Learn to Play Van Halen Volume 3: Deep Dive into the Guitar Mastery

Welcome to Learn to Play Van Halen Volume 3 featuring Lick Library tutor Andy James- the quintessential guide for guitarists striving to delve into the genius of Van Halen's signature playing style. Our comprehensive course offers you in-depth, note-for-note guitar lessons for five standout Van Halen tracks: "Judgement Day", "The Trouble with Never", "Amsterdam", "She's The Woman", and "Poundcake". Uncover the secrets of Eddie Van Halen's melodic approach, rhythm intricacies, and revolutionary guitar techniques that have etched his name into the annals of rock history.

"Judgement Day"

From Van Halen's "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" album, "Judgement Day" opens with an intense power chord riff coupled with rhythmic intricacies. The lesson unveils the beauty of the track's chord progressions and helps you master the fretting techniques required to mimic Eddie's style. The solo is a flurry of alternate picking and lightning-fast hammer-ons, where Eddie's notorious use of the minor pentatonic scale is on full display. The dynamics of the solo offer a riveting exercise in building tension and release.

"The Trouble with Never"

Our lesson for "The Trouble with Never", off the "A Different Kind of Truth" album, reveals the diversity in Eddie's style. The song features complex arpeggios, providing a unique challenge for those looking to enhance their finger dexterity. The iconic solo is a testament to Eddie's mastery of chromaticism, wherein he navigates through the scale in a manner that feels both unexpected and inevitable.

"Amsterdam"

"Amsterdam", a gem from the "Balance" album, presents an exploration into the groovier side of Van Halen's repertoire. The song's rhythm section employs a mix of power chords and syncopated rhythms, making it an exciting study of rhythm guitar playing. Eddie's solo here is a masterclass in sustain, with his notes ringing out for an extended period, creating a feeling of tension before resolving into the next phrase.

"She's The Woman"

"She's The Woman" finds its roots in Van Halen's early days, yet it was released in their 2012's "A Different Kind of Truth". The main riff relies heavily on open-string riffs, giving it an energetic rock 'n' roll feel. The lesson breaks down the rapid succession of double-stops in the solo, where Eddie exhibits his grasp over the blues scale. It's a perfect track to analyze for aspiring blues-rock guitarists.

"Poundcake"

"Poundcake", the opening track of "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge", is a testament to Eddie's creative approach to guitar playing. The track starts with Eddie's unique application of power tools to the guitar, achieving a truly mechanical sound. In this lesson, we'll dive into the galloping rhythms and powerful chord progressions that make "Poundcake" a classic hard rock anthem.

Eddie Van Halen: The Guitar Icon

Eddie Van Halen's contribution to guitar playing cannot be overstated. His innovative use of two-handed tapping, harmonics, and dive-bombs has revolutionized the rock guitar landscape. Each song in this volume showcases the range of techniques and tonalities that Eddie incorporated into his playing. From tapping harmonics to unleash high-pitched "bell" sounds, to his aggressive whammy bar tricks that lend an otherworldly feel to his solos, Eddie's style is one that demands in-depth study and patient practice.

Techniques Used in This Volume

Below is a list of techniques you will learn and explore in these lessons:

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Double-Stops
• Chromaticism
• Arpeggios
• Sustain
• Galloping Rhythms
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Harmonics
• Dive-Bombs

Each of these songs and techniques provides an insight into Eddie Van Halen's unyielding dedication to his craft. His fearless approach to pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can do is a lesson for all aspiring guitarists. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, there's a world of knowledge to gain from the mastery of Van Halen.