13 Minutes of Greatness Eddie Van Halen Demonstrates His Guitar Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do-MAsyo3ug
Eddie Van Halen, one of the most influential guitarists in rock music history, was known for his innovative and groundbreaking guitar technique. Here are some key elements of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar technique:
1. Two-Handed Tapping: Eddie Van Halen popularized the technique of two-handed tapping, where both the fretting hand and the picking hand are used to fret notes on the guitar neck. This technique allows for rapid and fluid execution of fast passages and intricate melodies, and it became a signature aspect of Van Halen’s playing style.
2. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Van Halen utilized hammer-ons and pull-offs extensively in his playing, often combining them with tapping to create cascading arpeggios and lightning-fast runs across the fretboard. These legato techniques contribute to his fluid and expressive playing style.
3. Whammy Bar Techniques: Eddie Van Halen was known for his innovative use of the whammy bar (tremolo arm) to create dramatic pitch bends, dive bombs, and expressive vibrato effects. He incorporated the whammy bar into his playing to add texture and flair to his solos and riffs.
4. Alternate Picking: Van Halen employed alternate picking to achieve speed and precision in his playing, allowing him to execute rapid-fire licks and syncopated rhythms with ease. His impeccable timing and rhythmic precision were key aspects of his virtuosic technique.
5. Natural Harmonics: Van Halen frequently used natural harmonics to create ethereal and chiming tones on the guitar. By lightly touching the strings at specific nodal points, he could produce bell-like harmonics that added depth and color to his compositions.
6. Hybrid Picking: Van Halen sometimes used hybrid picking, a technique that involves using both the pick and the fingers of the picking hand to pluck the strings. This allowed him to achieve greater control and dexterity, particularly in complex passages that required string skipping or intricate arpeggios.
7. Innovative Sound Effects: Van Halen was known for his experimentation with sound effects and unconventional playing techniques. He incorporated techniques such as fretboard tapping, harmonics, and pick scrapes to create unique and otherworldly sounds on the guitar.
Overall, Eddie Van Halen’s guitar technique was characterized by its technical proficiency, creativity, and boundary-pushing innovation. His pioneering approach to playing the guitar revolutionized the instrument and inspired generations of guitarists to push the limits of what was possible on the instrument.