The Essential Rory Gallagher

The Essential Acoustic: Rory Gallagher is a guitar songbook devoted to the acoustic side of artist and guitarist Rory Gallagher’s music. Arranged by Arthur Dick, this Guitar Recorded Versions collection brings together 18 songs with guitar TAB and complete lyrics for Rory Gallagher fans and guitarists interested in exploring his blues, rock, folk, and acoustic influences through the songs themselves.

The collection includes complete song arrangements presented in guitar TAB alongside full lyrics. Its 18-song selection ranges from reflective pieces such as Just The Smile and I’ll Admit You’re Gone to blues-rooted favorites including Bankers Blues, Pistol Slapper Blues, and Nothin’ But The Devil. The book offers a substantial acoustic repertoire in one volume, making it useful for learning individual songs, studying Gallagher’s musical vocabulary, building a personal repertoire, or returning to favorite material over repeated practice sessions.

Beyond providing the music and lyrics, the collection highlights the variety within Gallagher’s acoustic work. Moving among blues traditions, rhythmic guitar writing, melodic songs, and distinctive interpretations, the repertoire gives players an opportunity to spend time with the phrasing, song structures, rhythmic character, and expressive details associated with this part of his catalog. For admirers of Gallagher’s guitar playing, it also provides a practical musical companion to listening and performance.

Song List

As A Crow Flies (As The Crow Flies) * Bankers Blues * Bratcha Dubha * The Cuckoo * Don't Know Where I'm Going * Empire State Express * Going To My Home Town * I'll Admit You're Gone * I'm Not Awake Yet * I'm Not Surprised * Just The Smile * Nothin' But The Devil * Out Of My Mind * Pistol Slapper Blues * Seven Days * 20 20 Vision * Unmilitary Two Step * Wave Myself Goodbye