Chordplay - The Chords of Van Halen (Part Two)

Here's the next episode of Chordplay with part two of 'The Chords of Van Halen.'
This lesson was a direct result from your messages, comments, and requests, and it sounds like everyone wanted me to feature some additional Van Halen material. Several of you specifically asked to showcase some music from Sammy Hagar's time in the band, which is exactly what this lesson contains.
This lesson features a number of riffs, rhythms, and chord-based ideas generating from Van Halen's albums with Sammy, including various examples from '5150,' 'OU812,' 'For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,' and 'Balance.'
This episode also connects a few ideas to earlier Van Halen songs/albums and relates these approaches to various songs he composed during Hagar's reign with the band. This includes tapped harmonics blended with chords, distinct chords featuring droned open strings, and much more.
Give this episode a view, leave some comments and feedback, and please subscribe to Late Night Lessons - THANK YOU!
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[@williammolina9792]

You could hear that Eddie was happy and inspired on the 5150 album. Wonderful riffs.

[@fredozz5861]

the Van Halen rebirth

[@kennethbransford820]

This the best tutorial ever seen on Eddie Van Halen. What a great lesson and history of the albums. You are a unique teacher.

[@LateNightLessons]

Wow - thank you so much! I'm a HUGE EVH fan and I'm glad to hear that I did a good job on capturing a little of his magic. : ) Thanks again and ROCK ON!

[@mrnomad55]

My god Dave, when you do a lesson you really knock it out of the park. I really love this lesson. Ive read other people say that they feel inspired after watching your lessons to go pick up a guitar. I have to admit I feel the same way. You have a knack for pulling out the best features of a bands music. You my friend are a true master of your calling. Thank you Dave . you Rock!

[@LateNightLessons]

Wow - thanks so much for this message Dan! : ) This rocks : ) Stay tuned for more lessons/videos and take care buddy! \m/ ROCK ON \m/

[@commentfreely5443]

life without Annette he breaks a string, too.

[@drexcote25]

You nailed it man. Yes Dave’s lessons really help plus I love the history part of it.

[@mehmd1913]

This is why EVH is such a phenomenal guitarist and one of the best of all time. EVH plays effortlessly and improvises also. A true genius. Great tutorial.

[@stringbender11672]

Awesome!!! I can hardly wait for Part 3, &4😂🤘👍 Rock on!!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks man! : ) Rock on bro!

[@TomGrubbe]

Yeah, you can't stop at only two parts.

[@fredrios1402]

Tom Grubbe yeah!...at least a part 3

[@markroylance1584]

Here we are more than a year after Evh's sad passing but this lesson inspires me all over again David! Summer nights is just bloomin' wonderful!

[@nisosolic9290]

EVH's still the king!!! No one come as close when it comes to write some timeless solo,riff and song. Hi from France you die hard Van Halen fan:)

[@RockinSG]

EVH really knew his way around the neck and could play songs in different positions for sure. Amazing.

[@cliffmentzer7406]

I was always interested in Eddie's writing. Through interviews, he always sort of expresses that he just noodles around and just jams a lot of his songs. When I look at the chords for 5150 and how difficult it looks, makes me think how did that occur?! Who just jams that or noodles around to that end outcome! Guess that's why he's the one and only!!! Love watching these videos-thanks for doing them!!!!

[@dell982]

in Noel Monk's book he said Eddie always had a guitar in hand Pretty much constantly

[@cravertom]

you my friend are not just really talented....you are a terrific teacher......very nice job...

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks Tom - this comment ROCKS! Stay tuned for more and have a great one! : )

[@joethebar1]

The one thing nobody can duplicate is Ed’s feel. Even he said that

[@Snostrebla1]

joethebar1 his rhythm and feel are second to none!

[@gokhanersan8561]

That intro to 5150 summarizes the genius of EVH. The music makes those fingers dance on the fret-board.

[@LocoDirewolf]

As good as EVH is as a lead guitarist, I believe that he is a even better rythym guitarist.

[@lionchamp29]

Billy Joel said about the same thing

[@scotthargrove7995]

I agree! I am still mesmerized by some of the intros he created that build perfect tension and release when the meat of the song kicks in. He was a riff master and his chord voicings are perfect.

[@Roxanneredpanda]

all the greats are

[@frank-ski]

100% agree! Like Hendrix prior to him, his technique overshadowed his amazing rhythmic genius! As much as the Roth era VH is my favorite music, 5150 is my favorite riff and the Live Without a Net version is one of my all time favorite solos as well! Long live Eddie!!!

[@mancuniancandidatem]

Millions of guitarists spent hours trying to learn EVH's secret sauce ingredients but didn't pay attention as to the ingeniously way in which he made the meat n potatoes.

[@SixStringflyboy]

Balance is no shining star in the VH catalog, but it's definitely underrated. Always loved that intro to Feeling. Awesome stuff!

[@timothyholmes4588]

balance had a huge sound and some great songs . I think it's one of their best .his tone is so heavy on that and for unlawful carnal knowledge

[@Thehercccc]

Big smile on my face when you played summer nights! It’s not impossible, thanks a million! Love this channel!

[@LateNightLessons]

That's great to hear and thank you so much! Summer Nights ROCKS. That entire album was on fire! : )

[@Thehercccc]

Late Night Lessons Totally agree!

[@robbievalentine8239]

Man it almost seems like Eddie new 100 diff ways to do the same exact thing. The best. Love your work Dave!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks so much and yeah, in some ways Eddie did reinvent himself over-and-over, so that is true! : )

[@currentriverpat]

Dude, that broken string story is, by the sounds of it, literally just "sick" talent.

[@LateNightLessons]

I was floored when I saw him do that. He acted like he'd done it a million times and didn't even seem phased by the broken string. I distinctly remember that too, because at that time if I broke a string at home, I'd freak out, curse, get mad, and stomp around, and when I saw him react that way, I took mental notes and started to realize that it's a normal and natural thing when a string breaks. I also made it a point to attempt to continue playing at gigs even when a string breaks - unless I was using something with a floating tremolo. Thanks for watching and rock on!

[@currentriverpat]

@@LateNightLessons Oh man that is an awesome way to approach it. Amazing that he just switched the chord voicing or position, albeit one with different fingering and shape patterns, and just kept rockin!!! Great story. Cheers.

[@fredrios1402]

Dude..songwriting and chords usage in the hagar era is just as amazing as in the roth era...any semi accomplished eddie fan and emulator knows this...and you have shown that....bravo holmes!!!!....I would just add that on 5150 somewhat but especially on 0u812..eddies tone and brown sound and crunch faded alot...ou812's production sound was lacking on his guitar sound...very weak and tinny...and lack of bass prominence was hurtful to the albums sound....anyway thanks bro!!!

[@ernstbindewald639]

Hi David, 5150 was always one of my favorite Songs from that Ära.Great riffs and lesson....Thx for part 2

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you and yeah, that song grabbed me the first time I heard it and I still love that song. It's so good! : )

[@tomfoglietta2453]

This is a guy you wish was your neighbour, so you could get some quality guitar time. Love your light-hearted approach. You are a monster player. Thanks for the great vids

[@syndicate336]

You are one of the best teachers I’ve ever learned from. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@AlanSShole]

I recently discovered your channel with the ZZ Top chord video. Man, you not only make it look easy, you make it easy for me to figure out what you're doing. You've quickly become my favorite, most inspirational channel. Thank you for doing this!

[@jpslaym0936]

Amsterdam - has to be in top 5 of EVH rhythm guitar

[@MuvoTX]

"Its fiftyyyyy one fiftyyyyy tiiiime!!!!"

[@artheriford]

Said my man, Sammy Hagar

[@elguapo9628]

My new favorite guitar channel on KZbin! I've watched about 10 videos from your channel and every one of them is fan fucking tastic! Keep making them and I'll keep watching.

[@davidsmith6976]

Still amazed,that you havent got 100k ,your content ,is alwaays ,top quality,no flash,,just solid technical and band/guitarist inside ,and never the same as other channels, even the well known bands ,you find more interesting tracks ,ideas ,seriously good ,hope your forthcoming release ,is as good as we all know it will be.PEACE.

[@fredrios1402]

I can't tell you how much what you have shown has inspired me to jam again...

[@DannyBrooks1]

Your lesson content is excellent! So glad I found your channel.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you! Rock on! : )

[@blackfender100]

Awesome lessons Dave I'm glad I found you on here !

[@fishmank27]

Man, I just got to say I love your lessons. You make it look so effortless but I love how you talk through some of the theory behind it and add in little stories. Thank u!

[@gregpace5982]

I could watch you all day and totally agree with what youre saying about Eddies rhythm playing. What fascinates me more than that is the fact that he wrote these chord shapes and songs. In my book that puts him in the same group with Beethoven , Chopin and Bach

[@imilf2003]

The EVH scale

[@ChrisToft]

You just got yourself another subscriber! Great work mate, I really enjoyed that! Love me some EVH!

[@colourtones]

Another excellent lesson, Dave. Teaching/implementing those lessor used, movable open chord voicings (i.e. G, C, D) is such a useful right of passage for advancing guitarists. It opens up arpeggios, inversions, techniques, and compositions in all the keys. It also helps players get beyond the “guitar friendly” keys(that we all know and love!) and not automatically play so “guitaristicly”. 😎 Thank you for one of the best approaches in teaching/playing out there! 👍🏽

[@michaelberry530]

Loving this stuff keep the EVH lessons coming.

[@michaelberry530]

Love these EVH videos, thank you for making them.

[@Star-Explorers]

These are the kind of lessons that should go with guitar tab books. Great job Dave!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much David! : )

[@DarioSantaAnnaOfficial]

5150! best VH album for me, you didi it and explained it in a super cool way

[@jeffmabe4158]

Love the Hagar era the most and Balance is actually my favorite album, great songs but the production on that album is absolutely sick!

[@LateNightLessons]

Balance is a great album and seems misunderstood or forgotten by most folks these days. Feelin' on that album is outstanding! Thanks for watching and take care! : )

[@adam872]

Oh yeah, it's underrated. Seventh Seal is an incredible song, with amazing production. I love Amsterdam too.

[@misslillysdaddy]

Mate that was awesome. I really love your chord / song explanation. Keep it up 👍

[@07STREETGLIDE]

Love the broken string story - another reason why Eddie is legendary! Also, you keep throwing out great names for instrumental songs - Arpeggio Party!!!

[@lanceross3633]

Great stuff once again David,oh yeah......I always enjoy reading your columns. Very insightful into every subject you cover. Thanks,this and part 1 rocks \m/👏👍. It seems as if everyone tries to kick the Sammy Hagar-Van Halen years to the curb. I've always enjoyed Sammy's voice and work,both in Montrose as well as solo.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and for reading the GP lessons too! : ) I'm actually okay with every VH mutation, and I know a lot of people didn't like Sammy in the band, but I'm not sure what the problem was for those people. He's a badass vocalist and (as you mentioned) was in Montrose, so I see him as rock vocal legend and feel he fit into VH perfectly, but there were just so many folks that wanted "classic VH" and DLR back in the band. I get that, but I NEVER thought VH was bad with Sammy, it was just a different animal. : ) Rock on man!

[@eliotoole]

Summer nights niceeee 🤘

[@DonLytle]

Hey dude. Great to watch you play and learn from your examples. Thank you.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks so much and that's great to hear! Take care and stay tuned for more lessons and material! Rock on!

[@jmm1817]

Nice work breaking down those killer riffs Bro! Thanks for posting. Glad to see somebody really appreciating Eddies amazing rhythm playing. I'm with you on 5150. That rhythms off the charts. Runaround is another phenomenal tune. Intro, verse and pre-chorus is so cool!

[@RECTIFIER101]

Great stuff man, loved it!! Eddie had some complex melodic chords going on over the years thanks for sharing

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you and yes, Eddie is a complete guitar wizard. From his leads and solos all the way down to his riffs and rhythms. What a total badass master. : ) Rock on!

[@justinorr2536]

I just found your lessons yesterday, the first Van Halen chord play, you're awesome man. You have a great teaching style

[@samsonthecurrent]

love it as usual!

[@discobaby9931]

Sweet mild manner style, of teaching. The Clark Kent of guitar. Great lessions bro!

[@LateNightLessons]

"Clark Kent" - Hahahaha! I like it, I'll totally take that one. : ) Thank you so much and stick around for more content and lessons - THANK YOU!

[@kittortuga2720]

well done sir, that is a tough riff. You play it flawlessly

[@codacreator6162]

Love Top of the World... One of my fave Van Hagar song...

[@LateNightLessons]

That is a great tune! It's light and catchy, but it still rocks. : )

[@rahl1233]

Can’t get enough of these vids!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you! : )

[@adam872]

There are so many great things about EVH, but for me it's his harmonic choices that make him so awesome. Great, great chords in the context of the songs.

[@jeffs4760]

Very nice! I've always loved his harmonics and the feeling that comes out of the melody. It's almost like he is trying to tell us his thoughts and feelings. 13:15 13:30 Thanks for this video! It's always so great to hear a different ear on stuff.

[@danielgeng2306]

Great stuff, glad I found you !

[@SClark-yu4yq]

As always great videos... I love the late night lessons!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you!!! : )

[@unfetteredaxes1032]

these were GREAT YEARS for Eddie's work too!!! and as always...you NAILED IT!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you VERY much and I agree - EVH was totally on fire during those albums with Sammy. : )

[@joerobinson2538]

Great vid as usual David! Here is my VH concert history- 1982 Diver Down, 1984 (2 consecutive nights), 1986-5150, F.U.CK-1991 -Right Here Right Now-1993 -(all in Cincinnati) and 1988 Monsters of Rock in Indy/Hoosierdome- I was very lucky to see 3 concerts with the original lineup. No way did I even want to see them in 2007-and the touring afterwards because I realized nothing could live up to the gigs I seen. If my memory serves me right Ed was on total fire in 1993 on that tour-plus I got to see Steve Stevens open when he was playing with Vince Neil. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LateNightLessons]

That's outstanding Joe! I'm jealous of those early shows you got to see. : ) \m/ VAN HALEN \m/

[@julianbenedict9720]

I wish I knew more about chords than they plug my amp into the wall...lol..This lesson is so inspiring!!! Wish I knew them as well as you Dave!!

[@richb6291]

Loved this lesson David as several others suggest ,looking forward to lesson 3,4 and 5 ......You natural enthusiasm comes across as always and I'm inspired to work on using these ideas for spring boards for my songs or just playing them for fun .What phenomenal songs Eddie composed ,just the music alone is behind comprehension. Love comes walk in in ,also is cool to play on guitar. Seventh Seal from Balance is a killer riff too. Thank you .

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks again Richard and yes - EVH is THE MAN! Take care! : )

[@charleswind8298]

Great personality for teaching !! Bravo

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks Charles! Rock on bro!

[@gk6993]

Oh yeah. For Unlawful, ou812, Balance. Again Awesome.

[@skolkongchatree2183]

Eddie is really smart to create cool sound like that

[@freakshowmann]

Just discovered you and I love your videos, very inspiring.

[@LateNightLessons]

That's great to hear and thank you so much! : )

[@Maxreverse]

Excellent instruction Dave.

[@flixsymmetry]

So glad I found your channel. Getting back into all this from years ago. Your style of play and instruction is very appealing. When working on EVH stuff, I’ve always had to improvise with my fret hand as I just don’t have the finger spread ability. But that’s half the fun.

[@tomb8430]

Man you nailed the intro to Summer Nights. I could never work that out. Awesome videos!

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

Wow awesome lesson well done 👍

[@junioralves2158]

Amazing!

[@das250250]

A really good series on one of the masters / innovators of rock

[@JorgeHernandez-zt9lv]

Thank you!. You rock lessons

[@mickeymcconnell3011]

Just found your channel from the other VH video (3 Licks From 1982). I love your stuff man, super accessible and very informative at the same time!

[@johncecilia4517]

You have a knack for picking the best riffs Great videos!

[@michaels656]

“...or something like that”. 🤣. Great job sir! Really appreciate your talent and humble approach in sharing with others. Thank you!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks Michael! Stay tuned for more videos and take care! : )

[@BadMonkeyMind]

Thanks for breaking these great tunes down David! I'm a big fan of Sammy w/VanHalen.

[@LateNightLessons]

You're totally welcome and thank YOU! : ) \m/ VAN HALEN \m/

[@joeruiz1469]

Dave, thanks for the late night lessons.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

Dude, you really are very good at what you do. Lots of good players on the tube but for some reason I get you. Thanks.

[@zone47]

Great stuff man, thanks!!!!

[@cappy781]

You really inspired me man thanks

[@markford4587]

Based on your 2 Van Halen lessons, I just subscribed. More VH please!

[@curlzwalk]

Dr. Brewster was in again today! : ) really enjoy your love and appreciation for Ed's playing. You are a great teacher too! Nice job man!

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much! EVH ROCKS! Take care!

[@azbababooey]

Soooooo happy you started with 5150. I always felt that song was underrated, and besides the guitar work, the lyrics are great. You could tell the energy Eddie was wasting on fighting with DLR was redirected into his playing. I always wondered how he got that great walk down arpeggio sound and now you’ve shown me in the best way. I really love these lessons, I learn so much.

[@henrybaxter5229]

You are great. I love this

[@Edward-fd8kd]

A bit of a master yourself, my friend. Great job!

[@bobboitt3126]

When you dive into the complexity of what Eddie was doing you realize how great he really was. All that while smiling, running, jumping all over just amazing!

[@richbarraco1307]

Great lesson. Eddie is amazing.

[@euphoria5150]

Thanks man...good stuff

[@ajmpatriot4899]

I’ve always felt the music in the Sammy era was deeper, more interesting and more fun. The Dave era has its place, as a launch pad. 🚀 You’re awesome to listen to, thanks man! 👍

[@GooseGumlizzard]

love that EVH story of you seeing him in concert

[@richprincipe749]

Fantastic

[@agent_o_range]

I read somewhere that the Top of the World riff came out of Eddie wanting to do something with that short but oh so sweet outro riff he plays on Jump. Glad he got around to it and thanks for the, as usual, great vid.

[@johnfritzenjr.1240]

Great teacher 👏👏👏

[@ervinsuarez]

Freaking awesome brother

[@nateg7973]

Thank You!

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

just bought the book thanks!!

[@bluesdude1194]

Great information and demonstration on Eddies style. I got to see the original line up with Diamond Dave , which was the last time they played in the UK at the Monsters of rock festival back in 1984.

[@LateNightLessons]

Man that's so cool and I'm jealous you saw that show! : ) Thanks for watching and take care! \m/ ROCK ON \m/

[@kapteinrdskjegg5285]

Ekselent !! Helo from Norway

[@1tdillon]

Dave - As always, very informative and well rounded. Now, you should connect the VH Chord Play lesson with a VH Rhythm Lesson. Eddie is all too often associated with stellar lead playing, but he was a monster rhythm player. I love the comping he does behind the solos (especially the early recordings) and the way he carries a song rhythmically. Very unique "Eddie" approach that doesn't get enough attention.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much and I've had a number of requests for more VH material - so I'll see what I can do! Rock on and take care!

[@5150show]

Awesome thank you

[@tkdunn]

I saw Van Halen twice in the Roth era. First time was the Texas Jam ‘79 and Ed blew my mind with his effortless playing - the whole band was great. The second time was the fall of ‘81 on the Fair Warning tour. Only concert I ever walked out of. Dave was so drunk, he talked about 20 minutes between songs - stuff like, “Who wants to party?” and “I got me some Jack Daniels right here, oh yeah!” - such a tool.... oh well 😉

[@brandonessick775]

Thanks!

[@douglaswells2739]

Sam Halen Damn it! Great lesson, Ed is a very sophisticated musician, I think his early keyboard background influenced his chord shapes and also his tapping.