Van Halen – Panama – Main Riff

Step into the high-octane world of Eddie Van Halen with our note-for-note guitar lesson on the main riff of "Panama", one of Van Halen's most iconic songs. This riff is a masterclass in rhythmic drive, tone, and creative rock technique, and our lesson breaks it all down with meticulous detail. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your toolkit or a more advanced player aiming to nail the nuances of Eddie’s signature style, this tutorial is packed with both inspiration and education. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Riff

The main riff of Panama is the heartbeat of the track — gritty, groovy, and unmistakably Eddie Van Halen. Built on powerful chordal movements and punchy rhythmic phrasing, it exemplifies the kind of infectious, riff-driven songwriting that made Van Halen one of the greatest rock bands in history. The riff combines groove-laden power chords, aggressive palm muting, and a dynamic sense of rhythm that elevates it beyond a typical hard rock motif.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Throughout the lesson, players will dive deep into the following essential techniques that Eddie used to bring the Panama riff to life.

Power Chords

At the core of this riff are chunky, driving power chords. These two or three-note voicings deliver sonic punch and clarity, essential for cutting through a band mix. Learning to execute tight, well-articulated power chords is crucial for rock and metal players and forms a solid foundation for rhythm guitar playing.

Palm Muting

Eddie's use of palm muting gives the riff its signature percussive edge. This technique involves lightly resting the side of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, chugging sound. It adds rhythmic interest, controls sustain, and is a hallmark of tight rock rhythm playing.

Slides

Slides are used within the riff to transition smoothly between chords and notes, adding fluidity and motion. Mastering slides not only helps with phrasing but also improves finger control and coordination across the fretboard.

String Bending

While not used as flamboyantly as in a solo, subtle string bending appears in the riff to give certain notes a vocal, expressive quality. This technique is great for building finger strength and developing a more emotive playing style.

Pick Slides

The gritty roar of pick slides adds excitement and raw texture to the riff. Executing a proper pick slide enhances stage presence and gives players another tool for rock showmanship and tonal variation.

Syncopated Rhythms

The riff features bold syncopated rhythms, adding unexpected accents and driving momentum. Learning syncopation improves a guitarist’s rhythmic confidence and helps them lock in more effectively with a drummer or rhythm section.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the main riff of Panama is a crash course in classic hard rock rhythm guitar. It teaches players how to combine aggression with precision, how to shape dynamics through muting and accenting, and how to bring energy to every note. By mastering this riff, students gain valuable skills that apply across multiple genres — particularly in crafting tight, compelling rhythm parts.

About Eddie Van Halen

No discussion of Panama is complete without acknowledging the genius behind the guitar — Eddie Van Halen. Renowned for revolutionising rock guitar, Eddie brought unparalleled creativity to technique, tone, and musicality. While many know him for his jaw-dropping solos and two-handed tapping, his rhythm playing, as showcased in Panama, is just as influential. His ability to blend groove with flair made him a true innovator and a cornerstone of modern rock guitar.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pick Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms

Ready to rock? Dive into our Van Halen – Panama – Main Riff lesson and bring Eddie’s high-voltage energy into your own playing.