Life's Been Good – Joe Walsh

Get ready to dig into one of classic rock’s most iconic guitar-driven tracks with the “Life’s Been Good” guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This note-for-note breakdown of Joe Walsh’s satirical masterpiece gives you the tools to master his laid-back yet complex playing style. Known for its clever licks, expressive bends, and rhythmic nuances, this track is packed with technique and tone that’s a goldmine for any guitarist wanting to capture the 70s rock vibe with precision.

Our lesson is carefully structured to take you through each section of the song, dissecting the key guitar parts and focusing on the essential playing techniques Joe Walsh used to make this track unforgettable. Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your toolkit, or an advanced guitarist aiming to get inside the mind of a rock legend, this lesson will deliver. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh, renowned for his work with James Gang, The Eagles, and his solo career, is a master of blues-influenced rock guitar with a twist of personality. His playing combines soulful phrasing with inventive technique, creating an unmistakable sound that has influenced generations of players. In "Life's Been Good," Walsh injects humour and attitude into every lick, making it as much about feel as it is about finesse. His ability to blend funky rhythms, tight slide work, and expressive bends showcases a level of maturity and creativity that stands the test of time.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

One of the cornerstones of Walsh's phrasing in "Life’s Been Good" is his expressive use of string bending. You’ll learn how to execute accurate bends that reach the target pitch and add vocal-like quality to your solos. Mastering this technique enhances your emotional expression and is essential for playing blues-rock leads with authenticity.

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes via slides give Walsh’s licks a relaxed, flowing feel. This lesson breaks down both ascending and descending slides that are key to the song’s melodic phrasing. Learning to slide effectively improves your legato playing and adds a liquid, effortless quality to your solos.

Vibrato

Walsh’s use of vibrato gives each sustained note its own unique character. We'll show you how to develop a controlled and expressive vibrato technique, which adds depth and emotion to your playing — a must-have for any lead guitarist.

Double Stops

Throughout the song, you’ll encounter strategic uses of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create rich, harmonic textures. This technique adds both rhythmic and melodic interest to your solos and fills, giving your playing a fuller, more dynamic sound.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Many of the licks in this lesson rely on smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs to deliver quick flurries of notes without sounding rushed. You’ll learn to make these transitions feel natural and fluid, boosting your legato phrasing and improving your finger independence.

Palm Muting

"Life’s Been Good" uses tight rhythmic sections that benefit from controlled palm muting. We'll guide you through executing this technique cleanly, helping you develop a tighter rhythm tone and better control over dynamics.

Power Chords

Joe Walsh brings in some strong rhythm guitar work through crunchy power chords. Learning these sections gives you insight into how Walsh builds groove and structure behind his solos, while improving your rhythm playing and tone shaping.

Unison Bends

This track features expressive unison bends that create tension and excitement. You’ll work on the precision needed to bend to the exact pitch while holding the harmony — an invaluable tool for soloing with impact.

Rakes

Another signature Joe Walsh move is the use of rakes — muted strums across strings before landing on a note — which adds a touch of attitude and swagger. We'll show you how to time them right for that authentic rock sound.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning “Life’s Been Good” provides a comprehensive workout in expressive lead and tight rhythm guitar. It’s not just about replicating the notes — it’s about capturing the feel and subtle nuances that make Joe Walsh a legend. You’ll walk away with improved control, better tone, and a deeper understanding of how to build personality into your playing.

Whether you're gigging, jamming, or just playing for fun, these skills will enhance your musicality and confidence on the fretboard.

Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Unison Bends
• Rakes