With Rory In Mind

THE WISE GUITARIST should always approach any attempt to emulate Rory Gallagher with extreme caution – and perhaps the odd disclaimer. In fact, this solo does not draw specifically from licks or solos from Rory’s abundant recorded output; the aim was to capture a vibe, something Rory had in spades all through his career. The same could be said for Rory’s equipment, famously roadworn before such a thing became fashionable – most notably his ’61 Strat, reputedly the first in Ireland, which he managed to source when its original owner changed to one in the first preferred finish of Fiesta Red. Rory had no such concerns, and the original Sunburst pretty much wore away in any case!

Fusing influences that included skiffle, rock ’n’ roll, folk and blues, Rory had a good grounding in popular music styles from an early age, no doubt further expanded by regular gigs with touring show bands as a teenager. A lifelong devotee of the blues, Rory’s material with Taste onwards definitely took on a more rock energy, and guitarists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix and Alex Lifeson of Rush have expressed their admiration for his heartfelt playing. While fashions waxed and waned elsewhere, Rory stayed loyal to his roots, as do his numerous fans.

Perhaps it’s this authenticity that makes it so hard to second-guess what Rory might have played and approximate his style in a solo like this. However, we can assemble some of the key ingredients: a Strat (or thereabouts) and an overdriven amp, plus a commitment to getting the message across without over embellishment and effects. Electric guitar is supposed to be fun, after all!