No he's not human! He's EDDIE VAN HALEN 🔥🔥🔥! Saw them Van Halen when I was 16 yrs old I'm 57 now! Never forget that first time seeing him play ERUPTION 👍👍👏
im 16 now and I wish I had the opportunity to see these guys in their prime especially because now rock isnt popular anymore and now people like hip hop and that shits ass
First of all, this was one of the most enjoyable reactions I've seen to Eruption because you truly paid attention to what he was doing. Don't worry that it's overwhelming and intimidating. He's EVH and we are not. Second, NEVER GIVE UP. When VH first showed their faces in the mid 70s NO ONE had ever seen or heard anything like them. He is a legend and there is only one, but I can't begin to tell you how many guitarists he has inspired. Be inspired by what you just witnessed and enjoy your own musical journey. Please react to some VH. The entire band is badass.
To give up trying to pay guitar, I believe is disgraceful to the time, energy, and creativity of Eddie. Besides, there is a world of difference between the acoustic and electric guitar.
Keep practicing, you'll get there! Don't get discouraged, Ed Van Halen is one of the most influential guitar players who ever lived. He's ridiculously good at guitar, both technically and his phrasing. Keep in mind his father was a professional jazz musician in Holland before they came to the US, so Ed and his brother Al (on drums) were both classically trained pianists before they ever touched rock and roll. Musical life from the very beginning! That being said, definitely react to some more Van Halen live stuff! This whole concert is great, in New Haven 1986.
Cigerette is stuck on the end of the string that sticks out from the tuners. You know know the part of the string you cut off when putting new strings on.
no, eddie was first the drummer while his brother older than him was their lead/guitar player when they start the group then years down later he and his brother switch place and from that moment he kinda knew thats where he belongs now thats a lil history of vanhalen band
As a guitar player myself, one thing i have learned over 30 years of playing, shit like this is not meant to be learned or duplicated. Its just meant to be appreciated. No one can play like Eddie, but at the same time, he cant play like you either. The guitar is an instrument that brings out the players soul as an individual player. Thats why only one person can play a guitar at a time and cover every sound music has to offer except B sharp of course
He was a professional Grand Pianist at 12 yrs old. That's why he gets on the fret board like that with both hands cause In a way he looks at the fret board like keys on a piano. It's called tapping. He did not invent it and it's really not hard. But, he took it when no one was really doing it but a few people and they weren't doing much with it. He took it to another world and made sounds and runs never done or heard before. He has 10 albums of music and plenty of solos on them without tapping.It's Hes a hell of a songwriter and wrote a lot of great songs and hits. His rhythm and timing is out of this world. Dude changed rock when he got the scene. Brought his own sound, his own guitar and a bag full of sounds, riffs, licks and solos never heard before and out of this world.
Couldn't have said it better myself Eric. And just think he started this phenomenon during the damn DISCO years. He was next level. Guitarists back then said "Oh, shit, what the hell is going on."
I've heard many guitarists duplicate the notes; but to this day, have never heard one make the same MUSIC. Sooo many variables he mastered as to finger placements and what PART of each finger; individual pressures and length of time etc etc. Its not just the unique tune and tone that made Eddie the GOAT; but his ear and muscle memory that let him go so effortlessly from mind to hand by just wanting to hear something, and it was made so on an unconscious level. Some call it being one with the instrument, and in a true sense it is. His new genre of Neoclassical Rock and extreme tapping, hammering, pull offs etc, mixed with the hard rock sound will forever cement him as one of the greatest rock guitar influences of the 70's and onward, to this day.
Bro, just discovered this channel. I love your enthusiasm. But, just throwing this out there, watching Eddie Van Halen and trying to learn from him is like watching Jordan and trying to learn how to shoot hoop. Not gonna happen. I really hope you enjoy your experience learning guitar but, forget you saw this. It's on a level that's almost untouchable. Learn to play what you want, learn what makes you happy. This is the GOAT
That was the greatest reaction and respect I’ve seen so far. I’ve grown up listening to this solo and it means so much to me to see you feel this way. Take care Brother and peace out ✌️
Doc the sign that dude held up was the 5150 sign. That’s the name of the record they were touring at that time. I saw that show twice in 1986. Once in Toronto and 2 weeks later in my hometown of Rochester NY. No words can describe what this man did on a guitar. GOAT period💯
Great reaction. I have mad respect for Jimmy and Stevie but you just watched the greatest Rock and Roll guitar player that's ever lived! Period! RIP Eddie ❤
Hey man, he is the greatest R.I.P. Eddie🙏. I loved your reaction and have to tell you that I feel exactly the same about guitars as you do. It's a magical instrument and Eddie van Halen, born in the Netherlands like I am, lifted it to another level. Thank you showing others and for your reaction, bless you!
Ed and his brother Alex were taught to play piano as their first instrument. According to Ed, because Guitar and piano are on the same clef, he composed his music on piano and then put it onto guitar. He used to say that the finger tapping was a natural extension to what you do on a piano. Now keep in mind, the two brothers started playing music with their father on the 9 day boat trip from Netherlands to New York. Their dad was a professional jazz musician, and from the time the boys were walking, they were playing. You'll get there! Practice, practice, practice!
The sign that the fans are putting up with their hands is VH.I was fortunate to witness this legend and the band several times in concert! True talent. U come out of that show with a smile on ur face knowing u witnessed something special. Long live Eddie Van Halen!!!
Eddie Van Halen was the most amazing rock god of our time. He is the Mozart of our century. He started taking piano lessons at the age of 6. His father was a musician and his mother wanted him and brother Alex (drummer in Van Halen) to be concert pianists. To do something "respectable with music". Eddie started playing guitar at 12 and started bands with his brother and others shortly after. His first instrument was drums and his brother Alex was taking flamenco guitar lessons. While Eddie was working a paper route, Alex was playing his drums. So Eddie said, "fine, you wanna play my drums then I'm gonna play your damn guitar" and the rest is history. Eddie never learned to read music! He translated his piano talents to the guitar and taught himself. He made music with "double tapping" and "harmonics". He also played the bass and cello. When he played music, he didn't play the music, he was the music. He bent the keys and strings to his will. Again as you said, he made love to his guitar and his piano. They were just an extension of him. He was always a very shy, humble and sweet man until the day he died. His son Wolfgang can duplicate many of his playing, but with his own style. He was also blessed with his father's talent and ears for music. Alex is amazing on drums, never to be duplicated. Eddie also tinkered, destroyed many guitars and made his own. He was constantly chasing his tone and bringing to life the sounds he heard in his head. He came from Holland (Netherlands) to the US with the family at 7. He didn't know English and was bullied every day. His music was his voice, his sanctuary. He would express every emotion and feeling perfectly with his guitar. He passed on at the young age of 65 after battling decades of drinking, smoking and other substances. He used these to try to calm his nervous energy which could only be channeled through his music. He played 12 to 18 hours a day. Again, he didn't play the music, he was the music. His body was human, but his soul and his music will never die. It will live on forever. He is and always will be my guitar hero and my rock god. We are so blessed to have captured him in the music, videos and pictures. Edward Lodewijk Van Halen He is the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time)
That's a very convenient place to keep a cigarette while playing and it'a also handy that way! Did you notice when he threw the pick to the audience? Awesome stuff! It's my first time sitting in with you today! Thank you for allowing me to do that! I absolutely loved your reaction to this fabulous solo! He will throw a few more picks out so keep watching!
He uses a combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs. I learned it years ago when I played guitar but NO ONE can do that like Eddie Vanhalen. He truly is a wizard and builds his own guitars for maximum effect. I have seen VanHalen in concert 6 times and he especially never disappoints. Hang in there. He caused millions to want to pick up a guitar.
The simple take away is that Eddie smiles when he plays, brings the crowd in. He entertains. We can talk music theory and technical ability but that is important as well that most people don’t mention.
Yes,.he was.. he was plucking his tremolo springs on the back of his guitar ... they allow the bridge to float . meaning the tremolo bar can be pushed down or pulled up ..... his bridge pickups basically pick up anything he does on the guitar at that volume ...
What he's doing there that you questioned about is what my guitarist buddies call "finger tapping" on the fret board. I love this vid, and think it's great to see both Van Halen bros on stage. The drummer is Eddie's brother Alex, who also doesn't get enough credit for his talents either. Both phenomenal musicians, as are the rest of the band as well of course!
Technically it's called 2 handed tapping, but tapping works just well. Back then, that was something we all copied. Very popular. One commenter already nailed the first 30 secs or so. It appears on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge maybe 6 years later? Called 316 for the birth of his son. At the time of this solo, I'm guessing it was just something he came up with and planned to use one day. During the first 6+ mins, he seems to combine "Erupion" (VH I) with a few pieces from "Spanish Fly" (VH II) and uses "Fly" towards the ending. At 7:21 that 3 sec section was used on the intro to "Good Enough" from 5150. At 10:18 he goes in "Cathedral" (Diver Down) and 13:44 that's the intro to "Mean Street" (VH II). About 14:57 he starts using tap harmonics and you about lose your mind. Best way to begin learning that is to fret a note (with ring finger) on 3rd or 5th fret (use G string). With right index finger tap any of the dotted frets on same string but just smack it don't hold the note. It should ring out. Then bend the original fretted note. You'll hear the ringing note fluctuate in pitch. You can do this on acoustic too. Once you memorize the proper spacing you can do it just about anywhere. You can do it with chords too like he does, but make sure to tap chord notes 12 frets up. Hope this helps.
Eddie was the guitar God like no other guitarist has ever been or will ever be. A self taught guitarist who never had a lesson in his life but he had a natural ear for music and his father made sure that he and his brother Alex learned to play the piano at an early age.
The part where he was tapping the back of the neck to make the sound, is just vibration of the strings, you can do it on an acoustic, but you won't really hear anything, but he is a master, PHD in guitar. You should check out Steve Vai, he is amazing guitarist
Don't you dare give up! When I started playing a fiddle, every dog within 5 miles wanted to attack me... Now I play local venues but still, we have a blast!
I see you play a little yourself, brother. I do too. I suck, but it makes me appreciate just how talented these professional musicians are. That's alot of practice and God given takent. The guitar is just another limb. Next level shit!
This is MR EDWARD VAN HALEN. LOL. This was normal to us. By this time, 86, people went to see VH just to see eddies solos. His guitar and him were one. He was a natural, an inventor. Invented his sound. The Brown sound. Made his guitars with the two best. He did it all. AND A GREAT RYTHM PLAYER. Many people forget that. He played piano, keyboards and many others as well. He was born to do this. WE WERE THE LUCY GENERATION THAT WITNESSED THIS AMAZING MAN.
The first technique was Fret tapping or finger tapping, that's where achieve a higher note on your string mixed in with lower notes that you are achieving through pull-offs. You can practice that with your acoustic guitar and at your skill level. Then around 6:51 he is doing tap slides where he slides with his right hand while tapping down on the fretboard. At 6:56 he does what's called an artificial harmonic dive using his tremelo or whammy bar. These techniques you definitely need an electric guitar, and a little bit more experience to practice. At 6:59 he starts tremelo picking where you pick the string on the downstroke and again on the upstroke with your pic as fast as you can. That is definitely something you can practice with your acoustic at your skill level. The trick is the timing between your left hand and right hand but once you get it... you get it.
5:06 The technique he's using is called "tapping." Eddie didn't invent tapping himself; it was already a thing before he made the scene. But nobody had ever really used tapping that extensively and it had mostly been considered a novelty or just a cool trick. But Eddie saw its potential and he perfected it, so much so that he's considered to be the pioneer and the master of tapping.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
That’s Eddie Van Halen and this was back in 1986. They kicked off the tour with Sammy Hagar in her hometown of Shreveport in March of 1986. I remember that day because I had just arrived to Barksdale AFB in March. It was at the hirsch coliseum in Shreveport.
Some guys went to school to play guitar, Eddie Van Halen skipped school to play guitar. They call him King Edward for a reason. My jaw hits the floor every time I see him play!
I have watched a number of you vids but this is by far my favorite. You had me laughing and crying at the beginning of the video with your reaction to my favorite guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. What you should take from this video is that there is no one way to play a guitar. Eddie invented many of the techniques you see him use, finger tapping, slapping, using the neck of the guitar to pick. They had to invent a new way to write guitar music for a guy who couldn't read music. I am the same age as he was when he died now and it makes me so sad that he is no longer with us.
If u want to see someone smoke an acoustic, check out Zakk Wilde performing Mississippi Queen. It's a live performance on some English t.v. show. Eddie is a master, and has inspired a gen. of players. And about Zakk, when he was 17/18, his first professional job, was lead guitar. For OZZY!
Truly awesome reaction my brother from another Mother....I know thus was posted a while ago and hopefully someone answered it for you already, but that technique you were asking about is called "hammers" and "pull-offs"....exactly how it sounds and looks...use your finger to hammer on the chord hard enough and then release it gives like a double note kinda thing
In my opinion he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest. I have seem him do this about 5 times in concert and have one of his picks. Keep in mind he was probably drunk or stoned when he did this. Thanks for reacting to this.
The technique of using both hands on the fret board. Is calles tapping. Where the right hand is tapping on the string with the fingertips. The left hand still playing single notes.
Finger tapping, hammer-ons and the harmonics he does can only be done on an electric due to the effects. If you notice during the part with the blue light on him he is actually using one of the knobs on his guitar instead of strumming or fingering! Eddie Van Halen is a wizard for sure.
Sorry, but that is completely incorrect. Hammer ons, pull offs, tapping, and harmonics can be performed on accoustic guitars. Heck, violins too. Look up Van Halen's "Spanish Fly". That is all played on acoustic. Eddie does use lots of effects, but they are not a requirement for those techniques.
Suggestion: Maybe, just maybe, if you start wearing pants like Eddie has on you, too, could rock the guitar! And if you do wear similar pants in populated public places, videos of that please... 🤷♂️
Otherworldly. Correct. Hahaha (Sorry if I repeated that before. Just got to finish this whole video.) Why us older guys(today) will always love Van Halen, Eddie especially. Thank you for bringing us enjoyment too. Go buy all their albums and enjoy them even more. His rhythm axing was phenomenal and fill-in sound crazy-fast. Very good stuff.
Eddie was classically trained. His son Wolfgang wanted to learn to play the guitar and he wanted his dad to train him. Eddie did but then he would go all Eddie. He also played the guitar on Michael Jackson Beat It. And nobody in the band knew he did it.
God bless you dude! Great video reaction. Like a guy in his first year of art school looking at Michelangelos work. Eddie Van Halen is the master other greats are measured by. Take the time and listen to Van Halens first four albums...you'll never listen to music the same way again. Good luck, and wish you the best as you grow the channel.
I hope you continue to practice and learn. You did learn watching this video. He was probably told at some point to keep one hand on the neck and the other on the body, but he explored the whole instrument and found new ways to make music. But he had to learn the basics first. Keep at it man!!!
I can't wait until you see my favorite part, the part where it looks like he is spanking the guitar. You will wonder what he is doing once again! Love, love, love your reaction! Thank you once again for letting me sit in with you!
You are not the only one to be confused looking his way of playing. I thaugt that I could play the guitar as well. After seeing him, I realized that I m just a guitar owner. He was the king. May he rest in peace.
He was a piano player so all that talent that he had on the piano it went to it to guitar and if u really thing about it a Guitar is basically a piano without keys
Side note not many people realized (or said anything abouy it at least) but did anyone else notice when he is playing cathedral around 13mins in this video, that he isnt even strumming. He is changing the tune setting on the guitar to vibrate the strings thise that weird sound. Fucking genious
20k plus fans go DEAD silent to hear EVH Play. That’s just pure RESPECT. Thank god his brother Alex hijacked Ed’s drums when they were kids. As Eddie said” ok I’ll play your stupid guitar”. R.I.P. 🙏🏻
The sign was 2 sign language ILY signs put together making a triangle. Probably making the all seeing eye triangle. The sign with just the thumb & the index fingers is common in heavy metal, & called devils' horns, by many.
Doc, look up their story. The drummer and guitarist are brothers. They started on the other instruments then decided to switch. Turns out, they were great on the initial instruments, legends after the changed.
I love it even got the guitar smoking lol lol that my friend is an amazing thing to say to say this concert is 34 years of age has really music got better it's really cool to see somebody that is as entertaining as watching the video keep up the good work my friend my friend don't let this disheartened you still learn the guitar Love from the UK 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
finger tapping is what he was doing when both hands on fret board... or just “tapping”... i think its a spanish flamenco thing originally.... and before you ask, the other frequent technique he uses is “dive bombs” which he uses with his tremelo bar and makes the note go extremely low
the trick with tapping, is the strum hand basically still strums, but now its that your strumming by tapping the desired fret and following with the other hand already on one fret, and pulls off to the next fret. so its all one fluid motion that the strum finger set off.
I must have watched fifty or sixty people reacting to this by now and yours has been my favorite reaction, thank you for making this little old ladies day! It doesn't matter to me but I'm white, I see that most people tell you what race they are so I feel it's important to someone.
No he's not human! He's EDDIE VAN HALEN 🔥🔥🔥! Saw them Van Halen when I was 16 yrs old I'm 57 now! Never forget that first time seeing him play ERUPTION 👍👍👏
im 16 now and I wish I had the opportunity to see these guys in their prime especially because now rock isnt popular anymore and now people like hip hop and that shits ass
He's not human he's an angel brought down to show us the music of heaven
@@julieb3996 Now he's there, if you believe in that.
First of all, this was one of the most enjoyable reactions I've seen to Eruption because you truly paid attention to what he was doing. Don't worry that it's overwhelming and intimidating. He's EVH and we are not. Second, NEVER GIVE UP. When VH first showed their faces in the mid 70s NO ONE had ever seen or heard anything like them. He is a legend and there is only one, but I can't begin to tell you how many guitarists he has inspired. Be inspired by what you just witnessed and enjoy your own musical journey. Please react to some VH. The entire band is badass.
To give up trying to pay guitar, I believe is disgraceful to the time, energy, and creativity of Eddie. Besides, there is a world of difference between the acoustic and electric guitar.
Keep practicing, you'll get there! Don't get discouraged, Ed Van Halen is one of the most influential guitar players who ever lived. He's ridiculously good at guitar, both technically and his phrasing. Keep in mind his father was a professional jazz musician in Holland before they came to the US, so Ed and his brother Al (on drums) were both classically trained pianists before they ever touched rock and roll. Musical life from the very beginning! That being said, definitely react to some more Van Halen live stuff! This whole concert is great, in New Haven 1986.
Dont fool yourself. You wont get there!
When Van Halen came out and we heard them for the first time we had heard nothing like him before.
Eddie VanHalen was a piano player! so when he picked up a guitar he applied that to the guitar... I shall say no more
Yeah, a lot of what he plays is basically Baroque. Bach in particular.
He still plays piano. Check out the videos. Think the song is "Its not enough"
Cigerette is stuck on the end of the string that sticks out from the tuners. You know know the part of the string you cut off when putting new strings on.
The technique is called hammering and pulling.
no, eddie was first the drummer while his brother older than him was their lead/guitar player when they start the group then years down later he and his brother switch place and from that moment he kinda knew thats where he belongs now thats a lil history of vanhalen band
As a guitar player myself, one thing i have learned over 30 years of playing, shit like this is not meant to be learned or duplicated. Its just meant to be appreciated. No one can play like Eddie, but at the same time, he cant play like you either. The guitar is an instrument that brings out the players soul as an individual player. Thats why only one person can play a guitar at a time and cover every sound music has to offer except B sharp of course
He was a professional Grand Pianist at 12 yrs old.
That's why he gets on the fret board like that with both hands cause In a way he looks at the fret board like keys on a piano.
It's called tapping.
He did not invent it and it's really not hard.
But, he took it when no one was really doing it but a few people and they weren't doing much with it.
He took it to another world and made sounds and runs never done or heard before.
He has 10 albums of music and plenty of solos on them without tapping.It's
Hes a hell of a songwriter and wrote a lot of great songs and hits.
His rhythm and timing is out of this world.
Dude changed rock when he got the scene.
Brought his own sound, his own guitar and a bag full of sounds, riffs, licks and solos never heard before and out of this world.
Couldn't have said it better myself Eric. And just think he started this phenomenon during the damn DISCO years. He was next level. Guitarists back then said "Oh, shit, what the hell is going on."
I've heard many guitarists duplicate the notes; but to this day, have never heard one make the same MUSIC. Sooo many variables he mastered as to finger placements and what PART of each finger; individual pressures and length of time etc etc. Its not just the unique tune and tone that made Eddie the GOAT; but his ear and muscle memory that let him go so effortlessly from mind to hand by just wanting to hear something, and it was made so on an unconscious level. Some call it being one with the instrument, and in a true sense it is. His new genre of Neoclassical Rock and extreme tapping, hammering, pull offs etc, mixed with the hard rock sound will forever cement him as one of the greatest rock guitar influences of the 70's and onward, to this day.
Bro, just discovered this channel. I love your enthusiasm. But, just throwing this out there, watching Eddie Van Halen and trying to learn from him is like watching Jordan and trying to learn how to shoot hoop. Not gonna happen. I really hope you enjoy your experience learning guitar but, forget you saw this. It's on a level that's almost untouchable. Learn to play what you want, learn what makes you happy. This is the GOAT
Ed's entire relationship has been " freestyle"..... He can't read music, according to Ed himself. Imo it just makes him even more iconic. 💕
Some people learn from the ear. Im like that but far from as good as Eddie lol
That was the greatest reaction and respect I’ve seen so far. I’ve grown up listening to this solo and it means so much to me to see you feel this way. Take care Brother and peace out ✌️
Pink Floyd comfortably numb live 1994 pulse tour.
If you wanna se guitar solos, that one will touch your soul 🔥
Like so rich sees it
Studio verson is better to portray the song for a first time listener
Doc the sign that dude held up was the 5150 sign. That’s the name of the record they were touring at that time. I saw that show twice in 1986. Once in Toronto and 2 weeks later in my hometown of Rochester NY. No words can describe what this man did on a guitar. GOAT period💯
Great reaction. I have mad respect for Jimmy and Stevie but you just watched the greatest Rock and Roll guitar player that's ever lived! Period! RIP Eddie ❤
This is the best reaction I have seen Doc Rich you rock.I seen this solo live in 1986 EVH will be missed
Hey man, he is the greatest R.I.P. Eddie🙏. I loved your reaction and have to tell you that I feel exactly the same about guitars as you do. It's a magical instrument and Eddie van Halen, born in the Netherlands like I am, lifted it to another level. Thank you showing others and for your reaction, bless you!
Ed and his brother Alex were taught to play piano as their first instrument. According to Ed, because Guitar and piano are on the same clef, he composed his music on piano and then put it onto guitar. He used to say that the finger tapping was a natural extension to what you do on a piano. Now keep in mind, the two brothers started playing music with their father on the 9 day boat trip from Netherlands to New York. Their dad was a professional jazz musician, and from the time the boys were walking, they were playing. You'll get there! Practice, practice, practice!
The sign that the fans are putting up with their hands is VH.I was fortunate to witness this legend and the band several times in concert! True talent. U come out of that show with a smile on ur face knowing u witnessed something special. Long live Eddie Van Halen!!!
Eddie Van Halen was the most amazing rock god of our time. He is the Mozart of our century. He started taking piano lessons at the age of 6. His father was a musician and his mother wanted him and brother Alex (drummer in Van Halen) to be concert pianists. To do something "respectable with music". Eddie started playing guitar at 12 and started bands with his brother and others shortly after. His first instrument was drums and his brother Alex was taking flamenco guitar lessons. While Eddie was working a paper route, Alex was playing his drums. So Eddie said, "fine, you wanna play my drums then I'm gonna play your damn guitar" and the rest is history. Eddie never learned to read music! He translated his piano talents to the guitar and taught himself. He made music with "double tapping" and "harmonics". He also played the bass and cello. When he played music, he didn't play the music, he was the music. He bent the keys and strings to his will. Again as you said, he made love to his guitar and his piano. They were just an extension of him. He was always a very shy, humble and sweet man until the day he died. His son Wolfgang can duplicate many of his playing, but with his own style. He was also blessed with his father's talent and ears for music. Alex is amazing on drums, never to be duplicated. Eddie also tinkered, destroyed many guitars and made his own. He was constantly chasing his tone and bringing to life the sounds he heard in his head. He came from Holland (Netherlands) to the US with the family at 7. He didn't know English and was bullied every day. His music was his voice, his sanctuary. He would express every emotion and feeling perfectly with his guitar. He passed on at the young age of 65 after battling decades of drinking, smoking and other substances. He used these to try to calm his nervous energy which could only be channeled through his music. He played 12 to 18 hours a day. Again, he didn't play the music, he was the music. His body was human, but his soul and his music will never die. It will live on forever. He is and always will be my guitar hero and my rock god. We are so blessed to have captured him in the music, videos and pictures.
Edward Lodewijk Van Halen
He is the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time)
Comfortably numb by Pink Floyd is a must if you really like guitar!! After that, watch Comfortably Numb Live at Pulse! Greatest guitar solo ever!!
The studio verson portrays the song so much better for a first time listener.
That's a very convenient place to keep a cigarette while playing and it'a also handy that way! Did you notice when he threw the pick to the audience? Awesome stuff! It's my first time sitting in with you today! Thank you for allowing me to do that! I absolutely loved your reaction to this fabulous solo! He will throw a few more picks out so keep watching!
Best reaction I have ever seen. You gave much respect to the Rock guitar master!
He uses a combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs. I learned it years ago when I played guitar but NO ONE can do that like Eddie Vanhalen. He truly is a wizard and builds his own guitars for maximum effect. I have seen VanHalen in concert 6 times and he especially never disappoints. Hang in there. He caused millions to want to pick up a guitar.
The simple take away is that Eddie smiles when he plays, brings the crowd in. He entertains. We can talk music theory and technical ability but that is important as well that most people don’t mention.
Yes,.he was.. he was plucking his tremolo springs on the back of his guitar ... they allow the bridge to float . meaning the tremolo bar can be pushed down or pulled up ..... his bridge pickups basically pick up anything he does on the guitar at that volume ...
Hands down the best reaction to this I have ever seen.
What he's doing there that you questioned about is what my guitarist buddies call "finger tapping" on the fret board. I love this vid, and think it's great to see both Van Halen bros on stage. The drummer is Eddie's brother Alex, who also doesn't get enough credit for his talents either. Both phenomenal musicians, as are the rest of the band as well of course!
Technically it's called 2 handed tapping, but tapping works just well. Back then, that was something we all copied. Very popular. One commenter already nailed the first 30 secs or so. It appears on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge maybe 6 years later? Called 316 for the birth of his son. At the time of this solo, I'm guessing it was just something he came up with and planned to use one day. During the first 6+ mins, he seems to combine "Erupion" (VH I) with a few pieces from "Spanish Fly" (VH II) and uses "Fly" towards the ending. At 7:21 that 3 sec section was used on the intro to "Good Enough" from 5150. At 10:18 he goes in "Cathedral" (Diver Down) and 13:44 that's the intro to "Mean Street" (VH II). About 14:57 he starts using tap harmonics and you about lose your mind. Best way to begin learning that is to fret a note (with ring finger) on 3rd or 5th fret (use G string). With right index finger tap any of the dotted frets on same string but just smack it don't hold the note. It should ring out. Then bend the original fretted note. You'll hear the ringing note fluctuate in pitch. You can do this on acoustic too. Once you memorize the proper spacing you can do it just about anywhere. You can do it with chords too like he does, but make sure to tap chord notes 12 frets up. Hope this helps.
Eddie was the guitar God like no other guitarist has ever been or will ever be. A self taught guitarist who never had a lesson in his life but he had a natural ear for music and his father made sure that he and his brother Alex learned to play the piano at an early age.
Nothing more exciting that watching someone experience EVH for the first time. Still excites me, and I was a child of the 80's. Happy for ya!
The part where he was tapping the back of the neck to make the sound, is just vibration of the strings, you can do it on an acoustic, but you won't really hear anything, but he is a master, PHD in guitar. You should check out Steve Vai, he is amazing guitarist
Don't you dare give up! When I started playing a fiddle, every dog within 5 miles wanted to attack me... Now I play local venues but still, we have a blast!
THE. GREATEST. GUITAR. SOLO. EVER. FILMED. OF. THE. GREATEST. GUITARIST. WHO’S. EVER. LIVED.!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, props for picking up your guitar during the video. It's a journey for every guitar player, takes time to get where you want to be with it.
I see you play a little yourself, brother. I do too. I suck, but it makes me appreciate just how talented these professional musicians are. That's alot of practice and God given takent. The guitar is just another limb. Next level shit!
When Van Halen 1 came out you could hear the jaws of milions of guitar players simultaneously hitting the floor!!
RIP GOAT OF GOATS👑🎸!!! 😢💔
This is MR EDWARD VAN HALEN. LOL. This was normal to us. By this time, 86, people went to see VH just to see eddies solos. His guitar and him were one. He was a natural, an inventor. Invented his sound. The Brown sound. Made his guitars with the two best. He did it all. AND A GREAT RYTHM PLAYER. Many people forget that. He played piano, keyboards and many others as well. He was born to do this. WE WERE THE LUCY GENERATION THAT WITNESSED THIS AMAZING MAN.
The first technique was Fret tapping or finger tapping, that's where achieve a higher note on your string mixed in with lower notes that you are achieving through pull-offs. You can practice that with your acoustic guitar and at your skill level.
Then around 6:51 he is doing tap slides where he slides with his right hand while tapping down on the fretboard. At 6:56 he does what's called an artificial harmonic dive using his tremelo or whammy bar. These techniques you definitely need an electric guitar, and a little bit more experience to practice.
At 6:59 he starts tremelo picking where you pick the string on the downstroke and again on the upstroke with your pic as fast as you can. That is definitely something you can practice with your acoustic at your skill level. The trick is the timing between your left hand and right hand but once you get it... you get it.
5:06 The technique he's using is called "tapping." Eddie didn't invent tapping himself; it was already a thing before he made the scene. But nobody had ever really used tapping that extensively and it had mostly been considered a novelty or just a cool trick. But Eddie saw its potential and he perfected it, so much so that he's considered to be the pioneer and the master of tapping.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Wrong, eddie pioneered tapping, just wasn't the first to put "right hand hammer-ons" on tape, no one in the US or UK was...a dude in italy was doimg it in the early 60's. People need to get their terminology correct.
Prodigy + countless hours of practice = MASTER
Doc: He got the guitar smokin'
Me:....oh boy...son just doesn't know.....
"I'm so confused right now." Welcome to the club.
That’s Eddie Van Halen and this was back in 1986. They kicked off the tour with Sammy Hagar in her hometown of Shreveport in March of 1986. I remember that day because I had just arrived to Barksdale AFB in March. It was at the hirsch coliseum in Shreveport.
Some guys went to school to play guitar, Eddie Van Halen skipped school to play guitar. They call him King Edward for a reason. My jaw hits the floor every time I see him play!
I have watched a number of you vids but this is by far my favorite. You had me laughing and crying at the beginning of the video with your reaction to my favorite guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. What you should take from this video is that there is no one way to play a guitar. Eddie invented many of the techniques you see him use, finger tapping, slapping, using the neck of the guitar to pick. They had to invent a new way to write guitar music for a guy who couldn't read music. I am the same age as he was when he died now and it makes me so sad that he is no longer with us.
If u want to see someone smoke an acoustic, check out Zakk Wilde performing Mississippi Queen. It's a live performance on some English t.v. show. Eddie is a master, and has inspired a gen. of players. And about Zakk, when he was 17/18, his first professional job, was lead guitar. For OZZY!
Truly awesome reaction my brother from another Mother....I know thus was posted a while ago and hopefully someone answered it for you already, but that technique you were asking about is called "hammers" and "pull-offs"....exactly how it sounds and looks...use your finger to hammer on the chord hard enough and then release it gives like a double note kinda thing
In my opinion he is one of the greatest, if not the greatest. I have seem him do this about 5 times in concert and have one of his picks. Keep in mind he was probably drunk or stoned when he did this. Thanks for reacting to this.
Yeah he was drunk as hell if you first noticed the singer had to help him up on the stage because how drunk he was
And also he had his eyes closed most of the time
The technique of using both hands on the fret board. Is calles tapping. Where the right hand is tapping on the string with the fingertips. The left hand still playing single notes.
Still tears me up when I watch this video and how Sammy introduces Eddie onto the stage.
That's called TAPPING!!!!!!!
Finger tapping, hammer-ons and the harmonics he does can only be done on an electric due to the effects. If you notice during the part with the blue light on him he is actually using one of the knobs on his guitar instead of strumming or fingering! Eddie Van Halen is a wizard for sure.
Sorry, but that is completely incorrect. Hammer ons, pull offs, tapping, and harmonics can be performed on accoustic guitars. Heck, violins too. Look up Van Halen's "Spanish Fly". That is all played on acoustic. Eddie does use lots of effects, but they are not a requirement for those techniques.
What most don't realize is Eddie did this over 43 years ago and till this day nobody else can match Eddie's playing!
''I know he's going to do something otherworldly in a second''..... The understatement of the year ;)
Suggestion: Maybe, just maybe, if you start wearing pants like Eddie has on you, too, could rock the guitar! And if you do wear similar pants in populated public places, videos of that please... 🤷♂️
This is a guy so talented that they literally changed how guitars were made because of him.
When the lights went blue on him that is played by one hand and the other hand is using the volume key only.
When you realize just how high the mountain goes.
In case you didn't know...he solo on Michael Jackson's "Beat it"
Otherworldly. Correct. Hahaha (Sorry if I repeated that before. Just got to finish this whole video.)
Why us older guys(today) will always love Van Halen, Eddie especially. Thank you for bringing us enjoyment too. Go buy all their albums and enjoy them even more. His rhythm axing was phenomenal and fill-in sound crazy-fast. Very good stuff.
It was even better live when its so loud you feel it in your chest too
Eddie was classically trained. His son Wolfgang wanted to learn to play the guitar and he wanted his dad to train him. Eddie did but then he would go all Eddie. He also played the guitar on Michael Jackson Beat It. And nobody in the band knew he did it.
No he's not human...he's a rock guitar God. If you watch the video again, notice that his eyes are closed nearly the entire time.
Evh created his guitar the way he wanted it, all the sounds came from him taking parts from different guitars and molding his own
The technical name for that guitar technique is called hammer on pull off or “tapping” by nickname
You're a good man Doc. God bless you
*12:30* That's the Van Halen symbol make with hand (what present's nicely on the _For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge_ album cover) Rest in peace Eddie😢
God bless you dude! Great video reaction. Like a guy in his first year of art school looking at Michelangelos work. Eddie Van Halen is the master other greats are measured by. Take the time and listen to Van Halens first four albums...you'll never listen to music the same way again. Good luck, and wish you the best as you grow the channel.
I hope you continue to practice and learn. You did learn watching this video. He was probably told at some point to keep one hand on the neck and the other on the body, but he explored the whole instrument and found new ways to make music. But he had to learn the basics first. Keep at it man!!!
I can't wait until you see my favorite part, the part where it looks like he is spanking the guitar. You will wonder what he is doing once again! Love, love, love your reaction! Thank you once again for letting me sit in with you!
You are not the only one to be confused looking his way of playing. I thaugt that I could play the guitar as well. After seeing him, I realized that I m just a guitar owner. He was the king. May he rest in peace.
He was a piano player so all that talent that he had on the piano it went to it to guitar and if u really thing about it a Guitar is basically a piano without keys
Side note not many people realized (or said anything abouy it at least) but did anyone else notice when he is playing cathedral around 13mins in this video, that he isnt even strumming. He is changing the tune setting on the guitar to vibrate the strings thise that weird sound. Fucking genious
20k plus fans go DEAD silent to hear EVH Play. That’s just pure RESPECT. Thank god his brother Alex hijacked Ed’s drums when they were kids. As Eddie said” ok I’ll play your stupid guitar”. R.I.P. 🙏🏻
First melody is called 316 he wrote it for his son wolfgang when he was born
The sign was 2 sign language ILY signs put together making a triangle. Probably making the all seeing eye triangle.
The sign with just the thumb & the index fingers is common in heavy metal, & called devils' horns, by many.
Oh yes!! Happy Birthday to me. I can't drive 55, but, made it to the double nickle in age. Sammy Hagar is awesome too!!
Yes my friend.......he is a great master.....MR...eddy van halen
Doc, look up their story. The drummer and guitarist are brothers. They started on the other instruments then decided to switch. Turns out, they were great on the initial instruments, legends after the changed.
Eddie Van Halen....well...he was the master at his craft and he was definitely one of a kind...RIP...EVH
I love it even got the guitar smoking lol lol that my friend is an amazing thing to say to say this concert is 34 years of age has really music got better it's really cool to see somebody that is as entertaining as watching the video keep up the good work my friend my friend don't let this disheartened you still learn the guitar
Love from the UK
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The technique is called hammering and pulling. Where the storming hand hammers and pulls on the strings while his left hand in also playing as well
Meant the struming hand is still playing as well
Your face is priceless!
finger tapping is what he was doing when both hands on fret board... or just “tapping”... i think its a spanish flamenco thing originally....
and before you ask, the other frequent technique he uses is “dive bombs” which he uses with his tremelo bar and makes the note go extremely low
the trick with tapping, is the strum hand basically still strums, but now its that your strumming by tapping the desired fret and following with the other hand already on one fret, and pulls off to the next fret. so its all one fluid motion that the strum finger set off.
This should the the standard by which all guitarist`s should strive to become.
No, he isn't human. He's a guitar god. Lovin' your reactions. Stay gold!
That's the Van Halen sign (popular during can Hagar)
50 billion years brother , like er reaction, with class.
Awesome reaction....Thank you brother
The technique you mentioned was called tapping, he uses hammer on and pull offs with both hands to get some cool licks.
RIP EDDIE! THANK YOU!!
2 hand tapping...he's hammering on the notes with his index and ring finger of his left hand and tapping the last note with his right index finger.
Don't ever give up on your goals and dreams!
Need to react to more van Halen . You will really enjoy their music
It was the Van Halen sign
With the hands
Cool catch
yeah that ain't no human, that's an angel god sent to finess on us
I must have watched fifty or sixty people reacting to this by now and yours has been my favorite reaction, thank you for making this little old ladies day! It doesn't matter to me but I'm white, I see that most people tell you what race they are so I feel it's important to someone.
He was playing the neck he knew every part of his guitar Musical prodigy ...
No he's not, guitarist have been tapping before EVH was born.
This world lost another GREAT one... RIP Eddie