"Light Up The Sky" by Van Halen - Guitar Lesson

"Light Up The Sky" from the 'Van Halen II' album is a quintessential rock anthem that showcases the band's prowess, and most notably, Eddie Van Halen's exceptional guitar craftsmanship. This track has always been a favourite among guitarists seeking to unravel the mystique of Van Halen's unparalleled technique and innovative style. Sam Bell dives into the guitar-centric components that make this song stand out.

Chords and Progressions

The song is primarily built around a handful of power chords, the fundamental building blocks of rock music. These chords lend themselves to being played with a distorted tone, giving a thick, rich sound. Alongside these power chords, Eddie uses barre chords to give the song its rhythmic drive and full sound, especially in the chorus.

Guitar Scales

"Light Up The Sky" prominently features the Minor Pentatonic scale, which is a staple in rock guitar solos. Eddie uses this scale not only as a basis for his solos but also to create many of the song's iconic riffs. He frequently employs the Mixolydian mode as well, adding some flair and colour to his phrasing.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The guitar solo in this track is a masterclass in rock lead guitar. Eddie opens with a rapid-fire alternate picking technique, transitioning smoothly into a series of legato runs.

These legato runs are peppered with Eddie's trademark two-handed tapping, where he uses both the picking and fretting hands to tap notes on the fretboard. He then integrates tapped harmonics into his playing, producing bell-like tones that stand out prominently.

One cannot discuss a Van Halen solo without addressing Eddie's use of the whammy bar. He employs "dive bombs," plunging the bar to slacken the strings dramatically before allowing them to return to pitch.

Eddie Van Halen - The Maestro

Eddie Van Halen's playing on "Light Up The Sky" is exemplary of his style – innovative, fearless, and technically impeccable. His ability to blend raw energy with intricate technique made him one of the most revered guitarists of his generation. This song, like many in the Van Halen catalog, serves as an inspiration and a challenge to guitarists. It's a testament to Eddie's legacy that the song remains a benchmark for rock guitarists to aspire towards.

Guitar Techniques in "Light Up The Sky"

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Whammy Bar Tricks (Dive Bombs)
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending

For any guitarist, amateur or professional, taking the time to study and dissect this song will offer valuable insights into the world of rock guitar playing. Eddie Van Halen's approach to the instrument, as exhibited in "Light Up The Sky," remains a shining beacon for all guitarists to follow, learn from, and ultimately, to find their unique voice.