How Eddie Van Halen REALLY Played 5150!

[@BenEller]

Did I mention you can get my Van Halen 5150 TAB for FREE? Snag it here: www.patreon.com/posts/99492790?

[@Murphy_R9]

That is awesome Thanks for the tab to this! and i cannot help but wonder how you guys( You, Pete Thorn, Jacob Deraps, Dario Van halen, and some others can do the VH thing so well? I used to think if i could get Eddie's tone's i would sound like him but that did not work out at all!☹ Getting his tones was kind of easy compared to playing like him? Pete thorn talked about this and said after you get his tone then the real hard part comes and that is to play just like him and the way he phrases and attacks the strings and i agree with Pete about this! Playing like EVH is not easy because he had such a definitive style. you cant just finger tap that part at the end of "Eruption" and say you sound just like EVH. His Attack, pinch harmonic's and his lines were very unique.

[@natashanyxx9486]

I'd like to see a video breaking down 'Cabo Wabo'. Good stuff!

[@heartstringssound-Doug]

Love this riif and always have too! Thanks for the breakdown of this and the secret! I'd love to see you breakdown Eddie's solo on Black and Blue especially after he adds the delay echo on the 2nd half of the solo! One of my all time solos to listen to. Thanks Ben

[@Dr_Bounty_guitar]

Hi 🙋‍♂️ how about some Cory Wong / fearless flyers / vulfpeck stuff? ❤

[@gib59er56]

Ya did it again ! I leaned a new thang taday. Spelling correct oh yes! 5150 is the shnizzle

[@jackward5704]

Tone is immaculate

[@stephenwinchester6668]

Absolutely!!!

[@youropionmattersnot]

I really liked Eddie's updated tone on 5150.

[@k9er233]

Thick and Chewy. Dig it!

[@j.b.129]

100%

[@nitefly5150]

I have an EVH Striped JCM 600, a POD Go, and various pedals, and I just want to sit and figure out how to get that tone. I don't know if I can with that equipment, but it doesn't sound like he's that loud.

[@JJohnson616]

Honey, come quick! Uncle Ben uploaded a new slice of fried gold!

[@erickimm5150]

Classic 😂

[@APK-pn4qh]

That 5150 intro is one of the greatest guitar intros of all time. It grooves, it swings, it is amazing. Great work Unca Ben. Mom says hi! 🤘😎🤘

[@Murphy_R9]

That intro's Mood always reminded me of a real bright sun shining day where you are hanging with all of your friends and having a great time.

[@APK-pn4qh]

@@Murphy_R9 perfect description.

[@adam872]

Yep, it's a banger.

[@jonmichaels362]

@@Murphy_R9100%!

[@lesbois53]

Agreed, but the “subtle difference” demonstrated, (ok in the bedroom,) but when played in the context of a band onstage, (which really matters!) the audience do not give a shit about one note! IMHO. Great vid though Ben as always.

[@ffxiiangel]

I know it really requires a Steinberger TransTrem guitar, but a Summer Nights breakdown would be great.

[@AeonOfAwareness]

Yeah I second this! This song started my day every morning. I rewound LWAN every night and had it on Summer Nights for first thing in the morning 🤘🤘

[@mercible]

Yep, that’s the one I was thinking of!

[@pbosche]

Put a capo on at the third fret for the first part..

[@anthonyb5279]

@@pbosche Blasphemer!!! Yeah that works too.

[@Volgin.]

It doesnt actually **require** a TransTrem. There are plenty of "workarounds" to play it these days, like a whammy dt or a capo for example. That being if you wanna play it without doing much juggling

[@SamBrockmann]

Eddie was just a natural guitar genius. The longer I play, the more I see things like Uncle Ben's wisdom, the more I appreciate Eddie.

[@santosmadrigal3702]

I was never a David or Sammy guy . It's Eddie Van Halen on guitar ! That's all that matters to me .

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Yes sir

[@metalboy5150]

@@santosmadrigal3702 This is me. For literally decades, I've been saying, "I'm not so much a 'Van Halen' fan as I am an 'Eddie Van Halen' fan."

[@gokhanersan8561]

5150 intro is my favorite piece of music. Beautiful instruction. Especially for reminding us that Eddie played it slightly differently live, kept it fresh every night.

[@nira]

Yes that's a relief. I think we (I at least) tend to get frustrated trying to learn some parts note for note.

[@r.joseph8911]

Being a DLR-era VH purist, I was highly disappointed with “Why Can’t This Be Love” when it premiered. But then I bought the 5150 album on vinyl when it was released. I heard THIS song and knew VH was still amazing. Fast-forward many years, I met my future wife whose brother was a tremendous EVH fan and a rippin’ guitar player. I miss him. Fly with the angels, Steve! 🤘🏼🎸🪽🤘🏼”5150 forever”

[@paulcrandall2534]

They kinda had to put "Why Can't This Be Love" as their single for the pop charts and the masses. I think it's a good song, but it's just way over played like all the pop chart singles are. The rest of the record was the real meat and potatoes for the die-hard VH fans. I love the Steinberger on "Get Up" and "Summer Nights." It's so thick sounding and has a much darker tone than the other guitars Eddie used. There's a lot of great guitar on that record. My condolences to your loss. Sounds like he was a cool guy. Would have loved to hear him play.

[@bobbyruggs808]

Eddie was the GOAT. His riffs and rhythm playing are absolutely mind blowing. Great Job Uncle Ben.😊

[@bilbocarter7732]

Poundcake is one of my favorites from the later Van Halen library. Thanks for all your hard work, love the lessons and attention to detail!

[@sergioaguilar2908]

This intro is amazing, is like a celebration of guitar, thank you!

[@dorianfrank5024]

Mr.Uncle Ben ,You are the Van Halen of teachers ,Seriously!! Thank you, thank you kind sir😀🎸

[@louisjamesreeves]

Ben you earned your spot as my Van Halen go to. You sound really good too. It's a warming sound to hear 5150 once again

[@SkeeterMcBeater]

Dude, that EVH lick is the most ham fisted & messy technique of his I've seen demonstrated. I love it. I'm going to practice that & see how I can incorporate it into my own songwriting. Also, that tone is killer. Chorus is so fun. Can't wait to hit up patreon.

[@bobtimusprime4005]

The live version of "5150" off the Live Without A Net concert video is possibly the greatest live version of any song ever. That solo break is a thing of pure bliss! This is one of the most difficult songs to master and King Edward plays it while running around, jumping, getting kicked in the butt, and performing calisthenics and aerobics.

[@RKDriver]

EVH's best live solo for me was in that live version of 5150. I rewatch it all the time and I've never seen him repeat it like that, at least not recorded.

[@bobtimusprime4005]

@@RKDriver There's a version that is on a live from Tokyo recording from the OU812 tour that is nearly the same... BUT... there is something missing. It just doesn't have the magic that was captured in Live Without a Net.

[@RKDriver]

@@bobtimusprime4005 I think I've seen that but it was the way he started it off with his cathedral volume swell stuff that I've only seen in LWOAN.

[@wmot206]

Your 'regular' vids are great; your VH stuff is off the charts - best of the web!

[@JesseN1976]

More Van Hagar! Criminally underrated. You just hit my favorite. Feels So Good is another favorite. Poundcake and 316 you can’t go wrong with those.

[@daynedingman]

Hello, stepdad here. I love this track so much...really cool you decoded it and shared it with your audience. I'm a big fan of Eddie's "brown sound" but I'm also blown away by the clarity of his playing on later recordings like Balance. I recall being mesmerized by "Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do" at the midnight release in my hometown and I had to hear more. I'd love to hear a breakdown of that tune for sure.

[@mattwarbuckle]

This song has meant so much to me for so long. Since I wore out my “Without a Net” VHS in the 80s. Thanks Ben!

[@jonmichaels362]

OMG dude that concert video was THE BEST. Watched it over and over and over. “This is the first #1 for all of us!” - and then straight into the Dreams intro. Gets me in all the feels.

[@ColorsFadeGaming]

Good lord Ben, this is the best breakdown I've seen of the intro. This is my favorite VH song to play and I knew I was missing something. Great work. Thank you so much!

[@BenEller]

Wow, thanks!

[@davidperezgonzalez1839]

I asked in comments for this song like a month ago after seeing Uncle Beller trying the VH wet dry wet rig and playing that song. The song has a lot of details and is one of his best songs and riffs. Thanks man!!

[@stevevogler3620]

Awesome playing love this song, I remember when Van Halen II came out. I would stare at the "Bumble Bee" Guitar for hours on the album cover.....I thought it was then and still do today, it is the coolest looking guitar ever.

[@CanuckQuest]

So appreciative of your detail!!

[@chrisfit]

The part where it goes into the pre-verse with the big open chords always gives me chills. It was and is my favorite song off my favorite record by VH.

[@rocknrob91]

Good lord that tone is thickern a snickers. Amazing.

[@U2GuitarTutorials]

Your talent and tutorials are amazing!

[@RyanMaziarz]

The other thing in this song that no one ever gets right is the prechorus “Still we try, win or lose” part - he plays it up anchoring on the low string at the 7th fret with big stretches down to 4 and up to 9, not down in open A position like every cover and tab shows.

[@jeremycruz2302]

Loved it!..want any and every VH tune. Thank you Ben.

[@jlampman]

Right on, Ben! Hey, speaking of right on, how about the Right Now solo? I’m working on the right hand intro timing on piano and would love to add at least some of the guitar solo in there.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Great catch Ben! Remember that Ed used the ‘58 Flying V on the main guitar track for this tune…what a great piece!

[@masterquan4891]

Masterful teaching and playing.

[@joehitterman8620]

Incredible- such a subtle, awesome song- the nuances layered on the whole song framework are divine. There are definitely touch harmonics thrown in at the turns. Thanks!

[@jowens1126]

Definitely the best version of this kind of video for this song. Excellent! I've been playing it wrong for 38 years.

[@bstemwedel]

Thanks for this, that transition has tripped me up for years.

[@NedJames-h1i]

Hallelujah! Ben you got it man, I found it so hard to transition that change!! Thanks so much.

[@MarioPepe]

Summer nights 👍🏼💪🏻🔥🔥

[@blockboygames5956]

Seconded. Such great and unique playing in that song.

[@donr6470]

Learned this by ear in 1986 and got pretty close, except for that little bit. Though I recall that it appeared like shown here in the April 1987 issue of Guitar for the Practicing Musician (or maybe it was the tab book that came out sometime thereafter?). Never could figure out how to get that note in there using the second finger. Didn't even occur to use the ring finger and bar the pinky. Doh! Thanks, Ben!

[@RickGtr271]

Just goes to show how many people are too lazy to slow the riff down and take time to listen to it. I guess Ben here is one of the few that take the time to put the work into it. That is the real lesson here.

[@davehappablap5549]

Man!!! Your attention to detail in your teaching is so appreciated. The shout out to “mangle it and strangle it” for someone like me who’s always playing thumb on back is KILLER.

[@ChewieEst]

Such an unique and unusual riff. He’s a genius, plain and simple. King Edward 👑 RIP

[@Broodwich11]

This tone is perfect. Thanks for the lesson - this song is also one of my all time favorites.

[@5150gtrman]

GENIUS level guitar playing...EDDIE was one of the most incredible musicians EVER! Seeing him play this song effortlessly makes it even more impressive!!!!

[@andyracksthecams]

Great video. I have to say that is the way I worked it out back in the day before YT video. I didn't see Edward play it either. It is such a happy guitar part.

[@tyreechiejackstone7379]

The 5150 intro is truly one of the greatest rock riffs. It tells the entire "story", from beginning to end, and the rest of the band has even entered the scene yet! Great work, how about " Get Up", "AFU" or "Cabo Wabo" next?

[@gokhanersan8561]

Cabo Wabo !!!

[@prudd72]

Luv your vids Ben.. and someday.. I gotta get a Bumblebee

[@brendanshervington3560]

Thanks Uncle Ben! Your attention to detail gives shredite! Power!😎👍

[@teddybozzio73]

The more I know Ed, the more i discover! His playing is like those paintings that keep revealing details as long as you watch them. Thanks a lot, man.

[@daveycmusic5150]

The transition between the verse and the chorus is ABSOLUTE GENIUS and one of my favorite parts of playing that song. You should slap that vid out. He's the KING of guitar rock songwriting. Even considerable to mention him as a prog rock genius. Great stuffs Ben. King of guitar education on the interwebulitis.

[@bradleystereoguitaramps]

Edward's beauty was that he never really played anything the same ever. I really love that plexi tone pedal. Great lesson!

[@kibscott6096]

This song kicks A**, 5150 is my favorite song from that album. Thanks for the great video and choice song, have a great weekend 🤘

[@culleykaufman2295]

Tone is exact!!! Spot on and you are amazing at EVH...you are killing 5150! Bravo!!

[@tonybarber420]

Jimi was that way too with not playing everything the same way...brings about the free flowing spirit of being in the moment.. absolute freedom. Thanks for the knowledge nugs, unc

[@FrankenstratAssassin]

Love your takes, Uncle Ben. There are just so many terrific intros (as well as solos and outros too, duh) by King Edward it's hard to, well, just pick ONE!! But this particular intro (well, the whole thing actually) for 5150 is just.... man.... so good and so distinguishable how can anyone not enjoy it? But Mr. Eller? You pick up on those subtle nuances and idiosyncrasies the vast majority overlook and open up a new window altogether to King Edwards innovation, greatness and special quirks. I grew up with the Van Halen Invasion, have been Baptized live by the Guitar Rock & Roll God himself probably 20 times and at 60, he still just never gets old with me. Just BETTER. When mine and everyone else's jaws dropped back in 1978 and a collective "wtf is THAT??!!" could be heard around the world.... I was hooked. And growing up with a father who was also not only a guitar musician, but also blind as a bat, I watched him TRULY study everything he listened to. As a player myself, I was lucky to get that from him too, and I relish productions like this one. Btw, a long overdue shout out to your well-done Edward Van Halen tribute video "Why Do Guitar Players Like Eddie Van Halen?" Watched it several times and as part of the audience, I had fun too. Nicely done, Sir.

[@dusty3913]

Top VH tracks with Sammy, imho, The Dream is Over, Pleasure Dome, Get Up, Summer Nights, Black and Blue, Don’t Tell Me What Love Can Do (whoa), Aftershock. To name a few.

[@eddiejr540]

not to mention Seventh Seal…Sucker in a 3 piece!!!

[@anish3183]

Always cool to see EVH lessons!

[@homeboyjethro]

that little part always eluded meee Uncle Bennnn 🔥🔥🔥 thnk u!!

[@chandlerclement1365]

Praise the heavens, been waiting for this video. Sounds spot on! Learned a lot of new things.

[@MartyDadRiffs]

Your tone is impeccable!! I have never heard a more dead on representation of the Van Hagar era tone. The amp, the fiddle and the hands.

[@BenEller]

Thanks dude!!!

[@magnusjmvc8895]

The apex of VH composition on EVERY level. Amazing video! 🫡

[@onenightband3108]

This nugget should warrant a 100k subscriber boost alone! This tip may rank #2 only behind the "door knob turn" for Blackmore arpeggios!

[@romansingleton8831]

great video and instruction!

[@bookkeeper9902]

dude!! you nailed that shit. you're one of the few that can seem to really get some of this difficult stuff down (5150, im the one ect ) and translate it to the masses. love it !

[@_Rick_S]

This has always been my absolute favorite EVH riff ever and you 100% totally nailed it, awesome lesson! 🤘🤘

[@fflat5150]

Another outstanding feature thank you Uncle Ben. Always inspiring! The into and groove (especially when the vocals come in) to The Seventh Seal would be fantastic. Just so many options with King Eddie.

[@angelherrera6820]

I would love for you to break down Can't Stop Loving You. That tune has some of Eddie's best playing. I love his playing on that tune. Such an underated tune. Pleasure Dome and Source of Infection are two ripping songs. Great video. Cheers!

[@RollTideRising]

Love the channel thanks learned alot from you thanks

[@destinysvoid4712]

Thanks for putting out this video Ben! This is definitely a tricky one to play. One of my all time favorites too. 🤘

[@sjung66510]

F yeah! I love these EVH detail lessons. How about the intro to Source of Infection next time?

[@michaelthompson3286]

It's amazing that Eddie also invented the CAGED system for us! Great breakdown as always 👌🏼

[@plpinkham]

Maybe it's just me, but every time I hear this riff I am instantly happy. And that little missed part Ben demonstrated is a huge part of what makes this riff for me. That little shift is just so...Ed-sounding. It's those kind of subtleties that made Eddie's rhythm so different than anyone else. It wasn't just his feel and swagger, but his note choices. This is a great riff, and even if a person doesn't play it 100% accurately, it's still a fantastic riff. That's how you know a riff is great. God, I miss EVH.

[@boydlepopproductions7225]

Great Vid. Top of the World, especially the live version, has so many cool little details.

[@Gillespie5150]

I’ve been watching Ben grow up on this channel for many many years and wow what a player he’s become.

[@BenEller]

Thanks so much!

[@ST-wn7ml]

Eddie was bad ass. Such and under rated song. Epitomizes 80s pop and Van Halen in the 80s. The live version insane. Same sound with Eddie running all over, no missing a beat.

[@kellywilson8440]

That intro was INCREDIBLE and the perfect tone just wow , Id love to see your take on aint talkin bout love intro sometime , This was great thank you !

[@spencerwarren9219]

Ben here in knox and I am friends with Travis W . You nailed this intro unlike anyone else online does.

[@73twall]

Really love this EVH intro. A lot of intros from this era from many bands really rocked. EVH was such a master of muted arpeggios. I've tried to incorporate that kind of thing into my playing since the early 90s, to the point neighbors have said to me "play that Van Halen!" When it's not actually EVH, it just sounds like him, because I figured out how he did it and it is a truly awesome sound! For me, those shapes (and a lot of stuff he did) seems to be economy of the left hand. He'd keep similar shapes all over the neck, sometimes adding open or sharpened or flattened notes added in to make the chords sound more "expensive" as I called it, or fancy. It makes it easier to transition to something that sounds good with it. I do this in my own songs for that very reason. No need to make it harder than it needs to be. Great lesson, man. Just subscribed!

[@kaivrancken]

Really aweseome, detailed analysis of this legendary riff and great explanation. I got caught by this vid and it kept me from working here at my desk. Don't listen to any picky critic. You're doing a great job, Ben!

[@mikefont69]

This ENTIRE SONG is incredible! Quite possibly my #1 favorite from Eddie.....and I love the groove/riff Ed plays when the vocals come in! And the solo he did live for this song on "Live Without a Net" is simply stunning!

[@LocrianDorian]

This is definitely one of the best intro riffs of all time, I learned it a few years ago, probably without the detail you are mentioning, but it's been a while, good opportunity to do an updated revision ;)

[@bweeks8869]

Thanks for this lesson. I was definitely playing it wrong. Your tone is perfect!

[@fotog04]

That's cool! I still have the original Guitar magazine that featured this tab, which transcribed exactly as you are playing. Nice job!!

[@tomanderson6140]

Well played, sir. Literally and figuratively.

[@mrcurtis73]

This may just be my favorite video you’ve done. We’ll say top 5 anyway. And yes, you should do more Van Hagar era stuff. 5150 and Best of Both Worlds are my favorite 5150 songs. AFU and Finish what ya started from OU812 would be cool too. Run around from for unlawful carnal knowledge. There’s probably a few more from that album, but I can’t think of them right now. Lol. Hey! There’s one - right now. Nah just kidding. Though that guitar solo might make a fun video/lesson.

[@TeknoweltBoston]

This is AMAZING and so helpful, Ben! I love how you also stress here that it's OK to be messy; Edward would want it that way-- it's tone and feel not all precision

[@zerolight9420]

Thanks Ben. I love this song too, and still struggle to get this right. I'll be watching how you play this for weeks! 😂

[@jchuber2]

Thanks for catching this and sharing it!

[@davebasch5995]

Tio Ben...huge guitar fan..I'm a drummer...salivating at your tone and precise playing and teaching...thank you brother!

[@sirtogii5216]

While I wont be trying this anytime soon, really enjoy just watching and listening.

[@davidthompson5846]

That friggin sweet Uncle Ben! Gonna try it tonight! Thanks!

[@iansmith5973]

So I’ve played it wrong all these years. Thanks for pointing that out, so subtle a change but it sounds cool. What an eye/ear for detail. A friend of mine calls that “picking fly shit out of the pepper”. Respect!

[@JgHaverty]

3:20 I just realized "I want the besssst offff bothhhh worldssss". He was really in a box during this era; yet somehow made everything sound fresh.

[@spicoli3206]

Get it uncle Ben! Well done, One of my favorite VH songs, Alex drums are kick ass in the intro as well. Keep rocking

[@JacobNNorton1982]

This is my favorite lesson this far! You’re a hero!

[@eharleyaguilar5143]

My favorite song from this album. His work on this intro in incredible and having you break it down the way you do is awesome. Eddies playing on another planet and you break it down for us mere mortals - thank you Uncle Ben. 😁🎸🤟🏼

[@axnyslie]

This intro really underscores how great EVH was as a rhythm player and song writer as well as a flashy lead soloist. Just brilliant phrasing and always a fantastic tone.

[@BitsOfEternity]

Nailed it! Gave me goosebumps... Sounds great, as always - and taught like the pro you are.

[@Gav24488]

there's so many details in Eddie's playing that you can miss, thanks for the lesson, been trying to make this intro sound right for a time but it never sounded quite there

[@JP4271]

Thank you, Mr. Ben -> great content as always! I agree with you - this is one of my favorite VH tunes. Props to you for doing the detailed detective work to discover what he was really doing on the recording. Not easy to do. Subscribed!

[@chasbader]

This is a great video, good info and your speaking style, pacing and tone is superb.

[@ffxiiangel]

Thank you Uncle Ben. This was the video I didn’t know I needed to see. You’re doing guitar god’s work. 👍🏻🤘🏻🔥🔥🔥