Learn to Play Joe Walsh with Licklibrary.com

Unleash your inner rockstar with our exciting new course, "Learn to Play Joe Walsh." This comprehensive series of guitar lessons featuring Danny Gill, dives deep into the musical universe of Joe Walsh, the legendary American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work with the Eagles and the James Gang, as well as a successful solo career.

About Joe Walsh

A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Joe Walsh's distinctive guitar tone, passionate solos, and emotive songwriting have left an indelible mark on rock music. His style blends blues, rock, and funk, and his technique incorporates a broad range of scales and modes, with a frequent reliance on the minor pentatonic scale. His mastery over various guitar techniques has allowed him to carve out a niche for himself in the pantheon of rock guitar legends. This course will help you understand Walsh's unique style and approach to the guitar, deepening your appreciation of his music and enhancing your own guitar playing skills.

Lesson Breakdown

Life's Been Good

First up is "Life's Been Good," a chart-topping anthem from Joe's solo career. This lesson helps you master the song's iconic riffs, which are primarily based around the E minor pentatonic scale, with a distinct bluesy feel. We also delve into the analysis of the legendary solo, a true study in expressive bends, including both double-stop bends and unison bends, and an exemplary usage of slides to shift between positions smoothly.

Help Me Through the Night

Next, "Help Me Through the Night," a beautiful ballad that showcases Walsh's melodic sensibility. This song is a wonderful introduction to arpeggiated chord progressions, as well as the use of open-string riffs to create a resonant, haunting guitar sound. The solo section provides a perfect example of how to incorporate harmonics into your playing for a touch of finesse.

Funk 49

"Funk 49," from the James Gang era, introduces you to the funky side of Walsh's playing. This lesson emphasizes the use of the mixolydian mode and explores some intricate rhythmic patterns, including syncopated rhythms and galloping rhythms. The memorable solo, filled with quick, staccato phrasing, provides a solid grounding in alternate picking.

Rocky Mountain Way

"Rocky Mountain Way" is a classic Walsh track that combines elements of rock, blues, and funk. This song incorporates power chords, palm-muting, and a distinctive slide guitar section. We pay particular attention to the solo, exploring how Walsh uses string bending and vibrato to express the song's laid-back, rock 'n' roll attitude.

Turn to Stone

Finally, "Turn to Stone" introduces more advanced techniques, including hammer-ons, pull-offs, and legato playing. The song's driving rhythm and high-energy guitar work, featuring a fiery solo, make it an excellent practice piece for those looking to improve their speed and precision.

Summary of Guitar Techniques Used

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Double-Stop Bends
5. Unison Bends
6. Harmonics
7. Slides
8. Syncopated Rhythms
9. Open-String Riffs
10. Power Chords
11. Palm-Muting
12. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
13. String Bending
14. Hammer-Ons
15. Pull-Offs
16. Galloping Rhythms

"Learn to Play Joe Walsh" offers an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a rock guitar legend and explore his unique musical approach. By breaking down his iconic songs and analyzing their technical aspects, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of Walsh's music, but also improve your own guitar playing skills. We look forward to guiding you on this musical journey!