Are You Ready Guitar Lesson is your gateway to mastering rock anthems, and at guitarplayers.net, we provide the tools and techniques to elevate your guitar playing to the next level. Whether you’re a budding beginner or a seasoned strummer, unravel the secrets of guitar mastery with our comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and a vibrant community that fuels your musical journey, ensuring you’re always in tune with the latest trends and timeless techniques. From chord progressions to soloing strategies and guitar tabs, we’ve got you covered.
1. What Makes “Are You Ready” a Great Guitar Lesson?
“Are You Ready” by Thin Lizzy is a fantastic guitar lesson because it perfectly blends hard rock energy with bluesy nuances, making it accessible and challenging for guitarists of all levels. The song offers a masterclass in foundational rock techniques. The song’s structure, built around power chords and pentatonic scales, provides a solid base for beginners while offering enough complexity in its solos to challenge more advanced players, and its historical significance as a live rock staple adds to its appeal.
1.1 Why is Thin Lizzy’s “Are You Ready” an Iconic Song for Guitarists?
Thin Lizzy’s “Are You Ready” is iconic because it encapsulates the energy of live rock music and showcases the dual-guitar interplay between Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, two distinctive guitarists. According to research from Guitar World, the song’s blend of hard rock and blues elements has made it a favorite among guitarists for its engaging riffs and dynamic solos. Its appearance on ‘Live and Dangerous,’ one of the most celebrated live albums of all time, further solidifies its status.
1.2 What Guitar Skills Can You Learn from This Song?
From “Are You Ready”, you can learn essential skills such as playing power chords, mastering pentatonic and blues scales, alternate picking, legato techniques, vibrato, and double stops. Additionally, you can understand how to effectively use unison bends and harmonics. By studying the different styles of guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, you can develop your unique playing style and learn to blend melodic and aggressive techniques.
1.3 What Makes “Are You Ready” Accessible for Beginners?
“Are You Ready” is accessible for beginners due to its simple harmonic structure, primarily revolving around A5, D5, and E5 power chords. These power chords are easy to grip and transition between, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the basic rhythm and feel of the song. The song’s main scales, A Pentatonic Minor and A Blues, are common starting points for learning lead guitar, offering a straightforward path to improvising and soloing.
1.4 How Does the Song Challenge Advanced Guitarists?
For advanced guitarists, “Are You Ready” presents challenges in mastering the nuances of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson’s solo styles. According to Guitar Player Magazine, replicating Brian Robertson’s fast alternate picking runs and aggressive vibrato requires precision and control. Perfecting Scott Gorham’s legato approach and subtle use of harmonics demands a refined touch and understanding of melodic phrasing. The interplay between the two guitarists also provides an opportunity to study and execute complex double stops and unison bends.
2. What Are The Core Elements of “Are You Ready”?
The core elements of “Are You Ready” include power chords, the A Pentatonic Minor scale, the A Blues scale, alternate picking, legato, vibrato, double stops, unison bends, and harmonics. These elements combine to create the song’s signature sound, blending hard rock energy with bluesy expression. Understanding and mastering these elements is essential for any guitarist looking to learn and perform the song effectively.
2.1 How Do Power Chords Drive the Song?
Power chords drive the song by providing a strong, rhythmic foundation that captures the raw energy of hard rock. The song primarily uses A5, D5, and E5 power chords, which create a simple yet effective harmonic structure. These chords are easy to play, making the song accessible for beginners while still providing a powerful and impactful sound. The strategic use of power chords allows the guitarists to build tension and release it during solos and fills.
2.2 What Role Do the A Pentatonic Minor and A Blues Scales Play?
The A Pentatonic Minor and A Blues scales are essential for the song’s lead guitar work, providing the melodic framework for solos and improvisations. According to the Berklee College of Music, these scales are foundational for blues and rock guitar playing, offering a wide range of expressive possibilities. Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson use these scales extensively to create soulful and technically impressive solos, blending them with their unique stylistic attributes.
2.3 How Does Alternate Picking Enhance the Guitar Solos?
Alternate picking enhances the guitar solos by enabling fast, precise note execution, particularly evident in Brian Robertson’s solos. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing guitarists to play rapid sequences with clarity and definition. Mastering alternate picking is crucial for playing fast runs and complex passages, adding a dynamic and energetic element to the solos.
2.4 Why Is Legato Important in Scott Gorham’s Style?
Legato is important in Scott Gorham’s style because it creates smooth, flowing lines that emphasize melody and expression. Legato involves connecting notes seamlessly, minimizing the attack on each note and creating a fluid transition between them. This technique gives Gorham’s solos a vocal-like quality, enhancing their emotional impact and making them stand out.
2.5 How Do Vibrato Techniques Add Expression to the Song?
Vibrato techniques add expression to the song by giving the notes a wavering, vocal-like quality that enhances their emotional depth. Both Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson use vibrato, but in different ways. Gorham’s slow, controlled vibrato adds subtle nuances, while Robertson’s more aggressive vibrato adds intensity and passion. Mastering vibrato is essential for adding character and emotion to your guitar playing.
3. Who Are Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson?
Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson were the lead guitarists of Thin Lizzy, each bringing their unique style and technique to the band’s iconic sound. Their contrasting approaches created a dynamic interplay that defined many of Thin Lizzy’s most memorable songs, including “Are You Ready.” Their collaboration exemplifies how different guitar styles can complement each other to create something truly special.
3.1 What Are the Key Differences in Their Guitar Styles?
The key differences in their guitar styles lie in their approaches to phrasing, technique, and tone. Scott Gorham’s style is characterized by its melodic phrasing, legato technique, and subtle use of harmonics, creating a smooth and nuanced sound. Brian Robertson, on the other hand, employs fast alternate picking, aggressive vibrato, and pinched harmonics, resulting in a more energetic and in-your-face sound.
3.2 How Did Their Styles Complement Each Other in “Are You Ready”?
In “Are You Ready,” their styles complement each other by creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the song’s energy and depth. Gorham’s melodic lines provide a smooth counterpoint to Robertson’s aggressive runs, resulting in a balanced and engaging listening experience. Their interplay during the solos showcases their individual strengths while creating a cohesive and powerful overall sound.
3.3 What Can Guitarists Learn from Their Collaboration?
Guitarists can learn the value of stylistic diversity and the power of collaboration from their work. According to an interview with Brian Robertson in Guitar Interactive Magazine, understanding how different playing styles can complement each other is crucial for creating interesting and dynamic music. By studying their techniques and approaches, guitarists can broaden their skills and develop their unique voice.
3.4 What Are Some Signature Licks of Scott Gorham?
Some signature licks of Scott Gorham include slow, controlled vibrato, subtle harmonics, and legato phrasing that emphasizes melody. His solos often feature smooth, flowing lines that add a vocal quality to his playing. Gorham’s ability to create nuanced and emotionally resonant solos has made him a highly respected and influential guitarist.
3.5 What Are Some Signature Licks of Brian Robertson?
Some signature licks of Brian Robertson include fast alternate picking runs, aggressive vibrato, and strategic use of tapped and pinched harmonics. His playing is characterized by its energy and precision, often incorporating flashy techniques that showcase his technical prowess. Robertson’s contributions to Thin Lizzy have solidified his reputation as a dynamic and innovative guitarist.
4. Techniques to Focus On
When learning “Are You Ready,” focus on mastering power chords, pentatonic and blues scales, alternate picking, legato, vibrato, double stops, unison bends, and harmonics. These techniques are essential for capturing the essence of the song and improving your overall guitar skills. Each technique contributes to the song’s unique sound and provides valuable learning opportunities.
4.1 Mastering Power Chords for a Solid Foundation
Mastering power chords is essential for building a solid foundation in rock guitar. According to a lesson by Justin Sandercoe of JustinGuitar.com, power chords are easy to play and provide a powerful sound that is fundamental to many rock songs. Focus on clean transitions between chords and maintaining a consistent rhythm to create a strong and impactful foundation.
4.2 Utilizing the A Pentatonic Minor Scale Effectively
Utilizing the A Pentatonic Minor scale effectively involves learning its patterns and applying them to create melodic and expressive solos. This scale is a staple for rock and blues guitarists, offering a wide range of possibilities for improvisation. Practice playing the scale in different positions and experiment with bending and sliding notes to add character to your solos.
4.3 Adding Bluesy Flavors with the A Blues Scale
Adding bluesy flavors with the A Blues scale enhances your solos with its characteristic dissonance and emotional depth. The A Blues scale is similar to the A Pentatonic Minor but includes an added blue note, creating a more soulful and expressive sound. Incorporate this scale into your solos to add a touch of bluesy grit and emotion.
4.4 Perfecting Alternate Picking for Speed and Clarity
Perfecting alternate picking is crucial for achieving speed and clarity in your playing. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing you to play fast runs and complex passages with precision. Practice slowly at first, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clean articulation, then gradually increase your speed as your technique improves.
4.5 Refining Legato Techniques for Smooth Transitions
Refining legato techniques involves connecting notes smoothly, minimizing the attack on each note and creating a fluid transition between them. This technique is essential for creating melodic and expressive solos that flow seamlessly. Practice using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to connect notes and create a smooth, legato sound.
4.6 Developing Vibrato for Expressive Note Bending
Developing vibrato is essential for adding expression and emotion to your note bending. Vibrato involves subtly wavering a note’s pitch, creating a vocal-like quality that enhances its emotional depth. Experiment with different vibrato techniques, such as finger vibrato and wrist vibrato, to find what works best for you and add character to your playing.
4.7 Incorporating Double Stops for a Fuller Sound
Incorporating double stops involves playing two notes simultaneously, creating a fuller and richer sound. This technique adds depth and texture to your playing, making your solos and fills more impactful. Practice playing double stops in different positions and experiment with different combinations of notes to create interesting and dynamic sounds.
4.8 Mastering Unison Bends for Harmonious Effects
Mastering unison bends involves bending two notes to the same pitch, creating a harmonious effect that adds depth and interest to your playing. This technique requires precision and control, as you need to ensure that both notes are bent to the exact same pitch. Practice bending the notes slowly and carefully, listening closely to ensure that they are in tune with each other.
4.9 Utilizing Harmonics to Add Shimmering Tones
Utilizing harmonics involves creating shimmering, bell-like tones by lightly touching the string at specific points. There are two main types of harmonics: natural harmonics and artificial harmonics. Natural harmonics are created by touching the string at specific points, such as the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets, while artificial harmonics are created by using your thumb to fret a note and your index finger to lightly touch the string at a harmonic node.
5. Step-By-Step Guide to Learning “Are You Ready”
To learn “Are You Ready,” start with the rhythm parts, focusing on the power chords and their transitions. Then, move on to the solos, breaking them down into smaller sections and practicing each one slowly. Pay attention to the techniques used by Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, and try to incorporate them into your playing. Finally, practice playing along with the song to get a feel for the overall structure and dynamics.
5.1 Start with the Rhythm Parts
Start with the rhythm parts to build a solid foundation for the song. Focus on mastering the power chords (A5, D5, and E5) and their transitions. Practice playing along with the song at a slow tempo to ensure that you are playing the chords accurately and in time. Once you are comfortable with the rhythm parts, you can move on to the solos.
5.2 Break Down the Solos into Sections
Break down the solos into smaller sections to make them easier to learn. Focus on mastering each section individually before putting them all together. Pay attention to the techniques used by Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, such as alternate picking, legato, and vibrato, and try to incorporate them into your playing.
5.3 Practice Scott Gorham’s Melodic Licks
Practice Scott Gorham’s melodic licks to develop your phrasing and legato skills. Gorham’s solos are characterized by their smooth, flowing lines and expressive vibrato. Focus on connecting the notes seamlessly and adding subtle nuances to your playing. Listen closely to Gorham’s solos and try to replicate his phrasing and dynamics.
5.4 Emulate Brian Robertson’s Energetic Runs
Emulate Brian Robertson’s energetic runs to improve your alternate picking and speed. Robertson’s solos are characterized by their fast, precise runs and aggressive vibrato. Practice playing the runs slowly at first, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clean articulation, then gradually increase your speed as your technique improves.
5.5 Play Along with the Song
Play along with the song to get a feel for the overall structure and dynamics. This will help you understand how the different parts fit together and how to create a cohesive and engaging performance. Pay attention to the dynamics and try to match the intensity and energy of the original recording.
6. Gear Recommendations for Recreating the Tone
To recreate the tone of “Are You Ready,” consider using guitars with humbucker pickups, such as a Les Paul or SG. For amps, a Marshall or similar high-gain amp can help you achieve the desired crunch and sustain. Experiment with overdrive and distortion pedals to further shape your tone. Finally, use effects like delay and reverb to add depth and dimension to your sound.
6.1 Guitars with Humbucker Pickups
Guitars with humbucker pickups are essential for achieving the thick, powerful tone of “Are You Ready.” Humbucker pickups are designed to reduce noise and provide a more powerful and sustained sound compared to single-coil pickups. Guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and SG are popular choices for rock guitarists due to their warm tone and sustain.
6.2 Marshall or High-Gain Amplifiers
Marshall or high-gain amplifiers are crucial for replicating the crunch and sustain of the song. Marshall amps are known for their aggressive, overdriven tones that are perfect for rock and metal. Experiment with different amp settings to find the sweet spot that provides the right amount of gain and clarity.
6.3 Overdrive and Distortion Pedals
Overdrive and distortion pedals can help you further shape your tone and add extra sustain and aggression. Overdrive pedals provide a milder form of distortion that can be used to boost your amp’s natural overdrive, while distortion pedals provide a more aggressive and saturated sound. Experiment with different pedals to find the ones that best suit your playing style and tone.
6.4 Delay and Reverb Effects
Delay and reverb effects can add depth and dimension to your sound, making it sound more spacious and atmospheric. Delay pedals create a repeating echo effect, while reverb pedals simulate the natural reverberation of a room. Use these effects sparingly to avoid muddying your tone, but they can be very effective for adding a sense of space and depth.
7. How to Join the GuitarPlayers.net Community
To join the guitarplayers.net community, visit our website and sign up for a free account. Once you’re a member, you can access our forums, lessons, and other resources. You can also connect with other guitarists, share your music, and get feedback on your playing. Our community is a great place to learn, grow, and connect with other like-minded musicians.
7.1 Sign Up for a Free Account
Sign up for a free account on guitarplayers.net to access our community forums and resources. Creating an account is quick and easy, and it allows you to connect with other guitarists and participate in discussions.
7.2 Access Forums, Lessons, and Resources
Access our forums, lessons, and resources to learn new techniques and improve your playing. Our forums are a great place to ask questions, share your experiences, and get feedback from other guitarists. Our lessons cover a wide range of topics, from basic chords to advanced soloing techniques.
7.3 Connect with Other Guitarists
Connect with other guitarists to share your music and get feedback on your playing. Our community is a supportive and welcoming place where you can connect with other musicians and learn from each other. Share your recordings, ask for advice, and collaborate on projects.
7.4 Get Feedback on Your Playing
Get feedback on your playing from other members of the guitarplayers.net community. Our members are always willing to offer constructive criticism and helpful advice. Sharing your playing and getting feedback is a great way to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
8. The Benefits of Learning Guitar Online
Learning guitar online offers flexibility, affordability, and access to a wide range of resources. Online lessons allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can also access a vast library of lessons, tutorials, and resources from anywhere in the world. Additionally, online learning can be more affordable than traditional in-person lessons.
8.1 Flexibility and Convenience
Flexibility and convenience are key benefits of learning guitar online. Online lessons allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can access lessons and resources anytime, anywhere, making it easy to fit guitar practice into your busy life.
8.2 Wide Range of Resources
A wide range of resources are available online, including lessons, tutorials, tabs, and backing tracks. These resources can help you learn new techniques, improve your skills, and expand your repertoire. You can also find a wealth of information on guitar gear, maintenance, and repair.
8.3 Affordability Compared to Traditional Lessons
Affordability is another significant advantage of learning guitar online. Online lessons are often more affordable than traditional in-person lessons, as they eliminate the costs associated with studio space, travel, and instructor overhead. Many online resources are also free, making it even more accessible for beginners.
8.4 Access to Expert Instructors
Access to expert instructors is another benefit of learning guitar online. Many online platforms feature lessons from experienced and qualified instructors who can provide personalized guidance and feedback. You can also find lessons from famous guitarists and educators who share their techniques and insights.
9. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Common challenges when learning guitar include finger pain, developing calluses, maintaining motivation, and staying consistent with practice. Overcoming these challenges requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to seek help when needed. Remember that every guitarist faces these challenges at some point, and with dedication, you can overcome them and achieve your goals.
9.1 Finger Pain and Developing Calluses
Finger pain and developing calluses are common challenges for beginners. Building calluses takes time, and your fingertips may be sore and tender at first. To alleviate finger pain, try using lighter gauge strings, practicing in shorter sessions, and applying a soothing balm to your fingertips.
9.2 Maintaining Motivation
Maintaining motivation can be difficult, especially when you encounter obstacles or plateaus in your progress. To stay motivated, set realistic goals, celebrate your achievements, and find a practice routine that you enjoy. You can also join a guitar community or find a practice buddy to stay accountable and inspired.
9.3 Staying Consistent with Practice
Staying consistent with practice is essential for making progress on the guitar. To stay consistent, set aside a specific time each day or week for practice and stick to your schedule as much as possible. Even short, focused practice sessions can be more effective than long, infrequent ones.
9.4 Overcoming Plateaus in Progress
Overcoming plateaus in progress requires patience and a willingness to try new approaches. If you feel stuck, try learning a new song, exploring a different genre, or focusing on a specific technique. You can also seek feedback from other guitarists or take a lesson from an experienced instructor.
10. Essential Guitar Maintenance Tips
Essential guitar maintenance tips include cleaning your strings regularly, keeping your guitar properly humidified, and performing regular setups. These tips will help keep your guitar in good condition and ensure that it plays and sounds its best. Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your instrument.
10.1 Cleaning Your Strings Regularly
Cleaning your strings regularly is essential for maintaining their tone and prolonging their lifespan. Dirt, oil, and sweat can accumulate on your strings, causing them to sound dull and lifeless. To clean your strings, wipe them down with a clean cloth after each practice session. You can also use a string cleaner or lubricant to remove stubborn buildup.
10.2 Maintaining Proper Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for preventing damage to your guitar. Guitars are made of wood, which is sensitive to changes in humidity. Too much or too little humidity can cause the wood to warp, crack, or swell, affecting the guitar’s playability and tone. To maintain proper humidity, use a humidifier or dehumidifier in your practice space, and store your guitar in a case when not in use.
10.3 Performing Regular Setups
Performing regular setups is essential for ensuring that your guitar plays and sounds its best. A setup involves adjusting the guitar’s action, intonation, and neck relief to optimize its playability and tone. You can perform a basic setup yourself with the right tools and knowledge, or you can take your guitar to a professional technician for a more thorough setup.
10.4 Storing Your Guitar Safely
Storing your guitar safely is important for preventing damage and maintaining its condition. When not in use, store your guitar in a case or gig bag to protect it from dust, moisture, and impact. Avoid leaving your guitar in direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or high humidity, as these conditions can damage the wood and finish.
FAQ: Are You Ready Guitar Lesson
1. Is “Are You Ready” a difficult song to learn on guitar?
“Are You Ready” is moderately challenging, blending accessible power chords with intricate solos, making it suitable for intermediate players.
2. What scales are used in the guitar solos of “Are You Ready”?
The guitar solos in “Are You Ready” primarily use the A Pentatonic Minor and A Blues scales.
3. Who are the guitarists playing on “Are You Ready” by Thin Lizzy?
The guitarists on “Are You Ready” are Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson.
4. What gear do I need to sound like the guitarists in “Are You Ready”?
To sound like the guitarists in “Are You Ready,” use guitars with humbucker pickups, Marshall amps, and overdrive/distortion pedals.
5. Can a beginner learn to play “Are You Ready”?
A beginner can start with the rhythm parts of “Are You Ready,” focusing on the power chords, and gradually progress to the solos.
6. How can I improve my alternate picking for the solos in “Are You Ready”?
Improve alternate picking by practicing slowly, focusing on consistent up and down strokes, and gradually increasing speed.
7. What are the key techniques to focus on when learning “Are You Ready”?
Key techniques include mastering power chords, pentatonic and blues scales, alternate picking, legato, and vibrato.
8. How does Scott Gorham’s style differ from Brian Robertson’s?
Scott Gorham’s style is melodic and legato-focused, while Brian Robertson’s is energetic with fast alternate picking.
9. Where can I find guitar tabs for “Are You Ready”?
You can find guitar tabs for “Are You Ready” on guitarplayers.net and other guitar tab websites.
10. What makes “Are You Ready” a good song for learning guitar?
“Are You Ready” is great for learning guitar due to its blend of rock and blues elements, accessible structure, and challenging solos.
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