Day of the Eagle – Robin Trower
The "Day of the Eagle" guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com is an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of Robin Trower’s iconic song. Trower, known for his powerful, emotive playing, brings a mix of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences to this track, making it an exciting challenge for guitarists looking to expand their skills. Our lesson provides a comprehensive focus on the techniques Trower uses, helping you master not only the song itself but also the broader skills you can apply to your own playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About Robin Trower and "Day of the Eagle"
Robin Trower is often compared to Jimi Hendrix due to his rich, soulful style and expressive use of the guitar. He played as a member of Procol Harum before embarking on a solo career, where he developed his signature blues-rock sound. "Day of the Eagle," released as part of his 1974 album Bridge of Sighs, is one of his standout tracks, showcasing his mastery of tone and feel. Trower’s use of bluesy bends, expressive vibrato, and deep, resonating chords made him a critical influence on generations of guitarists, from classic rock players to modern blues virtuosos.
Techniques Covered in "Day of the Eagle"
Power Chords
The foundation of "Day of the Eagle" is built on powerful, driving rhythms created by power chords. These simple yet effective chord structures help to create the song’s aggressive, hard-hitting feel. Mastering power chords is essential for rock guitarists, as they provide the backbone for countless songs across the genre. By learning this technique, you'll strengthen your ability to play tight, punchy riffs that cut through the mix.
String Bending
Robin Trower’s use of string bending in "Day of the Eagle" adds a layer of expressiveness to his solos, allowing him to create vocal-like phrasing. String bending is an essential technique for developing a more emotional, dynamic guitar sound. By practicing bends, you'll learn to hit target notes precisely, adding a personal touch to your playing while also improving finger strength and control.
Vibrato
Trower’s vibrato technique is one of the most defining elements of his sound, giving his notes a singing quality that resonates with feeling. Vibrato is critical for adding sustain and warmth to your notes. Learning vibrato will help you take your lead playing to the next level by enhancing your ability to add texture and emotion to sustained notes.
Bluesy Bends
The song features frequent use of bluesy bends, where Trower bends notes with a distinctive blues flavor. These bends are integral to his style and give the song its signature blues-rock feel. By learning these bends, you'll improve your phrasing and understand how to convey emotion through subtle, controlled movements on the fretboard.
Slides
Slides in "Day of the Eagle" help transition between notes seamlessly, creating smooth, flowing phrases. Slides are key to creating a connected, legato style in your solos. Incorporating slides into your playing allows you to navigate the fretboard more fluidly, giving your lead work a more polished, professional feel.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
Robin Trower’s solos in "Day of the Eagle" make use of hammer-ons and pull-offs to build speed and fluidity. These legato techniques are crucial for executing faster runs and making your playing sound more cohesive. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs will help you develop finger strength and dexterity, enabling you to play more intricate licks and phrases with ease.
Open String Riffs
The use of open strings in the main riff of "Day of the Eagle" adds depth and resonance to the song’s overall sound. Open string riffs are a valuable technique for creating fuller, more complex-sounding guitar parts without relying on dense chord shapes. By incorporating open string riffs into your playing, you’ll expand your creative options when writing and performing.
Unison Bends
Unison bends are a standout feature in the song's solo section, giving the leads an intense, soaring quality. This technique involves bending one string while fretting another, creating two notes that reach the same pitch. Mastering unison bends allows you to add powerful, harmonically rich elements to your solos, enhancing their emotional impact.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
Learning these techniques not only equips you with the skills to play "Day of the Eagle" but also provides invaluable tools for your overall guitar playing. Each technique builds essential finger strength, dexterity, and control, while also developing your sense of timing, phrasing, and musical expression. Whether you’re a blues, rock, or even metal player, the skills you gain from this lesson can be applied to a variety of genres, helping you evolve into a more versatile and skilled guitarist.
