Learn to Play Van Halen Volume 2

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Van Halen, an iconic staple in the rock music world, revolutionized the guitar-playing scene with Eddie Van Halen at the helm. His technical skill, innovation, and flamboyant performance style solidified the band's place in music history. "Learn to Play Van Halen Volume 2" is a meticulously crafted collection of guitar lessons by tutor Jamie Humphries, that embodies this legacy. Dive into the heart of Van Halen's sound with detailed tutorials for "You Really Got Me," "I'm The One," "Drop Dead Legs," "Mean Street," and "Beautiful Girls."

Guitar Lessons Include:

You Really Got Me 

I'm The One 

Drop Dead Legs

Mean Street 

Beautiful Girls

Lesson Performance Notes

You Really Got Me

This song, a cover of The Kinks classic, was Van Halen's breakout hit. It features a driving riff and a groundbreaking solo. The song primarily uses the E minor scale, lending itself to a raw, rock sound. Eddie's solo here is brief but impactful, utilizing his signature techniques like tapping and vibrato. It's an exercise in building tension and explosive release, essential for any aspiring rock guitarist.

I'm The One

"I'm The One" showcases a mix of blistering rock elements with a touch of jazz in the breakdown. It's a testament to Eddie's diverse influences. This song is in the key of E major and features complex rhythms and syncopation. The solo is an intense display of Eddie’s command over scales, arpeggios, and innovative phrasing. He employs rapid alternate picking and legato seamlessly, creating a fluid, high-energy solo.

Drop Dead Legs

This track is a quintessential example of Van Halen's groove-infused hard rock style. The song, performed in A minor, features tight rhythms and a laid-back feel in the verses, juxtaposed with the aggressive choruses. The guitar work stands out for its use of space, blending rhythm and lead seamlessly. Eddie's solo employs tasteful use of harmonics and legato, building up to a climax with his iconic tapped harmonics.

Mean Street

"Mean Street" introduces one of Eddie Van Halen's most innovative techniques: the tapping intro. The song is in F# minor and the guitar work is aggressive and intricate, with a gritty riff that sets the tone. The solo is a masterclass in tension and release, with rapid-fire tapping, wide bends, and high-speed passages, showcasing Eddie's skill in blending melody with technical prowess.

Beautiful Girls

"Beautiful Girls" reflects the band's more laid-back, feel-good side. In D major, this song combines rhythm and lead guitar work to create a party atmosphere. The lead guitar is melodic and integrates double-stops, slides, and string bending, illustrating that Eddie’s genius is not only in his technical ability but also his feel and musicality.

Eddie Van Halen's Contributions

Eddie Van Halen redefined what was possible with the electric guitar. His contributions to these songs are not just in the notes played, but in the energy, emotion, and innovation he brought to the music. He blended technical skill with a composer's touch, creating guitar parts that drove the songs and drew the listener in. His solos were not just showcases of skill, but integral parts of the song's structure, often mimicking the vocal melodies or creating counterpoints to them. Eddie's playing on these tracks encapsulates his style: a mix of raw power, delicate touch, rhythmic genius, and a never-ending quest for innovation.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

In these lessons, you'll encounter a wide range of guitar techniques that are fundamental to Eddie Van Halen's style. Below is a list of techniques with links to further reading:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double-Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Learn to Play Van Halen Volume 2 is not just a set of song lessons; it's a deep dive into the style of one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Perfecting these songs requires not only technical skills but also an understanding of the artistry behind Eddie Van Halen's legendary contributions to music.