Learn “I'm The One” by Van Halen

Take your guitar playing to the next level with our in-depth note-for-note lesson on "I'm The One" by Van Halen, available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This song is a true masterclass in high-energy guitar technique and showcases the genius of Eddie Van Halen, whose innovative style and explosive flair forever changed the world of rock guitar.

This premium guitar lesson breaks down every riff, solo, and rhythm section in meticulous detail, giving you a comprehensive guide to the blistering technique that defined Van Halen’s groundbreaking sound. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, shred guitar, or simply want to elevate your playing, this lesson will provide essential tools to add to your guitar vocabulary. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarist

Released on Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled debut album, “I’m The One” is a dazzling display of Eddie Van Halen’s trailblazing guitar work. The track is loaded with fast-paced riffs, scorching solos, and rhythmic acrobatics that demand both technical skill and expressive touch. Eddie’s innovative approach — combining raw rock attitude with classical-level technique — redefined what could be done on the electric guitar.

Eddie Van Halen’s influence spans generations. Known for popularising techniques like two-handed tapping and creative use of the whammy bar, he brought a fresh, fearless style that guitarists still study today. His playing on “I’m The One” is a testament to his virtuosity, musicality, and boundless energy.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our lesson on “I’m The One” focuses on several advanced and intermediate guitar techniques that not only help you master the song, but also develop core skills for rock and metal guitar playing.

Two-Handed Tapping

This technique, made famous by Eddie himself, involves using both hands on the fretboard to create fast, fluid passages that would be impossible with one hand alone. Learning two-handed tapping boosts your dexterity, opens up new phrasing options, and expands your soloing vocabulary dramatically.

Alternate Picking

Throughout the main riffs and solo sections, precise alternate picking is essential for maintaining clarity and speed. Mastering this technique improves your rhythm control and picking accuracy at high tempos.

String Bending

Eddie’s expressive phrasing often involves intricate string bending, including pre-bends and microtonal bends. This technique is crucial for giving your leads a vocal, emotional quality.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The legato lines in “I’m The One” utilise smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs that allow for seamless melodic phrasing and quick runs without constant picking.

Vibrato

To give the notes sustain and character, Eddie employs a powerful, wide vibrato. Vibrato adds life to your notes and is essential for developing a personal, expressive style.

Pinched Harmonics

Scattered throughout the song are screaming pinched harmonics, a signature of Eddie’s aggressive tone. This technique adds spice and edge to your solos and riffs.

Palm Muting

Riff sections rely heavily on tight palm muting, providing a heavy, percussive groove that keeps the track driving forward.

Slides

Eddie uses slides to glide between positions and enhance phrasing. Learning to control your slides will help you connect licks fluidly across the fretboard.

Tremolo Picking

The fast solo runs include rapid-fire tremolo picking, which requires stamina and tight picking control.

Dive Bombs and Whammy Bar Tricks

Eddie’s use of dive bombs and whammy bar tricks add sonic drama and wild, pitch-shifting effects that defined his sound and inspired countless shredders.

Why Learn “I’m The One”?

Studying “I’m The One” gives guitarists a crash course in advanced rock technique while also deepening your understanding of phrasing, timing, and dynamics. The riffs push your rhythmic precision, while the solos challenge your speed, control, and creativity. It’s a perfect showcase piece to impress others and build your chops at the same time.

By breaking the song down note by note, our LickLibrary instructor ensures that even the most complex licks are made clear and achievable. With on-screen tabs and slow-speed breakdowns, you’ll be able to follow along and master this rock classic step by step.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Two-Handed Tapping
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Whether you're learning this song for fun, performance, or to develop your technique, "I'm The One" offers a thrilling ride through Eddie Van Halen’s pioneering guitar style. Don’t miss the chance to study this classic with the expert instruction at LickLibrary.com.