Learn to Play “Lyin’ Eyes” by Eagles

Eagles’ Lyin’ Eyes is a classic example of 1970s country rock, showcasing the band's signature harmonies and intricate yet melodic guitar work. This Licklibrary guitar lesson will take you through the song note for note, breaking down the essential techniques used by Glenn Frey and Don Felder to create the song’s rich and expressive guitar parts.

Through this lesson, you will not only learn how to play Lyin’ Eyes accurately but also develop key guitar techniques that will enhance your overall playing. These techniques include fingerpicking, arpeggiated chord progressions, slides, and barre chords, all of which are essential for mastering the song’s smooth, flowing style. Below, we break down each technique used in the song and explain its importance in your guitar journey. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind “Lyin’ Eyes” – Glenn Frey and Don Felder

Glenn Frey and Don Felder were instrumental in shaping the sound of Lyin’ Eyes. Frey, the lead vocalist on the track, played a significant role in developing the band’s smooth country-rock feel, while Felder’s sophisticated guitar work added layers of depth to their arrangements. Felder’s ability to blend intricate picking patterns with tasteful lead lines gives the song its polished yet natural sound.

Frey’s background in folk and country music influenced the song’s chord progression and rhythm, while Felder’s blues and rock influences shine through in the lead work. Together, their complementary styles created a rich, melodic guitar arrangement that remains a staple for aspiring guitarists.

Key Guitar Techniques in “Lyin’ Eyes”

Fingerpicking

This song features delicate fingerpicking patterns, particularly in the intro and verses. Fingerpicking allows for greater control over dynamics and articulation, making the guitar sound more expressive. By learning fingerpicking, you develop better coordination between your picking hand fingers, enabling you to play more intricate arrangements with ease.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Throughout the song, the guitar arpeggiates the chord progressions instead of strumming them outright. This technique gives the song its smooth, flowing quality and helps outline the harmony more clearly. Mastering arpeggios will improve your finger dexterity and enhance your ability to pick out melodies within chords.

Slides

Slides are used in the lead guitar passages to create smooth, vocal-like transitions between notes. This technique adds fluidity and expressiveness to your playing, making solos sound more connected and natural. Practicing slides will help you develop precision and control over note transitions.

Barre Chords

The chord structure of Lyin’ Eyes includes a variety of barre chords, which are crucial for playing the song’s chord progressions effectively. Barre chords give you access to a wide range of voicings across the neck, improving your ability to play different songs with richer harmonic possibilities.

Double Stops

The lead guitar sections incorporate double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This technique enhances the harmonic richness of lead lines, making them sound fuller and more expressive. Double stops are a fundamental technique in blues, rock, and country guitar playing.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the chord progressions in Lyin’ Eyes is key to grasping its harmonic structure. The song follows a mix of major and minor chord movements, characteristic of country rock. Studying these progressions will deepen your understanding of how chords interact and prepare you for writing and improvising your own music.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar parts in the song employ syncopation, where the emphasis is placed on offbeats. This gives the song a natural, flowing feel and keeps it engaging. Learning syncopated rhythms will improve your timing and groove, making your strumming patterns more dynamic and interesting.

Sustain

The lead guitar in Lyin’ Eyes uses sustain to let notes ring out, enhancing the overall melodic feel. Sustain is crucial for creating expressive solos, as it allows notes to sing longer and connect more smoothly. Developing sustain in your playing will help you create more emotive, flowing lead lines.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of the key guitar techniques covered in this lesson. Click on each link to explore these techniques in more detail:

• Fingerpicking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Barre Chords
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Sustain

By learning Lyin’ Eyes through this detailed lesson, you will not only master a beautiful classic but also develop crucial guitar skills that will enhance your playing across multiple genres. Whether you’re focusing on fingerpicking, barre chords, or double stops, each technique brings you closer to a more polished and expressive style.

Start your journey today and bring the magic of Lyin’ Eyes to life on your guitar!