"Women In Love" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

"Women In Love" is an iconic track from Van Halen's sophomore album, 'Van Halen II'. This song showcases the band's evolution and musical prowess. For a guitarist, dissecting Eddie Van Halen's playing on this song is like uncovering a treasure trove of techniques and expressions. Sam Bell dives deep into the guitar intricacies that make this song a classic.

Chords and Scales

The song is primarily built around a foundation of power chords, with major and minor variations, lending it its signature rock sound. You'll frequently encounter chords such as D, G, A, and their derivatives. Eddie also leverages the use of open-string riffs that add a layer of resonance and depth.

In terms of scales, Eddie uses a mix of the Pentatonic Major and Minor scales, with occasional dips into the Natural Minor scale. This combination allows for both the melodic phrases of the chorus and the grittier tones in the bridge and solo.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Eddie Van Halen's solo in "Women In Love" is a testament to his genius. He starts with a series of fast alternate picking licks, transitioning smoothly into a sequence of tapped harmonics. This lends a bell-like texture to his tone, a signature Eddie move.

Legato runs are interspersed, giving fluidity and smoothness to the phrases. The solo then moves to a series of double-stop bends, giving it a more bluesy feel. To conclude, Eddie employs unison bends which add emphasis and power to the end of the solo.

Eddie Van Halen and His Playing

Eddie Van Halen's approach to guitar has always been innovative. His ability to blend classical techniques with rock energy makes him unparalleled. In "Women In Love", he brings a plethora of techniques to the fore.

His extensive use of harmonics, especially tapped harmonics, showcases his command over the instrument. This, combined with his penchant for whammy-bar tricks, gives the song its ethereal, otherworldly quality.

The riffs in this song are a blend of power chords, slides, and intricate picking patterns, making it both challenging and rewarding for any guitarist to learn.

Techniques Used in "Women In Love"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Open-String Riffs
• Whammy-Bar Tricks

In conclusion, "Women In Love" is more than just a rock song. It's a masterclass in guitar techniques, phrasing, and emotive playing. Eddie Van Halen's genius is immortalised in tracks like these, making them an essential study for any aspiring guitarist. With a blend of melody, rhythm, and sheer technical prowess, this song stands as a beacon for what rock guitar should be. As guitarists, it behooves us to delve deep into such songs and glean insights from legends like Eddie, for in their notes, riffs, and solos lie the heart and soul of the guitar's expressive potential.