Classic Albums – Hotel California (Eagles)

“Hotel California” by The Eagles: An In-Depth Analysis for Guitarists
The Eagles’ iconic album “Hotel California” stands as a monumental moment in rock history. Its impact on guitarists, from the innovative riffs to the enchanting solos, is immense. This piece aims to dissect each song from a guitarist’s perspective, exploring the scales, guitar solos, and lead guitarist’s contributions.
Released on December 8, 1976, Eagles fifth studio album, Hotel California is one of the best-selling albums of all time with sales passing 30 million copies worldwide. Hotel California is a showcase of the band’s evolving musical style as the band made a conscious decision to move away from country rock in this album, and with Joe Walsh joining the band they added more of a rock and roll influence, which can be heard in the classic songs such as “Victim of Love” and “Life in the Fast Lane”.
In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the music giants one phrase at a time, including the multi-layered legendary guitar solo from the album’s title track.

Guitar Lessons in This Course
• Hotel California
• New Kid In Town
• Life In The Fast Lane
• Wasted Time
• Victim Of Love
• Pretty Maids All In A Row
• Try And Love Again
• The Last Resort

Guitar Lesson 1: “Hotel California”
The title track begins with a capo on the 7th fret, using Bm scale. The solo in the outro is a blend of B minor and E minor pentatonic, showcasing techniques like string bending and harmonics.

Guitar Lesson 2: “New Kid in Town”
Built around G major and E minor scales, this song is a lesson in chord progressions. The arpeggiated chord progressions and harmonies make it an interesting study for intermediate guitarists.

Guitar Lesson 3: “Life in the Fast Lane”
This track is in E minor, and the solo uses E minor pentatonic scale. The heavy use of power chords and galloping rhythms provides a driving force to the song.

Guitar Lesson 4: “Wasted Time”
Playing in F# minor, this ballad offers a gentle approach. Finger-picking patterns and chromaticism in the lead lines give the song its emotional depth.

Guitar Lesson 5: “Wasted Time (Reprise)”
This orchestral reprise showcases string arrangements. Though not guitar-driven, it offers inspiration for arranging and composing in different musical contexts.

Guitar Lesson 6: “Victim of Love”
A rock number in C# minor, the guitar part employs palm-muting and alternate picking, making it an engaging play for rhythm guitarists.

Guitar Lesson 7: “Pretty Maids All in a Row”
A piano-driven song with guitar enhancements, the gentle use of chords and sustain can teach guitarists about dynamics and tone.

Guitar Lesson 8: “Try and Love Again”
Randy Meisner takes lead vocals, and the song features G major scale with an emphasis on chord progressions. The acoustic strumming pattern offers a lesson in open-string riffs.

Guitar Lesson 9: “The Last Resort”
The album concludes with this song in E major, displaying intricate arpeggios and finger-picking, closing the record with a reflective touch.

Lead Guitarist’s Contribution
Don Felder, the primary lead guitarist for the Eagles during the “Hotel California” era, brought his blend of rock and blues to the fore. His style, rich in feel and technique, has influenced generations of guitarists. Joe Walsh also played a vital role in creating the intricate guitar parts that make this album timeless.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Finger-Picking, Slides
• Sustain
• String Bending
• Open-String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Chromaticism

With its mix of rock, folk, and blues, “Hotel California” by The Eagles is a timeless musical masterpiece that continues to captivate guitarists and musicians alike. Its blend of unique techniques, emotional delivery, and innovative arrangements provide a valuable learning tool for guitarists at all levels.