From Guitar World · · 1m 40s
Eurythmics Guitar Legacy Revealed
Dave Stewart shares how Eurythmics records hide guitar mastery, even on Sweet Dreams.
In brief
Dave Stewart shares how Eurythmics records hide guitar mastery, even on Sweet Dreams. Dave Stewart reveals Eurythmics albums feature significant guitar work, despite being labeled synth-pop. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Eurythmics' Guitar Secret
Dave Stewart reveals Eurythmics records have loads of guitars on them, even on Sweet Dreams.
“Eurythmics records have loads of guitars on them. People don't realize. Even on Sweet Dreams”
1980s Partnership Begins
Dave Stewart formed Eurythmics with Annie Lennox in 1980, creating a synth-pop duo.
“Forging a partnership with buzzcut-android frontwoman Annie Lennox in 1980”
Sweet Dreams Breakout
Their 1983 single Sweet Dreams topped Billboard Hot 100 but was labeled synth-pop.
“1983's Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) was the ultimate double-edged sword, topping the Billboard Hot 100, but ensuring the music press settled on a lazy tag, 'synth-pop' that stuck until the band's split seven years later”
Guitar Mastery
Stewart is a virtuoso guitarist who played on all Eurythmics tracks, including Sweet Dreams.
“A virtuoso player and keen collector, whose Eurythmics material always featured stellar guitar parts”
Solo Guitar Focus
Stewart's solo work emphasizes guitar, after Eurythmics' synth-pop label.
“his recent solo output has fully embraced the instrument that turned his head as a lost teenager”
The Way It Was Back Then
Stewart released The Way It Was Back Then album through Stardust Music on October 30.
“The Way It Was Back Then is out October 30 via Stardust Music”
Stream-of-Consciousness Recording
Stewart recorded The Way It Was Back Then with minimal preparation, playing spontaneously.
“I was just spontaneously playing and singing at the same time. I said to my engineer Jesse [Samler], 'The first take has usually got something, so let's just build around that.'”
Guitar Choices
Stewart used a hollow-body Telecaster Custom on most tracks, including The House Where I Was Born.
“I used that on just about every song, even when I'm just strumming it, like on The House Where I Was Born”
Guitar Techniques
Stewart added slide guitar on Makes Me Happy (and Sad) using the same Telecaster.
“On Makes Me Happy (and Sad), I overdubbed a slide part using the same Tele, but turning all the tone off and the volume full up”
Guitar Impact
Stewart's guitar work on Eurythmics albums was overlooked due to synth-pop label.
“Eurythmics records have loads of guitars on them. People don't realize. Even on Sweet Dreams”
Guitar History
Stewart played a big Gretsch on Here Comes the Rain Again with orchestra.
“On Here Comes the Rain Again, I'm playing a big Gretsch with the orchestra”
Guitar Legacy
Stewart's guitar work on Thorn in My Side used a heavy Guild F-412.
“On Thorn in My Side, I'm playing this huge, very heavy Guild F-412”
Guitar Philosophy
Stewart prefers simple guitar sequences over complex arrangements.
“I like straightforward sequences, like Your Wishes”
Guitar Advice
Stewart advises new musicians to play live in their town before seeking wider audiences.
“I always say that I still think the best way is to play live in your town. If 50 people turn up, or 10, it doesn't matter.”
The bottom line
Dave Stewart reveals Eurythmics albums feature significant guitar work, despite being labeled synth-pop.
