Take It to the Limit VOCAL HARMONY LESSON

My video essay/analysis/tutorial of the vocal & harmonies in the Eagles’ incredible song, ‘Take It to the Limit’
NOT A PERFECT LESSON BY ANY MEANS; This is meant to give a little more insight into a beautiful song.
Pre-Song Pep Talk: 2:20
Start of Lesson: 6:04
Outro Song: ‘Little Bit of Sunshine’ by Kevin Todd
Timestamps For Video Sections
All Voices
Verse 1: 6:04
Chorus 1: 10:12
Verse 2: 11:17
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 14:24
Outro: 15:37
Lead (Randy)
Verse 1: 6:52
Chorus 1: 10:28
Verse 2: 11:56
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 14:41
Mid-Low (Glenn)
Verse 1: 7:39
Chorus 1: 10:43
Verse 2: 12:15
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 15:13
Mid-High (Henley)
Verse 1: 8:20
Chorus 1: 10:52
Verse 2: 12:47
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 14:56
Low (Felder)
Verse 1: 9:01
Chorus 1: 11:00
Verse 2: 13:19
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 15:21
High (Walsh)
Verse 1: 9:42
Chorus 1: 11:09
Verse 2: 13:51
Chorus 2 (Part 2) + Chorus 3 (Part 1): 15:29
Notable Versions
The Eagles’ Original Version: • Take it to the limit-T...
The Eagles’ Live Version (@ The Capital Centre March 1977): • Eagles - Take It To Th...
Miley Cyrus: • Video
Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings: • Take It To The Limit ~...
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I am protected by fair use as I am commenting on a piece of music. Any audio clips are clips that I have created myself as fair-use covers. My video's main subject is not the song itself, but my analysis and specific performance.

[@KevinToddMusic]

Rest in Peace, Randy Meisner. While I’m sad that I will never fulfill a dream of mine of hearing your beautiful voice live, I’m forever grateful for your music and your inspiring voice. TITTL

[@joelmullett]

You nailed 16:17-24. I'm impressed. I have watched this a couple of times and I appreciate that you took the time to piece this together. That took fortitude and courage. I recently tried this song at karaoke. Under these conditions, with horrible audio and the wrong backing track, it was fun to see the reaction of the crowd. It's a powerful and dramatic song,and not easily performed. I'm going to try and do this again tonight and you have given me a lot to think about. Thank you for adding something meaningful to the world and for your dedication to performing arts.

[@rangerwhite5165]

The Eagles harmonies are just majestic. Seen them 3 times in concert and they never disappoint.

[@derekshreffler593]

Agreed saw them at Coors Field with Jimmy Buffett opening and it was amazing. The Eagles have amazing harmonies and absolutely hits my soul hard.

[@PrideandJoyRupert]

As a fellow musician, just wanted to say amazing job. I watched multiple times, impressive stuff

[@patl9404]

You are an amazing talent to be able to pick out all those parts,,and perform them,thank you for doing that,hope you become successful in your music journey,,outstanding ,,😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@joelmullett]

Word

[@lilybell7937]

Y effin nailed it!!!! Great job

[@rash9488]

RIP Randy. My wife, the wonderful woman she is, had "Take It To The Limit" played as our last song at our wedding, knowing the fan I am of the song.

[@danielshelton1577]

I'm sorry I missed this for so long. I talked to Randy Meisner several years ago and I asked him how many takes they did for this song. He said they did two takes. The reason was on the first take Glenn's harmony was a bit flat. I'm amazed there were no more than two takes for such intricate harmonies. Awesome job!

[@joelmullett]

Often times the first one is the best. Especially if the singer knows what he or she is doing. This doesn't surprise me.

[@sarahbeach4849]

Subscribed! Awesome explanation. I've always wondered about the harmonies on this song - they're so amazing.

[@JohnJohnson-nm4qj]

I finally got up enough nerve to sing this song for Karaoke about 6 months ago. I was born in Scottsbluff the year Randy left, but so was one of his sons. He graduated from a neighbouring town but where we lived, everyone knew who you were. During the summer we'd camp out at Lake Minatare. 9 out of 10 campfires had The Eagles Greatest Hits playing. One night we were tripping our balls off on some mushrooms and this song came on. I started singing and stayed with him through the whole song, hitting every high note up to the highest. Biggest rush I ever got next to the love of my son. Great job on this song and the different parts performed. Well done young man.

[@leticiam8804]

❤yes

[@wetsox278]

Did you really hit the high notes, or just think you did??? I wish I could get remotely close to singing this one. Singing moves the soul, and it must be pure joy to reach those upper notes.

[@kelleythink]

Love this! You’re very talented and I love the Eagles

[@simon9447]

Well done! Every time I hear Randy sing " the note" it floors me. Its funny but I was listening to the song for years before I "really listened" if you know what I mean. Great job!

[@leslietucker421]

Brilliant Kevin Todd! I am a musician and am blown away by your extraordinary talent and musical instruction! Thank you, thank you. Just what what I needed after Randy's tragic death.

[@yapyap66]

Very interesting, very well put together Very rare Talent for one person to be able to sing baritone, tenor, counter tenor, mezzo soprano and soprano, "Nice falsetto" Rarely does a person capable get a chance to demonstrate all of that. Good jod 👍👍👍

[@KevinToddMusic]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that! :)

[@joerenner8334]

Extremely well doneand very interesting breakdown. Thanks. 7 Bridges would be fun to hear in this format

[@KevinToddMusic]

Thank you so much!! Oh do I have good news for you! :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6nSdKOAfLZ3qs0

[@funkyjemima]

Wow! This has to be the most comprehensive Harmony tutorial I've ever seen on an eagle song! I hope you do a tutorial for witchy woman someday!

[@Nieman100]

Me too.

[@Flyit37075]

This is the most incredible vocal study I have ever seen on the best vocal group of our life time. Had no Idea Walsh was hitting most of the high harmony

[@jamiebell2164]

I always assumed it was Henley.

[@patl9404]

That is incredible that you have that good an ear to pick out every one's part, outstanding job😊😊

[@jordansmith5978]

It couldn’t have been. Walsh wasn’t there for the recording. The high harmony is Henley. Live footage shows this

[@jayman860]

In the city showcases Joe Walsh’s tenor ability and range

[@chuckcochran462]

@@jordansmith5978 great presentation on sea otters on your channel. I studied them in college. Couldn’t comment on your video so I just wanted to tell you here.

[@dadduorp]

Nice job, man! It always warms my heart to see young[er] people appreciating the music of MY youth. What blows me away-and I don't know who exactly was responsible for the "stack" arrangement or coming up with/assigning the actual harmonies-but I've always loved how the "ahhhs" subtly change in both dynamics and range @6:37 and @11:50. They pretty much stay around the same level the first time, then soar up the scale the 2nd time. Pure genius and really ramps up the emotion. Man, these guys were good.

[@LudwigSC93]

Incredibly done!! The Eagles were probably the best harmonizers of all-time.

[@chrisp4170]

Beach Boys

[@MikeBUSA]

Nicely done. I could be wrong, but I think the secret sauce behind the Eagle's harmonies - aside from each being a phenomenal singer - is the length of time they hold their harmonies before letting them drop off. And I don't think they exactly drop off - more like roll off. Seems to give them a bit more of a smoothed out blend.

[@CarolinaCustomKits]

I commend you even to attempt this song, and honestly you nailed it as good as any. Now to just get my band to listen and learn. Great job!

[@CamiMack5616]

Excellent job. 👍 Huge, lifelong Eagles fan here; they are beyond amazing. There's almost no difference between them live and studio recordings. Some people don't like that; I love it. I love their consistency.

[@RubyBandUSA]

that's a good point you bring up Playful Kitten. I love it too. But none other than David Crosby criticized the Eagles for being so consistent and so perfect - and called them boring. Very ironic coming from Crosby since CS&N never could get their harmonies on key in live concerts until they got to be in their 50's and 60's. After Crosby said that I lost what little respect that I still left had for him.

[@sterlingmadsen8900]

I think we all have Mr. Frey to thank for that almost identical LIVE sound to the way they recorded it on their albums. And even tho' his notoriously critical and demanding attitude was probably the main reason that the band broke up for 14 years, I will have to admit that I appreciate his making the live performances as close to the original way that it came out on the LP, because when I pay MY HARD EARNED MONEY to both SEE and HEAR the people that made a song I LOVE, I want them to perform it the same way I hear it on the radio ! ! ! And as for this KZbinr's making an attempt at Randy's vocals....I don't think I've ever heard anyone else come as close to hitting those highs that Randy could ! He is FAR BETTER than Vince Gill on THIS SONG, and I'd bet that even Vince himself would say that ....Maybe you oughta contact Don Henley and ask him if you could just come on stage for this one song....

[@TL-175]

Wow! Always loved the song and the harmonies but this is a fantastic deconstruction! Thanks Kevin! Excellent job!

[@DrTWG]

This is music at it's best - excellent channel . If you don't get goosebumps & tingles when that 4 part harmony comes in - you've officially got no soul . Meissner comes across as thoroughly likeable from the limited amount I know . Not so Frey & Henley - who come across as thoroughly unlikable , nasty , money-grabbing , small-minded characters . Leadon was a huge talent - guitar , banjo , mandolin , vocals that BBC OGWT performance was outstanding . As indeed is Mr Todd - and just my very humble observation - the handlebars don't add , they take something away from your own unique abilities & personality .

[@carbybaby5929]

6:05 10:13 14:26 15:38

[@ryanslauderdale]

This one is for sure tough. Great job! Check out the studio version of One Of These Nights though. That song is vocal suicide for tenors. Freakin' Randy Meisner hitting B5's like it's nothing.

[@TheSaxAppeal]

Hehehehe. I can hit it

[@dannymorgan2061]

Man you sound incredible! Would I be wrong in saying that you even take on Glens tone. Honestly like your take on this song I know you’re almost spot on but still it’s the subtle differences and that’s what I like about your vocals. Very nice brother!!!!!!!

[@RubyBandUSA]

Man, you've outdone yourself! Each new discovery I make of your videos exceeds the previous one!!

[@D6EH]

Outstanding job and a great lesson! Regardless of which one of the Eagles was hitting the high notes, the concepts remain the same. Thanks for doing this.

[@khmak9387]

Never knew Felder had vocal parts. Thought he was only on board for his guitar skills.

[@glendaclark5038]

RIP Randy, I loved your voice so much

[@KoolKatDave]

Kudos for great work especially those stratospheric ‘ah, ahs’ at the end! Bravo!

[@Boddissatva]

I love singing harmonies. It’s very gratifying to hear each part. Thanks

[@joesnuffy6143]

Great work! Do you have any plans on doing any songs by little river band, like cool change, or lady. Heard that little river band was one band that the eagles (don henley), said they had some of the better harnonies of the era... I would have to agree, thanks for your work

[@jordanlee8007]

Would absolutely love for him to do both those songs!

[@JeeJinn]

Fantastic harmony lesson - many thanks!!!

[@RubyBandUSA]

Kevin, a further thanks to my original thanks: having the timestamps for each part was an amazing feature in the notes. Really appreciate that! Another update: our band recently used your Seven Bridges Road tutorial with great success!

[@sammyprice9448]

Well you were close on the live ending . But Randy held that highest note a bit longer with less breaths . Oh to have his lungs back then . Good job

[@DMets]

Awesome video Kevin!! Great job! Please do more videos from the Eagles!

[@robertmcdaniel8147]

Kevin, what a fantastic gift you have! Thank you so much for your post!

[@marcurban5141]

Terrific work. This was very entertaining and educational. Thanks!

[@sergino035]

What a work..! Marvelous !

[@MochammadNoor-h7b]

All alone at the end of the evening And the bright lights have faded to blue I was thinking 'bout a woman Who might have loved me I never knew You know I've always been a dreamer (spent my life running round) And it's so hard to change Can't seem to settle down But the dreams I've seen lately Keep on turning out and burning out and turning out the same So put me on a highway Show me a sign Take it to the limit One more time You can spend all your time making money You can spend all your love making time If it all fell to pieces tomorrow Would you still be mine? And when you're looking for your freedom (nobody seems to care) And you can't find the door (Can't find it anywhere) When there's nothing to believe in Still you're coming back You're running back You're coming back for more... Put me on a highway Show me a sign Take it to the limit One more time Take it to the limit Take it to the limit Take it to the limit One more time (Take it to the limit) W-e-e... (Take it to the limit) Come on (Take it to the limit) One more time (Take it to the limit) W-e-e... (Take it to the limit) We gotta (Take it to the limit) One more time... (Take it to the limit) (Take it to the limit) (Take it to the limit) One more time (Take it to the limit) W-e-e... (Take it to the limit) Come on (Take it to the limit) One more time (Take it to the limit) Aaah-aaah-aaah (Take it to the limit) Aaah-aaah (Take it to the limit) One more time...

[@Allthingstech3108]

You are too modest.Absolutely amazing

[@martingarner465]

the 1970s called, they want their moustache back.

[@criostoirnott3733]

Superb breakdown of the lead and harmony vocals! Randy, Don and Glenn are easily heard in the harmony vocals but I must listen out for Felder and Walsh when listening back to TITTL next time. Well done sir!

[@TheWrightTimes]

The Eagles probably got Poco known to a wider audience. I'm in the UK and had never heard of Poco before learning about the eagles

[@KevinToddMusic]

Fair point! Still, I’d probably be a liiiiittle miffed if I were them 😅

[@tedthayer1]

Thank you Kevin! What a great learning tool! Great Job!

[@broeheemed32]

I never would have guessed that Joe Walsh would be handling the highest vocal parts.

[@stevekannes89]

Outstanding vocals! Great work man.

[@debrahall3093]

No one can compare to Randy. They have Vince Gill singing it now and even though he has a nice voice he's not Randy.

[@wetsox278]

I actually enjoyed that. Not as good as Randy, but hey did you expect it to be? Very informative.

[@swagrobloxgamer1531]

I've been listening to this song everyday for the last 11 days (since the stream where you edited the video). It's definitely the best Eagles song I've heard (the other being "Hotel California")

[@closertotheheart]

Kevin you da man! Wow, my interpretation was way off and yours shows just how brilliant and well woven those harmonies are. Thank you for this great service you're doing my friend.

[@eli43man]

Absolutely amazing analysis and performance! You are doing a great job. I liked also very much your other video on Seven Bridges Road. Well done! P. S Whichy Woman as a future idea... 😉

[@johnreas4437]

nice,something I love so much, but Im a lead singer and harmonys are so hard for me I jump to the lead line, and one day I dont feel as bad cause Jon Bon Jovi was rehearing with sugarland and she was doing the lead line and he was jumping to the leadline, He said I cant singer harmony

[@lidia6314]

you did a fantastic job!! i'm attempting this song for a vocal lesson right now. Sheesh it is a beautiful performance!

[@thomasfoster5200]

So let's get into it.... 4 hours later his Glen Frye mustache crawls of his face and commits suicide

[@KevinToddMusic]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 i feel deservedly called out

[@tigranayvazyan5974]

It's actually Glenn who does the highest voice. Here, in this live video at 3:01, you can hear a high harmony on the "Take it (to the limit)" part while both Felder and Walsh are away from their mics. And then at 3:10 at the second repetition of the line, the camera is on Frey and he does sing the part. I don't think they'd make a different arrangement for a live performance. It's what they do when the bassist-highest voice vocalist (when in "regular" order) sings the lead and they need a "higher" voice, such as in "Love Will Keep Us Alive", with Timothy on the lead with Don and Glenn harmonizing.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIPUZ3ynqrOniMksi=Zazin9ErSqR9cZUO&t=180

[@jamesb003]

Amazing work! Do you have a full recordings start to finish? 😊

[@kenbash2951]

You missed the 2 part Meisner/Henley on "take it to the limit" during the chorus. No big deal- great job.

[@Rareplymouth]

Beautiful rendition. You did it justice. My favorite next to the original. Love your Randy interpretation. He was a true gem. I'd love to see you do Walsh's in the city.

[@richardscottmusic1]

Watched it all. Awesome job Kevin. I'm a fan. Keep up the great work!

[@PatrickGalbraith]

Eagles didn't take Randy from Poco. He left because he wanted to have some involvement in the mixing of Poco's first album, but either Jim Messina or Richie Furay asked him to leave. He played for Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band, then with Linda Ronstadt's backing band, which became the Eagles. Now, if you want to hear some amazing harmonies, listen to any number of Poco songs. "Keep on Tryin'" is a great one, with Timothy B. leading, and George Grantham (drummer) even sang higher than Tim or Randy. Note - The Eagles used to go to Richie Furay's house in Topanga Canyon and the Troubadour in LA and watch closely at how Poco played. They were one of the progenitors of country rock.

[@margaretross9150]

According to Chris Hillman they were also front row centre watching Gram Parsons and the Burritos.

[@dsoule4902]

😳 I was ready to not like this .... au contraire.... nice job👍🏻😘 I think you sound like Randy. Lol "Eagles' farm team".

[@glendaclark5038]

Love loved this you did an awesome job. Going to listen again

[@BassPlyr23]

I’ve listened carefully to the live version from Washington DC, and at the end Frey is singing a completely different part from what you have him singing, Walsh is singing the part you have Henley singing, and Felder doesn’t sing at all while Randy is doing his falsetto gymnastics. But A for effort.

[@leticiam8804]

😅 gracias!!! Amazing lesson

[@mattparr3038]

What equipment do you use? Just basic setup?

[@dansangma6982]

Thanks for this video..this is my favorite song of all time

[@KevinToddMusic]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching! It’s my fav song too! :)

[@louisg3598]

Great job Kevin!

[@VijverEendje]

Wow, thanks a lot for this lesson! Just subbed! I'm always struggeling to figure out certain parts, this is fun!

[@josiahp.6960]

Exceeded expectations. What kind of microphone is that?

[@KevinToddMusic]

Thanks so much Josiah! It’s an Electrovoice RE20, love it!

[@ugmodude]

Well done, brah! You make it look easy!

[@mitchherbert4528]

How they got that sound out of a 5 piece is actually unreal. They were quality thats for sure. Cool video 😀

[@elirosen1391]

Wow! Awesome tutorial! I had no idea that all five Eagles had vocal parts in the song. However since the song was recorded in '75, wouldn't Leadon have been singing Walsh's part?

[@PatrickGalbraith]

in the Album, but if you see the live performance he's talking about, which was around 77 on their Hotel California tour, it features Joe Walsh.

[@frankcozin7322]

Nice job! Tricky harmonies.

[@libracordial]

This was so fantastic! Very impressive! Do you ever use the straw SOVT exercises for warming up your voice?, or do you recommend any particular vocal habits? I’d like to get more presence and resonance in my tone.

[@josephfields7746]

Beautiful Harmonies

[@citytrees1752]

Love it. Thanks. I need to record this so I can practice harmonies in my car.

[@GreggsWoodworking]

Love your videos, I searched your videos in vain hoping you had dissected Darlin by the beach boys. I work in a beach music band and we're working up Darlin, I was hoping you had done some of the work for me 😊. Love your channel.

[@tarp11z]

Cool channel. I'd love to see you do more Beach Boys. Or even a few Statler Brothers (I'll go to my Grave Loving You, New York City, Flowers on the Wall.)

[@Marni-x7s]

You know I've always been a dreamer (spent my life running round) And it's so hard to change Can't seem to settle down But the dreams I've seen lately Keep on turning out and burning out and turning out the same So put me on a highway Show me a sign Take it to the limit

[@airspeedaudio]

This is amazing. I'd like to ask your opinion on something. The Eagles used 3+ harmony parts throughout this song. When approaching harmonies, do you always try to go for 3+ parts or do you just play it by ear (no pun intended) as far as what sounds good? Thanks

[@user-yz3et4lq9y]

Extremely well done Kevin, really. Your long sustains are beautiful, are they brutal or what? You know u look a little like a young Glenn Frey you know that? :) Bet your a fan of Rik Emmetts amazing high range rock vocals, yes? I'd pay money too see you do a breakdown like this here of the beautiful a cappella song by Triumph 'Time Cannon' or the amazing a cappella opening to 'Ordinary Man' on the album 'Allied Forces', you'd enjoy both I'd wager ;)

[@daisywrabbit]

One of my favorite songs. I love what you’ve done here. You’re so talented. ❤

[@snackcrackers8]

Hello! I'm a big fan of the eagles and I love how your doing harmony videos on them! I've actually myself been trying to get those same harmonies in my music but I have some questions. I know I'm a little late but if you could answer some about the specific notes being hit it would change my life. If you reply I ask my questions and please answer them the best you can!

[@stevestonesongwriter]

Great lesson amazing harmonies such a great song

[@RubyBandUSA]

Oh, one more comment (correction)... Joe Walsh was not in the band for this recording. Bernie Leadon was still in and would have done that high falsetto part. Bernie had a high range and would've had no trouble with it, whereas Walsh would have had and with all due respect you have a bit of trouble with it.

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

He's doing the live version

[@davidzuric5395]

Amazing voice!

[@lorenzokloss4403]

Damn, I didn't know Walsh was that high

[@thudor1]

Michael Anthony (Van Halen, Chickenfoot) is another famous bassist who can belt stratospherically high notes.

[@joeysilva891]

Love it, keep it up!!!

[@jacquescousteau217]

RIP Randy Meisner . Poco was ten times the band the Eagles ever were or would be . With that said I love many of the Eagles classics . But starting with the second Poco - Orange Crate cover - Poco in the studio or live were the best American group hands down.

[@KevinToddMusic]

Wait, Randy Meisner died!?!

[@jacquescousteau217]

@@KevinToddMusic sadly yes . Yesterday in Studio City, California. He was the real, as is Tim Schmidt. Both great bass players,singers, and writers .

[@aussfish9995]

Wow that was amazing

[@dsoule4902]

Adorable version of Randy with Billy Swan et al in a bar gig. 1994ish? He looked happy, relaxed, sang well. Funny how not getting kicked around by some jerk allows creativity to flow .. it's a great clip. At 20mins kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKDCZYeuiNCWeas&feature=share

[@_SliK_]

Don Henley sang the higher harmony, not Joe Walsh.

[@TheSaxAppeal]

Correct. Joe wasn't even a formal member of the band, as this fantastic song was released on One of These Nights in 1975, not Hotel California in 1976. So it was Bernie Leadon who sang

[@josiahp.6960]

Yes!

[@louisg3598]

Would be great to hear you do Mr. Mister "Kyrie" and Toto "Rosanna"

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

I love your channel Kevin. There is a harmony I'm having trouble with, it's Time of the Season by the Zombies. I have a grasp on three of the four harmonies I think, and I was wondering if you could figure out how they go. I'm pretty sure it's a 4 parts.

[@jaroddraycounty]

Good shit, but Don Henley is the high falsetto harmony. Don't think Walsh can hit those notes lol. And the live video appears to show that it's Henley as well.