Van Halen – Runnin’ With The Devil Riff

Van Halen’s Runnin’ With The Devil is an iconic track that not only set the tone for the band's explosive debut album but also redefined rock guitar playing for generations. At LickLibrary.com, we’re proud to present a note-for-note breakdown of this unforgettable riff, capturing every subtle nuance of Eddie Van Halen’s legendary tone and technique. This guitar lesson is more than just a walk-through of the riff—it’s a masterclass in essential rock techniques that every guitarist should master. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

Released in 1978, Runnin’ With The Devil kicks off Van Halen’s self-titled debut album and immediately showcases Eddie Van Halen’s unique approach to rhythm and tone. The riff is deceptively simple but packed with details that reflect Eddie’s deep musicality and fearless experimentation. Our lesson covers this riff in meticulous detail, breaking it down into manageable parts while emphasising the critical techniques and concepts behind it.

Guitar Techniques in the Riff

Palm Muting

One of the core techniques used in this riff is palm muting, a staple in rock guitar playing. This technique involves resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to produce a tight, percussive sound. It’s crucial for creating a sense of rhythm and control within the riff. Mastering palm muting enhances your ability to play dynamically and with precision, especially in riff-based rock or metal contexts.

Power Chords

The driving force behind the riff is a series of gritty, well-articulated power chords. These chords form the harmonic foundation of the riff and are essential to the sound of hard rock and metal. Learning to use power chords effectively allows guitarists to build strong rhythmic foundations in their playing and develop the muscle memory for consistent fretting and strumming.

Slides

Another key feature of this riff is the use of slides, particularly in the transitions between chord shapes and melodic phrases. Slides add expression and fluidity to your playing, helping you move smoothly across the fretboard. Incorporating slides helps improve your fret-hand control and adds stylistic flair to your riffs and solos.

String Bending

While not overly pronounced in this riff compared to some of Van Halen’s solos, there are subtle elements of string bending that bring out the bluesy undercurrent of Eddie’s playing. String bending is essential for expressing emotion and inflection in your lead lines. It enhances pitch control and allows for more expressive phrasing.

Vibrato

Eddie's subtle but effective use of vibrato breathes life into sustained notes. By gently oscillating the pitch, vibrato adds richness and character. This technique is indispensable for any guitarist aiming to inject personality into their playing, making even the simplest notes sing with emotion.

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning the Runnin’ With The Devil riff offers students a chance to explore rhythm guitar at its finest. It’s a perfect example of how groove, attitude, and articulation can elevate even a simple motif into something iconic. It’s also a great entry point for intermediate players wanting to study Eddie Van Halen's rhythmic approach before diving into his more advanced lead techniques like tapping and whammy bar tricks. Students will also benefit by strengthening their right-hand control, chord accuracy, and timing—skills that are essential across all styles of rock guitar.

About the Guitarist: Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen is widely considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Known for pioneering techniques such as two-handed tapping and harmonics, Eddie brought a fresh, explosive energy to rock guitar. His tone, phrasing, and innovative spirit set new standards and continue to inspire players across genres. In Runnin’ With The Devil, Eddie showcases a more restrained, groove-based side of his playing, proving that great guitar work doesn’t always have to be flashy—it just has to serve the song.

What You’ll Gain From This Lesson

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only have nailed an iconic riff, but also developed key techniques that will elevate your playing across the board. Whether you're working on timing, dynamics, or tone, this riff is a microcosm of rock guitar essentials. With note-for-note instruction and expert guidance from LickLibrary.com, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to incorporate these techniques into your own musical style.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato