Life In The Fast Lane – Eagles
Introduction
"Life In The Fast Lane" by Eagles is one of the most iconic rock tracks, featuring a dynamic and instantly recognisable guitar riff. The song showcases the incredible guitar work of Joe Walsh and Don Felder, both of whom contributed to the band's signature sound. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com dissects the techniques used in this classic, allowing you to master its high-energy guitar parts with precision.
Whether you're looking to improve your alternate picking, string bending, or double stops, this lesson provides an in-depth look at the elements that make this song so compelling. By learning these techniques, you'll not only play "Life In The Fast Lane" accurately but also expand your overall guitar-playing abilities. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
The Guitarists Behind the Song
Joe Walsh and Don Felder were a powerhouse guitar duo that defined the Eagles' rock sound. Joe Walsh, known for his expressive playing, brought a bluesy and gritty edge to the band's music. His unique phrasing and masterful vibrato helped shape the song's iconic riff and solo sections.
Don Felder complemented Walsh’s style with precision and melodic lead lines, creating a balanced interplay between the two guitars. Their dual guitar harmonies and intricate phrasing became a signature sound for the Eagles, influencing countless rock and blues players worldwide.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
Alternate Picking
The driving riff in "Life In The Fast Lane" relies heavily on alternate picking, which involves consistently alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. Mastering this technique enhances speed and precision, making it a fundamental skill for rock and lead guitarists.
String Bending
String bending gives the song its bluesy, expressive feel. Bending a note allows guitarists to achieve vocal-like phrasing, a technique that adds emotion and depth to solos. This lesson helps develop pitch accuracy and control while bending strings.
Double Stops
A key part of the song’s rhythm and lead playing involves double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This adds harmonic richness and power to the riffs and solos, a technique commonly used in blues and rock guitar playing.
Slides
Slides create smooth transitions between notes, adding fluidity to lead lines and solos. The lesson demonstrates how to use slides effectively for a polished, professional sound.
Vibrato
One of Joe Walsh’s signature techniques, vibrato enhances sustain and character in a note. This technique is essential for making your playing sound more expressive and professional.
Palm Muting
The tight, chugging rhythm in parts of the song benefits from palm muting, where the picking hand lightly rests on the strings to create a percussive effect. This is crucial for adding definition and punch to rock rhythm guitar playing.
Power Chords
"Life In The Fast Lane" features powerful, driving rhythm parts using power chords, which are essential for rock and blues playing. This technique strengthens fretboard knowledge and builds confidence in rhythm guitar playing.
Harmonics
This song includes harmonics, which add a shimmering, bell-like quality to specific notes. Learning how to execute these properly gives your playing a more professional touch.
Dual Guitar Harmonies
The interplay between Joe Walsh and Don Felder highlights dual guitar harmonies, a technique where two guitars play complementary lines in harmony. This skill is valuable for those playing in a band or looking to create richer lead arrangements.
Conclusion
By learning the techniques featured in "Life In The Fast Lane," you'll develop a strong foundation in rock and blues guitar playing. This lesson provides step-by-step guidance on mastering each section of the song, helping you improve speed, accuracy, and overall musicianship.
If you're ready to take your playing to the next level, dive into our note-for-note lesson and experience the thrill of playing this legendary track just like the pros!
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...