up a Hagstrom Viking last year and it has been of immense help. Your daily posts are like cream on the cake. Thanks for all that you do to bring Blues guitar to the masses.
      Best wishes from Australia,
      Paul

    • Dean

      This dude is shredding

    • kactus

      great vid but check out the clip of gary more playing with BB King now that really is magic!!!

    • Dave

      How to memorize the fretboard?

    • Don

      Love every bit of it and would give any thing to be able to do half this, But not knowing how and being told I don’t have any talent my my brother who can play like this but always said I don’t have what it takes cutting me down and being 57 years old with medical problems and not able to read well, I just don’t know, But its something I’ve always wanting to do for 40 years just never tried and just got a electric box guitar and don’t know where to start, Would love to learn to play listening to one of your jam tracks but don’t know how or where to start, I have to watch things slowly and see where you put your fingers and still having a hard time. But this was really great I could replay it 10 times over just to listen thats how much I love it , My whole life has been full of blues and sadness. Thanks for this

    • Joe

      Grif –
      It really is all about conquering all those individual little demons when you’re playing in front of others. And the more that you can do it on autopilot, the easier it has to become. It’s amazing how easily it can be done by some, and how tough it is for others. I’m still in the latter group even though I’ve played in front of others off and on for a lot of years. Some of us never get over the issue with nerves. But the more you play out, you might still have a case of nerves to deal with, but you’ll at least be able to get more of the mechanics right!

      Thanks so much for the Gary Moore video. He was truely a great player that not many people really knew about. I think you should do this more often to give us something more to strive for and see how good those at the top really are! Keep ’em comin!

    • Dan Mauricio

      Just watched the video of Gary Moore playing his rendition Red House. Jimi Hendrix would of been proud of this video. Gary looked like he had a great time doing this jam. I would love to know the entire neck of the guitar and every note of the guitar, without thinking twice. I know it takes time and dedication as well. I am working toward that. I am a big blues fan from way back. I think Johnny Winter’s is tight.

    • Mike Walsh

      Very nice.Awesome guitar

    • davidalanspitz

      Yeah I definitely know what your talking about . I used to do vocals in my twenties and now I am in my 50,s and trying to get back in by adding guitar . I,m using all sorts of things to help me get there including your lessons even though I,m not a beginner. You talk about how hard it is to do 2 things like play and sing, try adding harmonica. Not much demand for just a harmonica player. Appreciate what you,re doing. Haven,t seen Gary Moore since his last blues tape. I was a big Thin Lizzy fan. Checkout the Allabama southpaw. I know him personally.P.S. know I,m not the former bass player for Black Sabbath just same name. See ya

    • Mike from Memphis

      Wow, what a loss. Gary Moore was probably my favorite next to SRV. Although probably recognized by most as the lead guitarist for Thin Lizzy, to me his career really reached it’s pinnacle with his solo blues work. You’re so right, he will be missed.

    • Gerry Bailey

      I thought the bass player carried him.

    • paul

      just another awesome rendition of the late great jimmy doin it every bit of justice I think jimmy would say wow he to the great gary moore will be missed

    • Rick

      Yes. Gary was very good and will be missed. Hendrix, Trower and Steve Ray all wrapped into one.

      The bass player gets around. I’ve seen him with David Gilmore too. Another favorite of mine.

      Rick.

    • tom callan

      hey griff!! gary moore is the shi*!! i would like to get close to some of that kinda pickin!! still workin on it!! keep practickin!!! lol! thanx griff!!

    • Mike

      What “Moore” can
      I say. The Man’s music said it all. Truly a legendary guitarist.

    • Art

      WOW!!!!!!!!

    • carlos c

      awsome.

    • Frank

      Love it

    • T Rot

      There’s really only one thing that guys should think about when they’re onstage: I sure hope my fly isn’t open…..

    • roy

      Loved the Gary vid.I saw him in concert in Paris once when Parisienne Walkway was a big hit.The long sustain part sent the crowd into a frenzy,awesome…Where have all the guitar gods gone God Bless.

    • butch mc

      It’s a shame to hear a good picker playing on an amp with a busted speaker.
      I had one of those once but finally managed to buy a better one.
      That buzz just kills a good sound

    • Bill

      Hi Griff, When I start learning something new, I listen to it and work on trying to copy the sound, but then add my own twist to the mix. I have never had speed in my fingers, regardless of how well I know a lick, I hit a wall and can’t progress past it, so I mainly have played rhythm over the years. Now that I have more confidence in my sound, I have changed up leads to fit my speed. In place of a rapid run, I may do a long bend or hold a note longer. I adapt the song to me so to speak. I’ve been playing music for over 40 years and have never quit learning.

    • Joe

      Great stuff I saw Gary 3 times back in the day so great to watch the magic. we will miss him greatly.

    • John Barrett

      I thought I was the only one with all those thoughts going on during a show, thanks for letting me know it’s somewhat normal.

    • Simon

      Hi Griff, thanks for the Gary Moore clip, I loved his playing and his good natured approach to music.I missed your special the other night, I was going to purchase it!

    • Tom Graves

      Red House on fire! Griff, thanks for the Moore clip. RIP!
      Your post reminded me of a piano teacher who taught us to learn the left-hand parts and right-hand parts separately until we got so good at each we could read a book while we played them. Then they could glide together smoothly and not conflict with our active train-of-thought.
      I’m still awed by Roy Orbison’s playing and singing of “Little Woman,” even though the riff is just a pentatonic scale run. His singing at the same time is rock-and-roll opera! Obviously, he had the guitar part down to muscle memory, or as you call it, autopilot. Seems to me that that’s a big part of the trick.
      One excellent guitarist I’ve worked with used to work out his left hand with a foam rubber hand exerciser every time before he played. Many music stores sell those or the spring-loaded kind, which I’ve found are good to limber up with. They’re inexpensive to buy. Or borrow one from another guitarist that trusts you and find out if it helps. That’d be free.
      TG

    • Daniel Brown

      O’yeah one of the greats!
      R.I.P. Mr. Gayr Moore
      db

    • peter

      brilliant RIP Garry moore thanks griff.

    • John

      Really interesting thoughts and when you put it like that it’s all the more amazing that anyone can produce a seemingly flawless performance under these conditions! Truly a great talent. Thanks for the Gary Moore video, hadn’t seen that one before. A really great rock/blues guitarist sadly no longer with us.

    • Rob

      Awesome video Griff!

    • mike

      One of the best! To improve my skill I use a Fender G-Dec for back-up and set it on 12 bar blues and play it all night long. I change key and tempo every few minutes so I don’t get in a rut.

    • Jim

      wow. that was amazing. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I don’t know who Gary Moore was. But damn, that dude can play.So what can I do to improve my technoque on guitare…I think I already know. Practice practice practice. Maybe you can show me some scales to learn.
      And thanks for sharing this performance. It was amazing.

    • Dan Shannon

      Thank you for putting that up. That is about the best example man merging with machine I have ever seen. He is totally immersed.

    • John Valentine

      Interesting article. Funny thing …. how the mind can wander even while on stage … all the things you mentioned above and more! While playing guitar and singing, I’ve even found myself thinking about things like, … “Did I leave any meat out of the freezer to thaw so the kids can cook dinner?” and “Oh crap! I forgot to do something about that rubbing sound in the front end of the car when coming to a complete stop. Need to take care of that tomorrow.”

    • Gabriel

      Gary was amazing i love his playing, this video is very nice thanks a lot !!!!!!!!

    • GH

      I enjoyed that very much may be appropriate to say..Thanks for sharing

    • GH

      you’re a dog gone mindreader

    • Cesar Olvera

      Hey I loved the video but I want to know how to improve my skills on singing and playing at the same time, thanks!

    • Jay Silverberg

      Gary was able to and always did tell a story in his playing. I don’t care how many notes you can play, I only want to hear a story. I sobbed terribly when I heard of his passing. To the general public he was quite unknown. If there are any guitar players that didn’t know him, you missed a class act. Find what you can and listen to the stories he tells with his guitar. Thanks for the post. I’m hurting again now but I was lucky enough to hear Gary often. RIP Gary.

    • vince morgan

      i know all the notes i want to play,just want to build my speed.any thoughts would be appreciated! love the blues and will miss gary.

    • Barry Ruhl

      I thought that he sounded more like Stevie Ray than Hendrix.

    • Joe

      I have too many things i do to improve my skill..I can write a book the size of a dictionary on it lol one thing i do is strict alternate picking different groupings of notes like 3 on E 2 on A 9 on D etc its really helps develop alternate picking because it requires you to think and keep track of it

    • Larry LaBelle

      Totally awesome, I don’t believe I lead a sheltered life, but this is the first time I’ve heard Gary. Thanks Griff.

    • Michael

      I remember seeing Jimi do this number in an after hours club in New York while he was recording Electric Ladyland. It blew me away then and Mr. Moore did a very credible job on this video.

    • john steer

      Thanks Griff
      I am glad you payed tribute to such a great guitar legend. I believe Garry showed probably the best feel out of all the legends.
      not that he was necessarily a better guitarist but he had something more in his music because he wasn’t afraid to put his heart and soul into his music.
      I’m not a guitarist, I’m a drummer but really appreciate watching great guitarists like Garry, Stevie, jimmy etc.
      I love playing the blues and try to put as much feeling as I can to enhance the guitarist.
      music makes me feel good so why not make it really good. play your heart out
      thanks heaps
      John

    • Cliff

      Hi Griff,
      To improve my skill I practise a piece until the memory is in the fingers then leave it alone for a couple of days, after that it seems to sound & feel better.
      The Gary Moore clip is great I was at the concert (strat pack gig ) that was a great concert ,aside from Gary, Joe Walsh also produced a blistering set ,along with mr gilmore & many others the end number had around 15 guys playing strats you do not see Dave Gilmore & Ronnie Wood playing together very often !
      Going back to Gary was one the few people who could have taken electric ladyland on the road, I believe he was that good such a sad loss.
      Regards
      Cliff

    • Rick

      (4 letter word here).. such a loss. Total commitment, gut wrenching effort, and lightning speed.

      Whether his solo albums or session work with the best in the game, Gary always played at a level beyond belief.

      If you watched that video and didn’t get goosebumps or teary eyes, or both, then you shouldn’t be on a guitar blog.

      I will miss you Gary – your fan for decades.

    • Floyd Guillory

      So Awesome. I wish I Could Get to HIS Level on the Guitar.
      A True Guitar Hero
      Floyd

    • Douglas MacMillan

      Enjoyed the tape. I am interested in blues guitar but just got started again and only have my classical guitar. Currently working on chording and vocals but love the blues have me very interested. I loved the lessons you provided but I obviously have to buy another guitar. What are the main features I should be looking for? Perhaps if you give me a list of possibles I might find something used but if I’m getting into it I’ll need something of decent quality. Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated. This type of music is definitely in me and it wants to get out.

    • Thorny Meyer

      I like your playing at least 100 times better than his.

    • David

      I recognized some of his licks you teach.
      I’ll be 74 next month,and i still can’t get
      those licks into a jam.I’m just a porch
      player.But you and marty keep up the
      good work..Dave.

    • Gerry Smith

      I still got the blues for Gary. Fantastic clip. Thank.
      I have been practising the art of drumming since ’62 and just about two years finaly bought a guitar and now I’m teaching my self. Sure I can play a few 3 chord songs but it’s more important to me now as I have so much music in my head that I need to get out. When I look back in ’60 or ’61 I took a couple of guitar lessons and after being taught Yellow Bird ,,,,,,thank God I discovered I could REALLY AND WOULD RATHER PLAY DRUMS ! Now I am so glad I have rediscovered the 6 string box.Cheers and thanks

    • Mike Prater

      Griff

      I think the key is the way you practice, and if something isn’t working out, try something else and come back to it. I am only about 3 weeks into BGU and although I have ‘messed around’ with guitars for many years, I still struggle counting and playing at the same time when initially learning a piece. I suppose the metronome is the answer but I find it distracting. What I have found is that once its in your fingers, then you can play it almost without thinking of the left hand and concentrate more on getting the count right. Only then will I try and polish it up and get it sounding OK. I can now play upto lesson 9.2 keeping in reasonable time now by following this principle. Having said that I hope the same will apply to 10.2 which I find difficult to time! Patience is the key, in my experience, it will come but sometimes it takes a little longer.
      Great video of Gary, one of a line of great Irish musicians from that era, sadly, both Gary and Rory no longer with us but what a legacy and inspiration they left behind.

      Keep up the good work

      Mike

    • john higgins

      Wow. If God wanted to play guitar, he’d do it like that.

    • Albert Sonnenberg

      Great video of one of my all-time favorites.
      Thanks for the info, I have a few things I can work on so I won’t have to think about them on stage. Thanks

    • Joe Bryant

      A great guitarist. Jimmy would have liked him.

    • Michael Fredericks

      HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Jody Anderson

      Great clip thanx for that! The one thing i do to improve my skill is to practice ambidexterity in all things i do throughout each and every day! I write with my non dominate hand hand, shoot a basketball, hold a fork, spoon, knife etc., and even turn the guitar around to play! I’ve heard this helps to develop and strengthen the connections between both sides of the brain. Well it absolutely does work! My wife and friends have all noticed the difference and the rate at which i have accelerated my guitar playing skills. Because both hands work together so, id like to say,”co-operatively.” Brain power can be channeled elsewhere.

    • Angelo

      Simply freakish hot. WOW, thanks. I think Jimmy would be taking lessons from him but I guess they may be hangin’ out with each other upstairs.

    • darren ledniczky

      i loved it so cool i wish i could play like that i have just begun and one day hope to play just like that . i mean i an bad and but still trying all i can say is keep up the good work . i will keep trying thanks daz

    • reed

      love Gary. great playing and sick technique. and Pino playing bass.
      thanks for the treat.
      makes me want to go and PRACTICE!

    • James Willis

      Incredible performance! I’m 60 and too new at the guitar to ever aspire to that kind of skill, but I love the blues and have to keep on swinging that axe. I love your freebies and when circumstances are right will buy your course as it is the best of many I’ve seen. Keep up the great work!

    • Mark

      Really appreciate the AWESOME link!… Thanx

    • brian

      very cool, i do agree

    • MANNY

      Hey, I have always thought Gary Moore was and probably is one of the all time great
      Blues players. I think he’s in a League all of his own!! He feels the music he’s playing,and that is evident by watching him play anything he does.
      Always have be a Fan, and will continue being a Big Fan of his.

    • Gary

      I saw this particular concert on Pladia TV. Man what a night of music alot of the greatest Fender guitarist of all time were there. If anyone wants to see this concert it repeats from time to time just check your listings. I have to agree with you Gary Moore was one of the greatest ever.

      Gary

    • BC

      Your point on ‘skill’ and technique are dead on. I like the examples and their are many more like tuning down/up between songs, oops monitors aren’t working…. especially when your trying to make it and you can’t or don’t have control over the sound guy and his ideas of what you should sound like. Anyway….

      Maybe I can add a couple somethings my sons gave me. They have played since the ages of 8-10 and they told me to try to put down the stick with strings and listen. I’ve always thought of myself as more of a technical player where their more like plugged in to the soul of the music and both play so naturally.

      1. Don’t play. Listen, really listen to the music.
      I think elsewhere on your site you’ve said something similar. At some point they said you gotta stop playing so many scales, playing from tab or sheet and listen and try to jam with your favorite vinyl, CD, or plugged into your player, pod or whatever.

      2. Jam with others, your recordings, and you need that positive (and negative) support and feedback.

      They showed an interest at 8-10, showed them a little, found some gear for them, found good instructors and got out of their way. They both excelled. Mom and I were their stage hands, roadies and transportation early on and they learned to jam live in bands at an early age and I think it really made a difference in their playing and staying interested. One is trying to make a living to this day (he’s 23 now) as an artist, composer and studio owner/partner producer in NE OH and both still play and I love to listen. Both seem to be plugged in to the soul and sound and can channel that through six strings.

      I’ve just recently had the time to pick up my guitar again and your overall approach to technique, theory, ‘skill’, etc., is the best balance I think I’ve found so far. Thanks, using your approach and product to improve all the above so I can improve. Kudo’s.

    • dad

      this is really the way I always wanted to ply but my fingers never got fast? go figure I always want to deep sea fish to bt boats amke me sick from the first time I step on till I hit land….. the guy is the best talent

    • Derek Forrester

      what a player?? If only I could play and sing like that…..

    • Mark

      WOW, I love Gary Moore. That was awesome.

      Didnt know he had passed. Very sad

      Thanks

    • Les Johnson

      This is the best version of Red House ever recorded. I have the video of him on the Fender 50th anniversary concert. Gary was one of the most underated guitar players in the world….he was awesome. I have several of his videos….He was a guy that made it look so easy….his guitar playing was an extension of his voice!

    • sue bewick

      Bloody Brilliant Griff I have always liked Gary Moore but this is great

    • pete stafford

      Yep one hell of a guitar player AND a great voice.
      A very rare combination indeed

    • steve

      Gary Moore,one of my guitar Gods of all time.I just know that there is no way I can ever become as skilled a player.Sadly missed.

    • Gavin

      awesome no other way to describe it man

    • Ronnie Fray

      HEY GRIFF – I LOVE YOUR LESSONS AND ALL OTHER PERKS YOU’VE SENT OUT OVER THESE PAST FEW MONTHS…THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH..YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH THIS – BUT, HERE GOES…
      I’VE ALWAYS LIKED GARY MOORE – AND I DO ENJOY BLUES GUITAR PLAYING…BUT I JUST HAVE TO SAY – THIS PARTICULAR VID.
      YOU SENT ALONG HURTS MY EARS…
      Q. ‘’WHAT, TOO BUSY?’’
      A. ‘’BUSY’’ – AIN’T WORD FOR IT… IT SOUNDS LIKE VERY
      LOUD DISTORTION AND A THOUSAND NOTES TOO MANY –
      MAN, I SURE DON’T LIKE THAT STUFF.
      ’’BUSY’’? YUP! WAY THE HELL TOOOOOOO BUSY..
      BUT THAT’S JUST MY OPINION…
      REMEMBER – LESS IS MORE…. NOT MOORE! HEH
      THANKS MAN! – RONNIE FRAY –
      ronnie fray with south mountain on youtube

    • rob

      the answer to this problem is simple – practice! Its all about having confidence and being able to sing/play without thinking about it

    • geneaux

      Wow! incredible technique and skill is an understatement.

    • Glenn Lego

      I saw on You Tube a concert video of the late Bert Kaempfert and his orchestra recorded in 1967 on occasion of the debut of color television in Europe. Mr Kaempfert conducted a 40 piece orchestra with lots of brass and his trademark bass guitar accompanyment. I’ve had no experience at all going to any concerts of guitarists.

    • Bruno Madsen

      This isn’t just incredible guitar playing – this is pretty much supernatural. Easily the best version of ‘Red House’ ever other than maybe Hendrix’s own ‘Electric Church’ live version. What I particularly love is watching Gary’s expressions follow (or anticipate) what he’s doing on the guitar – something most of the blues greats do. Re your post, while I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, I think Moore is so zoned into his playing he’s probably in mindless state of bliss. On the other hand I could be totally wrong and he’s thinking about getting his tax return in on time. In any case, truly a devastating loss to the blues world – he will be sorely missed.

    • Tasha

      Hey, I am starting to play live at some local places with my band but I get really nervous easily, my first gig will be coming up in a few weeks so I was wondering if there’s anything you do before a show to calm yourself down and if you get nervous before playing a gig.

    • Tim

      Hey Griff. Interesting post. I recently started playing bass in our band – being the third guitarist when our bass player went awol, it was left up to me to fill the void. I really struggle helping out with any vocal parts while playing bass as I have to concentrate on the playing rather than just strumming some rhythym and singing along. Hopefully, my bass skills will improve enough to allow me back to a microphone in the future. Love the G.Moore video!
      Cheers,
      Tim

    • jay garcia

      That is truly some badass guitar playing!!!
      Another one of the GREAT ONES lost.. but not forgotten…
      R.I.P. to all GODS of ROCK

    • Jack Latham

      Thanks for the Video, Yes Gary will be missed , he was one of the best British blues guitarist .

    • Dave

      Thanks for sending this , it is wonderful to listen to and to watch . Dave

    • JASONGGABBOTT

      R.I.P. Gary! Gary MOORE RULES even in death!

    • JASONGGABBOTT

      What an INSPIRING article! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Funny thing is, I just recorded a song and used a brain as my album cover, entitled “neural pathways”.

    • Richard Mayer

      After hearing that,….I gave my, “Epiphone” a good, “Talking to.” “Why can’t you do more,….like that Fender?” Then,….I picked it up,….plugged-in…..and, It was as if,….I was talking to the, “Wall.”

    • Rhicks

      And, I’d think that it’s all about the ability to focus on the task at hand, as well. Tune out all the distractions. Over the weekend, I heard a great guitarist named Buddy Whittington play. Buddy was John Mayall’s lead player for years and is a wonderful blues player. Anyway, the gig was one of those where the venue was terrible, his bass player was having technical issues, the drummer was overpowering the band and they never got the PA right. But, he played through it all of that like the professional he is and it was a great night. You have to be able to play through all the distractions.

    • JustMatt

      Right you are Griff. There is no substitute for practice. I believe the great sages Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan said it best…

      Bill: Ted, it’s pointless to have a triumphant video before we even have descent instruments.
      Ted: Well, how can we have descent instruments when we don’t really even know how to play?

    • Andy

      Cheers Griff, as I get older I find that it takes me longer for my fingers to ‘wake up’. To get them going I play all six strings from bottom e to top first four frets about 5 times. Not technique exactly, but helps me!!

    • Rick Snow

      Great insights and an inspiring video. Makes me want to go to another level on the instrument. Thanks for the encouragement.
      R

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