How to Play "How Long" by The Eagles

The Eagles’ song "How Long" is a showcase of masterful guitar playing that blends country rock, classic rock, and blues influences. Our note-for-note guitar lesson for this track breaks down the techniques used in the song and equips guitarists with the tools to master not only this track but also gain valuable techniques for improving overall guitar playing. In this breakdown, we'll dive deep into the techniques featured in "How Long" and explore the guitarists behind the music. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work in "How Long" by The Eagles

The guitar work in "How Long" features the talents of Eagles' iconic guitarists, including Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey. Both guitarists brought unique elements to the Eagles’ sound, and in this song, their mix of rhythm and lead playing creates a memorable, laid-back groove.

Joe Walsh, known for his expressive, bluesy style and tasteful use of slide guitar, complements the rhythm section with his distinct sound. Glenn Frey, on the other hand, provides solid rhythm guitar that forms the foundation of the song. These two players’ combination of rhythm and melodic lead work allows the song to blend several techniques that are essential for guitarists of all levels to master.

Learning this song will help you understand how to balance rhythm and lead parts, use subtle embellishments to create a richer sound, and improve your control over several key techniques used in both classic rock and country-style guitar playing.

Techniques Covered in "How Long"

1. String Bending

Throughout the lead sections of the song, string bending is used to add expression and a vocal-like quality to the guitar lines. This technique involves pushing the string up or down to raise the pitch, which creates smooth transitions between notes. Practicing string bending helps improve your pitch accuracy and finger strength.

2. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are widely used in the song’s melodic phrases. These techniques allow you to create a fluid, legato sound that’s essential in classic rock solos. Hammer-ons involve striking the string with your finger to play a note without picking, while pull-offs involve pulling your finger off the string to let a lower note ring. Mastering these techniques improves finger dexterity and helps you add speed to your playing without sacrificing clarity.

3. Slides

Slides can be heard in various parts of "How Long," particularly in the transition between chords and melodic lines. This technique adds a smooth, flowing feel to your playing by sliding your finger from one note to another. Slides are excellent for creating a seamless connection between notes, enhancing your phrasing and expression.

4. Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar parts in "How Long" showcase a series of chord progressions that form the backbone of the song. Understanding how to move smoothly between these chords, particularly with some subtle embellishments, will improve your ability to play rhythm guitar with precision and feel. Practicing chord progressions will also help you understand how different chords work together harmonically, enhancing your songwriting skills.

5. Alternate Picking

The song’s rhythm guitar sections often feature alternate picking, where the pick strikes the strings in alternating up and down strokes. This technique is key to achieving a clean, rhythmic sound and improving your overall picking speed and accuracy.

6. Arpeggios

Some of the lead guitar work in "How Long" employs arpeggios, where the notes of a chord are played individually rather than strummed together. This technique creates a more delicate and intricate sound, perfect for adding texture to your playing. Learning to play arpeggios will help you with finger coordination and musicality, as well as enhance your understanding of chord shapes across the fretboard.

7. Bluesy Bends

Joe Walsh’s playing often features bluesy bends, which can be heard in "How Long." These bends add emotion and a bluesy feel to the song’s guitar solos. The subtle variations in bending techniques, such as half-step or whole-step bends, allow you to inject personality into your playing.

Why These Techniques Matter

Learning the techniques featured in "How Long" will provide significant benefits to your overall guitar playing. Here's a breakdown of the advantages each technique offers:

• String bending improves pitch control and adds expressive qualities to your solos.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs enhance finger dexterity and create a smoother sound in fast passages.
• Slides connect your notes in a way that’s fluid and melodic, improving phrasing.
• Chord progressions strengthen your rhythm guitar playing and enhance your harmonic knowledge.
• Alternate picking builds precision, speed, and endurance.
• Arpeggios teach finger independence and chord theory.
• Bluesy bends help you develop a signature style with expressive solo techniques.

Each of these techniques is a foundational skill that you'll find in countless other songs. Mastering them in the context of "How Long" prepares you for broader, more advanced playing across multiple genres.

Guitar Techniques Used in How Long

Below is a list of guitar techniques used in our lessons for "How Long." Each technique is hyperlinked for deeper exploration:

• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Alternate Picking
• Arpeggios
• Bluesy Bends