Solo Tone

Hotel California (Remastered)

Eagles

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

Guitar1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard (Don Felder, opening solo and harmonies), 1950s Fender Telecaster (Joe Walsh, harmonized solo)

AmpFender Tweed Deluxe (Felder), Fender Champ or Deluxe Reverb (Walsh)

PickupsGibson PAF humbuckers (Les Paul), Fender single-coil (Telecaster)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass5.5

mid7

treble6.5

reverb3

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

phaserMXR MXR Phase 90

delayMaestro Echoplex EP-3

chorusBoss Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble

Notes

Studio recording, 1976. Felder opens the solo with a Les Paul into a Tweed Deluxe; Walsh answers with a Telecaster into a Fender Champ or Deluxe Reverb. Effects added via pedals and outboard gear, not amp effects. Settings reflect the studio version, not live.

Tone Character(10)

warm and midrange-forwardsinging sustainsmooth compressionclear, articulate note separationcrisp, present highsmodest breakup (not high-gain)chorus shimmer in harmoniessubtle tape delay repeatsslightly compressed attacktouch-sensitive dynamics

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced technique due to its fast harmonized lines, precise bends, and the need for tight synchronization between two guitarists. The phrasing and articulation demand a high level of control and musicality.