how to play "Drop Dead Legs" on guitar by Van Halen | rhythm guitar lesson

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

🎵 For more information on this lesson and the TAB: www.shutupandplay.ca/drop-dead-legs--rhythm.html

[@PonderosaSoundStudio]

Thanks so much for posting this, Andy. I've worked on this song for quite a while (and yeah, I've been knowingly cheating with the bar on that 3 Ds lick, guilty as charged!), but I never could seem to get the funk part sequencing right, so this will really help me work on that and give me some more of those licks in my quiver. For me, that funk section and his solo are just amazing - it just makes the song, and it's one of my very favourite VH songs with a really deep, classically Eddie, jazzy groove. Andy, what is your overall satisfaction with the Kemper and taking the plunge to digital modelling? Sounds like you may have gotten it recently? Would you do it all over again? By way of my context or backdrop in asking, I'm reasonably well set up on my pedalboard and tube amp mainly for David Gilmour/Floyd tones and also for EVH tones with a good array of MXR EVH pedals, a Boss OC-3 Super Octave pedal, and the Wampler Pinnacle overdrive pedal, and recently including a brand new Eventide H9 for those great EVH H910 and H3000 MicroPitch tone thickeners into a Marshall JVM 210H, but I've been toying with the idea of selling off my older Mesa TransAtlantic TA-30 (all-tube) amp and cab that I don't really use anymore, and making room physically and financially for a Kemper. I'm a bit torn in that the Mesa does nice VOX AC-30 and Fender Tweed amp modes (separate channel circuits based on each of those), and so part of me thinks to keep the amp for those rare times I want my amp to sound like that, but then again, I keep thinking the Kemper may be able to emulate all of those (plus a lot more). Yours sounds great, by the way!!! Thanks again!

[@markverwyst6249]

Damn this guy is good.

[@JunkYour925]

@@markverwyst6249 yep! Lol.

[@isaiahparadiso8044]

Yes. All the time. He’s outstanding.

[@gm-lb9oe]

Damn Andy, I stumbled on to this I would love to build you a guitar, any kind you want. No bull as I do build them. All you would have to do is teach me how to solo

[@dylansnyder216]

Does anyone else tune in to just watch the demo? Fantastic player.

[@stevef4010]

Yeah, he's so far beyond me it's sad. Everytime I watch, I think I should get rid of my guitars.

[@javiceres]

9 out of 10 times

[@garn1177]

@@stevef4010 haha, I feel you!!!

[@Bodhi716]

Every time Dylan. Superb player & even better teacher.

[@jdchd]

@ you can do it give it a go

[@Jadd612]

Eddie was pure genius -- he should be regarded the same as Classical composers (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, ext....) -- how he comes up with so many small details in a song really made him an innovator. It's amazing how you make it look so easy.

[@FPChris]

Players like this impress me 1000x more than any shredder.

[@Magik1369]

I agree. Shredders are so boring and so eighties. If you can't play a song properly with feel...then it ain't music.

[@JohnBaker-vm1wf]

Great playing is a mix of the ability to hear and create a good rhythm, and also hear what the ultimate guitarist would solo over it, which is a work in progress for most of us. I'm actually there, but my own ego won't let me go away with anything less than too fast and perfect for anyone to care. It's a trap.

[@jasonmiller5030]

Me too brother!

[@jasonmiller5030]

@@Magik1369I don’t know about shredders being 80’s. Eddie was in the early 80’s and this is a great reflection

[@15320HA]

I feel like I owe you money after I watch then rewatch and learn whole songs from you. Your lessons are so good. Many thanks for sharing your time and talent. I saw VH in ‘79 and ‘80 but never even tried to play his stuff because it was so unique and otherworldly sounding. You make it doable by presenting it in such a way as to feel like I belatedly honor Eddie by playing his tunes. Thanks again.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thanks Albert. I put a huge amount of time and effort into making these videos. I like to keep them free for those that can't afford it, but if you can, please support what I do. Cheers, Andy www.shutupandplay.ca/donate.html

[@7soulcraft7]

just send him $5. I don't every single time I learn a tune from Andy but should. How much would a proper lesson at a shop cost...$50/hour? These tutorials are as good as a lesson can POSSIBLY BE. A bargian. With 945 likes x $5 Andy would be covered and most likely happy. $5 guys, how many people trhpow away $12 for a 1/2 glass of wine and pee it out in 30minutes :)

[@hortyist1]

@@7soulcraft7 Or $50 .. I've been benefiting from these tutorials for a few years now and have learned more than a few songs. Also, I never have to question their accuracy. a couple donations of $50 over all that time is a drop in the bucket compared to what any teacher would charge ....except with Andy, he's here on demand and stays as long as I need. But how cool is it that even 5 bucks is doable ? Sorry to get political but, I think its a good example of what a free market would actually look like if government quit meddling in matters beyond its intended purpose.

[@silverburst6123]

Truth! Lol!

[@kinjari]

Most def! I've lost track of the replays learning this from you.

[@jimclip2012]

Dude this is so tight, nuanced AF and your tone is spot on! 9 people have obviously never heard an electric guitar.

[@beachcomber4141]

One of the most haunting Van Halen riffs ever. One of those tunes that seemed to have existed long before he created it.

[@nateharp8206]

Yeah, some of those riffs go back to Mammoth days,, classic young EVH

[@joebranston6330]

I think it always existed, he just discovered it, like Michelangelo's David

[@waynebatson4878]

One of my favorite VH riffs of all time. It growls, it crunches, and it oozes cool. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@bcre8v]

Thank you so much for doing these lessons. You re-ignite me everytime a new one is posted. I'm 59 and probably would have stopped playing years ago if not for you.

[@edt9666]

I'm glad I'm not the only one in my 50's getting back into the deep dive of the guitar. It's so great to have these resources available. I wish I had youtube etc in my 20's!

[@wyldbill100]

@@edt9666 Same here!! Couldn't AFFORD all the "toys" I have now then! LOL! Gibby, PRS, Schecter, Marshal...strings, cords and now we have KZbin!! These kids don't know how good they have it! LOL.

[@jeffazi]

@@edt9666 I'm 64 and I still love to play stuff like this. It never gets old and I never get to old for it.

[@bobsmith1965]

Learning this song makes you a better guitar player if you're just starting out. I worked on this song for a long time after an absence from the guitar and kept at it and when it finally kicks in everything else you do is a breeze.

[@motorv8N]

Two minutes, fifty-five seconds of pure kickass, rocking riff goodness, followed by Andy's signature, clear and comprehensive tutorial. KZbin learning does not get any better than this. Period.

[@plaidman67]

This is absolutely perfect (As are all your other tutorials). Unbelievably accurate. You've even completely matched the tone with the chorus, etc...phenomenal.

[@epasternak4206]

And this is why Eddie was so great, what a great bunch of riffs, if you can't hear the man's heart then your not listening. One of my favorite songs. Great vid.

[@ssdravidian]

Amen !

[@jodymills3138]

One of the coolest sounding riffs Ever!! His solos where great but his rhythm guitar work is amazing in it self. Great video

[@truckernumber9]

Eddie Van Halen made other Rock~n~Rollers step up their game for sure! I can’t play but I love to watch these lessons. I makes me appreciate the complexity of the writing of these amazing songs. I can’t tell you how many car stereo systems I built and tuned to 1984 album.

[@contemposuits1983]

I've loved this song ever since it came out on the 1984 album.

[@crazysnarfy861]

This song (as well as many other VH songs) is goddamned brilliant!

[@driver2909]

Drop dead legs..

[@TheZayne34]

best tune on the album, along with top jimmy

[@mikeking7582]

I WORE THIS TAPE OUT BACK THEN

[@BazonBlades]

Drop dead legs may be my favorite example of Eddie's fantastic and slinky rhythm playing. A genius piece of work.

[@artheriford]

The fact that you played this whole song on guitar without a Floyd Rose is pretty incredible

[@artheriford]

You know Upon further review......it was EVH that didn't play this on a Floyd....that is what is incredible

[@adamwhizbang]

Thanks for this, man. I've been drooling over this song since it came out. When I was learning guitar by ear as a kid, I just assumed everything Eddie did was over my head, so I stuck with learning Ratt and Dokken rhythm parts. Today I'm finally going to learn this bish with your help!

[@theguitarram]

He has such a cool, laid back teaching style

[@garyfederico4509]

I love this man’s ability to do it all. All with 1 guitar and a few add on’s, amazing. Please keep them coming.

[@cerclesvicieux]

Boy this really made me smile. You're so dead on with this. Man this brings back a lot of memories. Thank you!

[@geruto17760]

Yes, unbelievable how perfect it sounds without the rest of the band

[@vincentkingsdale8334]

Best groove riff and the simple drum beat is perfect. This Van Halen band sounds good.

[@scottwalker2187]

When I watch you play, you make it look way too easy, like it’s super smooth and you have all the time in the world. Incredible. Best teacher / player on youtube

[@dominikoesterlin7012]

I want you to really hear me when I say this... you are utterly incredible at what you do here on this channel... just so f'king good. "Nailed it" is an understatement, for this and the hundreds of other pieces you put up for everyone to hear and learn. Your tone, your ear, your technique, your ability to impart these things to us... phenomenal. You are a true gem in the sea of mediocrity and bullsh*t that is the internet.

[@paultreuscorff1310]

You are truly the most thorough and helpful guitar teacher on KZbin. Thank you. And yes Ed had a rhythm and syncopation like no other. His influence will be felt for a long time. Rip EVH

[@dennisn1672]

A true master here. He will teach you more than you ever thought possible. A very patient teacher. My guitar skills have skyrocketed thanks to constant practice and this channel. Not to mention my moral boost. Thank you sir. Keep up the great work.

[@marksc1929]

..hands down the best music tutorial on you tube ....from the way in which he respects the song and artist...to the way he strives to nail each tune , tone , chords and notes in detail ....as someone with a really good ear and a pretty top shelf guitarist myself (and I'm not boasting) I'm merely making a point as to how tough this is to to nail different players with different styles ...my final point is that this guy kills it .. period ...cheers 👍

[@thepeoplesgunny4180]

ugh.. the SOUND! My man.. BOOM! Great tone and FANTASTIC playing! Bravo!

[@JabrinkTheStink]

That tone is just luscious. You are truly an incredible musician

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Thank you very much. Eddie was a special musician. Truly one of a kind. Cheers, Andy.

[@davidmain3]

Thanks for this, I never thought I'd be capable of playing anything like this, 2 hours at it and I'm close. Just needs to be repeated many more times to be gig worthy. Top lesson!

[@theguitarram]

This guy is the best

[@rus19297]

Favorite song by my favorite player taught by my favorite teacher. Gonna be a great day! You nailed it. You going to teach the solo, also? I can’t find it anywhere. Thanks!!!

[@alexkeene9999]

Andy is the best guitar teacher I’ve seen. No question.

[@policeofficer94]

BRAVO!! The technicality of Eddie’s self taught mishmash is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! Well done!

[@mwalker3547]

Your tone on those chords is freaking awesome!

[@douglee5990]

My goodness that is a masterpiece. The tones and the underlying rhythm are more complex that you realize.

[@randykintzley5923]

The song has a great groove but watching you play it really drives home how incredibly creative he was. Edward was just plain different than the rest of us. That riff is just awesome.

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

Yeah, Eddie was one of a kind. Cheers, Andy.

[@maxmenius9839]

My God, the originality of Eddie Van Halen was just unreal. Great demo & guitar lesson.

[@gerardguitarist]

That little transition with the harmonics is my favourite part. Eddie had such a great ear for fills. He'd play a million every concert. Never the same two nights in a row. RIP EVH.

[@357jazzman]

Thank you for lesson. Loved the lesson for drop dead legs, but even more exited to see your lesson on little guitars now, with you hinting it at the end, especially since you are playing it in just drop D. Please please do little guitars lesson as well in standard drop D, without any other tuning changes like you did it in this video.

[@MrActionRadar]

Little Guitars! 🤘🎸 One of the best tutorial I have seen so far of this song. Truly fantastic, I am super grateful for you taking the time to teach the wider globe population.

[@MarkH457]

Wow, just wow. I always hope that Andy will have a lesson up when I'm looking for a particular song to learn, and this vid is evidence why. Stellar performance and unmatched teaching style. Thank you so much for what you do, Andy. Oh, and you really got my hopes up for a lesson vid when you teased Little Guitars in the vid.

[@shanegalang9]

Thank you for sharing your God sent talent! I'm at 44 years of trying to play guitar, I see a guy like you and I'm back to square one!

[@river2352]

God damn this one song has so many riffs in it. If you didn’t appreciate how special Eddie was hopefully this video will change your mind. An absolute master

[@therarebreeds77therarebree7]

I hate that I go on KZbin but I find you guys like this. perfectly fucking awesome and I've had to weed through all these years of bullshit. Good layout my friend

[@rudykr3oc]

I am not a musician but I have taken a more serious look at their work in general since the passing of Eddie and also his work more so and watching this video, well, I am beside myself in a good way. Wow, thank you.

[@dereklinfitt8875]

Best tutorial on KZbin. For the little interlude lick before coming back into the verse for the second time I like to hit the harmonics on the 19th fret as opposed to the 7th that way I'm already right in the area for the descending picked notes starting at the 18th fret on the G string.

[@evhwannabe6590]

I wish I knew this guy’s name so I could give him the proper recognition deserved. Since I don’t know it, all I can say is thank you Homie for teaching me in a way I can understand!! Masterful in every tutorial.

[@gregdenis5191]

His name is Andy & you can find out more info on him & his channel above in the video info.

[@MPK-72]

One of my favorite van halen opening licks / riffs. Great playing and sound. Thanks for showing us this

[@Terrysoddy]

Awesome tutorial man. Your a musical genius just like Eddie was . Thank you so much for what you do.

[@fndrn8]

i was very sad that We lost him so early and kicking my self for never going to see him play but this makes me feel better. keep rocking!

[@massapower]

There will always be only 1 EDDIE VAN HALEN.... We can copy all we want, but let's face it EDDIE was a Genius of a Composer 😎🤟

[@sunyt3431]

No.

[@calebproductions5970]

Your wrong about that

[@Terrysoddy]

Yes he was .

[@Turboy65]

Eddie played as naturally as a fish knows how to swim. Everybody else, no matter how good, had to LEARN how to play, and while Eddie of course had to learn, too, he had a natural talent for it that was just its own thing entirely.

[@dominicdelprincipe2583]

Yep. But don't forget Jimi, man. Without Jimi there might not have been an EVH

[@kurtc7290]

Great as always! Your detailed study and sharing of finer points on these tunes is a great value in itself - not to mention your tone is always a really solid representation of the original. Thanks for all of it!

[@robertwooten9638]

I'm an older gentleman and new to learning guitar and I've got to say you play just as good as the guy who originally played thos song.

[@perpetualmotion357]

This is why Eddie stands at the summit with only a handful of players who has taken the electric guitar to heights never seen before. Many other players have mastered the techniques EVH shined a spotlight on, but it's his songwriting ability that separates him and makes him stand out from the pack.

[@RichardReneeRachel]

Unbelievable. Yes, I tune in simply to watch you play. Amazing. Always. And your tone. Amazing. Spot on. Always. And your INTONATION. Spot on. Always. Amazing. (I’ve watched your tuning video.) It’s so satisfying to watch and listen to you.

[@leskobrandon8454]

RIP 🐐greatest EVH song ever written!!!!!!!

[@seanwags212005]

..that's great. In the 80's, I always did a hammer on/off of low E on 7th (.29 seconds) fret instead of bending the A and go back and forth from 3rd fret to 5th for that one part. One of my top 5 Van Halen songs. Thank you.

[@paulcurie1235]

Eddies genius really shines through on all your tutorials. Thank you for blessing us with your own awesomeness as well. He will continue to be the king of swing and groove for eternity!

[@The_Macaroon]

Wow, amazing playing. This will take a long time to learn. Great guitarist, great teacher.

[@robbieg3788]

So many guys play this intro wrong - you got it right (the differences are subtle but material). As always - Canada proud!

[@trollguy223]

Dude you are a great player

[@alconte8624]

Andy, you hit this one out of the park. I've been following you for a number of years and the tutorials get better with each new upload. Thanks for keeping this channel and your website going. Great stuff!!

[@ducamuk]

Sir, your music always sounds tight and on the money. Great post. Thank you.

[@egx161]

Eddie left us a lot of great rock music to study and play for decades. I hope Wolf releases out takes and un released EVH music. There must be a treasure trove. Great lesson!

[@kellybeane7546]

That's so smooth , not a note out of place and a great teacher

[@gslide06]

Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@HarryBambarry]

This is such a KILLER lesson! Thank you so much!! 😀

[@glockman29]

Hey shut up & play keep up the accurate tonalities. After watching a few covers and diving into Eddie as a player, by far you personified that for ages to come on the internet of things. It’s the awe and wonder. The feelings of things that keeps us striving not just musically but in everyday life 😛 . Thanks for the lesson !

[@joemusicman64]

Holy crap. I first went to look at the TAB for this, realized it was crap, then came here. Whoa. It's like Eddy himself is showing you how to play it. Way better than the TAB. Thank you sir. You have provided a major contribution to the guitar world. Now if I just had your hands. They don't play like yours. lol.

[@bangyahead1]

While I got really tired of Eddie's tapping leads because they all sounded the same after a while, watching you play that does remind me of what a phenominal guitartist he really was. Well played, mate. That is awesome.

[@wyldbill100]

WOW!!! THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS! Thank you for taking time to provide a much appreciated tutorial for this song. One of my favorites!

[@Bulletman426]

I agree, excellent player. I’ve always loved this song. Goes to show you how talented Eddie was to come up with this complicated score

[@Conkee1711]

This might be the greatest guitar tutorial on KZbin. I didn't think it could get any better and then you broke into Little Guitars.

[@ssdravidian]

What a riff!! OMFG!!!😮 Pure genius

[@deluxairhead]

Man I hang for your uploads, there awesome dude, cheers from Australia !!

[@MrLabs]

Thank You for posting this stuff. I really Dig all that you post, I’ve learned so much from watching your videos. Man, Thank You Again.

[@fryingm0nkey]

Man, your technique on this looks so effortless!

[@srubel59]

This song gives me goose bumps and was the first one I researched after his passing. Another outstanding job!

[@JohnBaker-vm1wf]

Finallly. EVH lessons trhat don't require a detune. Thank you 🙏

[@mweshler]

Awesome playing as always. So cool to see you been working through Van Halen after losing a legend. To 4 people that clicked dislike - get a life.

[@darhopkins5433]

Amazing song, amazing lesson. Makes me feel sorry for those that never experienced that era.

[@bobbyodell8676]

Wow dude! I never knew the Back In Black story!! I hear it!! That is amazing!

[@musicmotorskate7540]

Great lesson as usual, you really are one of the best teachers on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@SteveJones379]

Yes!!!! Finally, from a Great teacher! This song rocks!

[@dominicdelprincipe2583]

What an incredible lesson.

[@marcuswhitehead9615]

Absolutely incredible.

[@dirklogan4699]

When he started going into little guitars my smile got hug and I threw horns up. Wow. This guy kicks major ass at playing and lessons. We are not worthy!!!

[@harryman5747]

I’ve seen a shitload of ppl do this ! Especially the 3 D’s ! Great job! One of the best and most accurate I’ve seen

[@ericmort8640]

Dude you are the best teacher of guitar when you play it always sounds right though I have learned from you most the time I check out video just to hear you play you are just that good thanks man you are awesome

[@nome5123]

always has been a great riff. When this record full of hits came out, I often wondered if anyone else dug drop dead legs like me, its grown to be a classic VH deep cut

[@A-Milkdromeda-Laniakea-Hominid]

This song is uniquely Eddie, objectively Eddie. May the Great One rest in peace... And this guy emulates it all without a whammy, impressive!

[@winthorpe6594]

Thank you so very much!!!! The "drop dead" best tutorial's on youtube!!!!!

[@dongibby5834]

Awesome! Would love to see a lesson on how you dial in the times for songs. Your playing is always spot on and the tone is right there too.

[@sk1968dart]

Nice job! I always go to your videos to learn how to play the harder stuff CORRECT so I don't learn it wrong and spend twice as much time on it.

[@hansfreekit]

Love Eddie, this on'e a favourite of mine too. Thanks for posting the lesson, great job. The guitar sound on this record is unique. Also, you pointed out the Jeff Beck influence in this tune. I'm not really up to scratch on Beck but Ed definitely nicked the flavour of that Beck track you played. I will now go and listen to some Jeff Beck. So, nice one for making the connection - I love that about guitars and guitarists. The connection. Cheers from Sunny London.

[@picazzo5150]

Great playing. EVH was a genius, to have come up with licks like this.

[@dougfa3515]

Such an awesome riff! Nice job as always! Off my favorite VH album.

[@ajelltone7320]

Strait up awesome. Cant wait to dive in . I woke up this morning with this riff stuck in my head and cranked it up loud and said Dam!! I need to learn this song and then came across this beautiful tutorial. One of the things you mentioned about his brother was spot on on . The way Eddie and Alex locked on this is just poetry in motion . And I've never heard that this lick was inspired by the BIB riff but always thought there were similarities in the two. Fricken awesome my brother . Can't wait to plug in now !! See ya !! RIPEVH

[@motocato]

Jeez man, you are so on with all your tutorials, what a freaking ear! Do you offer the backing tracks anywhere for these lessons? Would really help! Thanks again, I will continue contributing to the cause, really appreciate this caliber of lesson. You are the man! Love the Les Paul, and that the two of you seem pretty tight:). As it should be.....

[@gerardguitarist]

I know right? Some of Eddie's riffs are just soooo perfect. This one is right up there. How many guys and gals worldwide do you think he inspired to pick up an electric and give 'er a whirl as they say? Lol. Nice tone by the way...