Quick Licks - Van Halen: Master the Techniques of a Guitar Legend

For guitar enthusiasts ready to ignite their playing with the style of one of rock's most iconic figures, "Quick Licks - Van Halen" is your ticket to a deeper understanding and application of Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking techniques. This comprehensive lesson package focuses on key elements that define Eddie’s style: fast pentatonic licks, two-hand tapping, tremolo picking, and inventive whammy bar use. This course is taught by Jamie Humphries.

What You Will Learn in This Course

35 killer rock licks in the style of Eddie Van Halen. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Fast Pentatonic Licks
• Two Hand Tapping
• Tremolo Picking
• Whammy Bar Use

Technique Breakdown

Fast Pentatonic Licks

Pentatonic scales form the backbone of rock guitar solos, and Eddie Van Halen's approach to them is nothing short of revolutionary. In these lessons, you'll explore how to inject speed and fluidity into your pentatonic playing. Fast pentatonic licks are not just about playing scales rapidly; they're about articulating each note with precision and feeling. These licks teach you to weave through the scale with ease, making your solos sound effortless and expressive.

Two-Hand Tapping

Eddie Van Halen didn't just use two-hand tapping; he owned it. This technique, which involves tapping the fretboard with both hands, allows for the execution of lightning-fast licks and arpeggios that are impossible with traditional picking. You’ll learn the fundamentals of this technique, from the basic mechanics to more complex applications, empowering you to create fluid, cascading lines that can elevate your solos to new heights.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking, a technique where a single note is picked rapidly, is another aspect of Eddie’s playing. This technique, when mastered, adds a high-energy, almost frantic quality to your playing. It requires a synchronization of the picking hand with the fretting hand, and these lessons will guide you in developing this coordination, enabling you to inject a sense of urgency and intensity into your playing.

Whammy Bar Use

Eddie Van Halen was known for his creative use of the whammy bar. From subtle vibrato to dramatic dive bombs, the whammy bar can be a powerful expressive tool in your arsenal. You’ll learn the nuances of using the whammy bar, not just for show-stopping effects but also for adding subtlety and expression to your playing.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Contextualize Your Licks

Each of these techniques is taught with a backing track. Practicing with a backing track is crucial as it helps you understand how these licks fit within the context of a song. It also develops your timing, rhythm, and ability to improvise. The backing track acts as your band, allowing you to experiment and refine your licks in a musical setting.

Eddie Van Halen’s Guitar Style

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the world of rock guitar with his innovative techniques and musicality. His style combines technical brilliance with a deep sense of rhythm and melody. Studying his techniques not only allows you to replicate his iconic solos but also inspires you to develop your unique voice on the guitar.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you’ll:

• Enhance your soloing vocabulary with fast pentatonic licks.
• Expand your technical abilities with two-hand tapping.
• Increase your picking speed and precision with tremolo picking.
• Express yourself creatively using the whammy bar.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Van Halen"

Through the "Quick Licks - Van Halen" lesson series, you will gain proficiency in the following techniques:

• Tremolo Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Embrace the spirit of Eddie Van Halen with "Quick Licks - Van Halen" and let these lessons transform your approach to the guitar, paving the way for you to become a more versatile and expressive guitarist.