"Outta Love Again" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

"Outta Love Again" is a testament to Van Halen's undeniable expertise in hard rock guitar playing. Located in their 'Van Halen II' album, this song is a prime example of the band's signature sound during their early years. As a guitar teacher, it's thrilling to dissect this song, especially because it offers invaluable lessons in technique, musicality, and creativity. Sam Bell demonstrates this classic album track note for note in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chords and Progressions

The song mainly revolves around power chords, which provide a robust and chunky sound. Predominant chords include E5, D5, and A5. These power chords are basic formations, often using only the root and the fifth, played on the low E, A, and D strings. The progression is simple but effective in conveying the song’s energy.

Guitar Scales

Eddie Van Halen employs the E minor pentatonic scale heavily throughout the song, especially in his solos. The scale's simplicity (comprising just five notes: E, G, A, B, D) makes it a favourite in rock, but it’s Eddie’s execution and embellishments that make it sound extraordinary.

Solo Analysis

Eddie's solo in "Outta Love Again" is a masterclass in rock guitar improvisation. Starting with a swift alternate picking run, he transitions into his iconic tapped harmonics. He beautifully integrates the E minor pentatonic scale with bluesy bends, making the solo sound both technically proficient and emotively charged.

Further into the solo, Eddie employs double-stop bends to create a thicker sound, often bending one string while letting another ring out. The use of pinch harmonics (or squeals) adds a sharp, punctuated sound, contrasting the smoother legato runs that follow.

His two-handed tapping technique, a signature of his style, is also showcased in this solo. By tapping the fretboard with both his left and right hands, Eddie produces rapid-fire sequences that sound both melodic and percussive.

Eddie Van Halen: The Maestro

Eddie's playing on "Outta Love Again" epitomises his unique style that blends technical prowess with raw emotion. His ability to seamlessly integrate advanced techniques into a cohesive musical statement is unparalleled. While his speed and precision are noteworthy, it's his rhythmic sensibility and melodic choices that set him apart. Each note, whether a blazingly fast run or a slow bend, serves the song and adds to its overall mood.

Techniques Used in "Outta Love Again"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Slides
• String-Bending
• Bluesy Bends

In summary, "Outta Love Again" is not just a song but a lesson in rock guitar's capabilities. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned player, there's something to learn from this track. Eddie Van Halen’s playing serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the infinite possibilities that lie within six strings and a pick. By breaking down this song, one can start to understand the intricate layers and techniques that make up a rock masterpiece. As guitarists, it pushes us to think beyond scales and chords and to see the guitar as a tool for limitless expression.