VIDEO MASTERCLASS THE EAGLES

Blending country and rock with perfectly orchestrated harmony lead lines, The Eagles are responsible for some of the most iconic recordings. With Jamie Humphries.

The Eagles is one of the most successful bands to emerge from the 70s country-rock scene. The group's mixture of styles can be heard on countless hit songs that are embedded in the very fabric of popular culture. Indeed it’s hard to imagine rock music without The Eagles. As well as their wealth of hits including Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, and Tequila Sunrise, they are also responsible for some of the most iconic guitar performances ever committed to tape. The solo on Hotel California is seen as one of the greatest of all time, and is the perfect example of two guitar players totally in sync with each other. But listen to the rest of the song, the rhythm parts, the acoustic picking, the harmony counter melodies. It’s just incredible. But it isn’t just Hotel California. Throughout their immaculate catalogue of hits songs, the guitar plays such a huge part in both their sound and their appeal.

The Eagles were formed in 1971 by drummer and vocalist Don Henley and singer-guitarist Glenn Frey, with the band originally put together as the backing group for Linda Ronstadt. The original line-up also included Bernie Leadon on guitar and vocals, and bassist-vocalist Randy Meisner. Their blending of country and rock as well as their rich vocal harmonies helped to quickly establish the band’s unique sound.

Guitarist Don Felder was brought into the fold for guest solos on the 1974 album On The Border. This record has more of an overt rock sound as it showcased Felder’s tasteful and feel-drenched lead playing, with the opening track Already Gone featuring a guitar duel between Felder and Frey.