Mean Street – Van Halen

Van Halen’s “Mean Street” is not just one of the most explosive tracks from the band’s Fair Warning album—it’s a masterclass in innovative electric guitar technique, spearheaded by the late, great Eddie Van Halen. At LickLibrary, we break down this iconic song note-for-note, unlocking every riff, tap, bend, and harmonic in a fully immersive guitar lesson designed to elevate your playing. This deep dive into “Mean Street” provides not just the how, but also the why behind Eddie’s legendary technique, helping guitarists truly internalise one of the most technically dazzling songs in rock history. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen revolutionised the guitar world with his signature style, combining classical influence, bluesy roots, and raw innovation. His approach to rhythm and lead playing was unparalleled, marked by creativity and confidence. In “Mean Street,” Eddie showcases not just speed and flash but an intelligent use of texture, groove, and articulation that still feels fresh today. His influence has reached generations of guitarists, from shredders to funk players, and “Mean Street” captures his genius at full throttle.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Intro Slap-Tap Groove

The song’s jaw-dropping intro is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of two-handed tapping ever recorded. Eddie uses his fretting hand for rhythmic percussive slaps while his picking hand taps melodic lines, creating a groove more akin to funk bass than traditional rock guitar. Mastering this section teaches players timing control, hand independence, and builds confidence in using the entire fretboard interactively.

Harmonics and Texture

Throughout “Mean Street,” Eddie incorporates both natural and tapped harmonics, adding sparkle and depth to riffs. Learning how to coax out and control these overtones trains your ears and touch, expanding your dynamic range and adding polish to your playing.

Aggressive Alternate Picking

The song’s core riffs make excellent use of alternate picking to deliver sharp, punchy attacks that lock in with the rhythm section. Practicing this helps develop picking accuracy and stamina, both essential for playing at high speed with clarity.

Palm Muting and Rhythmic Control

Eddie’s tight palm-muted riffs in “Mean Street” demand rhythmic precision and hand control. By mastering this technique, players develop a strong sense of timing and groove—key skills for any modern guitarist.

Legato Phrasing

Smooth legato lines using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides are used to build fluid, melodic phrases that stand in contrast to the aggressive riffing. Developing these skills improves phrasing, hand coordination, and finger strength.

Whammy Bar Articulation

Eddie’s creative use of the whammy bar throughout “Mean Street” includes dips, squeals, and warbles that inject character into his solos. Learning how to use the bar musically (not just as a gimmick) enhances expressiveness and can inspire new compositional ideas.

Pinched and Pick Harmonics

The use of pinched harmonics and pick slides adds aggressive texture and excitement, especially during solo sections. Practicing these techniques trains pick-hand articulation and helps players add controlled chaos to their tone.

String Bending and Double Stops

Sections of the song feature emotive string bending as well as double-stops, adding blues-inspired flavor. These techniques allow you to play with tension and resolution, which is essential for phrasing with emotion and control.

Syncopated Rhythms and Groove Awareness

“Mean Street” thrives on its syncopated, funk-inspired rhythm guitar playing. Working through these grooves enhances your understanding of syncopated rhythms, boosting your ability to lock in with a drummer and develop a tight, rhythmic feel.

Why Learn “Mean Street”?

Breaking down “Mean Street” gives guitarists a unique opportunity to expand their technical toolbox and musical awareness. Each lick and riff teaches a fundamental concept through the lens of Eddie’s high-octane style. It’s a workout for both hands, a mental challenge, and a gateway into more expressive and complex playing. By mastering these techniques, you not only get closer to playing like Eddie—you develop versatility that will improve every area of your guitar journey.

Techniques Used in the Mean Street Lesson:

• Two-Handed Tapping
• Tapped Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Syncopated Rhythms

Whether you're a Van Halen fan or a guitarist looking to challenge yourself, the Mean Street guitar lesson from LickLibrary is a must-watch. With step-by-step breakdowns and detailed technique exploration, it's the ultimate resource for unlocking Eddie Van Halen’s genius one note at a time.