Thanks for posting this, Andy! I agree 100% - all these "bedroom guitar heroes" mocking Satriani seem to forget 2 things: 1) it's easy doing 100 takes in the safety of your bedroom until you get one right and then posting that on social media. 2) even if you can play it perfectly you're still just copying an original innovator but do you have your own style, sound, voice? Satch does. Have you written dozens of successful songs? Satch has...
There is another aspect to this - the whole "playing guitar is a contest" thing. It is much more important to have your own voice and to love music. It's funny (and by funny, I mean tragic and sad) how much music is set up to be a competition right from the very beginning when our kids are just learning. Be it choirs, piano, violin mandolin, or whatever, we seem to try to indoctrinate the whole "competition" mentality. But the ones who emerge as "greats" are usually the ones who reject that whole competition schtick (even if they were on that treadmill for a while) and play for love of their instrument and the joy of making music. And the biggest tragedy is all those who abandoned making music because they rejected the whole competition thing, burying zillions of ideas and inspirations no one will ever hear, and depriving themselves of an endlessly rewarding piece of their lives. Such a waste.
Yes, it is great to develop your own voice, technique, tone, and feel… and love what you’re doing. But nothing wrong with the competitive aspect. I’m sure most guitar players want that competitive edge, and to be better than others-no matter what level one is playing at. And regardless of what they say, ha ha. That’s how Ed was! He wanted to out practice and outplay everyone. And that was all intentional. He was an assassin on the guitar, and wanted to be on top. And he was.
That's basically the response that King Edward said his entire life when someone asked him "is there anyone out there who can challenge you for the throne" and Eddie would always say "there's plenty of room for everyone, and everybody should have their own style of playing"
Oh I’m sure Edward was honored by so many people wanting to learn to play like him. I have seen video of your guest playing Van Halen songs before and I was very very impressed with his playing. His technique is so clean and tight, and he has a great ear.
There's a BIG difference between playing something on instagram or tik tok after you've practiced it 400 times and playing a night's worth of material. Guitarists who gig regularly learn musical skills that can't be learned by just playing a piece solo in your bedroom. Not that these social media guys aren't good but there's a whole other dimension to playing in a band in front of an audience. Thanks Andy
Very well said. Ed did it with such style, flair, and ease. It's pretty nuts really. I always thought Jimi's material was much more technically attainable. EVH really was a prodigy.
I saw Satch recently live, doing some outros that were absolutely mind boggling, like he was speaking with Aliens with the guitar. Truely inventive on the guitar, like EVH, but in his own ways. One of the all-time greats. He taught us rockers about modal composition and so much more. Satch gets all the praise from me and my guitar playing friends.
I'm a Knoxville TN native as well and so glad I found your YT channel. I've been neglecting my guitars unfortunately and stumbled upon some of your vids gives me a little kick in the rear that I needed to... Like.. HEYYYY!!!! PICK THAT GUITAR UP AND PLAY!!!!! Thank you! I honestly appreciate it for sure man! Keep Rockin🤘 And so will I 👊
I've seen EVH do this live on several occasions live-in-person and on videos --- my favorite is what was captured with "Live Without A Net" -- amazing!
One of the best shows I’ve seen VH was 1984 tour 10th row at the Garden . Ed had a some folding wood on the back of his guitar so he could rest it on his stomach and play the neck with both hands during his solo like a piano . Freaking Amazing !!!!!!! I never seen him do it again
I believe I saw a U.S. patent application for that guitar stand --- not sure if the patent was granted to Ed or not but it seemed cool he would try that
Satch takes a back seat to no one… period! There is shit he does that kept EVH up at night… if Ed gave a shit… the thing is Ed went through periods he didn’t pick the guitar up he just didn’t give a shit… Satch is totally dedicated to the guitar and you can hear that love and dedication in his playing. Both are and were awesome guitar players their music will live on forever and thx Cam and Andy for help keeping it alive!
Hi Andy! I loved your parking lot rant and I agree with you about everything, I mean I am not a Satriani fan but I wouldn't diss on him for his playing. Also , how many other times have we seen famous musician's kids become a mess or whatever but I think Wolfgang is doing things right. He is a smart and talented guy. He does it all when he records, drums, guitar bass, vocals and you have to respect that. I especially love that he uses the name Mammoth which, as you know, was Van Halen's band name before they became Van Halen! He also loves cats so how could you not like the guy?
Thanks for sharing your versions guys that was kick ass! I learned it one way and have watched a few great player's lessons and have come to the conclusion that pretty much everyone has their own way to play it with minor variations but they all sound killer to me! I just feel blessed that everyone is willing to share what they worked so hard to figure out! Eddie was the freaking man!
Satch said long ago, Eddie was a huge influence on him so I don’t see it being a competition when he plays some of Ed’s music. Look at what n how EVH influence effected JS as a highly masterful guitarist. There two of my favorites ever, GREAT MUSICIANS!!!❤️
Beautiful job Andy and thank you for having Cameron on! He’s a fantastic player who is a true student of Edward and you guys did an excellent breakdown! Kudos! Also, a fun thing that my friend Tanner Yordan noticed is that the slap/tap fade-in part is the same rhythm as the intro to ZZ Top’s “Manic Mechanic”!
Excellent video, guys! Great to see Cam on here. He's one of my favorite online players. Cool, humble guy and a phenomenal guitarist. That dude plays in a very melodic way that's just pleasing to the ear, but he can also shred with the best of em when he wants. Thanks to both of you for this class in VH and, well... class.
When Eddie dropped that track in the 70s. Everyone knelt and genuflected. A prophet had arrived. The first guitarist I saw that could play like Eddie was Carlos Carvazo. Before Quiet Riot, he had an LA cover band called Snow. They played one of our high school parties :)
WOW! This is one of the coolest things I´ve seen in a while! Cameron is such a nice guy and an awesome guitarplayer! And you´re absolutely right what you´ve said about all the hate Satriani has got recently! Love it! You´re the man, Andy! I have to grab my guitar right now! 😉
Good grief, Satriani was being humble and giving EVH mad respect. Of course he could play it if he wanted, and probably can already. The guy has learned complete catalogs of other bands in order to tour with them. Your 'rant' was spot on Andy, I thought the same thing at the time.
Amen! We all love EVH! I did my own version of One Foot out the door and Sunday Afternoon in the Park! It’s not pretty but I felt it had Spirit plus we are keeping the dream alive. Loved your honesty 🎉
No one is excellent at someone else's excellence. Eddie has history in his pocket....and it's so well deserved. The day anyone can cop Eddie's feel is the day guitar loses it's appeal. It's all part of the magic we love.
Your synapsis was 100 percent on point. I know a few tab guys ( nothing wrong with tab) that can play several difficult Van Halen songs 90 percent perfect. These same guys dont even know the notes they're hitting. Coundnt improvise over chords to save their life. Cant believe anyone would question Satriani and Im a blues guy.
Hi Andy. I never watched your comment on Joe playing Mean Street, so I don't know what kind of internet BS went on about that. What I would tell any guitar player who wants to play that, is that it will be harder for a guitar player who doesn't have a background in drums. Essentially, Eddie was thumping out a drum pattern on the fret board and picking out specific notes for it. I learned how to play it when I got the Live Without a Net video. Having played drums in the past, it was a little easier for me to get the rhythm for it, all I needed was the notes. All the negative comments going towards Joe for trying to wing that one off the cuff, are just total BS. Eddie was always Eddie on the guitar, and Joe is always Joe on the guitar. Both are fantastic guitar players in their own right. Just a note: When learning this riff, turn off the delay so you can hear your timing.
I learnt the first part of the mean streets a few years. My first bit of advice if you want to go learn it is to just get the accents of the right hand down first. The left hand is just filling in the gaps. Also practice it on a table like if you were finger drumming. Eddie was a drummer first before switching to guitar.
This is what it should always be and always about...Excite, Educate and Empower each other....love this video and the community....THANK YOU ANDY WOOD!!🙏🙏🙏アンディ・ウッド、ありがとう~感謝しています🙏
Cool he mentioned largo. I was front row Eddie threw out picks. He got down in one knee. Put one my girlfriend s hand . I still have that. I think that’s first time. I saw mean street part.
Ed quote From GW’s 30th-anniversary issue, late 2010 - “It's funny no matter how hard I tried to sound like the records - and I really tried - I always ended up sounding like me. We used to play It’s Your Thing by the Isley Brothers, but everyone thought it was a Black Sabbath song because I was playing it through a Marshall. "
Loved this video Andy and Cameron is also a very cool fella with alot of humility about his playing. Your comment about both your accents made me smile, I'm from London but my surname is Scottish which is only relevant in that I'm guessing Cameron is from the Edinburgh area. If he had a thick Glasgow accent I would have trouble understanding him as well😊. Glasgow is a stone's throw from Edinburgh too. British accents eh!?. You're easy to understand btw and although I'm not sure I've watched your channel before, it popped up and I've now subscribed. All the best mate 👍.
For all the times I was the old man shaking my fist at the sky "Back in my day you sat on the edge of the bed, dropped the needle on the LP and you got back in time to play the part you were learning..none of this Instagriddles, looky-box stuff." For all those times, I repent. This is way better. Andy and Cammy are having a blast and I'm smiling right along with them. So fun. Steady on!
I was at both those New Haven shows where they filmed "Live without a Net" 1st night, Eddie's wireless went down right before his solo and had to use a cable!
This video shouldn't have to be made. But Im glad you did. Satch (besides being a really great guy) is a living legend. My other question is why is Sam doing any Dave era songs? Plus any 3am lobby call sucks. Great video as always Andy
Andy these trolls that criticize Joe Satriani should stop and think where are they at ? They aren’t good enough to hold Joes Pick ! Joe is doing a great job! 🎸
Phil X NO ONE SWINGS is a breakdown of IM THE ONE. His commentary is brilliant an so complimentary. His playing is off the chain. While Eruption changed guitar, I'm The One is considered the musical masterpiece that showcased Eddie's true brilliance of a player. To watch Phil play those licks, not the taps and dives, is unreal. The fretboard acrobatics is mind blowing. I wasn't huge into the tapping and the dives, and it just wasn't my thing. Too much. Then, when Hot For Teacher came out, he played that solo on the table, no tricks except at the very beginning. I thought, there it is. That's the one, and he's as wicked as I thought he was. I never got into learning his stuff because of the tapping. Takes so much time to get really good at it. I was just so sick of hearing Eddie Eddie Eddie. F, he just taps. Then, he died, and I was CRUSHED. Couldn't believe it. It was like losing someone you cared very deeply about but the last thing you said to them was something very hateful. I always knew he was The One, I just didn't acknowledge it and I felt so disrespectful. I was 15 when I started playing in 1985. The hair guitar was the thing. Floyds, Marshall Stacks, and huge double bass drum sets. I was a guitar fanatic and Eddie was always right there. I lived VH music, but just him as a solo player wasn't my thing. And then, he was gone. Was terrible. When Wolfie played the Taylor Hawkins tribute, I was inconsolable. I'm a dad. I have a daughter that completely betrayed me and stabbed me in the back and became a drum fanatic. She plays a monster 11 piece double bass Pearl set-up with a bunch of Paiste RUDE cymbals, but Eddie was a dad, #1. For Wolfievto smoke that Hot For Teacher solo standing on the edge of that stage, show-off style, and Eddie not there to witness what would have been the pinnacle of father's pride, his son playing his solo in front of a monster crowd, I just came unglued.
Ed would hold up a middle finger to all of these talkers and simply walk away. If you listened to what Satriani was saying, you know the respect for Ed is there, and Ed didn’t disrespect any who didn’t deserve it.
A lot of guys Satriani’s age learned every Van Halen album as they came out. I know several guitarists who know pretty much every Van Halen tune, but it has been so long since they played them regularly they just need to brush up a little.
At the end of the day no one will ever be Ed. Just like when Randy died people hated anyone who tried playing for Ozzy until they realized Jake was Jake and Zakk was Zakk and they still got to hear the music. The same has to happen here enjoy the music that was created and honor Ed!
Joe was asked what was the most difficult Van Halen track to play. He said Mean Street, he attempted it without practicing. He didn’t nail it. That was a compliment to EVH!!! If he says it is difficult and plays it like it was nothing then that kind of discredits him saying it is difficult. Think about the accomplished player that Joe is.
Not an even cycle. Nice description. Eddie is way harder to figure out than other 80s shredders who used a bunch of patterns. Eddie was on fire in the Roth years with Marshalls
His stuff is much harder to learn then guitarists who followed the book because he didn't abide by the book , he rewrote the book . I had two big music books that showed how to play VH and Ozzy with Randy stuff when I was growing up , I gave up on the Van Halen transcriptions and did Randy stuff because Randy followed the book and was much easier to play .
The lick at the end of you really got me now never gets attention. That was a quintessential lick. Speaking of rythmic cycles.. mostly referring to the initial lick which was tough. The sticatto is hard. I learned it after 40 years from Steven Rosen's interview in 1979. I know this. Eddie had Asian hands. I live in Taipei. People there all have flexible hands. I call them banana fingers. Gives an advantage to chords etc. rock on
I never understood why all of the alleged guitar players were bashing Satch anyway. Given how dysfunctional (Wolfgang's word not mine) the remainder of VH is and given that fact that Sammy, Dave, Al and Mike are in their 70's now or close to it, there is not much time left to have original or one time VH members to go and celebrate the music of EVH anyway. Yet Alex and DLR have done nothing until Sammy put in the work to do a small tour. Satch is brave for even wanting to do this as well. He got a good dose of what it is like to fill in for a legend when he took Blackmores place in Deep Purple. It is one thing to do a 100 takes plus and put together a RUclips video and quite another to play songs live with a band and to play those songs on the road in front of real audiences.
I agree that WVH is really a breathe of fresh air. Van Halen needs to live on either by tribute bands, special performances, and re-imaginations.... but I am so sick of "No Somebody = No Band" stuff. Joe S is a class act and is just trying to let the memory of EVH live on... people should just take it for what it is and enjoy it! We all miss EVH, he will not be forgotten for sure!
Thanks for the video and lesson! I love the intro, but I think I love the groove of the whole of the whole band even more! Just a powerhouse of a track
The key to getting the tone is not to have a lot of Fx crowding the tap/slap technique. Cranked Plexi or EVH 100S on the Blue Chaneel, volume is rolled off on the guitar to about 8-9 with a Seymour Duncan CC pickup or EVH pup. DCR 13.8 with A2 magnet. The CC pup gets that harmonic and the A2 is the butter behind it. Using an Axis (which I have one of those also) the pup is a little different, supposedly similar to the EB AT1 pup. Great vid! Thanks for sharing.
Honk. ‘Twas a fine rant. Every real slinger watched or listened to that and saw the big real picture. Satch is Satch. Most of our leaders enjoy one another’s style, but they’ve built their business on THEIR style. Takes all of the music time to be yourself when that’s your business. Haters obviously didn’t really understand how different Satch was to EVH. I salute Satch for supporting Sammy and Mike. Jeez people. Full sails for all not pent up arrows on fire. Good work my man. Rant said it all and was not personal. The rant was for the better of the guitar community. We’re a kinship people. This is old world history we carry and protect in our hands as an art.
I think I got it. H = Right High tap (High E and B) / # = Left hand mute slap / L = Right hand Low E [H / # / L / # / H / # / L / L / #] (that's part 1) then [H / # / L / # / H / # / L / H / # / L / #] (that's part 2). then repeat. I think the only difference it the first time through he hits the Low E twice, and the second time he hits the Low E once, then the High E & B. I don't think he is skipping a slap. I think it seems uneven because of where we are starting on the high notes verses the low E (I think the real starting place of the piece is the Low E).. IDK, I could be wrong
Great video Andy!! BTW at 19:58 If you watch the videos carefully you'll notice that Edward did the first ascending phrase with his (left hand) second finger while the first finger mutes -- then the next time he goes to the first finger FWIW
I have always thought that Eddie and Alex had a little pow-wow when Eddie wrote the intro to Mean Streets.. there's this whole paradiddle thing going on at the beginning.
While Satriani really isn't the guy, neither is Vai, Yngwie, Lynch, or Jake E Lee. My favorite killers I learned on. Those guys have such a distinct sound that they wouldn't be able to get away from it.
It’s VERY percussive.. I’m sure Ed was probably a pretty decent drummer, after all, he did start with drums.. Along the that, when Ed picked up his guitar and slammed into that intro - first time - I’m guessing it just flowed out.. not a lot of thought, just Ed being Ed! Brilliant Genius Edward Van Halen! RIP EVH!!!
The song is hard. The solo starts and it's the greatest bend ever played in any genre by any guitar player ever. Creative hard song that not that many truly have down. It's alright, that's why we practice. I heard John Petrucci play it. Not that well, that day. Joe's , Joe. I'm glad he's doing it, he said he never would. This is why he said he wouldn't. It's going to be fun show's for everyone.
I agree with the practice part. But in that moment is where it matters. He wasn't ahead of his time. He was teaching and playing in his time. Look at where the younger generation is. It's because of players like him. And Joe, and others@@herbcanter2114
Satriani plays satriani, if he doesn't nail VH who cares, its not something he plays every day like some people and prob briefly went over a few things but Eddie would 😂😂prob would struggle with Satch tunes too.I don't judge guitar heroes by playing how well they play Covers of other guitar heroes anyway.
I didn’t quite follow the bit towards the end, about when he took down a post? It almost sounded like this guy had eluded that he played this better than Satch? But he seems more humble than to think that, ha ha. And that would be ridiculous to think. Pretty cool interview though. I’m definitely gonna get right on this when I get home tonight.😝🎸🤘🏻🇺🇸
This is hillarious. When I worked at Jose's I showed Ed the drill and that particular riff you guys are laughing (22.20 ish) about (the kitty cat claws) and one other one he uses in live without a net after he teases the opening mean streets riff.
I think Wolfgang Van Halen gave up the ‘Wolfiie’ moniker quite a few years ago. As an adult, he goes by ‘Wolf.’ I think Valerie still calls him ‘Wolfie’ from time to time, but then moms can be that way. LoL
But is he lightly holding the A chord during that slap or lightly holding the first 5 strings? Its kinda hard to see without zooming in.Thank you excellent video btw you both made it look easy 🙌 I will say I wanted to hear the main riff.Jen it jit Da Jen it jit da jow chinka Jen it jit ja jowwn.lol 💥I can prob figure that part out tho.It's Eddies "tone" too that's hard to nail.
![Diggy Graves - Red Vineyard [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8Ro085T0mnQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks again for having me on the channel Andy! I had a lot of fun chatting all things EVH with you! 🎸
Thanks for posting this, Andy! I agree 100% - all these "bedroom guitar heroes" mocking Satriani seem to forget 2 things: 1) it's easy doing 100 takes in the safety of your bedroom until you get one right and then posting that on social media. 2) even if you can play it perfectly you're still just copying an original innovator but do you have your own style, sound, voice? Satch does. Have you written dozens of successful songs? Satch has...
Way to put it .... 😅 Criticizing a great ( satch ) guitar player because he couldn't nail the intro to mean street .
Thanks Andy for making this a teaching moment, both for guitarists, and for us as people. 🙏🏻🎸
There is another aspect to this - the whole "playing guitar is a contest" thing. It is much more important to have your own voice and to love music. It's funny (and by funny, I mean tragic and sad) how much music is set up to be a competition right from the very beginning when our kids are just learning. Be it choirs, piano, violin mandolin, or whatever, we seem to try to indoctrinate the whole "competition" mentality. But the ones who emerge as "greats" are usually the ones who reject that whole competition schtick (even if they were on that treadmill for a while) and play for love of their instrument and the joy of making music. And the biggest tragedy is all those who abandoned making music because they rejected the whole competition thing, burying zillions of ideas and inspirations no one will ever hear, and depriving themselves of an endlessly rewarding piece of their lives. Such a waste.
Yes, it is great to develop your own voice, technique, tone, and feel… and love what you’re doing. But nothing wrong with the competitive aspect. I’m sure most guitar players want that competitive edge, and to be better than others-no matter what level one is playing at. And regardless of what they say, ha ha.
That’s how Ed was! He wanted to out practice and outplay everyone. And that was all intentional. He was an assassin on the guitar, and wanted to be on top. And he was.
That's basically the response that King Edward said his entire life when someone asked him "is there anyone out there who can challenge you for the throne" and Eddie would always say "there's plenty of room for everyone, and everybody should have their own style of playing"
Oh I’m sure Edward was honored by so many people wanting to learn to play like him. I have seen video of your guest playing Van Halen songs before and I was very very impressed with his playing. His technique is so clean and tight, and he has a great ear.
There's a BIG difference between playing something on instagram or tik tok after you've practiced it 400 times and playing a night's worth of material. Guitarists who gig regularly learn musical skills that can't be learned by just playing a piece solo in your bedroom. Not that these social media guys aren't good but there's a whole other dimension to playing in a band in front of an audience.
Thanks Andy
Very well said. Ed did it with such style, flair, and ease. It's pretty nuts really. I always thought Jimi's material was much more technically attainable. EVH really was a prodigy.
@@espojespo5 Eddie was a once in a lifetime type of player and lucky for us we were alive when he existed.
Great lesson and thank you for putting some respect on Satch’s name!
I saw Satch recently live, doing some outros that were absolutely mind boggling, like he was speaking with Aliens with the guitar. Truely inventive on the guitar, like EVH, but in his own ways.
One of the all-time greats.
He taught us rockers about modal composition and so much more.
Satch gets all the praise from me and my guitar playing friends.
I agree 💯
That's funny because I always considered EVH the king of cool outros --- but Satch could hold his own against King Edward for really funky intros!
Satch had trouble trying to play it!!
You see how good EVH was
kudo"s to anyone that is teaching Andy how to play something!
Don't forget Alex. No Van Halen without Alex!
I'm a Knoxville TN native as well and so glad I found your YT channel. I've been neglecting my guitars unfortunately and stumbled upon some of your vids gives me a little kick in the rear that I needed to... Like.. HEYYYY!!!! PICK THAT GUITAR UP AND PLAY!!!!!
Thank you! I honestly appreciate it for sure man! Keep Rockin🤘 And so will I 👊
I learned this intro in the 90s. Yes, I'm old. It's like a drum rudiment on the guitar.... super fun once you internalize the pattern.
I've seen EVH do this live on several occasions live-in-person and on videos --- my favorite is what was captured with "Live Without A Net" -- amazing!
You're still up there with the greats for me Andy!
One of the best shows I’ve seen VH was 1984 tour 10th row at the Garden . Ed had a some folding wood on the back of his guitar so he could rest it on his stomach and play the neck with both hands during his solo like a piano . Freaking Amazing !!!!!!! I never seen him do it again
I believe I saw a U.S. patent application for that guitar stand --- not sure if the patent was granted to Ed or not but it seemed cool he would try that
Wolfie kinda in same boat as Hank jr glad to see he’s taking the same road as Hank jr and just go live the life!
Such a classic example of Eddie Van Halen‘s genius. 😎🎸👍
Super cool concept for a video, man! Really dig your idea of bringing someone on to teach it to us all! Humble and informative as always, thanks bro.
Someone please type the R L T pattern this video confused me 😅
Great video, congratulations. Cheers from Brazil.
Satch takes a back seat to no one… period! There is shit he does that kept EVH up at night… if Ed gave a shit… the thing is Ed went through periods he didn’t pick the guitar up he just didn’t give a shit… Satch is totally dedicated to the guitar and you can hear that love and dedication in his playing. Both are and were awesome guitar players their music will live on forever and thx Cam and Andy for help keeping it alive!
So you had to go negative on "Satch better" and more negative with "long periods he didn't pick it up" where you there?? 😂
Hi Andy! I loved your parking lot rant and I agree with you about everything, I mean I am not a Satriani fan but I wouldn't diss on him for his playing. Also , how many other times have we seen famous musician's kids become a mess or whatever but I think Wolfgang is doing things right. He is a smart and talented guy. He does it all when he records, drums, guitar bass, vocals and you have to respect that. I especially love that he uses the name Mammoth which, as you know, was Van Halen's band name before they became Van Halen! He also loves cats so how could you not like the guy?
Thanks for sharing your versions guys that was kick ass! I learned it one way and have watched a few great player's lessons and have come to the conclusion that pretty much everyone has their own way to play it with minor variations but they all sound killer to me! I just feel blessed that everyone is willing to share what they worked so hard to figure out! Eddie was the freaking man!
Some of the guitar stuff Eddie Van Halen did nobody can do not like he did but you can get close and have a ball doing it 🤘🏻
Satch said long ago, Eddie was a huge influence on him so I don’t see it being a competition when he plays some of Ed’s music. Look at what n how EVH influence effected JS as a highly masterful guitarist. There two of my favorites ever, GREAT MUSICIANS!!!❤️
Beautiful job Andy and thank you for having Cameron on! He’s a fantastic player who is a true student of Edward and you guys did an excellent breakdown! Kudos! Also, a fun thing that my friend Tanner Yordan noticed is that the slap/tap fade-in part is the same rhythm as the intro to ZZ Top’s “Manic Mechanic”!
Excellent video, guys! Great to see Cam on here. He's one of my favorite online players. Cool, humble guy and a phenomenal guitarist. That dude plays in a very melodic way that's just pleasing to the ear, but he can also shred with the best of em when he wants. Thanks to both of you for this class in VH and, well... class.
I was at ‘82 Largo show and year before that in Baltimore - Eddies’s volume and tone in the hall was incredible
Yeah it was ungodly stereo and the parts were much like the studio versions. Never heard anything quite like it again.
When Eddie dropped that track in the 70s. Everyone knelt and genuflected. A prophet had arrived. The first guitarist I saw that could play like Eddie was Carlos Carvazo. Before Quiet Riot, he had an LA cover band called Snow. They played one of our high school parties :)
Carlos Cavazo ? You can't be serious C'MON LOL.
WOW! This is one of the coolest things I´ve seen in a while! Cameron is such a nice guy and an awesome guitarplayer! And you´re absolutely right what you´ve said about all the hate Satriani has got recently! Love it! You´re the man, Andy! I have to grab my guitar right now! 😉
Badass Ron Fellows hat! Super underrated Canadian racer! I interviewed him in the early 2000s and he was so sweet and cool.
Good grief, Satriani was being humble and giving EVH mad respect. Of course he could play it if he wanted, and probably can already. The guy has learned complete catalogs of other bands in order to tour with them. Your 'rant' was spot on Andy, I thought the same thing at the time.
You are awesome Andy and a super genuine human and an amazing guitar player!!
Amen! We all love EVH! I did my own version of One Foot out the door and Sunday Afternoon in the Park! It’s not pretty but I felt it had Spirit plus we are keeping the dream alive. Loved your honesty 🎉
Nice job guys. Great discussion and collaboration.
Satch is the MASTER , Ed is the Legend
Learning it is one thing ...how he came up with it is another
Really impreased with how clean Cammy's playing is in this video. Slaps and taps didn't bleed in to each other, but was super clear and articulate.
No one is excellent at someone else's excellence. Eddie has history in his pocket....and it's so well deserved. The day anyone can cop Eddie's feel is the day guitar loses it's appeal. It's all part of the magic we love.
Fantastic thought process dude, well articulated and loved the video. You read my thoughts and wish you well
Thanks Andy. More to incorporate.
Cameron is probably so stoked chopping it up with Andy. Two sick Suhr Artists!
Your synapsis was 100 percent on point.
I know a few tab guys ( nothing wrong with tab) that can play several difficult Van Halen songs 90 percent perfect.
These same guys dont even know the notes they're hitting.
Coundnt improvise over chords to save their life.
Cant believe anyone would question Satriani and Im a blues guy.
Hi Andy. I never watched your comment on Joe playing Mean Street, so I don't know what kind of internet BS went on about that. What I would tell any guitar player who wants to play that, is that it will be harder for a guitar player who doesn't have a background in drums. Essentially, Eddie was thumping out a drum pattern on the fret board and picking out specific notes for it.
I learned how to play it when I got the Live Without a Net video. Having played drums in the past, it was a little easier for me to get the rhythm for it, all I needed was the notes.
All the negative comments going towards Joe for trying to wing that one off the cuff, are just total BS. Eddie was always Eddie on the guitar, and Joe is always Joe on the guitar. Both are fantastic guitar players in their own right.
Just a note: When learning this riff, turn off the delay so you can hear your timing.
Great video guys!
Fully agree to "holy ground and greatest rock guitarist whos ever lived"
I learnt the first part of the mean streets a few years. My first bit of advice if you want to go learn it is to just get the accents of the right hand down first. The left hand is just filling in the gaps.
Also practice it on a table like if you were finger drumming. Eddie was a drummer first before switching to guitar.
This is what it should always be and always about...Excite, Educate and Empower each other....love this video and the community....THANK YOU ANDY WOOD!!🙏🙏🙏アンディ・ウッド、ありがとう~感謝しています🙏
good for you sir! complete 5 stars!
Dude, thanks for being a great soul!
Joe's rig on the HS show had WAY too much gain- It's actually easier to get those harmonics right with less gain.
Awesome I will be watching this later. I am a big fan of Cam’s playing 👍
Andy your tone sounds massive on this, perfect!
Love your Ron Fellows hat! Ron is one of the nicest, and best, drivers to come out of Canada… He was always one of my favorite Team Corvette drivers…
He rules! I’ve done his driving school in Nevada and I wanna go do it again.
Thank you Andy!
Cool he mentioned largo. I was front row Eddie threw out picks. He got down in one knee. Put one my girlfriend s hand . I still have that. I think that’s first time. I saw mean street part.
Some people should just be kicked in the nuts!!! Satch is amazing!!!
Ed quote From GW’s 30th-anniversary issue, late 2010 - “It's funny no matter how hard I tried to sound like the records - and I really tried - I always ended up sounding like me. We used to play It’s Your Thing by the Isley Brothers, but everyone thought it was a Black Sabbath song because I was playing it through a Marshall. "
Loved this video Andy and Cameron is also a very cool fella with alot of humility about his playing. Your comment about both your accents made me smile, I'm from London but my surname is Scottish which is only relevant in that I'm guessing Cameron is from the Edinburgh area. If he had a thick Glasgow accent I would have trouble understanding him as well😊. Glasgow is a stone's throw from Edinburgh too. British accents eh!?. You're easy to understand btw and although I'm not sure I've watched your channel before, it popped up and I've now subscribed. All the best mate 👍.
For all the times I was the old man shaking my fist at the sky "Back in my day you sat on the edge of the bed, dropped the needle on the LP and you got back in time to play the part you were learning..none of this Instagriddles, looky-box stuff."
For all those times, I repent. This is way better.
Andy and Cammy are having a blast and I'm smiling right along with them. So fun. Steady on!
Great VID!!! You’re cooling the ‘haters’ thru education…that’s the best way to do it!!
I was at both those New Haven shows where they filmed "Live without a Net"
1st night, Eddie's wireless went down right before his solo and had to use a cable!
People have blown more speakers jamming to Satch than albums sold by any of those "content" creators.
I love how u keep it real bro! Haters gunna hate. Plain & simple.
💪🏽🏝️😎🤙🏽
This video shouldn't have to be made. But Im glad you did. Satch (besides being a really great guy) is a living legend. My other question is why is Sam doing any Dave era songs? Plus any 3am lobby call sucks. Great video as always Andy
Andy these trolls that criticize Joe Satriani should stop and think where are they at ? They aren’t good enough to hold Joes Pick ! Joe is doing a great job! 🎸
He's hitting that one double twice with thumb. He got that from Alex Van Halens drum part on Light Up The Sky.
Phil X NO ONE SWINGS is a breakdown of IM THE ONE. His commentary is brilliant an so complimentary. His playing is off the chain. While Eruption changed guitar, I'm The One is considered the musical masterpiece that showcased Eddie's true brilliance of a player. To watch Phil play those licks, not the taps and dives, is unreal. The fretboard acrobatics is mind blowing. I wasn't huge into the tapping and the dives, and it just wasn't my thing. Too much. Then, when Hot For Teacher came out, he played that solo on the table, no tricks except at the very beginning. I thought, there it is. That's the one, and he's as wicked as I thought he was. I never got into learning his stuff because of the tapping. Takes so much time to get really good at it. I was just so sick of hearing Eddie Eddie Eddie. F, he just taps. Then, he died, and I was CRUSHED. Couldn't believe it. It was like losing someone you cared very deeply about but the last thing you said to them was something very hateful. I always knew he was The One, I just didn't acknowledge it and I felt so disrespectful. I was 15 when I started playing in 1985. The hair guitar was the thing. Floyds, Marshall Stacks, and huge double bass drum sets. I was a guitar fanatic and Eddie was always right there. I lived VH music, but just him as a solo player wasn't my thing. And then, he was gone. Was terrible.
When Wolfie played the Taylor Hawkins tribute, I was inconsolable. I'm a dad. I have a daughter that completely betrayed me and stabbed me in the back and became a drum fanatic. She plays a monster 11 piece double bass Pearl set-up with a bunch of Paiste RUDE cymbals, but Eddie was a dad, #1. For Wolfievto smoke that Hot For Teacher solo standing on the edge of that stage, show-off style, and Eddie not there to witness what would have been the pinnacle of father's pride, his son playing his solo in front of a monster crowd, I just came unglued.
Ed would hold up a middle finger to all of these talkers and simply walk away. If you listened to what Satriani was saying, you know the respect for Ed is there, and Ed didn’t disrespect any who didn’t deserve it.
A lot of guys Satriani’s age learned every Van Halen album as they came out. I know several guitarists who know pretty much every Van Halen tune, but it has been so long since they played them regularly they just need to brush up a little.
At the end of the day no one will ever be Ed. Just like when Randy died people hated anyone who tried playing for Ozzy until they realized Jake was Jake and Zakk was Zakk and they still got to hear the music. The same has to happen here enjoy the music that was created and honor Ed!
Andy your also a great Guitarist!🎶🎶🎸👍🏻🏆Always Positive Thoughts For me keep the faith ☮️
The social media comments don't hold water to your work and commitment. They speak volumes!!
Joe was asked what was the most difficult Van Halen track to play. He said Mean Street, he attempted it without practicing. He didn’t nail it. That was a compliment to EVH!!! If he says it is difficult and plays it like it was nothing then that kind of discredits him saying it is difficult. Think about the accomplished player that Joe is.
Not an even cycle. Nice description. Eddie is way harder to figure out than other 80s shredders who used a bunch of patterns. Eddie was on fire in the Roth years with Marshalls
His stuff is much harder to learn then guitarists who followed the book because he didn't abide by the book , he rewrote the book . I had two big music books that showed how to play VH and Ozzy with Randy stuff when I was growing up , I gave up on the Van Halen transcriptions and did Randy stuff because Randy followed the book and was much easier to play .
The lick at the end of you really got me now never gets attention. That was a quintessential lick. Speaking of rythmic cycles.. mostly referring to the initial lick which was tough. The sticatto is hard. I learned it after 40 years from Steven Rosen's interview in 1979. I know this. Eddie had Asian hands. I live in Taipei. People there all have flexible hands. I call them banana fingers. Gives an advantage to chords etc. rock on
I never understood why all of the alleged guitar players were bashing Satch anyway. Given how dysfunctional (Wolfgang's word not mine) the remainder of VH is and given that fact that Sammy, Dave, Al and Mike are in their 70's now or close to it, there is not much time left to have original or one time VH members to go and celebrate the music of EVH anyway. Yet Alex and DLR have done nothing until Sammy put in the work to do a small tour. Satch is brave for even wanting to do this as well. He got a good dose of what it is like to fill in for a legend when he took Blackmores place in Deep Purple.
It is one thing to do a 100 takes plus and put together a RUclips video and quite another to play songs live with a band and to play those songs on the road in front of real audiences.
I agree that WVH is really a breathe of fresh air. Van Halen needs to live on either by tribute bands, special performances, and re-imaginations.... but I am so sick of "No Somebody = No Band" stuff. Joe S is a class act and is just trying to let the memory of EVH live on... people should just take it for what it is and enjoy it! We all miss EVH, he will not be forgotten for sure!
Thanks for the video and lesson!
I love the intro, but I think I love the groove of the whole of the whole band even more! Just a powerhouse of a track
This is awesome! Cheers to you both! Cam you are a monster - consider yourself followed sir! Thanks for making this happen Andy!
Saw the title and said to myself "Are we still on this?"
The Mean Streets intro is one of the hardest things I ever learned.
The key to getting the tone is not to have a lot of Fx crowding the tap/slap technique. Cranked Plexi or EVH 100S on the Blue Chaneel, volume is rolled off on the guitar to about 8-9 with a Seymour Duncan CC pickup or EVH pup. DCR 13.8 with A2 magnet. The CC pup gets that harmonic and the A2 is the butter behind it. Using an Axis (which I have one of those also) the pup is a little different, supposedly similar to the EB AT1 pup. Great vid! Thanks for sharing.
Instagram or another app?
Honk. ‘Twas a fine rant.
Every real slinger watched or listened to that and saw the big real picture. Satch is Satch. Most of our leaders enjoy one another’s style, but they’ve built their business on THEIR style. Takes all of the music time to be yourself when that’s your business.
Haters obviously didn’t really understand how different Satch was to EVH.
I salute Satch for supporting Sammy and Mike. Jeez people. Full sails for all not pent up arrows on fire.
Good work my man. Rant said it all and was not personal. The rant was for the better of the guitar community. We’re a kinship people. This is old world history we carry and protect in our hands as an art.
I think I got it.
H = Right High tap (High E and B) / # = Left hand mute slap / L = Right hand Low E
[H / # / L / # / H / # / L / L / #] (that's part 1) then [H / # / L / # / H / # / L / H / # / L / #] (that's part 2). then repeat. I think the only difference it the first time through he hits the Low E twice, and the second time he hits the Low E once, then the High E & B. I don't think he is skipping a slap. I think it seems uneven because of where we are starting on the high notes verses the low E (I think the real starting place of the piece is the Low E).. IDK, I could be wrong
Great video Andy!! BTW at 19:58 If you watch the videos carefully you'll notice that Edward did the first ascending phrase with his (left hand) second finger while the first finger mutes -- then the next time he goes to the first finger FWIW
BTW. I never played this right. thanks for the lesson!
I love this! This is the same pattern I learned as well. Now you guys got me excited to dive back into it.
rockin the Fellows hat!
Looking forward to hearing the S k a n k s play Mean Streets!
I have always thought that Eddie and Alex had a little pow-wow when Eddie wrote the intro to Mean Streets.. there's this whole paradiddle thing going on at the beginning.
While Satriani really isn't the guy, neither is Vai, Yngwie, Lynch, or Jake E Lee. My favorite killers I learned on. Those guys have such a distinct sound that they wouldn't be able to get away from it.
It’s VERY percussive.. I’m sure Ed was probably a pretty decent drummer, after all, he did start with drums.. Along the that, when Ed picked up his guitar and slammed into that intro - first time - I’m guessing it just flowed out.. not a lot of thought, just Ed being Ed! Brilliant Genius Edward Van Halen! RIP EVH!!!
The song is hard. The solo starts and it's the greatest bend ever played in any genre by any guitar player ever. Creative hard song that not that many truly have down. It's alright, that's why we practice. I heard John Petrucci play it. Not that well, that day. Joe's , Joe. I'm glad he's doing it, he said he never would. This is why he said he wouldn't. It's going to be fun show's for everyone.
People have had over 40 years to practice it , Eddie was way way way ahead of his time.
I agree with the practice part. But in that moment is where it matters. He wasn't ahead of his time. He was teaching and playing in his time. Look at where the younger generation is. It's because of players like him. And Joe, and others@@herbcanter2114
Satriani plays satriani, if he doesn't nail VH who cares, its not something he plays every day like some people and prob briefly went over a few things but Eddie would 😂😂prob would struggle with Satch tunes too.I don't judge guitar heroes by playing how well they play Covers of other guitar heroes anyway.
Well said man! I 100% agree🤘
Love the hat.
I didn’t quite follow the bit towards the end, about when he took down a post? It almost sounded like this guy had eluded that he played this better than Satch? But he seems more humble than to think that, ha ha. And that would be ridiculous to think.
Pretty cool interview though. I’m definitely gonna get right on this when I get home tonight.😝🎸🤘🏻🇺🇸
This is hillarious. When I worked at Jose's I showed Ed the drill and that particular riff you guys are laughing (22.20 ish) about (the kitty cat claws) and one other one he uses in live without a net after he teases the opening mean streets riff.
ok
Just ordered the Wampler Gearbox....love the channel.
Great video - thanks for such a great lesson!
I think Wolfgang Van Halen gave up the ‘Wolfiie’ moniker quite a few years ago. As an adult, he goes by ‘Wolf.’ I think Valerie still calls him ‘Wolfie’ from time to time, but then moms can be that way. LoL
But is he lightly holding the A chord during that slap or lightly holding the first 5 strings? Its kinda hard to see without zooming in.Thank you excellent video btw you both made it look easy 🙌 I will say I wanted to hear the main riff.Jen it jit Da Jen it jit da jow chinka Jen it jit ja jowwn.lol 💥I can prob figure that part out tho.It's Eddies "tone" too that's hard to nail.