Learn to Play "New Kid in Town" by Eagles

"New Kid in Town" by the Eagles is a beautifully crafted song that showcases the band's signature blend of smooth vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work. This lesson at Licklibrary.com provides a note-for-note breakdown of the track, allowing you to master the playing style of this timeless classic. With a focus on the song’s melodic phrasing, nuanced chord voicings, and expressive lead guitar techniques, this lesson is perfect for guitarists looking to expand their skills. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

The Eagles’ lead guitarist at the time, Don Felder, and the legendary Joe Walsh both contributed to the distinct guitar work found on Hotel California, but "New Kid in Town" prominently features Glenn Frey on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, with Don Felder handling the iconic melodic leads. Felder’s refined phrasing and masterful touch define the song’s signature guitar lines, while Frey's rhythm playing provides the lush chordal textures that support the song’s arrangement. Their work has influenced countless guitarists, particularly in how they blend melody and harmony within rock and country-infused ballads.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

"New Kid in Town" utilises arpeggiated chord progressions, creating a rich and flowing sound that complements the vocal melodies beautifully. Arpeggios involve picking individual notes of a chord rather than strumming them all at once, allowing for a more articulate and expressive sound. Mastering this technique helps guitarists develop finger independence and precision.

Hybrid Picking

This song features elements of hybrid picking, a technique that combines the use of a guitar pick and fingers to pluck different strings simultaneously. Hybrid picking is essential for achieving a fluid and dynamic playing style, particularly in folk and country-inspired rock. Practicing this technique will improve picking hand coordination and allow for greater versatility in your playing.

Chord Progressions

The underlying chord progressions in "New Kid in Town" are fundamental to its storytelling nature. Learning these progressions will help guitarists understand how harmonic structure can drive the emotion of a song. This knowledge is applicable across multiple genres, making it a valuable skill for any guitarist.

String Bending

Don Felder's lead lines feature expressive string bending, where a note is pushed or pulled to raise its pitch smoothly. This technique is crucial for achieving a vocal-like quality in solos. Practicing bends will enhance your ear training and control, allowing you to add more emotion to your playing.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the lead sections, adding fluidity and smooth transitions between notes. This technique enhances phrasing and helps guitarists develop a more expressive style, making solos sound more natural and connected.

Vibrato

Vibrato plays a key role in giving the lead lines their signature character. By oscillating the pitch of a note slightly, vibrato adds warmth and sustain to each phrase. Learning proper vibrato technique will improve your ability to shape notes and add personal expression to your playing.

Double Stops

The song incorporates tasteful double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create harmonic interest. This technique is particularly useful for filling out melodies and can be applied in lead playing across various styles.

Legato (Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs)

Felder’s phrasing includes smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs, which help to create a seamless flow between notes without excessive picking. This technique enhances speed and fluidity, making solos sound more connected and natural.

List of Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Hybrid Picking
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

This note-for-note lesson will equip you with the skills to capture the essence of the song, while also enhancing your overall guitar technique. Whether you’re a fan of the Eagles or looking to refine your melodic playing, this lesson is a must-learn for any guitarist. Start mastering "New Kid in Town" today with Licklibrary.com!