Interview with Don Felder - Sweetwater's Guitars and Gear, Vol. 100
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- In this special 100th episode of Guitars and Gear, Mitch Gallagher interviews legendary guitarist/songwriter Don Felder. They talk about Don’s humble beginnings in Gainesville, Florida, his development as a musician, his time in the Eagles, his relationship with Gibson Custom Shop, and much more.
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Song Writing & Recording Process
5:33 - Composing Guitar Riffs and Lines
8:13 - Gear In The Early Years
9:45 - Transferring From Studio To Stage
12:17 - Guitar Set Up For Hotel California
13:05 - Don Felder's Origin
15:34 - Don's Guitars
22:20 - Don Felder's Writing Career
28:58 - Soundtrack of Summer Tour
32:00 - What Do You Look For In Musicians
35:00 - What Makes A Star?
37:30 - Thanks For Watching!
Click here for more info on Don Felder: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Felder 
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This guy is so down to earth and kind hearted. The eagles were fools for kicking him out of the band.
Yep. Egos and money. Same thing with KISS.
@@artheriford not same with kiss
@@dustzza123egos and money were absolutely at the heart of the changing lineups of KISS.
Don Felder's ability on the guitar is what took the Eagles from being a good band to be being a great band. When the Henley and Frey egos grew out of control, they decided to push Felder away and ended up screwing his eyes out. Don Felder is a brilliant guitarist and a first class individual.
that’s enough I need my guitarl!!
Agreed mate' he lifted them up and gave them serious identity ! They treated him horribly!
One of the best guitarist still living .... never really slated anyone and is the reason the Eagles had a unique sound. God bless him
this guy has alot of class.And what a great songwriter and player.Don ROCKS!
If it wasn't for Don,The Eagles would have been just a country band,Don put Rock n Roll zest in their asses.
They owe Don a hell of alot more than they think.
Mitch let’s the man talk and share all that experience and knowledge, and his questions are well constructed and communicated. Very interesting and enjoyable.
Don really shows how much of the entire Eagles sound was his and he really doesn't get enough credit!
This guy is a gem. Seems extremely down to earth. Great interview.
😎🤘
Well done interview. Don Felder is extremely articulate and logical-Great guy and awesome musician!
Don Felder really knows his stuff. Impressive explanation of the technical aspects of recording process yet understandable. Don Felder was that addition to the Eagles that brought them from country rock to arena rock. Randy Meisner was such a brilliant bass player but his harmony vocals were a key aspect of the Eagles success that often gets overlooked. Really nice of Don Felder to talk of Randy's high harmony vocals on the Eagles records.
He's also a former guitar instructor. As people know, he was Tom Petty's teacher. He actually can read music and the whole 9 yards.
Randy’s lead vocals on “Take it to the Limit “ is still my favorite Eagles song.
I noticed you didn’t mention the early contribution of Bernie Leadon. His multi instrumental expertise was key to the first few albums. The banjo 🪕 parts on “Desperado” and the Reprise of “Doolin’ Dalton/ Desperado “ are superbly done. I love to play Doolin’ Dalton followed by Desperado followed by the Reprise when listening to those songs. The lyric on the reprise of “The queen of diamonds let you down, she was just an empty fable” is such a cool lyric. Doolin’Dalton instrumental is also a fantastic showcase of Bernie’s talent.
The more I watch Don Felder, the more I realize what a kind person he is.
Ego and attitude are nowhere to be found.
Thank you Mr. Felder for all you've given us. Thank you for answering all of these interviewers questions so that us fans can get so much more than the music.... if that's possible! Lol
Don seems like a great guy. As much as glenn and don Henley have bashed him, he only has positive things to say about them. He acts very humble and gracious about his life
+irockuroll60 The more time passes, the more it's apparent Frey and Henley are the self-centered assholes.
+GETole
Ya think?
It wasn't Felder who was greedy with the money!
The Eagles were one of the greatest bands ever......and probably the most dysfunctional!!
Yes, indeed.
Don Felder and Joe Walsh both seem like really nice guys.
I really enjoyed listening to Don on this clip. He carries himself as a thoughtful and gentle man.
What a nice guy, class act and talented musician...I just finished his book 'Heaven and Hell' and the way Henley and Fry treated him was shameful!
Don came in contact with so many famous Rock Stars in his early youth Florida days. It is amazing, and he must have impressed his Eagles band mates with the people he knew and played with.
"Those shoes" is perhaps the most underrated Eagles song IMHO. Love it.
Thats ironic. As controlling as Don Henley was. He didnt like Felder and Walsh jumping around, playing and into the music. It took the attention and camera off of him ( Henley). Felder said he was chastised by Henley for wearing bright colored shoes. Again it took the attention away from him. Henley was a %$@#.
This one is a classic. I've always loved it.
Don is such a great human being... I've probably watched this two dozen times... and each time, I like him more... Cheers to you Don, one of my fav guitarists!
Don Felder was an important member of the band.
Don I can't believe your memory. Sharp as a tack :-)
Late to the party but want to say that this was a great interview, Mitch. Don Felder appears to be one of the most grounded folks around.
The people of Sweetwater are extremely nice and welcoming. I was just there, and when people treat me this nice I know where I'll spend my money. Don Felder is one of favorites.
Don is such a class act. Just finished his book (In one weekend). Highly recommend. I couldn't put it down.
Still listening to the interview. Don seems to be so humble, that just some of his 'general' life advice, how he conducts himself, I'll try to emulate, at 58 years old.
Sweetwater is a hell of a company and Mitch is a hell of an interviewer
Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching!
and they hand out free candy.
i loved his personality and his accessibility...he sounds like a really nice person
Don Felder was responsible for the interesting parts of One of These Nights, and he created their biggest song Hotel California (also their biggest selling album) . If not for Felder they would have been just another forgotten 1970s band with a few hit singles. He could have made the Eagles relevant well into the 1990s , but drama won out , and egos took priority over music
À Master Musician ! I love listening to him talk and explain music.Cheers Don Felder!
Excellent interview, Mitch. These Guitars and Gear interviews are really invaluable to me as a musician. Don Felder is a humble, kind and spiritual man that puts a lot of value in friendship, family and treating people well. I'm glad he's gone from strength to strength away from the Eagles, who obviously treated him very poorly. He's a genius, and icon and an idol of mine, and I hope I can meet him and relate this to him one day!
+Jason Harvey (unhinged17) hai descritto perfettamente la persona Don Felder. Cosa che non sono assolutamente i due capibanda che lo hanno esaturato solo per non dargli quello che giustamente meritava a livello economico e artistico. Ti stimo Dan!!!
Don is a total, total class act. I was lucky enough to see him perform at Red Rocks, Co. This past summer. Talk about a thrill. Seeing the sun set over those cliffs to the intro of Hotel California is an experience I'll never forget. I understand what he means about Florida. All those epic places have been my stomping grounds for the last 18 years! Even Jim Morrison use to live here!!!
I just finished reading Don's book 'Heaven and Hell', and wow, I can't say what a think about Henley and Frey because I'd be sued. Don by contrast is a dignified, decent gentleman and I much admire him.
I just purchased it & am looking forward to reading it. Don is very articulate & seems to be very kind hearted & decent.
Don has some honor, Henley and Frey do not.
It's great when the interviewer knows his stuff. Great interview.
Wow. I've listened to a lot of interviews with Don Felder, but it apparently took me 7 years to find this one. I'm not one for spending more than a few minutes watching videos, but this one kept me engaged for the entire length. Both Don and Mitch held my rapt attention. Both seem like great guys.
I've seen Felder in concert.. Effingham Illinois a few years ago. He was a 100% class act. Flawless performance. Can't wait to see him again.
Don's memory certainly hasn't been messed from drugs. Dude's sharp as a tack still.
...The Gainesville part was a kick, since I live in Gainesville Florida USA 🇺🇸
More than can be said for Joe Walsh
Felder is the MAN!!!
This gentleman was the CLASS ACT of the Eagles...and a great musician to boot!
One of my favorite guitar players.
I’ve been listening to music all my life and every great song sounds like it was inevitable until you listen to a guy like Don Felder explain everything that went into producing one. Everyone should get music education.
I love the way you interview musicians Mitch. You get into the intricacies of their music. Amazing interview.
Don is such a great guy you almost forget who he actually is because he is the kind of guy you would want to just hang out with
Simply an amazing interview with an amazing man.
Excellent interview! Felder is one hell of a guitar player!
It seems that anyone who knows Don would love Don... He just seems like such a decent guy, with a truckload of talent.
Great interview , So interesting finding out how songs were recorded and all the technical stuff. Hats off to the interviewer for letting Don Felder talk uninterrupted and really explaining such fascinating insight.
you can tell that felder is extremely intelligent.
Yep, he speaks so eloquently - like a college professor, yet he reaches everyone. He's the man.
Yeah right up there with dead sea turtles...
Mitch really "Knocked it out of the park" on this 100th episode. Excellent. IMHO Felder took the Eagles to a new level. Granted they had great songs back then, but things took on a new level of class when he joined. They became major contenders. I saw the Eagles open for King Crimson (early 70's) and they weren't really that special back then.
+Danny Bates You are 100% correct about this. Don Felder turned an average bad into a Headlining band. The Eagles in the early 70's before Felder were pretty sloppy.
His genious is obvious, but he seems like the niceest guy aswell. That's a rare thing in my opinion. I'm a huge fan
I agree, Don is extremely musical in his playing and technical. Many other lead guitarists have a library of licks. You listen to every Eagles song there all different .
Don is such a nice guy!
What a nice , gentle, decent and very talented man, very honest and down to earth I think love Don
Felder.
A Class Act!
What a gentle, polite and talented guy. To think that I just saw the Eagles documentary and he was so mistreated on that biopic...
+MisterGuitarItalia ya he had no power over any editing, so they screwed him , but hes the coolest guy
***** Is your opinion based on personal knowledge? 'Cause the dude seems pretty legit, while Frey (RIP) on the other hand came out looking like a prick on their own produced movie...
I agree with you, I think Felder got a raw deal. Frey and Henley wanted more money for themselves, but didn't include the other band members. I am sorry Glenn has passed, but he did treat Felder, Randy, and Bernie like shit.
In a band with so many talented people, there will be problems. I love the Eagles but don't understand why Don Felder was shit on basically. Come on he wrote Hotel California & many of their other hits. I wonder if jealousy was involved from some of the others due to Felder's guitar skills & music writing skills. Just guessing cause I don't know.
I dont know what you watched, but it is not all the story... Perhaps you slept through some of it...
I love interviews in which music (as opposed to band politics and personalities) is actually discussed. Thanks, Sweetwater!
So many killer riffs from this excellent musician. My favorite Eagles guitarist with Joe Walsh a close second.
Don Felder Randy and Joe are really my favorite members of the eagles, ironically I would say they are the American version of Queen even though Queen didn't seem to have all the drama , still they're my two favorite rock bands.
Very nice interwiew, Mitch gallagher - thanx for that!
I hope to have the chance of seeing Don Felder in Germany in 2015 or 2016.
He has been my inspiration for playing guitar since the early 80ties.
Would love to take part in a work shop with him.
Just stumbled across this.
This guy is very intelligent and articulate!!
He's also very humble!!!
Not to mention an extremely talented musician!!!
Congratulations on a great interview, Don seems like such good genuine guy, and his music as simply extraordinary ..
Definitely a great interview with Don Felder!
The interview further iterates and reaffirms my belief that he is indeed a thinking person's musician.
This was a great interview. Normally when people interview Don, its all about "The Eagles" or about his tell-all about the Eagles. But I like how Mitch talked more about Don as a solo artist in regards to his album, the Soundtrack of Summer tour (I got to see a show which was absolutely amazing) and I loved when Mitch asked about what Don wants in a aspiring musician.
Brandon Butler Ditto !! Totally agree about the aspiring musician, great question , and great answer too.
Such an incredible man. The Ultimate musician, a perfect blend of theory, structure, improvisation and feel. Add on top of that, such generosity of nature, sharing what many musicians keep close to their hearts with those who aspire to be even a fraction of who Don Felder is. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I've watched a couple of interviews with Don Felder and I can't help but think the issues leading to his ejection from the Eagles were not because of his ego. I've also watched Henley and Frey interviews and seen their large delicate egos on full display. The Eagles heyday also coincided with significant chemical intake from all parties involved however it would appear that Don Felder has emerged the more mature and realistic person. I hope Don continues to enjoy the perfect balance in his life. Rock on, Don!
You're the BEST Don.
Great interview, thanks for posting it 👍🏽
I echo Joseph's comment. Although I wasn't there sweetwater provides amazing service with a very knowledgeable and kind staff. Your service is tops. Keep up the great work Thoroughly enjoyed this interview and many others with Mitch. He is a master at these Q&As
Don Felder may not have always been a class act since his early years, but he certainly shows it now. While Henley is still trying to remove history off of You Tube, Felder is so appreciative and willing to go back and discuss history. It's so unfortunate they couldn't get along. Money is the ultimate Satan in life. Thanks Don, keep rockin'!!!✌❤
This interview educated me so well on Don Felder and his talent and relationship with the Eagles. I find this new information amazing, and Don Felder is a fantastic talent who is a wonderful human as well. Thank you, Sweetwater.
Don Felder is without a doubt one of the most skilled and talented multi-instrumental musicians in rock history! He has a style that's very unique, that just fills in the gaps, without going too far. He is the ultimate master at knowing when to play hard and knowing when to let the music breathe. I have huge respect for this man! I'm looking forward to reading his book soon.
So happy I found this interview! I've been watching and listening to the Eagles heaps recently and heard all the little differences they talk about at the beginning. Something new and exciting is always grabbing you, and I think that's one of the reasons their music was so magical. The Boss CE-1 Chorus also sounded magnificent in 1977. My favorite chorus pedal!
Don talks well, he never stumbles over his words which shows thought nand care just as he expresses when playing his guitars. Regardless of his feelings towards other band members & their feelings towards him, the one thing that will always bind the Eagles together as a family as their dedication to music and the production of such perfect songs. RIP Glen.
Duane showing Don slide... amazing little tidbit. THX Sweetwater for your vids.
Duane also showed Joe Walsh how to play slide.
I want to buy the book❤️❤️❤️
7 years later and still wow what a guy
Incredibly insightful and adept questions from Mitch. A great, great interview.
Wonderful Interview!
to a whole lot of us,...this is THE guy,....humble honest and dedicated to his craft, to download his musical brain would be a great accomplishment to the world,..hey thats rite, we can..!..🎯
Not a big Eagles fan, but I'm a huge fan of Don Felder. His tone is just amazing. Don & Joe Walsh were the best part of the Eagles. Shame they didn't showcase their playing more.
Fred Garvin yea....him and Walsh brought the fire and "recklessness" that was sorely missing from that band. Absolutely not the same band without him and joe burning it up.
@@livingabovethe12th totally agree but I have to put Randy in with them too
He seems like such a warm, friendly guy. Such a contrast to the interviews I see with Henley and Frey
+alphadogstudio Have the same feeling alph.. it's a great guy very down toearth and very simple, it's a pleasure to hear his interviews and also to hearthere are people like you sharing the same thoughts, greetings, Costa Belgium, by the way I grow up with the Eagles and for me there is no "Eagles" without Don Felder, take care friend...
He is such an underrated player - practically every Eagles song he played on, his parts are so perfectly fitted , for the song. If you search clips of the Eagles live, his improv on Joe Walsh tunes is pretty awesome as well.
Highly recommend reading his autobiography - very entertaining.
How is he underrated? He is internationally renowned as a virtuoso guitarist.
don felder is such a nice guy, cheers to him
what a self examined guy. Once this is achieved, the rest is unemportant other than for reflection of how far one has come. Great interview full of insight and wisdom👍
Great interview Don Felder is a very Nice and humble person.
One of the great guitar players of the time! So much feel and such great melodies in his solos! Not a shredder, but his phrasing is legendary!
Lovely guy
Great interview!
Sandy Zellers Thank you, Sandy!
The best musician interview I've ever seen. No agonizing interviewer ego interruptions of the guest. A great well informed interviewer who looked naturally comfortable. Thank you Mitch and of course the one and only, Don Felder "greatest" member ever, of the Eagles. Sorry, JMO.
When I first heard Don's guitar solo on One of these Nights, I sensed his integrity and intelligence along with his exquisite Jazz-influenced melody sense and superb compositional ability in playing his instrument. Since then, he's been one of my most favorite contemporary guitarists in Jazz, Fusion, and Rock. This interview affirms my instinct about him and also provides so much insight into his music and life. He's such an articulate engaging speaker too. The Eagles was so lucky to have had such a talented member along with Don Henley. Mitch, thank you for conducting and sharing this in-depth interview!! Priceless!
We're glad you enjoyed the interview so much!
A lovely person. And such an icon. How does he keep so young though? I'm around 20 years younger, but next to each other, I'd look like his uncle! Don has always had great technique and he cites Elvis Presely, Chet Atkins and even Jimmy Page as influences, even though he was a contemporary of Page... Such a self effacing, intellectual, with a keen understanding of the technology available, then and now. And his musicianship is consummate and moving. One of my top all time favourite guitarists of all time. What I've always loved about Don is his infectious smile, especially when he's playing, something that couldn't have been easy at times, given the wrangling that went on, even before Don joined The Eagles....
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I am a firm believer in social chemistry. And all the iconic bands that have made platinum sucess, owe their fame to that chemistry that binds the members together. Thus, when I watched (a couple of hours ago...) half of the HoF Tribute to The Eagles, I was both dumbfounded and disgusted that they deliberately edited out any sequences where Don was playing on the video footage. Equally - the compare - Linda Ronstadt, deliberately left out any mention of Don , Randy or other members that had once swelled the ranks of the band. So pathetic and immature. I thumbs downed the upload and joined the majority ranks who all felt as disgusted and dismayed as myself.
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People know what turns them on in the night.... When the full moon is calling and the wicked wind whispers and moans....
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The Eagles became top echelon, after the release of Hotel California. But before Don joined the band, they were simply yet another 'Country Rock and R&B band'. Oh yes, they had the harmonies and the presence, but it was Don that gave that extra modicum of quality to their songs. Without his guitar, the band were mediocre at best. Alright if you're an American cowboy driving across the Sierra Nevada in your flat-bed Chevy.... But again, it is the sum of the constituent players and writers that gel to make a top echelon band and Don has never forgotten that.
Hey tnx, well said, you' ve covered it all up, nothing more I can say👍👍👍👍
Nice interview Don Felder is a real nice guy very knowledgeable and a great guitarist.
Great interview! Interesting to hear some of the musical ideas and processes that made one of my favorite bands of all time so great.
what a great interview.. especially the last q/a .. I would add to Don's response that his giving back makes him great. Not all musicians have that
Don Felder is a class act.
Living Legend
Very good interview indeed.. Don seems such a very nice guy, the interviewer asks good questions and takes the time to listen and lets Don tell his story...
Don Felder- Most Interesting man
Great interview, so easy & informative listening to Felder speak. Sweetwater interviewer genuinely relates & interested. Loved this interview!
Great Don Felder. Love you
Don Felder is a hot guitar player who made the Eagles sound as good as they did before Joe Walsh joined!!!!
Cool way to spend 38 mins. Great interview. Thank you.
One word....awesome!!!
Great interview and you look in good shape Mitch:) Congrats !!!