Learn to Play Joe Walsh

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Joe Walsh, an illustrious figure in the rock music panorama, has etched his name in the annals of music history with his unique tone, extraordinary use of scales, and captivating guitar solos. Recognized for his work with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Walsh's songs often meld rock and roll with touches of blues and funk. This product, "Learn to Play Joe Walsh," offers guitar enthusiasts an opportunity to join tutor Danny Gill and to dive deep into the guitarist’s technique and style, featuring comprehensive lessons on six of Walsh's renowned tracks.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Rocky Mountain Way

Life's Been Good

Funk #49 

Help Me Through The Night

Turn To Stone  

Lesson Performance Notes

Rocky Mountain Way

"Rocky Mountain Way" is celebrated for its talk box-infused sound and the heavy, rhythmic guitar riffs that provide the song's backbone. The song employs a mix of the E minor pentatonic and blues scales, giving it that gritty rock sound with a touch of blues. The guitar solo is a highlight, showcasing Walsh's mastery in using the scales dynamically, building a memorable melodic motif that resonates with listeners long after the song ends.

Life's Been Good

This satirical take on the rockstar lifestyle, "Life's Been Good," has a laid-back rhythm and an iconic, catchy riff. The song is primarily in E minor and features a talk box in the solo, similar to "Rocky Mountain Way." The scale work is exceptional, with Walsh utilizing the full fretboard. The solo is a mixture of fast licks and sustained notes that exemplify Walsh’s feel and timing, as he switches effortlessly between scales while maintaining a coherent melodic line.

Funk #49

With "Funk #49," guitarists experience Walsh’s rhythm prowess. The song is entrenched in a funk rock genre, with an infectious riff that's primarily based around the A minor pentatonic scale. The track’s groove is undeniable, and the guitar work features tight rhythm playing. The solo, while short, is punchy and fits the song's energetic dynamics, showcasing Walsh's ability to play with the listeners’ expectations.

Help Me Through The Night

This song is a testament to Walsh’s versatility. "Help Me Through The Night" is a softer rock ballad that relies heavily on chords and arpeggios, giving it a more melodic and flowing feel. The song is in the key of G major, and the solo is a masterclass in restraint and melody, focusing more on the emotional delivery of each note rather than complex scale runs.

Turn To Stone

"Turn To Stone" injects a sense of urgency with its driving rhythm and use of the E minor scale. The song features a blend of rock and funk with fast-paced riffs and a high-energy solo. Walsh employs a range of techniques in the solo, displaying fast licks, and an extensive use of the fretboard. The track is a fantastic example of Walsh’s ability to combine rhythm and lead guitar roles seamlessly.

Joe Walsh: The Lead Guitarist

Joe Walsh's contribution to rock and roll extends beyond his technical skills on the guitar. His songwriting, infused with humor, introspection, and a keen understanding of the human experience, sets him apart. His guitar playing, noted for its distinctive tone, inventive use of the talk box, and masterful employment of scales, particularly pentatonic and blues scales, has influenced countless guitarists.

Walsh has a knack for creating solos that, while often technically impressive, prioritize melody and musicality. His solos in songs like "Life's Been Good" and "Rocky Mountain Way" are memorable not just for their scale work, but for their tunefulness and the way they serve the song. From slow, emotional bends to fast, intricate licks, Walsh’s playing captures the breadth of human emotion.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

In these lessons, students will encounter a range of guitar techniques pivotal to mastering Joe Walsh's style. Below is a compilation of techniques used throughout the songs, with links for deeper understanding:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
• Double-stops
• String Bending
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Palm Muting
• Syncopated Rhythms

Understanding and mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your ability to learn and play these songs authentically, capturing the essence of Joe Walsh's guitar artistry.