Mastering the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why"

The Eagles' classic ballad "I Can't Tell You Why" is a masterclass in subtlety and emotion, offering guitarists a unique opportunity to delve into techniques that emphasise feel and expression over sheer speed. Our detailed lesson breaks down these techniques, ensuring you capture the song's essence while enhancing your overall guitar proficiency. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 1979 on the album The Long Run, "I Can't Tell You Why" marked bassist Timothy B. Schmit's debut as a lead vocalist for the Eagles. The track stands out for its smooth blend of rock and R&B elements, creating a soulful ambiance that has resonated with audiences for decades. The guitar work, primarily attributed to Glenn Frey, is both tasteful and melodic, serving the song's mood perfectly.

Guitar Techniques Explored

Our lesson focuses on several key techniques employed in "I Can't Tell You Why." Each technique is explained in detail, highlighting its application within the song and the benefits of mastering it.

Vibrato

Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note to add warmth and emotion. In this song, subtle vibrato enhances the expressiveness of sustained notes, making them more compelling. Developing a controlled vibrato will enrich your playing, allowing you to convey deeper emotion in your solos.

Slides

Sliding between notes creates a smooth, gliding effect that adds fluidity to your playing. The guitar solo in "I Can't Tell You Why" utilizes slides to seamlessly connect phrases, contributing to its mellow vibe. Mastering slides will improve your fretboard navigation and lend a more legato feel to your solos.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, producing a harmonised sound. This technique is used in the song to add richness to melodic lines. Incorporating double stops into your playing will enhance your harmonic understanding and add depth to your solos.

String Bending

Bending strings to reach desired pitches adds a vocal-like quality to your guitar playing. In "I Can't Tell You Why," tasteful bends are employed to emphasize emotional peaks within the solo. Developing precise bending technique will improve your intonation and expressive capabilities.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques involve adding or removing fingers to create smooth transitions between notes. The solo features hammer-ons and pull-offs to articulate rapid sequences without picking each note. Mastering these will increase your playing speed and fluidity.

About the Guitarist

Glenn Frey, co-founder of the Eagles, was known for his melodic and tasteful guitar work. On "I Can't Tell You Why," Frey's approach is understated yet impactful, focusing on serving the song rather than showcasing technical prowess. His playing on this track exemplifies his ability to blend rock and R&B influences seamlessly, contributing significantly to the band's signature sound.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By studying the guitar work in "I Can't Tell You Why," you'll gain:

• Enhanced Expressiveness: Techniques like vibrato and string bending allow you to convey emotion more effectively.
• Improved Fluidity: Mastering slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs will make your playing smoother and more connected.
• Harmonic Enrichment: Incorporating double stops adds harmonic complexity to your solos.
• Dynamic Control: Understanding how to apply these techniques tastefully will improve your overall musicality.

Guitar Techniques List

• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

By immersing yourself in these techniques through our comprehensive lesson, you'll not only master a classic Eagles song but also significantly enhance your overall guitar playing skills.