THE VAN HALEN HIT SONG FORMULA

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  • @Guitargate
    @Guitargate  3 года назад +78

    Get the PDF's & Handwritten Song Notes: www.guitargate.com/vanhalenhitsong

    • @Tessimistic420
      @Tessimistic420 3 года назад +2

      This is not my man. But I think you might enjoy this. Or check out Tom MacDonald and try to play along for yourself. This video is someone playing along to a Tom MacDonald song.
      ruclips.net/video/W140FrqFcGE/видео.html

    • @christopherspohn8071
      @christopherspohn8071 3 года назад +10

      I met and knew Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen, that explination is dam near what Eddie taught me about making a song his way. Only one little piece he suggested on how he figured that out was from obviously Claptons song with the hook or riff. Just clapton used more bluesy stuff based on dm stuff.

    • @rikkousa
      @rikkousa 3 года назад +8

      Michael , thank you for this. Shared your video and pdf with all my songwriting friends and music students. Pure Gold

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +3

      @@christopherspohn8071 Right on!!! Thanks!

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +3

      @@rikkousa Thanks so much!

  • @ianmclean5541
    @ianmclean5541 3 года назад +176

    Eddie kept the intros and choruses Major because he understood that most people are drawn to the happier/fun sound of Major keys. Brilliant analysis man.

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +25

      And that's important to understand! The intent of making a song for the masses is far different than making a song for yourself or your other music friends

    • @allboutthemojo
      @allboutthemojo 2 года назад +4

      @@Guitargate awesome breakdown! Question I had was did he write everything as visual patterns or what sounds good because in his interviews he mentions many times, not knowing any music theory.

    • @MikeSmith-ty7dd
      @MikeSmith-ty7dd 2 года назад +1

      Wow…guitar teacher I went to back during HS in the 80’s really pushed major keys and using the major scale and to me. You summed up the some of the same concepts he did but with more clarity and a better explanation. My hats off to you, this is absolute gold

    • @ianmclean5541
      @ianmclean5541 2 года назад +2

      @@DougMorris71 wait what? All that does is change the key. To make a key minor you have to lower the third.

    • @ianmclean5541
      @ianmclean5541 2 года назад

      @@DougMorris71 so yes they tune down so they can heavier strings. The whole band has to be the same pitch though. I’m sure you’re not saying that just the guitarist tunes down but the others don’t right?

  • @iwilrage
    @iwilrage 11 месяцев назад +3

    53 yrs old and this is the biggest breakthrough I have ever seen...made it fun and interesting again

  • @brythecracker
    @brythecracker 3 года назад +67

    The part about grove being the relationship of drums setting the interval and the bass the length of the interval life was equally as brilliant!!!!!

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +2

      Facts. !!

    • @danstiverson
      @danstiverson 3 года назад

      Were the drums tuned to the c, f and g too?

  • @mnegline1971
    @mnegline1971 8 месяцев назад +4

    As close to unlocking Eddie's songwriting genius as you're going to get. This is even before you try to unlock his pocket, swing, gigantic hands-tone, guitar engineering and tone chasing. even his clothing was cool. What a monster he was.

  • @maxilobos8860
    @maxilobos8860 3 года назад +212

    Man, this is one of the best videos analyzing EVH I’ve ever seen!! This is pure gold 👏🏼

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +16

      Thanks!

    • @maxilobos8860
      @maxilobos8860 3 года назад +3

      @@Guitargate greetings from Chile dude! 🙌🏼

    • @tortillasarenotbiceps7622
      @tortillasarenotbiceps7622 3 года назад +4

      I don't even play guitar and found this interesting as hell. I played drums for years, but was right into this explanation.

    • @bidotube
      @bidotube 3 года назад +1

      I have no business being here. So lost. 😂. But this is mind blowing

  • @CribNotes
    @CribNotes 3 года назад +55

    I think Eddie's fantastic rock song writing chops happened due to the garage band presence of his brother Alex jamming on drums behind him since they were young. Playing lead guitar all by yourself with a drummer is no fun. Riffing on rhythm guitar by yourself with a drummer is a BLAST!

    • @jimideez9829
      @jimideez9829 3 года назад

      I've noticed that most good/great players were music fans first. I know that's how it works for me. The more music and different kinds of music, you were exposed to, as you grew up, is there in your subconscious and influences everything you play. Like Motown and many others, if you're humming the tune before it's over, they got you...

    • @jakelance6
      @jakelance6 2 года назад +1

      Yeah, absolutely not lol....

    • @bryandraughn9830
      @bryandraughn9830 2 года назад +2

      Eddie was one hell of a lead player and his rhythm was absolutely miraculous.

    • @SoulofAlice
      @SoulofAlice Год назад +1

      It's funny that he n Alex started on opposite instruments, thank God they traded!!

  • @whitex3898
    @whitex3898 3 года назад +13

    I’ve always wondered, my whole life, what is it about Van Halen songs that are just so perfect? This is it. Great video.

  • @hamptonkelley4936
    @hamptonkelley4936 Год назад +1

    Tension and Release as Good as it Gets!
    It’s people like you that will keep Eddie alive in 2123, 2223,, 2423…
    Classic Rock indeed

  • @nickjash
    @nickjash 3 года назад +4

    Campfire songs with solos, marching songs with solo vocals, gigues with improvisation sections, church hymns. You get the picture. Music for the people even those with no musical training, based on strong rhythms, repetitive phrasing. Short phrases. House music, Drum & Bass. Its amazing that in the end, the people might not even be bothered about the words in the songs, just the primal rhythms and chaotic noise making. Eddie and Van Halen? The personality that shines through the performance. Gifted musicians.

  • @DallasinCali
    @DallasinCali Год назад +1

    One of the best break downs of Eddies sound I’ve ever seen awesome video bro

  • @wboquist
    @wboquist 3 года назад +54

    100% of this goes over my head, but your enthusiasm for understanding the work of the master is riveting.

    • @troddy3925
      @troddy3925 3 года назад +2

      Yup, I’m just a guitar hack who happen upon this video. Fascinating none the less, and clearly demonstrates Eddies talent, creativity land ear.

    • @akarilotube
      @akarilotube 3 года назад +3

      Couldn't have said that any better.

    • @peacebewithu9684
      @peacebewithu9684 2 года назад +2

      Yea I was lost after 5 min but watched for 17 because of his passion haha

  • @erichodnett4475
    @erichodnett4475 Год назад +2

    Hey brother, this is the first video of this series I’ve watched of yours. Dude you nailed it. Great job Teach! (teacher)

  • @SticksAandstonesBozo
    @SticksAandstonesBozo 3 года назад +9

    I solely watch this guy because of his love and excitement for music. I’ve met so few people in my personal life like this. It’s pretty much been just me for 99.9% of my life. So nice to tap into other people who get it.

  • @tavinmj
    @tavinmj Год назад +1

    genius work dude, this analysis was masterful.

  • @codyburgess7034
    @codyburgess7034 3 года назад +71

    Thanks man putting this up for free. Most kids these days will never appreciate the knowledge that they have access to today versus when I was a kid early 90s.

    • @OkinInc
      @OkinInc 3 года назад +6

      Right?👍

    • @Tier_1_Golf_Academy
      @Tier_1_Golf_Academy 3 года назад +6

      Facts!

    • @bobbythompson4268
      @bobbythompson4268 3 года назад +2

      100%

    • @SnailHatan
      @SnailHatan 3 года назад

      Ah, yes, the ol’ “kids these days” that every ignorant person of every generation says about the generation younger than them. Go yell at kids for skateboarding or something

    • @bobbythompson4268
      @bobbythompson4268 3 года назад +5

      @@SnailHatan major difference between access to knowledge today vs early 90’s. Very simple to understand that. Don’t be stupid.

  • @jjblueflame
    @jjblueflame 3 года назад +16

    This video was a game changer in helping me write music. I'm also fascinated as to what makes a song a hit. Thanks for this! 🙏🏾

  • @LDaveT368
    @LDaveT368 3 года назад +37

    This was very interesting! Their song structure reminded me a lot of what I first learned in giving presentations to people: Tell them what your going to tell them; Tell them; Tell them what you told them. It reinforces all the main points for the audience to walk away with.

    • @HeadbangoO
      @HeadbangoO 3 года назад +3

      I always wondered if people doing that had Alzheimer or what... repeating three times the same thing 😂

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +8

      That's exactly right. It's not unique to music. It's storytelling.

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +3

      That's exactly right. It's not unique to music. It's storytelling.

    • @nukedukem1
      @nukedukem1 3 года назад +4

      @@Guitargate you need to repeat that one more time. Lol

  • @kevinstahl8834
    @kevinstahl8834 3 года назад +99

    There's a famous story that when Quincy Jones brought Eddie in to solo on "Beat It" that he restructured the song for a better section to solo over and surprised Quincy and Jackson with it. Probably made it BETTER.

    • @edsnotgod
      @edsnotgod 3 года назад +8

      It' was the best song for Ed's histrionic wankery

    • @mesabog2
      @mesabog2 3 года назад +13

      The wanted him to solo over the monotone part of the song right before where the solo is now. Eddie convinced them to solo over the verse part instead.

    • @edsnotgod
      @edsnotgod 3 года назад +8

      @@mesabog2 Jones and Jackson owe everything they had to one Ed Van Halen,who is God

    • @zekiah9984
      @zekiah9984 3 года назад +12

      Steve Lukather played the rhythm guitar and the song was already written. Eddie just played the solo to an already written and recorded section.

    • @edsnotgod
      @edsnotgod 3 года назад +4

      @@zekiah9984 not what I heard. I heard Ed gave Steve some pointers on how to play basic guitar

  • @Pacuta_
    @Pacuta_ Год назад +1

    I love how passionate you are about this. You can see the excitement even in simple things you say.

  • @gokhanersan8561
    @gokhanersan8561 3 года назад +59

    “The song is the vehicle.” If Prof. Palmissano writes a Van Halen music theory book, that’s the EVH book I would buy. Not a book of nostalgic photos and memories. Michael : thanks for keeping VH alive ! (I am happy to design it for free:)

  • @thejakefromstatefarm6768
    @thejakefromstatefarm6768 3 года назад +5

    I love how you break everything down and explain why this chord goes with that chord. You make it clear and understandable. It makes perfect sense after you break it down. I like to watch how bands communicate and interact with each other when they play and i see you dig that too.

  • @quinkerbags8012
    @quinkerbags8012 3 года назад +10

    Love the facial expressions! Superb video, thanks very much.

  • @taylorerickson3142
    @taylorerickson3142 2 года назад

    Thanks! Fantastic breakdown. We need more Hit Song Formula videos. Prince? Meyer? Beatles, Clapton?

  • @stevegore4504
    @stevegore4504 3 года назад +49

    If you isolate Eddie’s playing it almost doesn’t make sense, but it does. Crazy musician. Insane

    • @Feverdream7777
      @Feverdream7777 3 года назад +8

      because a lot of the playing gets shape based...not diatonic

    • @drdj2626
      @drdj2626 3 года назад +3

      @@Feverdream7777 care to elaborate?

    • @MikeBiscuits27
      @MikeBiscuits27 3 года назад +5

      This! I actually have trouble trying to learn evh riffs if which ever tutorial video I'm watching doesn't use a backing track. Even with a metronome it doesn't always work, you need Alex and Mike to figure out Eddie's timing

    • @deadmanswife3625
      @deadmanswife3625 3 года назад +3

      @@drdj2626 I guess we're not going to get the elaboration

    • @nukedukem1
      @nukedukem1 3 года назад +3

      @@deadmanswife3625 basically you need drums, bass, and in some cases, keyboard to fill the gaps. You can often hear guitar parts that aren't even there because your brain or ears cant always distinguish which is which, which can make learning his songs by ear a nightmare. That's how good all the instruments blend together. Brilliant songwriting.

  • @TheRedneckSage
    @TheRedneckSage 2 года назад +2

    DUDE. thank you so much for this analyzation of these songs and not dumbing it down too much or over simplifying the explanation. I was never able to afford music school and as such have been almost entirely autodidactic in my pursuits of music theory and learning about songcraft. I have been experimenting in so many different ways with my decisions in my singwriting and i feel like i am just on the verge of things blowing wide open but just need a mentor of some sort to help push me over. THANK YOU thank you again, please do more song writing analysis like this i cant get enough of it. And you are so naked in your transparency about how you relate to music, your shortcomings and insights. Its so refreshing and valuable and selfless. I truly hope you prosper with this channel. You have a serious gift.

  • @brianrollo8180
    @brianrollo8180 3 года назад +11

    Genius. I've listened to Van Halen my whole life and learned something new today. Would love to see you do this for the Beatles or Stones.

  • @birdybutch
    @birdybutch Год назад +2

    VH is one in a million. EPIC musicians - simply BEST

  • @lancerains4185
    @lancerains4185 3 года назад +13

    The formula is simplicity and melody.. And a rhythm and pulse that makes you dance. The average listener doesn't want complicated they want something pleasant they can hum along to and tap their toe.. Interesting how you decipher Ed's song structure.. totally on board with Hook riff and call response.. Great vid Thx.

    • @stevegerhart929
      @stevegerhart929 2 года назад

      Eddie was one of a kind. We were blessed to have him. R.I.P.

  • @foley15136
    @foley15136 Год назад +2

    18:56 He looked at the guitar same as keyboard. He and Al were trained since, like, 3 to be pianists.

  • @soulsideout3732
    @soulsideout3732 3 года назад +19

    Michael, that is so true. So many great players write music that is over everyone else's head. I struggle with this in my own music. I have to write something that is entertaining for my target audience but at the same time fun for me to play. I don't want to make music just for musicians. But I want them to appreciate it always. That keeps me thinking of a good hook or theme, but also pushing the boundaries of my abilities musically.

  • @MisterDoff
    @MisterDoff 2 года назад +1

    Dude, I thought I was just going to check this video out for 5 minutes... here I am a half hour later. So great to see someone geek out on EVH and music theory. You can just see how excited he is and its just great. Eureka after eureka right here.

  • @Seanomatic57
    @Seanomatic57 3 года назад +10

    I was a little tipsy and listening to some VH hidden gems last week. I must have listened to Little Dreamer 3 times in a row. I can't get the song out of my head. Such a haunting and mesmerizing tune.

  • @DavidDiMuzio
    @DavidDiMuzio 3 года назад +69

    Definitely didn't expect to watch the whole 30min video. Now I'm late for bed, haha. Great video Michael!

  • @02Tango
    @02Tango 3 года назад +11

    Nice! I would add a few points. 1. Eddie's use of symmetrical scale and arpeggio shapes across the neck can be described (in his words) as "falling down the stairs and landing on your feet." Patterns can give the listener something to identify and accept even if there are dissonant notes along the way. Resolving the pattern at the end is "landing on your feet" . 2. I think Eddie's triad choices/voicings were also influenced by how the top notes connected. Dance The Night Away and Running With The Devil are great examples of this. The highest pitch of each chord is on the B string and the notes don't move very far from chord to chord. CHEERS!

  • @ThePreciousguitar87
    @ThePreciousguitar87 2 года назад +8

    Awesome job! Eddie was and always will be my favorite musician and he had so much more to give! He was a pioneer, an inventor, a killer piano player and of course he had his very own style of guitar playing! I am smitten! Since I am 13 years old I am listening to Van Halen! Eddie, rest in peace! We owe you a tremendous debt!🤘💎

  • @bryandean5563
    @bryandean5563 3 года назад +18

    Dude, this was killer! I like to write songs, however I'm not well versed in music theory, but I know enough to keep up with a lot of what you're talking about and I'm hoping to glean some ideas from this series. One band that I could listen to their first album through and through, over and over again, is Boston. Their riffs, harmonies, melodies, and vocals are unreal. Being a band that came up in the 70's, they're sort of in the same vein as Van Halen and it would be awesome if you could break down their hit song formula. I recently fell in love with the channel after watching you REACTS videos. Your emotion and the way you break down the song and the lyrics is inspiring for me to write better. Thanks for the great info, keep up the good work!

  • @tonyr.4778
    @tonyr.4778 Год назад +1

    Eddie is called Wolfgang and interesting that Mozart used this structure very often in his symphonies. Main motif (riff, chorus) often in major, B section (development) in minor. Similarities in broad strokes. Sonata Allegro structure.

  • @Xcorgi
    @Xcorgi 3 года назад +12

    It was also impressive that you identified the relationship between the bass and drums in VH songs as well. I wasn’t expecting that.

  • @ianmclean5541
    @ianmclean5541 3 года назад +8

    This is essentially a Master Class in Hit Song writing. Thank you for this Michael. I will be going back through it and taking notes.

  • @kuhboom22
    @kuhboom22 3 года назад +16

    This is a fantastic deep dive into EVHs writing!

  • @uncle-epicurus
    @uncle-epicurus 2 года назад +2

    I agree with your comments on EVH. I also think DLR and his Ragtime/Vaudeville style brought a really cool and fresh sound to the band that complimented the amazing rhythms & that EVH created

  • @bruce1897
    @bruce1897 3 года назад +7

    When I was young and was composing on the guitar but noodling on the piano I was learning music theory at school. Once I had the basics of scales and chords in my head I switched instinctively to Piano for composition and arrangement because being able to see every note that exists right there in front of you made things 100 times easier. Chord inversions were not taught to me I just found the most pleasing ones. On a guitar chord discovery is more how I would describe the process. It's very creative. A lot of Foo fighter riff are just a 15 year old in his bedroom goofing around. I think Eddie had the advantage of Piano theory when he picked up the guitar and had an fabulous innovative mind and was a true artist who knew he needed structured hard rules to help contain his crazy ideas.

  • @dalepulliam8917
    @dalepulliam8917 3 года назад +2

    That is awesome insight bro! Does not surprise me because he wrote most of the entire songs on piano first and then transferred it back to the guitar. Great job!!

  • @boots_33
    @boots_33 3 года назад +4

    Dude... what an AMAZING video!
    I don't know much about theory and all that jazz but I love learning about it and learning how the greats just seem to know how to use it often without knowing it.
    The revelation about Eddie going to the black keys for his solo sections blew my mind! It's such a simple trick but it works so effectively and draws your ear to it because it just hits you out of nowhere.
    I absolutely loved this breakdown and can't wait to see what else you bring out like this. Thanks for the effort and time you give to bring us such great knowledge about great music.

  • @TheArtofGuitar
    @TheArtofGuitar 3 года назад +6

    Just thought you should know that someone on FB took the time to make a post saying that he "still likes to watch my videos but that you're his favorite YT guitarist and that he wants to watch ALL your videos." I was like: First off, ouch, second, couldn't you just make a post about how much you like Palmisano and leave me out of it? haha. ;) Congrats on all the success guitar brother. Just though I'd share that.

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад

      Ha!! Thanks brother. You’re crushing it my friend. Love your stuff.

  • @dougselsam5393
    @dougselsam5393 3 года назад +5

    I always gave great credit to Michael the bassplayer for Van Halen's success. He wasn't trying to play "lead bass", just played super-basic, often one-note, bump-bump-bump basslines, but the best thing he did was provide high-quality, sweet-sounding backup vocals lending essential smooth harmony to smooth out the rough sound of the lead vocals. Some people can sing harmony without thinking about it. That effortless vocal harmony from Michael is the final icing on the cake that brought the music to stick in the average listener's head.

    • @showtime951
      @showtime951 Год назад

      @Doug Selsam -
      You sound like an absolutely delightful gentleman who not only appreciates the subtleties of creating hit rock songs, but also deserves some credit for probably being a relatively good-natured, well-adjusted, hetersexual male with several pounds of swinging pig iron who gave many thanks & committed many years to the tremendous alter of The Mighty Van Halen.
      In short, like many reading these words you probably have a low tolerance for bullshit. You laugh a little louder, think a little quicker, respond a little wiser, love a little harder, care a little deeper, fight a little stronger, & drive a little faster.
      As a fan of Van Halen's since 1978, & a friend of Michael Anthony's since 1992, I have always said & he has earned the maximum amount of personal & professional credit for the group's legendary stratospheric success, a full 25%.
      Further, I believe that if at any time in the band's history Michael would have become less like himself & more like Ed, Alex, Dave, or Sam in terms of lifestyle, goals, outspokenness, self-importance, and/or his ability to be even keel & de-escalate tension, "Van Halen" as an ongoing business concern would have most certainly self-destructed a long ago.

    • @dougselsam5393
      @dougselsam5393 Год назад

      @@showtime951 Thanks Showtime951
      The average listener remembers the chorus of the song, which is usually also the name of the song. Michael's voice is a major ingredient defining the sound of the chorus sections of the songs. Therefore, it is Michael's voice that defines the Van Halen sound for the average listener. Of course we musicians tend to focus on the complexity of master-musicians we idolize, but average listeners often don't even know the name of the band, let alone who in it can do guitar tricks etc. They just hear the chorus, and in the case of Van Halen, that is mostly thanks to Michael's sweet and effortless harmonies.

  • @johnbrown3824
    @johnbrown3824 2 года назад

    Thanks Michael for this video. I've watched it 3 times now and I think it's gotta be one of your best! I can't imagine all the time you must have spent listening to/transcribing these songs.
    Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life..
    Keep up the good work. Cheers!

  • @CineSoar
    @CineSoar 3 года назад +22

    As a bass player (examples on my channel, if anyone is interested), who is dabbling in guitar (when I say dabbling, I mean obsessing about Eddie, Jimmy, etc. I can completely relate to the idea of the note duration being critical to the groove. Everyone talks about 'pocket' and 'ahead' or 'behind' the beat. But, the real magic lies in the release.

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад

      You’re on it.

    • @treblemaker69
      @treblemaker69 3 года назад

      Totally agree...I play both bass and guitar--bass in mostly cover bands, guitar on original tunes. I was in a band that played a fair amount of VH tunes, and that quarter note pulse in Runnin' With The Devil is NOT easy to play and have it sound correct. It helps if you have a great drummer, which we did.

  • @Chromatekeng
    @Chromatekeng 2 месяца назад

    Really REALLY enjoyed this and my first time watching the channel. Needless to say I subscribed and had my Guitar in my hand through the whole thing. I think I learned more about my guitar hero's approach than any Guitar mag or video I seen. So unbiased but so respectful. Thank you Michael. In our hearts, minds and souls and fretboards EVH will live forever.

  • @beansurg
    @beansurg 3 года назад +10

    What a great video. Impressive breakdown of the formula. Can't wait to see more of these

  • @sighteternal497
    @sighteternal497 2 года назад

    Great video, one of the best videos explaining why VH's songs worked so well. Most people want a simple song that takes them someplace else and doesn't take too much to listen to but still makes you want to move your head or your body along with the music. Great job Michael.

  • @vaporman442
    @vaporman442 3 года назад +4

    I feel like you have been reading my mind. I was just realizing all of this within the last few weeks. Another interesting observation is the change in rhythm when he goes to the interlude on black keys. This really accentuates the solo and makes it feel like it comes from out of this world (or at least the world of the rest of the song!)

  • @andreaforte4724
    @andreaforte4724 3 года назад +2

    Congrats for your professionalism, accuracy and above all for the great passion you give.
    You made me relive the emotions of transcribing Eddie's solos over thirty years ago.

  • @chitownkid8716
    @chitownkid8716 3 года назад +10

    I just want to say that I absolutely did not understand a thing you said but I was absolutely glued to your every word. I don't read music nor do I know my chords but this was very entertaining. I think what got me during this video was that I felt like you took us into the brain of EVH and what he was thinking. I love your videos and have discovered so many different artists.

  • @1rwjwith
    @1rwjwith 2 года назад +2

    I think your on to something for sure but it all adds up to EDDIE BEING A CLASSIC SONGWRITER , he knew how to write Rock/Pop songs with that hard almost metal edge…and with the guitar virtuosity he had he brought it to a HIGH LEVEL other mere metal and hair metal bands could seldom match.

  • @dizzydad4708
    @dizzydad4708 3 года назад +13

    Hot dayum you are providing a lot to think on! Super glad you have it posted on guitar gate to peruse. I had never thought on it before but your breakdown has described perfectly why VanHalen tunes so often just make me feel good. They were designed to. Eddie wanted us all to be happy.

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +3

      EXACTLY

    • @Tessimistic420
      @Tessimistic420 3 года назад +1

      When and why music changed from wanting us all to be happy and love each other differences an all.. I'll never know, but have a few ideas why when I see today's climate to how people interact with strangers. To me if you "listen to garbage your head fills with trash" is a perfect example of what most mainstream music today.

    • @gokhanersan8561
      @gokhanersan8561 3 года назад +1

      Eddie made us happy, optimistic. I listened to Mine All Mine before going into the grad school entrance exam. The song washed away all my worries. I aced the exam, and got in to grad school.

    • @kevinanthony2724
      @kevinanthony2724 3 года назад +1

      Man saw your reply after I wrote mine. I should have said I’m with this guy

  • @foley15136
    @foley15136 Год назад +3

    Mikey’s contribution is so important. Back then in VH, and now with the Circle. He often gets forgotten about by a lot of people, but what he added/adds was/is crucial. Not just part of the rhythm section. His vocals were/are awesome. My wife and I went to see Sammy (post VH) and Mike was there with him. Mikey sang a couple songs as lead vocalist and he was great!
    A little departure from this lesson/analysis, but a little related.

    • @SoulofAlice
      @SoulofAlice Год назад

      Michael was underrated, but so great, and idk what happened in the whole VH Roth/Hagar back n forth drama, but hated that Michael was out when the last cast got together.❤

    • @foley15136
      @foley15136 Год назад

      @@SoulofAlice
      After the VH3 record and tour, Mikey was mistreated by the brothers. Sammy commented on it, too. Then Mikey was accused by Ed that he really didn’t know how to play the bass. Ed said that he had to show him what to do on everything and would make video tapes for Mikey to watch and learn how to play the songs. I don’t believe that for a second and Sammy was outraged and even spoke out about it. Mikey’s cut of the money was reduced at the time of the reunion tour as well. He went along with it and agreed because he loved to play for the fans and that was more important than the money for him.
      Ed was a strange cat. Nobody can deny his musical genius, but he had issues when it came to a lot of people, except Al, I guess. I was so disappointed to hear a lot of what he said over the years. I’ve been trying to imitate him with my Kramer guitars since 1985, when Sammy joined VH.
      Anyway, it’s all in the past and none of it takes away from the music and I don’t think that there’s a fan out there, whether you like Sam or Dave, that doesn’t appreciate and recognize the talent and all around goodness of Michael Anthony.

  • @marshalle.s.m.5578
    @marshalle.s.m.5578 3 года назад +3

    Absolutely brilliant video. So in depth. I can't even imagine how may hours research you put it. I did notice may years ago that VH made their hooks sound sweeter by using alternating with minor verses. When its major all the way you can become desensitized. But You blew it open to to so many other levels. Very well done. Thank you.

  • @z_prospective160
    @z_prospective160 3 года назад +1

    Man... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!! Amazing content! Just pure musical joy. Keep it coming. I'm glad I just came across the channel now I can just binge watch all the videos. I'm a huge van halen fan and have always noticed that there were similarities in his songs but now I can put it together. Genius! Thank you!

  • @martintruther5808
    @martintruther5808 3 года назад +36

    Not surprising that EVH played the guitar like a keyboard. Eddie started out as a classically trained pianist as a kid.

    • @williep1626
      @williep1626 2 года назад +2

      And he's denied publicly being able to read music which I thought was odd.

    • @papaoxd
      @papaoxd 2 года назад

      @@williep1626 He says that because reading music doesn't match his bad boy rock image

    • @SegaDream131
      @SegaDream131 Год назад

      He didn't need to, it was something you use if you'd never heard it before...

  • @bobbater2373
    @bobbater2373 2 года назад

    Your passion for music is infectious my friend. I would go through tunes for hours and spend days figuring out the parts and put them in the sequencer. Love it.

  • @jonnycap7974
    @jonnycap7974 Год назад

    Would love it! Chords with many voices (especially open ones) can benefit from compression by taming the louder open notes with the softer fretted notes can make a huge difference in how the signal gets distorted.

  • @BS-gj5ot
    @BS-gj5ot 3 года назад +8

    Great analysis, very interesting. I always thought that was what made Eddie unique among the "guitar god" types, he had a knack for coming up with catchy hooks that non-guitar people could like, combined with technical guitar wizardry that the guitar nerds like me could get into. He was just so inventive in his playing.

  • @jennyleeb3772
    @jennyleeb3772 3 года назад +1

    Great work, your enthusiasm is what drives it home. Eddie always blew me away, how incredible it is to figure out his "recipe", his playing mostly intimidated me, and seemed unattainable .
    Love your take on this

  • @adamosborne
    @adamosborne 3 года назад +31

    FTR, I almost cried when you got to the Jump solo pattern. I would bet Eddie had no idea he was doing these things, but that was the beauty of his genius - what made Eddie special was INSTINCT.

    • @rodneylee4026
      @rodneylee4026 3 года назад +9

      He probably knew as he was classically trained.

    • @daverich267
      @daverich267 3 года назад +4

      @@rodneylee4026 Agree and with their dad being a Jazz Musician and music being talked about at the dinner table, I'm certain you are correct

    • @rodneylee4026
      @rodneylee4026 3 года назад +5

      @@daverich267 My understanding is that he knew theory but wasn't good at reading the classical piano music and didn't even need to. He knew theory and chords as did Alex.

    • @birdybutch
      @birdybutch Год назад +2

      Eddie had no idea - are you sure?))

    • @SoulofAlice
      @SoulofAlice Год назад

      @Dave Rich from my understanding, maybe a doc on his life or similiar, he COULDNT read music, just copied what he heard, piano, guitar..plan was Eddie gonna play drums n Alex guitar as kids, but mutually agreed to switch. Am thinking that even after all his years, never really did bother to "learn" to read music. Maybe mistaken, but that's what I am thinking.

  • @artigraphmultimedia1489
    @artigraphmultimedia1489 3 года назад +2

    This is great subject matter. Eddie s decision to run with JUMP, amis shrieks of horror to a different sound-
    Sticking to his guns (successfully) against the labels wishes on DANCJN IN THE STREET on Diver Down- Eddie had his finger on the pulse of what worked for the masses. Without undervaluing the bands sound.
    His insane guitar playing, the sounds he literally created, didn't preclude this.
    Your video unpacks this really well.
    Thanks!

  • @RokDAWG1
    @RokDAWG1 3 года назад +3

    I was just telling a friend this very thing two days ago! That's rad how you really started breaking it down!
    Eddie really had himself together and this helps prove that he knew exactly what he was doing!

  • @simonj.1812
    @simonj.1812 3 года назад +2

    I have always said this, write a song, writting a hit is really hard to do, writting a hit and putting awesome licks and chord movements, master level!

  • @collierrocks
    @collierrocks 3 года назад +8

    Michael, that was killer. You put so much work into your research and synthesized it in a way that a hack like me can apply right away.

  • @sonus289
    @sonus289 3 года назад +1

    the master left his mark , we all have been touched by that soul and its joy ! ...... its time for his students to reinvent and push the boundary as we've been taught.... we'll never forget the master.... we miss you Eddie

  • @jeffreywasilchen1661
    @jeffreywasilchen1661 3 года назад +23

    YOUR A FRICKEN GENIUS! I HAVE A FEELING YOUR FIRST ORIGINAL WILL BE A MAJOR HIT. CANT WAIT!

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +8

      Thanks Jeff! SOON

    • @stevewasson3809
      @stevewasson3809 3 года назад

      Hahahahahaha
      This post is funny great on 3 levels.
      #1 Cliche; calls a yapper a genius.
      #2 This guy will never produce a "hit" as hits no longer exist unless it is pop music; no matter how good one is.
      #3 The guy/producer of the video gives a support to #2 as they know it is a lie.
      So funny.
      Rock on phoney.

  • @joerio2453
    @joerio2453 2 года назад

    Thanks!

  • @matthewcooper6284
    @matthewcooper6284 3 года назад +3

    Great analysis, especially the pattern observation. Genius can take the simple and make it seem complex. The man knew how to play to his audience.

  • @simonlloyd7557
    @simonlloyd7557 3 года назад +1

    Finally I've met a fellow guitarist/musician who is as OCD about this stuff as me! I loved seeing the obvious joy you received from doing this project and also from being able to share with everyone.

  • @showtime951
    @showtime951 Год назад +3

    Thank you, Michael for the dedicated effort in finding the key to the buried treasure I created and that Edward, of course made famous.
    It's exciting to see the enthusiasm of a young player discovering the magical way through the harmonic brown maze.
    Eddie was a great guy and a relentless student but I don't know how many times I thought from across his bedroom at 11pm on a Wednesday night, "If this asshole says 'one more time, slower' or 'why' again I'm going to bury him under this fucking house."

  • @ahjira
    @ahjira 2 года назад

    This video made the world a better place. Excellent sleuth work! I love how you figured out he was using piano patterns in that way and lord knows a minor verse to major chorus always leads to a hit song. I vote for more of these.

  • @xpicklepie
    @xpicklepie 3 года назад +4

    I'd been a bar-chord player forever. I started listening to Steely Dan and found keyboard parts on my guitar. I could then see that this is what Ed had been doing all the way back to the first album. Ed's keyboard background applied to guitar. Panama, Jump and Dance the Night Away are the same riff! And Ed wrote stuff like Hear About It Later on piano.

  • @thoughtfulbravado
    @thoughtfulbravado 2 года назад

    Very insightful! You pointed out some things like keeping the bass simple and the chorus riff in the intro that i never noticed before. Thank you for the deep dive. Diver down pun intended!

  • @Thedesertguy75
    @Thedesertguy75 2 года назад +4

    Eddie was a comet, rare ...they only come around once in a lifetime and shine bright. Then they're gone and only then do we start to understand what we witnessed.

  • @tpike32
    @tpike32 3 года назад +1

    As a weekend song writer . As I play I always tell myself . Keep it simple , keep it simple .

  • @tiptopsaidhe
    @tiptopsaidhe 3 года назад +7

    I only enough piano or guitar to appreciate those who do it well. But, from this video, I just played the right hand chords from Jump on my grandfather's piano. It's the first time I have made something cool come out of that instrument! If only the guitar could come to life, too. So fun!

  • @W3PO
    @W3PO 3 года назад

    What makes a hit a hit is a Milotic presence of energy flowing! If you can tap into that I applaud thee Life is energy , music is no different. Just as healers of the world are in tune with the bodies chakras and different frequencies. Musicians who are naturally gifted, tune into those frequencies as well and the energy flows bringing to light runs down the scale of any key. Keep up the good work, we love what you do.

  • @josearalat
    @josearalat 2 года назад +4

    Eddie's a genius. The DaVinci of guitar. But let's not forget that no song will be a hit without good vocal melodies and hooks.

  • @GhostDrummer
    @GhostDrummer 2 года назад

    I’ve mentioned this on at least one of your videos, but I don’t really comprehend any of this. I’ve tried taking classes, but I just couldn’t grasp the info. I play a tiny bit on piano. I’ve picked up a bass. I do play the drums, but I’ve never had lessons. For 30 years I’ve either had to listen and figure it out, or watch videos/people to learn a drum part. But you have a way of breaking this stuff down in a way that I feel like I could sit in a room with you and not feel dumb. This was a 30+ minute video and I was captivated the entire time. Thank you.

  • @garywhitt98
    @garywhitt98 3 года назад +15

    Miles Davis to Les Paul: "What's the secret?"
    Les Paul to Miles Davis: "Play...the...melody."

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +3

      YES

    • @danstiverson
      @danstiverson 3 года назад

      So, what's in a hook that puts the worm in your ear?

  • @MJ-tg6wb
    @MJ-tg6wb 3 года назад +1

    I was just talking to my brother about this. I have always loved VH but recently recognized Van Halen's Songwriting was so genius; I told him "we need to analyze his theory at formula"... but you just did all the work for us.
    What a great video!! You rock! Thank you. Nice Beato shout out too! I'm a new fan.

  • @ingjn
    @ingjn Год назад +4

    Eddie was probably the greatest Rhythm player ever as well

  • @MelloGee33
    @MelloGee33 2 года назад +1

    I've been listening to Van Halen for 44 years now since I was 14, and Michael and Rick Beato are STILL schooling me on these dudes.

  • @paulconrad7649
    @paulconrad7649 3 года назад +7

    Also, almost all of Van Halen’s music is upbeat and positive. Maybe the lyrics have a darker meaning, but the music is uplifting. It goes up, not down, if you know what I mean. It was a reflection of Eddie’s positive attitude and infectious smile, at least when he was on stage. They were a fun-loving band.

  • @stevemueller4703
    @stevemueller4703 2 года назад +1

    One of the best videos I have ever seen on RUclips! Well done, dude.

  • @steveforwarduk
    @steveforwarduk 3 года назад +11

    Eddie Van Halen's fast, technical passages in his guitar solos, apart from Eruption, were almost never longer than a bar.

  • @mygtr2021
    @mygtr2021 3 года назад

    That analysis absolutely blew my mind!!!! Thank you for your study. I was on edge with each component explanation.
    Subscribed

  • @brushstroke3733
    @brushstroke3733 3 года назад +4

    Wow, the white keys/black keys discovery is so huge! It was such a simple minded idea, but holy smokes did it work well! Unbelievable!

  • @unforgiven7389
    @unforgiven7389 3 года назад

    Love the way you are able to back things down so they are simple to understand. Your enthusiasm is contagious you have made me pick the guitar up again Thank You

  • @CVGuitar
    @CVGuitar 3 года назад +3

    14:46 I noticed a long time ago how EVH liked to have what you could call "minor key root movement" but almost always plays major triads -- I think that dichotomy of major vs minor is part of the secret -- in Runnin' With the Devil the root notes of the guitar chords are C D, D G A E -- and if you put those in order you get A C D E G which is A minor pentatonic. Or Unchained where the roots notes imply D minor (D - Bb - C - F etc) but all the triads/chords are major (or sus4) -- awesome video Michael !!

  • @cacophonic7
    @cacophonic7 3 года назад +2

    Whoa … I am a self taught guitarist with a background in Trumpet from my high school band. To me “shapes” and trusting my ear are everything because I lack any real music theory education outside of the basics. This video was eye opening for me. Fantastic stuff!

  • @BlueWorldTV
    @BlueWorldTV 3 года назад +149

    Really interesting, and I appreciate how much time you put into research in order to make this very informative video! It has been a while since I have watched a 30 minute RUclips video. Well done. By the way, guitar stands are cheap, man! 😁

    • @Guitargate
      @Guitargate  3 года назад +10

      Thanks my friend!!

    • @timothy5974
      @timothy5974 3 года назад +6

      I have guitars all over my house , no stand either. 😂🤟

    • @Vigilante1969
      @Vigilante1969 3 года назад +10

      Guitar stands take up way too much floor space. Guitar wall hangers are the way to go!

    • @marcdemell5976
      @marcdemell5976 3 года назад +1

      @@Guitargate IT'S THE DEVILS MUSIC MAN . Formulaic to hypnotise the masses.

    • @marcdemell5976
      @marcdemell5976 3 года назад +1

      @@timothy5974 Rockefeller?

  • @anthonypayne5628
    @anthonypayne5628 3 года назад +1

    That was an incredible video. I felt your excitement! It made me excited too..I couldn't stop watching!

  • @themasterrogerdelgado
    @themasterrogerdelgado 3 года назад +3

    Enjoyed this - I "graph" songs that I like as well to see how they're put together. Noticed your t-shirt too - saw Humphrey's McGee on the "JamCruise" cruise in 2012. Good stuff.