How to Play "Beat It" Solo - Eddie Van Halen Michael Jackson

[@yourguitarsage]

Thanks for watching this solo tutorial, hope you enjoyed it my friends! If you are new here, hit subscribe and turn on notifications(bell) to receive more free guitar lessons like this video. More videos to come this week. Hit me with your feedback and comments below. See you in the next video! e :)

[@Chalomei]

Thanks to you for share with us. We appreciate your commitment to your musical knowledge diffusion.

[@Spiderman_2142]

YourGuitarSage took me two hours but I’ve memorized it and I think I got it down

[@krovozhadniy3030]

that guitar is so nice. thanks for the tutorial, mind I ask what the amp/effects combo are?

[@flashy5150]

Great lesson, I was too lazy to do this one by ear. That last part is called the “trill” I believe, I can never think of those words either lol. I know how to do all these things but it takes someone else to technically explain them for me lol.

[@ajayaharoan3887]

Thank you so much bro !

[@saltorock]

I've been a full-time Eddie Van Halen guitar player since 1978 and I have to tell you, you have perfect pitch and this solo is absolutely flawless. There are a million deaf guitar teachers on KZbin, you are absolutely exceptional.

[@bunnynikkipeaches2442]

One of Eddies best improvised solos . Great job explaining it .

[@ndmarshmello9804]

was that improvised????

[@jorgemery5568]

@@ndmarshmello9804 yes my friend, he entered in the recording room, played the solo in 30 or less minutes and left with some beer

[@budderutter]

All solos are improvised

[@scrap8930]

God mode improv.

[@bobjohnson9806]

@@budderutter no they are not

[@arashf6094]

if anyone’s struggling with 3:08 and getting the second tab to sound higher, turn up your gain up, and turn your pickup switch all the way right. That last one is what really brought out the sound

[@slaughter420]

its not working for me to even ge t the first sound right

[@kevin23kg6]

@@slaughter420 you got to tap it hard but make sure the sound is ring when you slide if not it won’t work

[@slaughter420]

@@kevin23kg6 thx for the advice

[@tsunam.starlight]

i did both of those things but the second tap still doesnt sound higher, what do i do?

[@slaughter420]

@@tsunam.starlight I turned on everything what amplifyes the amp and it works for me now

[@sarveshwalia7541]

A sage you definitely are. You have literally "shown us the way". When I first heard this solo back in the day, me and my fellow guitarists were totally numbed by its composition, complexity, speed and other dynamics. We were pretty convinced that it was UNPLAYABLE other than the original guitarist. And suddenly EVH was God for us...he STILL IS! This solo has been inspirational and aspirational for any guitarist worth his salt. I am glad that after this BEST EVER tutorial, I can finally play this solo after almost 40 years!

[@yourguitarsage]

Love that, my friend!!!👍🙏

[@ericvega9160]

brings back memories of endless nights trying to learn this and some many other awesome solos, raised glass to all of us who once dream in our younger years making it big a being a superstar

[@matthewrobinson7582]

What a comment. 🍻

[@gix9118]

You have motivated me beyond words can describe. I am an Army Veteran and picked up the guitar 11 months ago to help with my PTSD. You have encouraged me to learn this song an I really appreciate it. You have very high positive energy which is a rarity here on KZbin. Again, thank you and I salute you🔥

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you, friend. And thank you for your service. I have a gift for you and other US vets: yourguitarsage.com/veterans-sign-up/

[@jasongarcia3943]

SSG 11B (RET)2020. PTSD too. Was told to get a hobby. I chose guitar 2 yrs ago. I'm getting there. I enjoy it so much. Well... most of the times.Haha. Respect brother. I'm with you.

[@SuperTerrortoast]

@@jasongarcia3943 I wish you healing from the PTSD. I hope you will feel much better very soon

[@SuperTerrortoast]

I am wishing you lots of healing. I hope you will heal from the PTSD

[@jspartacus]

Just a massive number of techniques in that solo. Whammy bar dips, tap harmonics, big slides, double bends, massive stretches, pick slides, tapping, tremolo picking, and more. Edward was just the best, and it was so effortless for him that he did it for FREE.

[@yourguitarsage]

💪

[@jasonbaker5430]

Never really thought about learning this solo but now you've got me wanting to do it. Good Lesson!

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you Jason 🙌

[@JohnKerans]

I don't think I'll ever be able to do it, but I suspect this solo is what put the desire to learn guitar in my head at a young age

[@luutsii]

@@JohnKerans go for it mate

[@zedohsan1390]

How is it now bro? Did you learned it?

[@hmelmore86]

this is iconic...

[@doggity5149]

I've not played guitar for many years. I once though I could shred a bit, and I actually could, but diving into this solo now is just so overwhelming and it shows how much of a genius EVH truly was. Really counter intuitive melodies and fingering. I've never really listened to EVH at all, but I always respected him, and fuck me, now I'm just in awe of him. It's gonna take me a year to learn this I think...I hope I'll have the discipline to do so

[@rickfrazier1148]

EVH played that solo for free for MJ...... he didn’t take any rights or anything. I’m sure that a bit of a regret at this point.

[@joshsutton-smith1245]

Apparently Quincy Jones gave him an 8 pack of beer for it😂

[@mollynoonful]

Why?

[@mollynoonful]

@@joshsutton-smith1245 that's not nice for Quincy who was not Berry Gordy...

[@bandanakidfreviews6870]

He eventually did take credits for it :)

[@nofanfare7426]

@@bandanakidfreviews6870 I don't think he needed credits for it though, it is signature Eddie, RIP.

[@bonk2II]

5:30 LMAO “that’s all it is... and it goes something like this” *shreds on a godly level* Sure... easy enough😭

[@Suki-xp6uy]

This is an excellent tutorial, and a great teacher who makes you believe you CAN do it. Just needs practice! I've been playing for 40 years, but never did any of this kind of tapping and EVH style stuff - it was completely new to me. Just an hour every couple of days of practice and learning the licks over a period of a few weeks, I can play this with ease and confidence. If I had followed a different tutorial, I'm sure I would have quit at the bit after the first tapping section. Thanks man, this channel is great!

[@Bugsounds]

How did u manage to get the tapping loud enough ? Mine seems to quiet to match the picking parts?

[@Suki-xp6uy]

@@Bugsounds multi effects unit- the right combo of drive and noise gate plus a bit of reverb

[@kevinking2468]

To my ear (which is really good) you nailed this solo - Great job! Mastering this entire solo will take your playing to a new level.

[@yourguitarsage]

👍🙏

[@windowgirl7300]

Probably the BEST "BEAT SOLO LESSON" I've seen thus far... and I've viewed many!! GREAT breakdown!!! My complements to the chef!!

[@yourguitarsage]

👊🏻🙏

[@garysteeples7225]

Superb video. I've tried and given up on learning this solo for years. It's been one of those 'bucket list' solos. Best video i've seen on it and i've finally cracked it! Just loads of practice to go now to really tighten it up. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@zeelowsguys]

Wow I’ve wanted to learn this solo for a while now and with the recent passing of Eddie I’ve been inspired to give it a crack, I’ve got the overall idea, just refining it all and tidying up the intricate note sequence of the tapping sections and then hopefully with some practice can bring it all together, I’m not a technical player but breaking it down into the individual parts makes it so much easier thankyou😀

[@xDearLy]

2:17 its sounds really amazing. I love it

[@leyenda6149]

Videos like this make me laugh at how accessible formerly impossible information is, compared to when I was a wee lad. You are a great teacher!

[@m.picard6952]

Great lesson of a one of the most complicated solo in rock music ever (also MJ was king of pop !). Explanations are perfect. "Hey teacher, now leave the kids alone..." to pratice ! Thank you !

[@CarlosGreenos]

Thanks. Just seeing that a solo that's so fast can be broken down like that is great!

[@scrap8930]

Kind of thought this one was out of my league, then you said, " you can do this." ...I believed you, and now I can 😀🤙 Thanks for the great breakdown, especially the most difficult part you said you broke down into three parts...very helpful, after that it finally clicked.

[@AB-do3nr]

Literally learned everything EVH related from you. Keep it up.

[@TheRealezt]

i’ll be learning this for EVH, in that way, imma be inspired and will learn this much more faster and with heart

[@yourguitarsage]

👍

[@gooeykev]

I’ve been working on learning this but but keep chickening out. Wish me luck y’all. Eddie was one of the greats. I feel like this is an essential guitar solo to learn if you’re tryna become a better guitarist.

[@kevinmyles6369]

Right on, Kev! It's a challenge for most guitar players but never impossible, just work on it, practice the hell out of it lol. Great fun to spend your time with..

[@leehacker6001]

Now this is good teaching. This dude has got what it takes to get the slow donkeys across the ditch. He got the patience, attitude and time etc for it takes to be a true teacher. Definately a hero he is..

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you, Lee. 🙏

[@frankvincent9115]

Thanks so much for sharing your skills one day I wish to play as you do with a lot of hard work eddie was the greatest he is gone but his love for music lives on God bless my friend

[@kennyallsop7497]

My band are about to learn the Fall out boy version of Beat it but they don't play the correct Solo, I want to and found this lesson...so.. here we go!! Thank you for this tutorial 🤘🎸

[@carloborgna1286]

One if not the best "how to play" video i ever seen out there! Keep it up! I'm gonna share this as much as i can! And thank you! Greetings from Italy!

[@brucechavez9535]

Even if it takes me hundred years to learn and master this iconic solo of EVH, it will be all worth it in the end..😂😅 And for that thank you so much for all your time and effort to teach us Sensei, Guitar Sage..❤😊

[@yourguitarsage]

You can do it! thank you for the kind words, Bruce.

[@VisionTruthFN]

After weeks of learning the riffs I'm finally here, wish me luck.

[@yourguitarsage]

Best of luck! You can do it.

[@williamheckman4597]

Most all of Eddie's Techniques are done in this one Iconic Solo

[@yourguitarsage]

👏👍

[@jameshicksgaming4929]

I shouldn’t be trying this after a month of playing guitar but here I am about to try and learn this thing.

[@ahhh1170]

howd it go

[@jameshicksgaming4929]

@@ahhh1170 not good lol. I’m gonna wait until I buy an actual amp and not this shitty Amazon mini amp that I have right now because I can’t even do tap harmonics on it cuz it sucks

[@derusmares9508]

@@jameshicksgaming4929 a great way to accelerate learning as well as a great way to practice, is to try and incorporate things you learn in lessons into things you try when you're playing your stuff or other songs. Example: this lesson shows tapping. Try and tap when you're noodling around or when you play other songs, that way you train your mind to use these techniques generally, not just when you play VH stuff.

[@mauriziomoli2064]

I learnt this solo by myself back in the '80s. No youtube tutorial, no idea of what tapping was, no shred guitar. I just slowed down the tape and tried to play it with a Charvel A1 (a Strat-like axe) with common technique. Well, you know what: I did it, even live, to my audience surprise.

[@yourguitarsage]

Old School! 💪

[@richarddonegan4666]

Wow Sir, you really nailed it. Best yet I do believe..😮

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you so much 😀

[@richarddonegan4666]

@@yourguitarsage how long did it take you to master that if you don't mind me asking?

[@edsnotgod]

its Eds best solo, Eds typical fussy noodling fits the song itself perfectly - macho Mike talking about throwing hands, adrenalin rushing, manly hormones taking charge, etc. Great dissect of the solo itself.

[@volkerrahn9139]

Thanks a lot 👍👍👍👍👍. Never thought it’s possible for me to play this Solo. Your „you can do it“ made me torture my fingers for weeks. I‘m at 95% tempo with the stretchy part. I‘ll never play this 100% copy, but I have a lot of fun while playing it. thanks again 😊🙋

[@yourguitarsage]

YES!! I love that report, my friend.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

That has to be my favorite solo of all time.... ok... I was also the biggest MJ fan you would ever meet. Scarily so.

[@yourguitarsage]

🙌🤘

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

@@yourguitarsage OK so I should have said..... I was a massive van Halen fan. Which I was too ha ha!!! Love your videos

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you Richards Guitars. I am a fan of both as well.

[@jaschia2433]

The best guitar teacher on KZbin Thanks but it will take me 10 years to learn & play like this! I think I will stick to playing tambourine!

[@stephenowens2073]

The amp settings along w/any pedals would be helpful!! Your guitar work is amazing!! Thanks for everything!!

[@derusmares9508]

Can't speak for Amp settings (besides my routine of 6 o clock everything) Regarding pedals/fx, for the "brown sound" it's mainly Overdrive + Echo Delay. You can add a chorus, flanger, or phaser depending on what EVH song you're playing, but the first two should get you 90% of the way there. Don't forget to crank that volume!

[@Manuel_Noble]

@@derusmares9508 Please tell me all that is not necessary to play this.

[@mackcarlo]

I hear plenty of Overdrive Distortion and a large percentage of Reverb. A subtle snappy Delay with a short tail decay… A noise gate would be amazing for something like this. A Les Paul or any Guitar with Hukbucker Pickups and low action with a brand new set of high quality strings would make a huge positive difference too… Peace

[@derusmares9508]

@Manuel Noble no, but it depends on how true to the "brown sound" you want to get. Technically, you only need gain and EQ.

[@jamesetheridge3487]

Been playing a while but this is working my fretting hand hard...I love it! Cramps and everything!

[@yourguitarsage]

💪💪💪

[@kalimbakey]

Variax JTV 89F, don't see many tutorials with that beast. Thumbs up for that alone.

[@kyfu5895]

one of the first lessons i actually followed on this solo

[@yourguitarsage]

🙏

[@gszuntz]

Hey man, honestly. Ur great teacher. I just learned in 4 minutes the intro thanks to you

[@yourguitarsage]

Rock on!😀🙏

[@taimuongtean]

Most patient instructor here, am in!

[@charleys2905]

The way this is cut up into small bites is genius. I’m somewhere in the neighborhood of intermediate beginner and pretty sure I’ll be able to pull this off with a few months of practice.

[@fraserblack6960]

I’m an intermediate player looking for a solo to really progress my playing and this is definitely it. Wish me luck and thanks for this video lol

[@yourguitarsage]

You can do it!

[@tanyamajeski-q1u]

Thanks guitar sage for what u do,and the way u teach

[@yourguitarsage]

You're welcome, friend! 🙏 thank you for the kind words.

[@zero2arsenalclips289]

I can't believe it!!!! I did the solo and alittle improvising in the solo too thanks for the tutorial

[@yourguitarsage]

Rock on!

[@Mark-rh2wi]

What amp, settings, pedals etc. do you use to get such a great sound? Great lesson btw!

[@quentinbell5617]

I never gave my self the chance to think that this solo was possible for me to play. YourGuitarSage has me feeling I can do this. I'll let you know where I'm at with this in 5 years...

[@yourguitarsage]

👍💪

[@eLLBdotmusic]

I would love an update on how you teach this. Would you do anything different ? How about connecting cheat sheets; etc...

[@yourguitarsage]

This is the way I would teach it my friend. And get the tabs.

[@bandanakidfreviews6870]

Your tutorial has addictive appeal. Thanks for breaking down the Beat It licks.

[@yourguitarsage]

Rock on!

[@daffyd771]

Thank you so so much for teaching step by step this amazing. Solo …my all respects for you sir

[@yourguitarsage]

🤗🙏

[@hql400]

... one of the best tutorials !!! THANX A LOT !!!

[@yourguitarsage]

👍💪🙏

[@gerardpmusic2152]

i just want you to know. I have been trying to learn this solo and the "stretch lick that goes from 12- 15 - 19- i could not get. My hands were not big enough to reach the 19th as a hammer on. i was extremely upset and considered giving up until i found this video and switch from regular seated position into a classical position with my guitar over my left leg. Now not only can i reach but i can even hammer on Thank you so much

[@yourguitarsage]

Yes! It's just practice. Way to persevere.

[@ariell2048]

Hey! Awesome video. I’ve got a question. At 2:52, you’re tapping on the 14th and you’re getting 2 different pitches each time. I can’t seem to get the second pitch down. Do you need a guitar with a Floyd rose/whammy bar (whatever you call it) to get such a sound or am I missing something?

[@quinngrieco109]

The 2nd time you hit the 14th is an enharmonic

[@Bible_Ben]

@@quinngrieco109 ooooooooooh

[@GuyNarnarian]

God that opening lick is so killer. I never realized he was bending the G string, I thought it was just a straight up dive and release. This way sounds much better, thanks.

[@yourguitarsage]

Thanks, friend!!

[@christophebefore]

super job Erich, certainly for me the best version to learn this title with all the subtleties you need to put to approach the master eddy, your videos are helpful and refreshing, thank's a lot for it my friend

[@yourguitarsage]

So kind! Thank you so much.

[@Bob_1506]

Thank you. In my opinion the best lesson Of this amazing solo. You explained it so good. 😊

[@yourguitarsage]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you. 🙏

[@anjangjaal4288]

I’ve played lead guitar for a long time but I just couldn’t figure out how Eddie played this. But you clearly showed it’s so doable but we need your ears to break this solo into clear small pieces. Tq so much. One more thing if it’s not too much, can u pls do the same for White Lion’s Wait guitar solo. 🙏🏻

[@rottarot4750]

The best video lesson of that solo

[@aabed7432]

Thank you big man for this effort At 2:53 when i tapping the sound still the same btw i only use guitar and roland micro cube amp

[@itstherefsfault7083]

Class man, love all guitar parts on that tune,

[@yourguitarsage]

🙏

[@raylynch8419]

Absolutely amazing, brilliant lesson! Fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing! 👍

[@ramzinasser5387]

3:08 When I tap the 7th fret and then slide to the 9th fret and tap it makes the same sound that taping the 7th fret does, does anyone know what I’m doing wrong

[@skulldude7395]

I’m having the same issue it’s supposed to make the sound a pinch harmonic would but idk why it’s not

[@malikhall6459]

Try turning your gain really high and then lightly tap the 15th fret while still fretting the 7th (or 9th depending which part of the lick your on) get a feel for the amount of pressure you need to put on to create the harmonic

[@henrynewell7139]

also remember to tap the fret marker (the metal bit) not the actual fret space. also whip the note dont like hold it down. make sure its not too soft not too hard

[@rocker8692]

That's an awesome solo,I like those taps with the right hand.

[@yourguitarsage]

Thanks a lot!

[@mactahapeehi2182]

I thought to come and look at this tune as I thought it may be a wee bit easier then trying to play eruption equally difficult cheers and a great job of talking us through the song thanks

[@johnfulkerson9251]

I was wondering what amp and effects you used for this lesson. You really had a great sound.

[@dodeamoroto5942]

The best teaching bro.thank you

[@mak9856]

Awesome video , I was looking for this. Thanks.

[@yourguitarsage]

Glad I could help👍🙏

[@equinox6314]

formidable talent de pedagogie! et de guitariste! bravo et merci. (Paris france)

[@yourguitarsage]

🙏🙏🙏😀

[@MegaSerioussam]

Great break down and lesson - Thanks

[@davidgravey1998]

Thanks for this I always was scared of this solo but I almost have it down now !

[@yourguitarsage]

Yeah, you do, David! Great job!

[@gamersv1237]

Great solo I'm very happy that i can now learn this great solo by EVH, it will be great if you can do Snow Hey Oh lesson any time soon!!!

[@yourguitarsage]

Love that one.

[@dennismccormick7322]

Excellent teaching...thank you

[@jamestownsend1706]

Thank you for your skills it lets me learn quicker

[@yourguitarsage]

🤗🙏

[@cooleasytabs]

Awesome tutorial! ❤❤❤ but with a tab it will be easier to follow!

[@aarrincorporationx]

This is a really detailed tutorial It's so good!

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you so much!

[@jonnybmk6212]

It would take me 15 years just to get the whammy bar part mastered. :(

[@yellownoiseclub]

I don't have a whammy bar

[@daniel._.lister]

@@yellownoiseclub :

[@antoniogil5156]

Wait until you need to press the 12th with your index and reach to the 19th with your pinky

[@anakinskywalker7881]

@@antoniogil5156 that feels impossible

[@scottautoprep94]

@@anakinskywalker7881 it is impossible without injuring yourself

[@AP-tb9td]

Great breakdown of the solo, thanks for uploading!

[@ivaniannello8858]

You're a good teacher, very nice and vary insipiring for me, I'll try to play this only thanks to you, thank you very much

[@Ace_terrace]

any tip for reaching those tap harmonics?

[@TuftedCS]

Just started playing guitar last week, this is the first thing I’m actually trying to play 😂 after about an hour I can play the first 4 notes pretty well and can get that first tapping lick at like 25% speed… it’s might take me a while to get through this vid haha😅

[@yourguitarsage]

Start here, my friend: www.yourguitarsage.com/30

[@wagnerluchetti711]

Best of the Best solos

[@yourguitarsage]

🤘

[@Mahalati]

Fantastic!! Thank you 🙂

[@inabajackyworld178jacky]

ヘビメタギタリスト登場！🍒Good play!🎸🎸🎸

[@yourguitarsage]

🙏

[@alexanderdavis9636]

Thank you Sir, I'm learning it now 🙏❤️

[@LuisLopez-nl6qv]

This man looks like James Hetfield and Paul Rudd simultaneously

[@Slickybrick]

Great lesson now is my mom inpressed thanks

[@talibothegreat]

Love this...its tough but you break it down beautifully!

[@MrGuy3976]

Great Video! Thanks for making this! Extremely easy to follow!

[@tamasser]

Great lesson. Thanks! 5:14 pretty much sums the whole solo.. who thinks like this?!

[@sg_w1ldcat964]

thank you very detailed!! been looking for a good tutorial!! thank you soo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@yourguitarsage]

👍🙏

[@gfsdf123]

Wow man sounds great!

[@jordankneal]

Thank you for the awesome lesson!

[@ibrahimsinan7994]

5 star lesson - thank you so much

[@yourguitarsage]

🤗🙏👍

[@doulos737]

Great job tackling this spectacular, iconic guitar solo. You're a good instructor. Thanks for your positive contribution to the world, and the guitar music realm more specifically...👍👌🎶🎸👏💪🏆🥇🎀🙂

[@yourguitarsage]

Thank you so much, my friend! I truly appreciate that comment. Thank you for spreading love. It’s what the world needs more of.🙏👍💪😀

[@doulos737]

@@yourguitarsage Hey, my pleasure, Sir, you're welcome, and I agree. Press on and up to more goodness/greatness...👍👌🙂

[@TubeYoouu]

2:47 if i tap the 14th fred two times i have the same sound/note, why does it sound different on your guitar? 🤔

[@symbolik5150]

youre doing not a regular tap, but a tapped harmonic. on the first note your left hand is on 7th fret and on the second on 9th

[@CRuma-ut9hl]

Thank you for your post. I always wanted to learn and now I got it ❤

[@yourguitarsage]

You are so welcome!