"Somebody Get Me a Doctor" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

"Somebody Get Me a Doctor", from Van Halen's sophomore album 'Van Halen II', is a track that can be described as a hard-hitting, no-frills, rock anthem. This song is a testament to the sonic exploration and exceptional guitar techniques that the band's lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, brought to the rock scene. Sam Bell demonstrates how to play this classic album track in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chords and Progression

The song kicks off with a few simple, yet powerful chords. You'll find the song revolves mostly around the power chords, like the A5, D5, and G5. The primary chord progression moves swiftly, which is characteristic of Van Halen's style, keeping listeners hooked.

Scales Used

The main riff and solos of this track are predominantly in the A minor pentatonic scale. Eddie, known for his eclectic style, sometimes infuses touches of chromaticism, where he adds notes outside of the scale to add flavour to his playing.

Guitar Solo Analysis

When it comes to Eddie's solos, it's a masterclass in phrasing, speed, and technique. In "Somebody Get Me a Doctor", he combines a mix of rapid alternate picking with legato techniques, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a smooth, fluid sound.

The tapped harmonics in this song give it a shimmering quality, an Eddie Van Halen trademark. He had this uncanny ability to make his guitar sing, often using unison bends to reach those emotive, high-pitched screams. The double-stop bends in this track, where two strings are bent simultaneously, enrich the song's sonic texture.

Eddie Van Halen's Legacy in this Track

The brilliance of Eddie Van Halen shines through every bar of this song. His approach to the guitar was both methodical and wild. He would take traditional guitar techniques and turn them on their head, inventing his own along the way.

The tone he achieved in this song is gritty and overdriven, perfect for the hard rock sound of Van Halen. Eddie was a master of creating rich harmonics, often using pinched harmonics to add squeals and overtones to his licks. His use of the whammy bar for dive-bombs gives the song its intense, aggressive character.

And then there's his tapping technique. While "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" doesn't showcase his iconic two-handed tapping as prominently as some other tracks, the essence of his style, the way he'd seamlessly integrate it into his playing, is still palpable.

Techniques Used in "Somebody Get Me a Doctor"

Below is a list of the significant guitar techniques Eddie Van Halen employs in "Somebody Get Me a Doctor", each linked to a detailed glossary for deeper understanding:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Dive-bombs
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Chromaticism

In conclusion, "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" stands as a testament to Eddie Van Halen's genius. For any guitarist, this track is both a lesson in advanced techniques and a deep dive into the innovative spirit of one of rock's greatest players. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's a wealth of inspiration to be drawn from this song.