Beat It - Solo by Michael Jackson - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

The guitar solo from "Beat It" by Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic solos in music history, played by the legendary Eddie Van Halen. Our note-for-note guitar lesson dives deep into this explosive solo, which incorporates essential rock techniques such as alternate picking, string bending, two-hand tapping, and whammy bar tricks. These techniques, combined with Van Halen’s innovative approach to guitar, make this solo a must-learn for any guitarist looking to expand their technical abilities and inject some rock energy into their playing. This lesson is perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want to tackle one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Key Techniques in Beat It

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for achieving the speed and precision that is characteristic of Eddie Van Halen's style. Alternate picking involves striking the strings with a consistent up-and-down motion, allowing for faster and more efficient movement between notes. In the "Beat It" solo, alternate picking is used to play fast, articulate runs with clarity and control. Mastering alternate picking will improve your picking hand speed and accuracy, making it easier to play fast licks cleanly. In this lesson, we’ll break down the specific alternate picking patterns used in the solo, helping you achieve that smooth, flowing sound.

String Bending

String bending is a powerful technique that adds emotion and expression to your guitar playing. By bending the string, you can raise the pitch of a note, creating a smooth, vocal-like transition between notes. In "Beat It," Eddie Van Halen uses string bending to emphasize key moments in the solo, adding a dramatic and expressive flair. Learning how to execute clean and accurate bends is essential for any guitarist looking to add more emotion and dynamics to their solos. Our lesson will show you how to master string bending, ensuring your bends are in tune and adding the perfect amount of tension to your playing.

Two-Hand Tapping

Two-hand tapping is one of the signature techniques that Eddie Van Halen popularized. This technique involves using both hands to tap notes on the fretboard, allowing for fast, flowing runs that would be difficult to achieve with standard picking techniques. In the "Beat It" solo, Van Halen uses two-hand tapping to create a lightning-fast flurry of notes, adding a unique and impressive element to the performance. Mastering two-hand tapping will unlock new possibilities for speed and fluidity in your lead playing, making it an essential technique for any guitarist looking to push the boundaries of their playing. Our lesson will guide you through the two-hand tapping sections of the solo, helping you develop precision and speed.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Whammy bar tricks are another key feature of Eddie Van Halen’s playing, and they add a wild, unpredictable element to the "Beat It" solo. Van Halen uses the whammy bar to create pitch dives, vibrato effects, and other dramatic sounds that enhance the intensity of the solo. Learning how to control the whammy bar effectively will give your playing a more dynamic and expressive feel. In this lesson, we’ll teach you how to use the whammy bar to replicate the unique tricks Van Halen employs, helping you add excitement and creativity to your solos.

About the Guitar Player in Beat It

The solo in "Beat It" was played by Eddie Van Halen, a guitar legend known for his groundbreaking contributions to the rock genre. Van Halen’s style revolutionized rock guitar in the late 1970s and 1980s, blending speed, innovation, and musicality. His use of two-hand tapping, wild whammy bar dives, and blazing alternate picking in "Beat It" not only pushed the technical boundaries of guitar playing but also brought rock guitar into mainstream pop music. Learning this solo will give you an in-depth look into Van Halen’s approach to lead guitar and help you incorporate his techniques into your own playing.


Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to replicate Eddie Van Halen’s iconic "Beat It" solo with the same power and creativity that made it a standout performance in rock history. This lesson will give you the tools to enhance your lead guitar playing and take your skills to the next level, while also helping you explore new ways to express yourself through the guitar. Dive into the world of Van Halen’s guitar mastery and bring new energy to your playing with our in-depth "Beat It" solo lesson!

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Sam Bell

Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...

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