How To Play Panama By Van Halen L- Guitar Lesson Including Guitar Solo

In this video I cover how to play the song Panama by Van Halen. I break down all the parts even including the guitar solo. I provide some insight on Eddie Van Halen's whammy bar techniques along with tone secrets, chord voicing and tapping. I hope you enjoy the lesson!

[@romanpavlushchenko5672]

Best Panama walkthrough I have checked out! Loved different interpretations of those Eddie’s licks and tempo sincopas

[@Rick_Kn]

You are quite possibly the most humble really good guitarist on KZbin. Thanks 👍 Oh and thanks for covering the final part of your opening..... 🤣😂 Ohh yesss!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it!! Just a little tip of the hat to Ed! 😎🙌☮️

[@diadora9292]

I totally agree👍

[@johnw614]

Marty Thanks for the lesson. I appreciate that you covered the entire song! That's so cool! There's nothing left now but to learn it. I also notice you mix enough theory to answer why it sounds good. The hand drawn tab cuts are also a big help. And you don't go into the weeds with minutiaeas if you are teaching brand new players how to hold the guitar. I've learned the intro in just an hour, and will be back for more. Thank you again!

[@finnmacdiarmid3250]

Dude, you’re literally making these videos as I decide to finally get my lazy ass learning, first 5150, now Panama! I’m not superstitious, but maybe I’m a little stitious. Much appreciation!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

That’s so cool man! Thanks for the nice comment. Glad to hear. 🤟🏻

[@garrybeauchamp9309]

Awesome stuff slow Progression comes into all intervals in Peice of Eds Panama Thanks Marty I played that one I Love 🥹🎸😇🙏

[@FlydreamMedia]

The other day I decided I wanted to learn Panama and looked up the tab, but gave up 10 min later. This popped up and I watched and will do it tomorrow. Thanks!

[@corycollier4660]

I cannot play as well as you (yet) but I do have the same guitar, as well as an ear for tone. I combined the front pick up (fat 60) with the humbucker and I have found the purest Eddie tone ever. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@GvB127]

This has become my go to channel for learning Van Halen songs. Once I've learned the song here I've got enough comprehension of the song to watch Ed live or Satsuma 3042 for the little techniques or changes. I've learned so much much from this channel

[@k9er233]

Yes. Go to for VH!

[@AndyK.23]

Very cool! I always learn something I wasn't doing right from these tutorials! I think there are actually a few ways to do this song that all sound right. Even Ed changed it up live, etc. That's the genius of Ed - knowing where all the notes and partial chords are and using them efficiently!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! Eddie was always messing around. There are several ways to play some of these parts. I think over the years I’ve heard him do it so many ways it blurs my recollection lol. 😎🤟🏻

[@jamesrexsannatracy8318]

Love it. Glad to see your channel grow. You deserve it buddy. Best teacher I’ve ever had. Thanks man. You have no idea how much you help me. Not just with lessons but a real pickup for the soul.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Man, thanks so much. And I'm really glad to hear you enjoy the lessons. Makes it all worth while to help others ! 😎☮️

[@raffyvalky4527]

Dude you are a legend! You've taught me Panama and Cabo Wabo so far, 2 of my favorite songs of all time, and I'm looking forward to learning more from your videos. Thank you truly! You've made this 15 year old happy! 🙏

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're very welcome! So happy to hear you're learning the tunes and having a great time. Keep rocking man. It only gets better. 😎🤟🏻

[@raffyvalky4527]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker thank you again, and I definitely will! :)

[@christaylor9303]

Your tone is monstrous.

[@JohnnyGixxer]

Awesome lesson, keep them coming. 🤘🏽

[@Crinkle65]

This was great man. Perfect pace for me. Thanks.

[@rjh1469ii]

I love the way you breakdown the solo. Great job and thanks!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome! So glad to hear you liked the video. 😎🤟🏻

[@jimmyz2098]

Dang Marty! Man you just crushed it on this one - as you always do. One of the best players on the Tube IMO, and certainly my favorite Van Halen guitarist. You have such a way of nailing Edward's tone & phrasing. This is really good stuff! I have gotten tot he point where I've been in the ball-park on this killer tune... but this is going to help me kick it up a couple notches. As always, thank you!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Jimmy! As always, I appreciate your kind words and support!

[@pokezodia]

Thank you for this! Really appreciate! Cheers from Brazil!

[@Yttikymmug]

Now this is fun for me! This is fooling around the right way!!!! Thanks for this...Tabs on this had me playing this song ten different ways and never sounding half way right.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thank you, glad I could help out and you liked it! 🤟🏻😎🤟🏻

[@scorpio1155]

I guess I am a late comer to your channel. Hey, I'm an old guy with nearly no talent and your teaching style is going to help me tremendously. My 94 year old dad and I were checking your video out and we both commented on your no non-sense methods. Thank you for taking time to create content! P.S. He did mention something about needing a haircut, but that's just Dad! 🤣

[@delroy64]

Nice lesson!

[@paulsanders1]

Great instruction and the tone is out of this world!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks! I appreciate that man! 😎

[@joshmacdonald100]

I've been trying to figure out that first dive bomb. You got it

[@sixstringer3783]

Good lesson Marty lots of detail especially with the right hand 🤘

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks dude! Much appreciated!

[@andreasbrunetti]

Hey Marty excellent lesson Thanks for putting the time into this really helpful!!! Andrew B

[@Dh-ks6nk]

Thanks Marty, love your channel bro! You're awesome teacher!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Awesome! Glad you like the channel content and I rally appreciate the compliment. I’m glad to be able to help others. Thank you!

[@gregorybrown7818]

Good Lord Sir, epic displays.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! I appreciate you watching! 😎🍺

[@WATTScostumes]

Great stuff Man. Thanks !

[@ericasw28]

Man, that was awesome ! very cool sound, by the way

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man!! Glad to hear you liked it. Thanks for watching and the support 😎🥂

[@J24777]

Hell Yeah Brother!! Keep the Van Halen Song Going! Love watching your channel. I also have the Frankenstrat! Awesome Guitar! The way I Like it.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! Glad you like the channel, and I appreciate your support so much. I’ll keep ‘em cranking! 😎🤟🏻

[@bobbymchone7359]

great stuff keep it coming!!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Bobby! I will man! 😎🙌

[@brianjoseph2764]

Awesome tutorial 🔥🔥

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Brian! I appreciate your support. Glad you liked it! 😎

[@TheRealChetManley]

Wish you were my teacher bro…awesome lesson…I’ll keep trying

[@merickwiliam5427]

Amazing

[@CAP21]

Instant "LIKE" before you finished the first sentence.🎸👍😎🍺

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Sweet. Thanks so much man!! 😎🥂

[@haydest]

Great breakdown! Been playing that one for a few years, but couldn't get all the nuances... thx!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You're welcome Steve. Thanks for watching man! Have fun 🤟🏻😎🤟🏻

[@stevepotter7448]

Heyyyyyy what's up Marty! Good video and excellent playing

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Steve! Not much bro. Just making content. Trying to stay relevant. Lol! Thanks man, I appreciate it. 😎🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@wasteoftimeonline]

You Rock! Thanks for this! You mentioned the F# with the high B E added in the “Queensryche” sound.. would love the same breakdowns for Queensryche! Breaking the Silence, I don’t believe in love… \m/

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much man! Queensryche is a great suggestion. 😎🙌

[@genelewis2962]

Great teaching thank you. How are you getting that distinctive Van Halen guitar tone?

[@jamesneville441]

Love that EVH, would is work well for a Def Leppard tone too?

[@michaeleaster1815]

great lesson: thank you!!! 23:30 One note is that I think it is a F maj13b5 with tab 1-x-0-2-0-0 ? It is one of my fave moments in all of music: a deeply weird moment in a party song. Even more than the deep cuts, I think this section encapsulates the subversive nature of the 1984 album perfectly.

[@theausdog]

yep this deserves a sub!!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much! 🥂

[@Swanlord05]

Liked and subscribed I like that u explain what the chords are.....too many cats use tabs....and fookin it on youtube

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Well thanks man! I appreciate you support and the nice comment. 😎🤟🏻

[@garrybeauchamp9309]

Thanks for your Channel 😊

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Welcome 😊

[@ironboy1991]

What gear are you using and what’re the amp settings?

[@robertwaller4394]

Totally agree with all the positive comments, my playing is better thanks to you.

[@joaquinguerra7217]

Can you play of white lion little fighter a tutorial complete please

[@rhugh02]

Badass lesson, to bad I suck!

[@iLightSoundGeometry]

hello, who has the notes to play along with the CD/Album? im convinced he is not in eb but off a little and I cant get it if anyone can help me please

[@garrybeauchamp9309]

Hi Marty 5150 I liked your approach and skills set me and my brother learnt same the Shadows Hank Marvin by our Classical Guitar Teacher he Said don't slouch on Fretboard keep Left arm 90deges always to fingerboard as instrument try playing Theme for young Lovers Shadows Three sections to chorus I can't play it unless Music Chords are Infront of me my brother Steve use to play Lead while I played Rhythm like Carlos Santana Santino SamPeartina in A protonic 4sections to chorus I come from Dire Straits and Sultans of Swing rolling along I suffer alot of Depression after Losing all my Family Mum Dadmy Sister Janine who wrote Alot of Songs poems 😢🥹😇🎸

[@jerrywestwood1320]

Thanks Marty

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

You’re welcome! 🥂

[@WATTScostumes]

You are so Cool. What a Star

[@mattcates8325]

Good stuff

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks Matt! 😎🙌

[@dausblack2585]

DAMN,Frankie's on fire!!!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

This guitar rips! I love it so much.

[@jasoninocencio7422]

Thanks for the lessons. Are you in New Jersey? I want to take some lessons

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! No I'm in Nashville 🤷

[@Santacroce73]

OooooOOOoooooooohhhh YEAAAHH~~~!!

[@lowreztv]

Please show us how you set up your amp for this and what pedal you might use....

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It's a fractal ax8. I use a Friedman BE patch with stereo Friedman IR's. I run all my FX in post. Pro tools. Stereo delay and reverb.

[@luvmuppets]

A relatively unknown Van Halen song that I love to play is Fools. Lots of trills and fills! Maybe you could do a tutorial of that.

[@muleblues71]

That one and Romeo delight

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Nice man! I love those ones too. Good suggestions. I may wind up doing some riff compilation videos. I wonder if everyone would like that idea?

[@brayden1027]

Yeah fools would be amazing especially the solo

[@luvmuppets]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Great idea! Just go light on VH III .

[@muleblues71]

@@luvmuppets lol

[@photonotavailable7936]

🙏👏

[@Joe-ce3wh]

I’m struggling to make the pinch harmonic at the 10:11 point of your video (a string 3rd fret bendy thing). I can’t seem to get that to sound anything like you do. Do you have any pointers? I’m choking up on the pic. What kind of gain/overdrive settings are you at?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Man, it's just a feel thing. Once you mail it you'll never miss it. You have to have quite a bit of gain and boosted mids. Angle the pick kind of diagonal and try to pinch it with the side of the pick and your thumb. 🤟🏻

[@Joe-ce3wh]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker do you recommend any particular effects pedals to help get the sound right? I’m just running a Boss Blues Driver

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

@@Joe-ce3wh anything that can give you a fairly high level of gain. Boss DS1 ... sans amp tech 21 ... Friedman BE pedal ... Marshall Gov'nor

[@Joe-ce3wh]

Right on! Thank you, Sir. Really enjoy your lessons.

[@imonw3b]

Hi, what guitar effects did you use here? Thank you.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

In use a Fractal Ax8 with a Friedman BE patch and IR. The stereo delay and reverb are ran in post through pro tools. 🙌😎

[@imonw3b]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Thank you

[@davewilson6059]

Where's the "jump back, what's the sound" bit?

[@Hotitalianman]

What brand and gauge guitar strings do you use for Frankenstein?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I use 9’s and also Hybrid Slinky 10-9. Those are great!

[@Hotitalianman]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Ernie Ball??

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

@@Hotitalianman yeh the slinky hybrid. I also use just plain electric fender 9’s. They seem to work just fine. I used to use GHS boomer 9’s but started to get string breakage and I rarely break strings. Maybe I just got a bad bulk batch.

[@andrewa3825]

The intro starts not on the 1, but on the 8th note right after the one.

[@justingiradi]

I found if you tune to e flat at 445 hz it’s the exact tuning

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yep. 😎☮️

[@michaelhildreth9609]

Was your input signal clipping when you did this? Sounds like it. Great content, that is the only drawback. When you go clean it goes away with the lower level.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I may have cranked it too much it Logic Pro. Thanks for the input!! 😎☮️

[@michaelhildreth9609]

Hey bro no worries, thank you for taking the time to make the video! I love Van Halen and it's always great to see people play it right, very nice :)

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

@@michaelhildreth9609 thanks so much! I enjoy sharing and it’s fun to see others enjoy it. I really appreciate the support!

[@SuperMozzman]

Great lesson, isn't the dive bomb on the open B string?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks!! Hmmm... it's possible. I usually go for the g and the d stings since they're so easy and are loud!

[@tanase1234]

What did you use to record the guitar?? Processor or just amp? Please detail. Great job man 🥰

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks so much! I record in stereo into pro tools for KZbin. I use a Fractal AX8 with a Friedman BE patch and Friedman stereo IR's in the fractal. I use delay and reverb. Chorus at times all through pro tools in post. So I can mix it more or less later if I want. So I record dry but FX in pro tools. Just for mixing purposes. Although the FX in the fractal are great. It just gives me more control. 😎🥂

[@tanase1234]

Sounds amazing (60% is from hand). Thanks for very quick answer!!!

[@fulviosanna]

I think those harmonics on the B position are pinch harmonics

[@brucebanner2039]

What pedals?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I record in stereo for KZbin with a fractal ax8. Friedman BE patch and IR's. I run stereo delay and reverb in pro tools in post.

[@widehotep9257]

Overall, a good job! But at 24:54 you simplified what EVH was doing by using a bar chord and missed one of the coolest sounding chords in the song: the weird and spooky B flat chord. I think he played that chord using only three strings very close to the nut of the guitar. I believe it was a B flat note on the A string with open D and G strings. Your way works and most audiences wouldn't catch it, but that chord is one of my favorite micro-details of the song and I always listen for it.

[@alementary4065]

So...E standard, but A432hz.

[@anthonystrother2381]

That break up at 552

[@donnievazquez3319]

One thing that I see almost everyone do including you in the intro is when he goes from the E down to the B a lot of people do the double "chug". He only hits the low E string once Between the E and D. Chugging it twice throws the whole cadence off. Here's an example of someone that gets it right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzTc2loeNCJmKM Don't get me wrong, this is an awesome tutorial and thanks for taking the time to do it! I just wanted to point that out because it seems almost everyone does it.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man! Yeh… probably just force of habit playing for so dang long! Lol. 😂☮️

[@kevinandtinawiller9122]

Damn, is that a scalloped guitar neck?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

No just the regular neck. 🤟🏻

[@OFFICIALTAEIO]

That jimmy page Clapton riff part isn’t correct

[@michaelcantinieri25]

its close... its helpful..but you better go back and listen to it to get it 100%....

[@gtdcoder]

I think Eddie was trying to hit a harmonic on that first dive bomb, but he missed it!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Yeh quite possible man!

[@Kommander_Rahnn]

Dude so high he forgot the verse

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

No drugs. Lol. Just stupidity. Haha. Only the best on my channel. But it’s just an E and A with a tiny glimpse of G before the A and a pickslide. 😂😂😂😂

[@nicklebac6753]

Harmonic Is 2nd fret of the G

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Cool man 🙌

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Like your channel but this isn’t how Panama is played. Close but not right. Several parts are wrong. Also didn’t show the verse. Not trying to be rude at all I promise.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

All good man. Its how I learned it many many moons ago and have played 1000 times so I guess you can't reach an old dog new tricks. 😂😂😂☮️

[@WePlayTheBeatles]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalkeryou’re a great guitarist but the guy’s right.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

@@WePlayTheBeatles thanks man! 😎

[@Swurvd]

Nah, You play it how you think it’s supposed to be played it sounds correct you don’t have to perfectly copy the studio version

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

@@SwurvdEddie is the only person on earth that knows how it’s supposed to be played.

[@WePlayTheBeatles]

Hallo, you’re playing the intro the wrong way rhythmically

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Not so sure

[@WePlayTheBeatles]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker absolutely yes

[@WePlayTheBeatles]

Try playing it with the record, you’ll get my point

[@TimothyWilliams-dh1to]

Cut to the fuckin chase

[@Maggooster]

Well, you're close. But you're adding one extra "chug" in there before you drop to the 5th fret and it's kinda annoyting, frankly. Good lesson though, and will start people on the right track...

[@officialmetalwill]

1:02 Eddie never tuned to a "standard" or "conventional" tuning because he never used a tuner. He would just pick up a guitar, tune it to itself, and go. That's why he was typically somewhere between E standard and Eb standard. On some songs (like Running With The Devil for example) he even detuned certain strings a little to make certain chords sound better.