Chordplay - Eddie Van Halen's Sus Chord Magic

[@leaveitorsinkit242]

Man... Eddie was a phenomenal riff writer.

[@fivestring65ify]

The rhythm riffs were my favorite

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Eddie was nuts. Hot and heavy!

[@donaldmccoy49]

When EVH passed, it was akin to a parent dying to me...it was crushing. the memory of why MOST of us started playing begins with him... maybe it's time for a new series.. The EVH chronicles... album by album, song by song...as a tribute of course... to all things Eddie.. enjoyed the lesson as usual!! peace brother!

[@stepladder3257]

Little Guitars is my favourite Van Halen song, it’s so badass yet so romantic

[@jeffreywarner6931]

One of mine as well

[@Scottocaster6668]

I actually prefer the not as popular songs, In a simple Rhyme, Little Guitars, House of Pain, Secrets, So this is Love, Girl gone Bad, etc. Great lesson on these classics. I miss him 😢

[@AD-ui2pz]

House of Pain is such a great guitar tune, Eddie just goes off and its almost an instrumental when the guitar solo extended part and outro take over, Little Guitars is a masterpiece, when Ed played that live in 2015 tour and I was 5th row at the Camden NJ Amphitheater I had tears of joy, filmed the intro really well and who knew that would be the last of every tour I ever saw from 1984- on, it felt special that night with them playing so much of the old catalogue and even Dirty Movies- what a send off to all time fans! I alternate from smiling listening to Ed's playing to wanting to cry half the time too- too young for the master to be gone at 65

[@VangeliRock]

@@AD-ui2pz I was gonna make the same point. House of Pain is incredible song and guitar work.

[@stephenpemberton85]

Same here ✌️💛🤘

[@tongusgrump2261]

Eddie was our Mozart

[@martinlahaie6012]

A guitar legend and an icon for sure...don't push it with the Mozart comparaison..

[@FantasyFilms100]

Facts 🙌

[@calebproductions5970]

Yngwie is our paganini.

[@erix777]

He really was a natural, just effortless brilliancy from the start.

[@paulolsen6870]

Paganini...composer and savant musician. ✌

[@henrys.6864]

"Girl gone bad" I call those "stack 5's". King Diamond uses those sometimes in their songs. Eddie was such an innovative guitarist. He definitely put the lead guitar back on the map!

[@damonstewart70]

What are stacked fives

[@islander4986]

@@damonstewart70 Chord with a root-fifth and another fifth (based off the fifth) above it?

[@damonstewart70]

@@islander4986 thanks

[@islander4986]

​@@damonstewart70 I think Henry was referring to David's "Creed" chords in "Girl Gone Bad." Shapes like this: Gsus2: 357XXX, or a Csus2: X357XX-which contains the same notes as in a Csus2 played like this: X35533 but without the octaves of the root and fifth: X35X3X. Unless you've got pretty big hands/long fingers it would be hard shape of chord to grip/play on adjacent strings with the root (lowest note) on the D or G string unless you're way up the neck because you'd be making quite a stretch: XX358X, XXX368.

[@ravingiron9356]

Thought they were 'add9' s

[@silverjaw138]

Eddie’s rhythm playing was so heavy and funky at the same time.

[@ronr7905]

We're all still feeling this a little bit. :) I wasn't so sad when he died because I knew he was sick for a while, and in pain. But I watched an interview with Alex Skolnick... he was asked how it affected him, and he said "What can you say about someone who changed the course of your life?" and he got choked up. And so did I. That is the simple fact, Eddie inspired a lot of players in so many ways. Playing wise, gear wise, DIY wise. These lessons are great, they are broken down very well and it's by someone who might say "Eddie changed my life". I really enjoy these and it just makes me appreciate Eddie all over again. What in incredible, inventive, INTERESTING player he was. Thanks.

[@stringbender11672]

Amen to that, Rob! 🎸👑🏁

[@electroKrunch]

I always felt like Eddie would always be around.... I watched his rise when I was in SoCal back in the day... RIP Eddie, ROCK Heaven!!!

[@mojodojo5533]

I think every song Ed ever created was a guitar lesson in the making. Pure genius even on the lesser known songs.

[@davelisapaly6750]

It's great that you have few episodes of EVH. The guy, not only in his leads, has his own voices in all aspects of his playing. Hard to believe he did most of these works only in his 20s and 30s!

[@brianschraeder2832]

We miss EVH. Thanks for keeping his legacy going with your videos.

[@chillidogkev]

Eddie was a phenomenal player and his lead playing was legendary....however it was always his rhythm playing and chord work that blew me away.

[@oliversteffensen5498]

Dear David It is so beautiful the way you teach all this magic. Your love, respect and enthusiasm for all these great guitar players. Every young (or old) guitar player can benefit so much from your teachings and understanding on this beautiful music. Thanks🙏

[@johncrowe5164]

I Been Digging Wolfgang's Tunes with Mammoth. Distance. Epiphany. He's Not Eddie But His Singing & Those Videos Brought More than One Tear to My Eyes.

[@wakinginfinity]

Thanks for showing us the lesser known VH rhythms 😎

[@jacksprat7525]

Ed was a pioneer. Edward cut the cloth the rest of us just wear it. Brilliant rhythm, blistering lead. Daddy and I loved Eddie. 🇮🇳🙏❤️

[@icurt06]

That was a cool video. I liked Spanish Fly on the acoustic. Eddie was such a musical genius!

[@adam872]

The intro to Little Guitars is one of my all time favourite EVH guitar parts. It's a total master class.

[@robbieduffy9998]

The noel monk book is awesome..unfortunately it shows the dark side the band where sliding into..I think the only one to come out of that era with his head held high was Michael Anthony ..poor guy was shit on and yet he still stayed loyal and never once bad mouthed the band..respect mikey.

[@bobbyparks801]

When they cut him out of royalties and made it retroactive right before 1984,he had to pay Back $$.He should have stood up and said "without my vocals VH would not be VH!". Sad, I'm sure Sammy more that makes it up paying Mikey from the Tequila $$.

[@fivestring65ify]

Mike was the glue that held van halen together.

[@vincemesaboogie6572]

Common sus chord misconceptions are sometimes just kinda like miscommunication . Sus 2 , sus 4 , 11teen chords . From my experience at least in jazz , r/b , etc. Totally enjoy your channel and content . Rip Eddie 🙇🏻‍♂️🎸🙏❤💯

[@RF944]

Gave it a 👍's up and haven't even watched the lesson yet. I knew You would kill it.

[@35rocker]

Thanks for that David. You're right, Eddie's passing is still hard to take all these months on. Great spot on the hammered on G to make D Sus 4 at the end of In A Simple Rhyme, only Ed nuts and guitar nerds like us and others who have commented would spot that 😂👍🤘

[@frostyriffs]

That PRS is something else. Sounds good n crunchy. 👍

[@rwclardy12]

The more I learn on how Eddie thought about these lines, the more I see the a connection to Joe Pass. I know I'm weird, but they but used these chords as their color palette and they just painted with music. For me this has been my quest for ages and ages. I cannot thank you enough for all this gold information.

[@lovegun7]

my favorite chords from my favorite guitar player teached by guitar teacher - what a combination !

[@elizabethanderson2968]

You've gone about this lesson in exactly the right way. You learn by encountering what you don't know, so in bypassing the overused songs you made a unique experience... thanks!

[@electroKrunch]

Thanks so much for sharing, Dave!! The sus stuff has built on my exploring of triads!......

[@RipVDub]

Well done sir! In a Simple Rhyme...what the sus?!? Always appreciated.

[@iainwhite3476]

Fantastic lesson man 🤘🎸

[@cravertom]

disappointed that I can't give more than one thumbs up....very nive job David....as always.

[@jayboy6895]

Brilliant lesson maestro 🤘

[@robrieman2368]

I remember after the debut VH album, anxiously awaiting for the next album (and every album after). I used to record EVH guitar parts on a tape recorder and purposely use worn batteries to slow it down enough to try to glean what was going on. I took lessons for a while and always devoted part of the lesson to learning a EVH riff. And even now I thoroughly enjoy sitting down to a late night lesson with David Brewster, especially when the lesson features EVH! Thanks for what you do, David! I truly appreciate it.

[@wtffrankreich6873]

What a modern approach of the rock guitar Ed had.

[@joshuafranck1721]

Awesome video. Actually explains the significance of eddies playing other than “he does tapping” and “he uses a Floyd rose”. 🤘🏼

[@unoefxz]

EVH stated that they key to playing guitar is knowing where the harmonics are in every position. They move around when you fret a chord and he had them ALL memorized... I have trouble finding my car keys let alone finding harmonics on the fly... Amazing man he was... "If I can do it, anyone can do it" and he actually believed that!

[@michaeleaster1815]

Thanks so much! We can't get enough EVH lessons/appreciation... even before he passed, and sure as hell now

[@vancedean9699]

Great lesson. Eddie will always be #1 to me.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

hot and strong

[@Panchissimo3]

Unbelievable episode thank you!

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Damn. That was epic. And that was a deep dive. I love all those songs and thank you for high lighting them. EVH was the greatest rhythm player in my opinion and it’s for these moments. Thanks so much for doing this, perfect tribute.

[@JJG5150]

These are a lot of my favorite Van Halen songs! I had no idea that had the sus chords in common essentially

[@ibass2964]

thanks for pulling off the layers...we all can agree..Eddie's playing had a method to the madness... he was so ahead of everything electric guitar..

[@homeberg7076]

Best video yet! This is another glimpse into the mastery of EVH. The dude had so many tools we just take for granted. Thanks Dave! Nice work.

[@HammerGruvin1]

You are truly "at one with the cause"..."a defender of the faith" Thanks for Championing Rockdem ...\m/!!!

[@Bpjames]

Like you, I'm sure, I feel fortunate to have lived during the career of EVH. I'm glad his musical energy and influence will be with us forever.

[@sixstringer3783]

Bravo 👏 David excellent work and song choice great examples of his use of the sus cords it still leaves a lump in my stomach every time I think about him and the fact that he is no longer with us but you are so right his legend lives on with his music R.I.P King Edward

[@kendog7096]

Wow! Great Lesson. Secrets is my favorite Van Halen song, but it has always baffled me on how to play it. Thank you.😊

[@friguy4444]

I've heard a lot of people try to play and sound like the big "E" but I can always hear a large difference as I guess we always will since we are not him lol. But I must say that this man has a very excellent touch and sound that comes close to the sound and touch of the Master. Great lesson too, Thank you sir!

[@falquest]

Cool vid. Thanks for showing me I was playing SECRETS wrong! 😊 As for GROWTH, I remember reading an old EVH interview where he said the idea was to fade in the beginning of Fair Warning with the continuation of Growth but they decided on Mean Street instead.

[@Arty_C]

David you brought back a lot of memories with this episode. It was hard to listen to VH for a while, but the way you play Ed's songs brings back the old goosebumps. You are Brilliant my friend!

[@2kevinbarrett]

perfect balance of tech & passion in your lessons- thanks a million!

[@AD-ui2pz]

great tasty stuff here and the music of my childhood, I listened to the Diver Down LP so many times with headphones and other VH records as a kid before I started guitar lessons after seeing VH 1984 live in Philly at the Spectrum as a 13 year old, I already had a musical background playing trumpet for 6 years or so prior, my older brother took me to that concert, VH was always on in our house from the beginning in 78, In A Simple Rhyme is such a beautiful guitar part and then the hidden track that sounds like an army marching through- they've played growth on stage live a few times in one of their last tours for the fans- cool moment- Thanks for the teacher's musical approach to this lesson- really well done

[@andyracksthecams]

Thank you. I don't think I have thought about anybody more that has passed apart from my mum that is. I think it is even more apparant now that Edward was larger than life.

[@TheJabernet]

You're awesome Dude! Thanks! Miss you Eddie,

[@jerryc3240]

Great going back and deep into the catalog of their music

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

I remember years ago I saw Sammy Hagar on That Metal Show and he was asked who the better guitar player was Joe Satriani or Ed. He said that Joe was a more technical player as far as music theory,which we all know Satriani has a black belt in music theory. He said Ed wouldn't name notes or chords he would just say I just play it like this! To me that is the mark of pure genius! I have also read that Hendrix was similar only he would refer to notes and chords as colors!

[@damonstewart70]

Yeah man but you gotta admit chickenfoot was bad as HELL and Joe DEFINITELY rocks theory or not

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

@@damonstewart70 Don't get me wrong,I've always loved Satch!It just blows me away that Ed was so off the cuff,would make up his own scales and just make stuff up without thinking too hard about it!He would just pick a key and run with it lol!Totally rewrote the rulebook or lack thereof!

[@larsw4432]

There is so much Jazz ( distorted ) in Eddies playing! Oh, how much I miss that man!

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

@@larsw4432 His dad obviously was a huge influence.You can really hear it on Beautiful Girls!One of my all time favs!Ed taught us how to swing!I'd almost guarantee his dad really liked that tune!

[@Scottocaster6668]

That's funny you say that, I don't know a lot of names, but I know what they sound like before I hit them and actually see colors 🤔.

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

Secrets and Simple Rhyme are my two favorite VH songs. Thanks man! You have good taste. Haha

[@sbrave]

He does a similar pattern at the beginning of a Simple Rhyme as well. Yup, good call on that very ending note! Love that tune, especially the bg "ahhhhh" vocals!!

[@Wargasm54]

That Les Paul sounds wicked.

[@EarthAltar]

Awesome EVH lesson, Dave. Often imitated, but never duplicated, Eddie will live on through his music legacy. He gave us all something to aim for.

[@paoloisoardi6969]

Thank you , Eddy the king 👍🎸

[@Jasonfurrofficial]

Great video again Dave! Funny you did this video. Earlier today, Ben Lacy and I had an hour conversation on how Diver Down is where Eddie really started showing his composition chops! You and Rick Beato came up in this conversation. We talked about people on KZbin doing great VH videos. You and Rick have turned many fans on to our hero EVH. We also talked about the time Dweezil Zappa introduced us to Chick Corea. We haven't recovered from Eddie passing and now Chick. 😪

[@DannyBrooks1]

How about doing a full guitar course of 80’s songs where you breakdown entire top songs from hair bands. I would buy that!

[@denniscolyn5435]

Nice touch changing the album art on the wall behind the desk to reflect what album each song came from as you progressed through the vid.

[@anthonydavella8350]

Gotta say man, this is your look. The denim and hat thing is very cool on you. Thanks for all your work that goes into these lessons sir

[@carlferritto4467]

Anyone else notice the VH album covers changing in the background??? Dude, great videos!

[@jeffreywarner6931]

Van Halen The most ultimate Rock Band of all time R.I.P EVH

[@MikeMcAdam623]

Nice ! Love the deep cuts ..

[@mikeivey8471]

Great video , sir !! Well done !! R.I.P. EDDIE VAN HALEN !!!

[@mikebeechey8592]

Thanks David, that was awesome! Those are some of my absolute favorite VH tunes!!

[@ClifHaley]

I literally just finished "Van Halen Rising" today and I can't recommend it enough. Such a well researched and well written book. I read "Runnin' With the Devil" last year and it is also great. I'd recommend reading "Van Halen Rising" first and then "Runnin' With the Devil" second as it picks up where "Van Halen Rising" ends, although it's a different type of book. "Van Halen Rising" is very much a historical documentary style book, while "Runnin' With the Devil" is more of an insider's look from a the POV of a personal memoir (their DLR-era manager Noel Monk).

[@bajhiker]

I usually never post, but I wanted you to know you are becoming my fav channel. Keep up the good work. Really really good stuff!

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Another great lesson as always. Thank You David. Love Eddies playing too. R.I.P. maestro. But although not the same caliber as a lead guitarist, if you're gonna do a special on sus chords, it would be a good idea to do one on (imo at least) rocks king of sus chords: Alex Lifeson.

[@SWIFTY5150]

Going away to Canada for 2 weeks and for some reading, I just ordered Van Halen Rising and Eruption Conversations with Eddie Van Halen.

[@JustRockMySoul]

Awesome playing and explaining, thanks! Really liked how you pointed out the trademark move that came back in Panama. Or developed into that rather. Puts into perspective how even an incredibly talented player like Eddie needed to put a lot of work into learning and practicing. He did. And it showed. Same goes for your videos!

[@Gregorypeckory]

Yeah; everyone glorifies natural ability, which Eddie obviously had tons of, but forgets about the 100s of thousands of hours of hard practice to hone it into something to show the world! There's a great saying that "talent is 1% natural ability, and 99% hard work! Obviously that's not a real formula meant literally, but rather a way to dramatize the fact that without a lot of work (with rare exceptions for savants), talent is worthless.

[@thack102]

Wow … your an amazing player and teacher. Thanks for sharing EVH’s songs . Such talented beautiful music ❤

[@v.r.2276]

Just watched this and it's instantly one of my all time favorite episodes you've done on Edward's amazing musical expression. All the songs you displayed are some of my all time VH favorites...thank you Dave for this!!

[@edwardkaeser2533]

I appreciate the lesson. I really appreciate your formal Wear for Mr.VH lesson.the Canadian tuxedo is a stylish classic.

[@michaelberry530]

In addition to those books which are good reads, I would recommend listening to the Steve Rosen interviews from the late 70's early 80's. Thank you for the sus lesson your videos are very informative.

[@jeffrussell777]

Never thought of it but now...little guitars sounds like Saturday nights alright for fighting by elton john ...who Valerie LOVED!

[@TheSavage1969]

Well done Dave. As always your efforts are much appreciated.

[@PhilFeedback]

Rest In Peace EVH 😥

[@cota666]

Great lessson, man. as always!

[@barryhaynes103]

Another exceptional lesson ... love those b-sides and lesser known songs ... I haven’t heard secrets in years or growth ... Eddie was so into guitar playing as an outlet that his music reflects the dedication and command he had on a guitar ... he came across socially awkward but his guitar playing was a once in a lifetime generational influence on the guitar playing community worldwide ...

[@Gregorypeckory]

He seems comfortable and confident in most of the interviews and interactions I've seen. Where's the evidence that he was ever "socially awkward", other than his references to the early childhood days of being in a new country and not speaking a word of the language, and his referring to himself as "the quiet one"? In reality, he quickly overcame the difficulties (which would challenge any kid plucked from all s/he knows, and thrown into a strange culture), and adapted beautifully to his new home. I seriously doubt that a truly "socially awkward" person could have ever developed the unmatched onstage swagger, charisma and flashy athletic stage moves to go with his virtuosity, that seemed to come naturally to Eddie.

[@NiceChristianMan]

Excellent review of Ed's stuff very nicely done!!!!! He definitely leveraged his fair share of the "sus" mechanism. You highlighted all the cool ones......

[@voronOsphere]

Thanks, David! Amazing stuff!

[@sleggarri]

I enjoyed this more than any other lesson. Best to date for me! Thank you for your time and insight.

[@danaeverhart6487]

Dude you are one of the best teachers on YT! Your instructions are spot on! Eddie would either be pissed, or pleased that your getting his technical secrets correct ! Bravo sir!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@brucemonahan8134]

Very Cool....

[@davecosten919]

Very inspiring lesson. I have to learn some Van Halen now, and add the cherry on top (that little harmonic trick)!

[@timmbos]

You are an absolute joy to watch!

[@sotirios6882]

Always a pleasure Dave. Can never get tired of Eddies incredible guitar work period. As you said it's still hard to take in that he is no longer here to bless us with his presence. Tnx for doing the B side tunes . How about tackling the B side of the Fair Warning album. It has some dark n interesting Guitar work on it as well. ROCK ON DAVE! 👊 🎸

[@lifegoeson2183]

This is a brilliant lesson Dave thanku so much. I do have one request tho is it possible you could do some Blues Rock licks from the late great Paul Kossoff.

[@generationtech4132]

I love your videos. You have some really great insight about Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing. Thank you

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

Nice job again. Please do more on STP Dean DeLeo is one of my major influences maybe stuff from down album I wish I could find that guitar tablature book have you ever seen it in print? Thanks again

[@jamesnorton7601]

Sorry bro. I might have to pay attention a little more to your channel. The whole e-bow lesson I just brought up Dean. My bad man!

[@DaveHobbs]

Great video, many thanks. Love the attention to detail with the framed album cover relevant to each song! Good work!

[@rongrape2939]

Very nice!

[@sanneman7220]

Excellent, the passionate way in which you reveal the depth of those classics and thereby keep them alive. Or even better, you make those tunes even more immortal than they already are. Thanks. RIP Eddie.

[@Wolf.51.50]

How on earth, with all the complexity and elegance and intricacy of his chords, Van Halen's music is still labeled as "metal", is beyond me. Thanks Mr Brewster and of course... Long live King Edward!

[@RemyTrahant]

Great lesson, David! I'll never be over Eddie's passing. I saw Van Halen in October 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl, what ended up as Eddie's last concert, and I didn't know it at the time, but it was to be the best concert I would ever attend.