No One Swings Like The King

In 1978, Van Halen exploded onto the ROCK scene & a young Eddie Van Halen changed guitar forever. Eruption boggled and continues to boggle minds. I've seen lots of covers and tutorials that nail the licks and techniques and i have to quote Steve Lukather who has said, "Nowadays... even a fetus can play Eruption." Having said that... I haven't seen a good cover of I'm The One. It's not the licks and solos. It's the actual intro and verse riff. The swing that EVH possesses in this song is almost impossible to duplicate. I have fun playing this song and YES.... other guitarists get WAY more accurate on the solos than I but I believe no one, including myself, has that SWING down. Even my version here is heavily interpreted. I don't have the man's hands so the fingers ain't gonna dance the same. I should also add.... It's in 2 parts because I don't think I can lay down the whole song and be happy with it. I know i'm making it sound like my arch nemesis tormenting my every waking moment. I'm just totally fanboying out. ...and making this video was a blast.

[@RickBeato]

This is amazing and so true! Eddie is the King of Swing. You are so good brother Phil!!! Love the video. KZbin Gold!

[@philx1111]

Rick Beato YOU'RE THE F*%KING BEST, RICK!! THX!!

[@dkrolfe]

Rick passed this on to me and I had to play it for my son, who is learning the geeter. This is the kind of stuff that inspires ppl to play. Reminded me of being in 10th grade and hearing “Hot For a Teacher” first time out. Opening phrase of second half of that solo has that “thing” and it sent me to the Moon. Phil, you are The Man.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Rick Beato and Phil X. Two of the best Guitarists on KZbin that I enjoy watching and learn a lot from. Thank you Rick and Phil. Rock!!

[@joycesanders4898]

Not many working Musicians deserve praise from Rick...Phil X does.🤘🤘

[@Gorbyrev]

@@luisvillarreal5262 Two musicians' musicians.

[@adolfocelso]

Eddie was really the king. Every guitarist is heartbroken today.

[@jamesavdelis6610]

...even Hendrix is heartbroken....RIP, EVH. 🙏

[@paxphar4997]

Finally, I've always said that "I'm the one" is the ultimate VH tune. And yeah, for all of us playing guitar, there's no way to nail that shuffle

[@widehotep9257]

It was the ultimate EARLY ERA Van Halen tune. I would argue that Girl Gone Bad was one of his best middle-ERA tunes.

[@michaeldineenSG2018]

@@widehotep9257 I'm The One, Unchained, Girl Gone Bad and House Of Pain.

[@electroKrunch]

Met Edward once when I was a kid, I gotta say he was a kind man with deep thoughts. I met him at a party in SoCal and he was so real to me. He said there is no magic in guitar, just learning & practicing. Afterwards drunken people flipped over sofas & crashed through windows...

[@gfgranja]

When this came out in 1978, was like an allien spaceship landing on earth

[@cmale3702]

A friend of mine introduced me to Eruption and I didn't even understand what I was listening to. I too thought an alien spaceship had landed. Lol

[@RockinSG]

I seriously thought about putting the guitar down and quit playing when that album first came out.

[@trjb1767]

I will vouch for that

[@Guitarmfig]

That is a very cool perspective dude, honestly I had never heard anything like that album, the band were awesome and the guitar playing phenomenal

[@Zebula77]

That's so cool. That's the EXACT words I'd use to describe Eddie's tone on VH I. ;)

[@mikegrady5669]

His rhythm playing was just as groundbreaking as his leads! The most influential guitarist since Hendrix Hands Down!

[@bobabooey4537]

Not, 'just as'. C'mon...

[@PorterhouseMusic]

I absolutely agree about "I'm The One". I'm 51, and was there living in SoCal when VHI came out. I was mesmerized by that whole record, and then II, and Women & Children, and Fair Warning, etc. But I just could not get past that one song. It was everything, all of it, his ground breaking greatness of masterful, swinging rhythm/lead playing all compacted and rolled into that one song. It'll never get old.

[@docproc5150]

Half of what made Eddie swing so hard was Alex. Mad props to that behind-the-beat snare and killer shuffle

[@russellnikolaus6811]

AVH is a monster !

[@johnmkmu]

Yep. No one musician can swing or groove in a vacuum. I used to get annoyed when band mates told me to groove harder on the drums - I’m like, I should be able to just play a straight 4/4 with NOTHING in between - and how you play to me makes it groove. It’s all about the play between instruments

[@geraldfoley4121]

Well, the brothers got it from their dad. He was a clarinetist and saxophonist who played in jazz and big bands. That swing was instilled and ingrained in their brains since they were toddlers.

[@michaeldineenSG2018]

@@docproc5150 that's where Edward got that stuttering slap intro to mean streets. It's right off that drum interlude on Light Up The Sky. Listen closely and you'll catch it. At least as far as the cadence and pattern.

[@manelnunes4028]

you are damn right Phil! that is why, 42 years later we still talk about his riffs and VH1is still one of the quintessential heavy rock records

[@patricksheppard585]

AMEN !!!!!!!!!’

[@rickdixontn]

PhilX, so humble, yet one of the best guitar players in the world.

[@Skypie61]

That's what most Canadians are like...👍😃

[@glenkepic3208]

Yep.

[@Blech319]

Does a pretty good DLR impression too.

[@bwgti]

Yeah. It's not his technical abilities on the instrument that make this so. It's the fact he plans on entertaining EVERYBODY in the room with with his guitar playing. Fun video.

[@rickgrebenik8140]

He plays great indeed

[@paddyoflaherty2519]

Alex had a lot to do with the swing. I always loved that shuffle beat in songs like I'm the one and bottoms up. Saw an interview with steve Vai somewhere in KZbin and he had a great quote "there are 2 game changing icons of rock guitar, jimi and eddie, everybody else are just good guitar players" hahaha such a great quote from a master like steve Vai to pay that ultimate respect.

[@Gruuvin1]

Alex is the swing king!

[@petersouthern7227]

Fantastic! A pleasure to watch Phil play, especially VH!

[@DonThorvund]

I love when you talk about songs that inspire you because you inspire so many of us!

[@henryfearless3017]

EvH is totally burned out! Same o same o. PHIL X IS THE NEW PVH.

[@gregfromguam]

So true. His brother nails it on drums too. That intro to Hot for Teacher is high octane swing. Long live the King.

[@defhoez449]

I agree...Hot For Teacher has the same swing vibe as I'm The One...another one is Beautiful Girls ( a slower groove, but same toe tapping rhythm )

[@michaelwade9455]

Perhaps the biggest difference, Eddie was never "trying" to play the song. It was his, honed for years in backyard parties and club dates and had the raw energy of youth and talent beyond the ages. Stellar job Phil, you nail as well as anyone, and lord knows, we've all tried over the last 42 years! Never gets old...

[@levicashrocker]

Dude... I’ve been telling people this forever. Eddies rhythm is insane. It can’t be replicated. Thanks for bring it to KZbin. You’re pretty damn good at it though. Nice vocals too.

[@MikeGgeetar]

The one thing I found in those early VH albums was that his playing was incredibly energetic. It still now has more life in it than almost everyone else. There is a sense of awe and bombast and sheer joie de vivre in Edward's playing, and you captured it here really well Phil.

[@Frip36]

I love hearing Eddie's old stuff because I think about how much it pissed off Ritchie Blackmore at the time.

[@mr.brenman2132]

Richie Blackmore rules.

[@robwozniak9912]

What a great tribute! Yeah, there's such joy, humor, and soul in Eddie's playing, it's so peerless. Thank you for articulating this swing aspect of his playing!

[@dannytetreault]

Pretty damned close....you nailed it Man. Great job, Bro! Dan

[@stapeld]

I’ve always been way more amazed at the rhythm playing of EVH. His groove drove all those VH songs. Thanks for pointing this out Phil.

[@LarryCorban]

Nailed it! The intro to I'm the One is crazy! EVH is the king of the turbo shuffle! He's untouchable!! Nice work on the rest of the tune! 👍

[@scoutgirl7739]

Back in the late 70s, early 80s, I would spend hours practicing, copying, and try to figure out what the mighty King Edward was doing. I came close, but had to bow down to EVH and accept the fact that the mould was broke, and there was only one EVH. I echo what Beato posted, and I appreciate your humility. Because your chops, timing, attack are amazing! You are so much fun to watch and listen to. Not just the music, but your fun hearted wisdom. You are the guitar players, guitar player. Blessings to you, because you bless me.

[@ROOKTABULA]

The fact that Phil fecking X has to concentrate to play this and he's got more years playing by now than EVH had BREATHING when he cut that track really tells ya how hardcore Ed was/is.

[@danscott9504]

It’s his fingerprint, you can’t copy it!

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Makes me feel better , I gave up trying to replicate the groove. Trying to explain aspect of eddies playing to other players i knew in the 80s was a lost cause for some reason .

[@e.l.norton]

It's just proof positive it was in his DNA. Ed had that NAILED by the time he was 20. It blows the mind. Listen to the Zero album here on KZbin. Van Halen's demos from 1976. It's rhythm Heaven. Electric Heroin. Ed's lead style is not fully developed yet. But, his rhythm playing is insane. Finding it was like discovering Van Halen all over.

[@GermanFafian]

It has always seemed to me that people never really acknowledged Eddie's rhythm prowess. He's sucha groovy and inventive rhythm player! Yet everyone keeps talking about his (also amazing) solo stunts. BTW, awesome tone you got there dude!

[@harrisfrankou2368]

And Fair Warning is just brutal.

[@abrackas1]

I remember reading the Guitar for Dummies when first learning and the author, when pointing out EVH, said that people think of tapping but his greatest skill and talent is his rhythm playing. Agree 100%

[@doublestrokeroll]

I disagree. Every single VH video on youtube has a hundred people commenting on how "EVH's rhythm playing is underrated"...with another 500 thumbs up. I think everyone knows he's a massive rhythm guitarist.

[@shanewilson398]

That’s why he’s my favourite. Mean street, unchained, hear about it later, light up the sky, secrets, in a simple rhyme, hot for teacher, On Fire, dance the night away, Jamie’s crying... countless more... I can watch Michael Angelo batió for a song, but I get bored. A song us made up of riffs, and if the riffs are great, then the song is half way there. I loved Randy, but for mine it’s EVHs riffs that make the difference

[@WOHBuckeye]

And one of the greatest song writers that ever lived. He could take that technical prowess and put it into a song you can bop your head to or dance and sing-a-long.

[@DocMompean]

Hands down flat out this is my favorite VH song of all time. Ed has always been an amazing guitarist/songwriter/musician and I was 13 or 14 when I heard this for the first time I think in '78...I was dumbfounded like everyone else at the time but it was a great example of someone being themselves instead of following the herd. That's who King Edward is to me...an example of individualism and what is possible if one pushes themselves and there is no better example...including Eruption...than this. Love your video and keep up the great work man.

[@vpf222]

So Good!!! One of my favorite VH tunes. You killed it!!!

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

Guaranteed that Eddie learned that swing from his father in some way. Because his father played in jazz and swing bands. I think he took that and mixed it with what his dad was doing for years. Eddie formulated something with added things along the way to create something different. Now I don't know this as fact, but it's a belief of mine.

[@defhoez449]

Definitely got that swing from the ol man....just listen to his dad's clarinet playing on Big Bad Bill...if you listen carefully, you can hear where Ed got his little soloing ideas from. Mix that with playing your whole life with your older brother who's also got those same influences and BOOM...you've got a rock n roll swing duo that can't be matched.

[@markvalentino-guitar7513]

I've thought for a long time that Eddie's swing feel was what set him apart from his contemporaries. Nice job Phil!

[@Flying_turnip187]

Dude....this spot on. I was way more impressed by Van Halen’s feel than the licks. And his guitar playing is epic. Vanhalens feel is off the chain.....

[@tommyjoe4310]

Man, it's truly a joy to watch Phil X play Evh, he delivers the goods like a kick in the nuts..... You can feel the intensity

[@danielnm156]

I’ve never really been a huge fan of the whole shred movement and yet Eddie Van Halen is one of my favorite guitarists. There is something in his playing that is brutal, prodigious, groovy, dark and sexy all at once !! Great video !

[@erpece]

Yeah, I don't think Ed cares aboutt shredding. Schredding has a strong focus on speed and while EvH is fast, he's more into musicality and creativity...

[@JimSlimjimCassi]

Isn't it funny how every time you listen to this song, you hear something new.

[@daymondcain2903]

...and here we have Phil X successfully replacing both Eddie and Dave....Literally half of Van Halen....TALENT! Dude, team up with Ed's kid and your drummer Matt Starr and tour as FAN HALEN!

[@PeterPug]

Phil Xhalen!!

[@russellzauner]

There are plenty of great kids that might do a streaming jam session - find Zyon Cavalera because we know where Weinberg's kid is lol and have Alien Weaponry, Asterism, and Grimaze open for them

[@TheZooman22]

Ya.. must be some old girlfriends giving Phil the thumbs down.

[@JohnRussomJr]

@@TheZooman22 sound's far too painful for me

[@SteveBurk]

wrong, failed at singing Roth. Roth had mountains of soul and tone. No one ever comes close

[@jimihendrix1575]

Fantastic Phil! You are so humble, cool AND talented. Love ya bro!

[@jimbobc2882]

I didn’t have a dad to teach me. From 13-17 yrs old Edward was like a father to me. Never met the man but I felt like a lost a family member. We fell out of touch as I grew older and my tastes expanded but it has been a great joy rediscovering my love for VH

[@MrBradWi]

Ed's rhythm playing and timing is otherworldly. I remember learning the intro to Beautiful Girls. It's like, man, I know the notes are right, but I can't get them to fit into the groove. Add all the flourishes, embellishments, clicks, scrapes, harmonics, and noises and whatnot, and solos on top of all of that, and this not only could be magic, but it is.

[@stephencox4509]

I'm with you on I'm the one being the takeaway track from that album. Everything about it is so defining for the band, even down to the little doowop shuffle part. It really displayed what Van Halen was in all their glory.

[@casterman2]

Especially in his passing this has never been more clear. His rhythm guitar was so on and able to lift different parts of the song in so many ways. I think about him every day. I can only attribute it to him an Alex playing since they were kids. Rhythmically Alex inspired him. They were so locked. Then throw extra genius on top of it. Ed is the King. You’re 100% right

[@dkdesign3832]

Ha! " Im avoiding my weakness." I love it! Nobody has that Ed thing..I agree! I've had a love hate relationship with this song since 1978. Outta love is my second favorite!. The humor and swing in that second lead..........Al does that, ting bap!.....Eddie comes in with that swinging/dancing solo..I don't think anyone gets the humor and fun Ed executes. You nailed this one! Great job and thank you! I feel better now!

[@scottwaszak698]

I’ve always thought this tune was/is really the EVH “primer”; it just incorporates everything that is astonishing about his playing- the groove, and the crazy, completely original licks and scales, all perfectly executed and placed with full feeling right inside that groove. And Phil...Jesus...what a monster in his own right.

[@joaobabler1584]

Eddie was as technical and yet chaotic at the same level.........powerful as hell.....almost impossible to replicate

[@davethomas1641]

often replicated, never duplicated. There's a lot of folks that get real close nowadays, but they're just copying, not creating. The stuff that Eddie did seems like it just poured out him without consious thought. The "King"? .......... hail to the King baby.

[@jimimeza]

The fun and point of view you give to music really impacts me!! Greetings from Colombia

[@Boabywankenobi]

The two happiest musician's on youtube, Phil X and Yoyoka. Can't wait to see you two jam on something soon!

[@fistingendakenny8781]

so refreshing to hear phil being honest about something he can't nail despite sounding pure fire

[@willparker547]

It’s the fact that Eddie plays so effortlessly. It’s second natured to him that’s why it swings when he’s playing.

[@kencorleone617]

Love your humility.

[@thecosmicgoddessherself]

Thanks for your geek -out 👍🏾🤘🏾You’re great! EVH 4EVER

[@Craig_Fussell]

I think you called it man! ZZ Top on steroids shuffle.... VH used to do a blistering cover of Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers live, so that influence is definitely there. A few of the older VH tunes have a boogie shuffle thing somewhere in them (like the bridge in Somebody Get Me A Doctor) that gave the songs that “party” sound. Awesome! ✌🏻🎸🎼

[@seventhsealhere]

Dude you are awesome & inspire us! Great to see people humbled by Eddie especially someone of your success, talent and caliber of playing. I sit there sometimes and only after hearing a song for the billionth time a light goes off, breathing slows and go “man...that is absolutely amazing.” It’s like hearing it for the first time.👍

[@fieldingmellish6856]

Come on dude you nailed it. You’re just paying respect to guy who showed us how to do it first

[@Mike-gv1ek]

Couldn’t have explained it better, glad to hear someone highlighting the depth and genius of I’m the One

[@TheAgentAssassin]

FINALLY YES! I've been saying this for years and years. I see so many how to play EVH videos and not one gets it right. They always miss something. You're pretty damn close though.

[@paultownsend6043]

Eddie's guitar on Beautiful girls is my favorite, the bounce he gets on that is awsome, i've tried so many time to get it, but sadly i'm lacking lol.

[@1tdillon]

Couldn't agree more. Besides I'm the One, I have not seen anyone get the "bounce" and percussive feel on Beautiful Girls covers/lessons. Just like I'm the One, there is a lot going on under the hood of Beautiful Girls. Would love to see Phil, @beneller, Rick do a breakdown of these seemingly simple song.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

You are my hero! I have been playing Sax for 45 years and I don't have it either. I love EVH and the crew to this day. The best video of the day for sure.

[@santacruz3600]

Phil, thanks So much, you are awesome, & we are all humbled by Eddie! I’m working some Eddie tones & grooves myself during COVID-19 & I’m thrilled to see a professional not loosing his childhood passion & continuing to hone his VH licks.

[@nocturnalferalguitarist]

Even when you speak in oximorona "loosy goosy and amazing and tight" , it still made sense. Fantastic video👍 that singing wooo

[@tiffsaver]

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE. For my money, there is only His Majesty, Fast Eddie.

[@kennedycrevoiserat7095]

Fast eddie is the man. Rip. Love him in motorhead and fastway

[@Jaezon]

Finally! Someone with credibility and chops said it. 'I'm the one', is the masterpiece.

[@davidean2000]

My very favorite Van Halen tune. Thanks for the insight. Nice job!

[@hendrikheemels8615]

He's the biggest Dutch musical talent we in Holland ever had en will have.

[@DarthTerminatti]

@Kent Horvath he's Dutch! Lol

[@DarthTerminatti]

@@Italian_Gentleman_of_leisure Eddie Van Halen

[@Fugettaboutit]

I think his dad's musical background had considerable influence on him as well. Yes, Eddie's sense of swing really helped set him apart. Bottoms Up! Heck, listen to Hot For Teacher...he's even got some Benny Goodman seeping through that solo.

[@steve4321able]

Eddie plays guitar like a drummer. I'm a drummer and his appeal to me was his rhythm and his groove, it instantly popped out at me when I first heard him play.

[@TruthSpin7]

You do know he and Alex were on the other ones instruments in early days ? Ed Was the Drummer with Alex on Guitar. After a few days they switched instruments and the rest as they say.........

[@steve4321able]

Yes I know the whole story. This is why Eddie can groove so well. (:

[@timishere1925]

Just had your channel pop up in my feed. You are bad ass brother. Major skills. Respect!!!!

[@myworstenemy680]

Eddie's true brilliance is his rhythm playing, and how he incorporates all those riffs into his rhythms. Even his solos have rhythm haha. His music inspired me to pick up a guitar, as i'm sure he inspired Phil, and most of the people commenting here, to do the same.

[@justinguitarcia]

Paul Gilbert talks about this in a few videos, without groove and rhythm solos fall flat, its the number one thing, good time

[@robinmorris5416]

Dude I've been geeking out on Edward Vh too since 1978, when I started playing around with guitar at age 10. Nobody before or since has made me want to play more, and your right. Everyone watches his left hand, which is amazing. His magic is not only in his right hand, which is also amazing, but the synergy between both those hands. That's why he's EVH, you can get close, and YOU can get very close Phil, with my skills, I can sometimes get close but that's only on occasion. It's definitely in his DNA, and I'm thankful he found it at just the right time. He is the king of 10 fingers, and 6 strings!

[@donnievick3076]

Always watch the right hand, it's the difference between average and great.

[@user-wn1oy2kn7v]

Such a badass tune. You sound awesome brother. You may not quite be there, as if anyone could tell, but you made me smile.

[@edlaw51501]

I cannot remember who said this but reading an article close to 20 years ago that stated "Ed is an even better rhythm player than a lead player" which at that time got me listening closer, and songs like "on fire" etc. really show the genius in his rhythm playing, great video Phil you sounded so much like Dave its scary. Thanks for video.

[@luisvillarreal5262]

Dang Phil! Why didn't you ever sing for Van Halen? When I closed my eyes and listened to you, I was picturing David Lee Roth. I know your a great guitar player and all, but my god, you nailed DLR on this one. Not only that, but you've got the EVH chops down pretty well. Excellent. **********Ten stars out of Five. LOL

[@BeRoyal37]

Van halen musically, is as good as a rock band can be. Eddie, Alex, and Michael are top notch

[@JustMe-er9ve]

I told you 35 years ago at Jerry's guitar shop he was the best. Looking good Phil! RIP EVH!

[@Rmillerb1]

Man Phil, I think I had as much fun as you did on this one!! I was in high school when this record dropped....Everybody freaked out! Great times.

[@bigmamajama2829]

Ed may be the king of Van Halen swing but I've always thought your were one of the cleanest guitarists I've ever heard, your right hand attack on the strings is pretty much like nothing else I've seen. The only comparable guitarist I can think of is Blackmore.

[@edwardvara9993]

Phil, you gave me a flashback to guitcon. There's tons of good and great players from YT at the convention. All playing together... Then there's you. A cut above the rest. It was like Gary Moore playing with the members of thin lizzy. He was way above the others. So are you. Much luck with your endeavors.

[@MindsetMastery75]

Phil X was def the glue holding Guitcon together. Without him that whole live music part woulda been a mess. The rest of the KZbin guitarist didn't have a clue on how to play live. Just goes to show all those KZbin guitarists use a lot of editing to make them sound like guitar gods.

[@ASCP67AUS]

Man. If there was no video I would swear I was listening to Van Halen. Awesome Phil!

[@burtonkephart6239]

The best video on EVH playing I’ve ever seen!!! Honest and true!! Great playing by the way also!!!

[@238839]

WELL WELL WELL...just found the new lead singer for VH!!! And ace gtr player...

[@lothar34]

People sleep on Phils voice. Even me. But that was the first thing that grabbed my ear on this track- I was like holy hell he has a PERFECT voice for singing VH

[@johnnyfranklin8520]

Something to consider about Eddie’s picking hand: he holds his guitar pick between his thumb and middle finger, not the thumb and index finger like most of us do. I’ve read interviews with him claiming it’s intentionally unorthodox to gain a completely different strumming/attacking rhythm. Try it sometime - not easy to do!

[@akatom2u]

Perhaps it's easier to quickly tap and get back to strumming also.

[@guitarplayerstowohio]

Ed described some of his work as “falling down the stairs and landing on your feet.” If you can get close, that’s an accomplishment. Nicely done!

[@arbogash1852]

I wish I could play like that. And Eddie could play like that while lolling around, smiling, and cheeking it up for the camera

[@tonyfondacaro1980]

I’ve known how to “play” Beautiful Girls for years. Now ask me if I can that swing groove down in the pocket as good as Eddie.

[@butcho7492]

Tony Fondacaro Exactly! I can't even get close.

[@lipeguitars]

The one who has the evh swing perhaps is Nuno Bettancourt

[@joycesanders4898]

Nuno pretty damn close..

[@BebopHardRock]

Missing the seventies grit.... Nuno cleaned it up.

[@Gorbyrev]

Nuno swings

[@giovannirui7470]

Nuno's way better. It is such a delusional heritage to think that what's older is better. Typical of Hendrix's and 70's fanboys

[@EvanDander]

Always wished he was in a cool band

[@Seanomatic57]

Can't wait to see your tribute man. I'm sure like you are crushed like the rest of us. Take your time. We'll be here. RIP King Edward.

[@Spunfuser]

You are awesome PhilX, JBJ is lucky to have you. Stay safe and well, brother.

[@bluesignmusic6020]

You could easily be Guitarist of BON JOVI and lead Singer of VAN HALEN! maybe TOUR together! EPIC!

[@spudvader]

Van Jovi?

[@bluesignmusic6020]

@@spudvader haha!

[@Crowbar11115]

I had an interesting revelation about Eddie's style recently...I bought an EVH Wolfgang and noticed how unique the arm bevel is. I think Eddie approaches the guitar from an A string-centric approach and not a low E string-centric approach like most Guitar players. You can see what I'm talking about in this clip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn2ZlJiciN-lrsk It's almost like he hits the Low E string on occasion instead of living on it like most players. If you can break out of the routine of looking at the low E as your typical starting point and instead place your pick between the E and A by default your entire style transforms. I couldn't help but Swing and Groove way more on my Wolfgang than on any other guitar. Hitting the Low E with a quick upstroke then hitting the A with a downstroke was a very natural way to play on my Wolfgang...on my Ibanez, I'd play the other way and use downstrokes for both strings. That tiny nuance in playing makes a huge difference with timing and feel.

[@jollyvoqar195]

I'd agree he's more A-centric - it's in a lot of his songs. But he's also just more about song despite being one of the best lead players ever.

[@erpece]

Funny thing is that US players are usually E-centric, while European player are more A-centric. Don't know why, but they did research on that.

[@702gwlv6]

Very cool video agree with every bit of it and the playing was absolutely awesome

[@bjdee1437]

You are just insanely good. Few rock guitarists’ playing are as enjoyable for me to listen to. Thanks for the kickass video.

[@bobbyrevell]

I love Steve Lukather but his statement that everyone can play Eruption now as if it has been surpassed and is now less important and easy to play is incorrect. Eddie is one of the greatest of all time and changed guitar playing. His relevance is beyond comprehension. I agree with Phil, it’s the nuances, rhythmic slickness, tone, FEEL, and VIBE and a shit ton more that make him a rock guitar genius god. My favorite musician ever.

[@philx1111]

Bobby Revell dude, re Luke.... obviously it wasn't to be taken literally.

[@bobbyrevell]

philx1111 I know, I really didn’t take it seriously; however, it became one of those statements people hear and there are people who try to diminish his genius. Thanks for this video, I’ve always thought his swing kept many players from sounding correct. After playing guitar over 40 years, I still listen to Van Halen and still love them. BTW your ‘I’m the One’ is still killer...peace!

[@davearonow65]

Out of the "everyone's" that can play eruption, there is still no one that can play it like Eddie. And oh yeah, Eddie also WROTE the thing. Being great and being great at copying someone who is great are two entirely different things.

[@allboutthemojo]

@@philx1111 absolutely right . That swing is near impossible to replicate and you may have seen it all but maybe not until you see you tube channel Deraps and another EVH tribute band with guitarist Simon Hosford. Simon plays it so well, if your eyes are shut you will be fooled.

[@larryaustin6977]

Phil X is astonishingly great. And he still loves all the great classics. After 57 years of growing sick of douchebag rockstars, for me, Phil X is the only guitarist I want to hear or watch. Him and Tim Pierce. Phil X kills it and is always about the music. And he loves Eddy. I serously question any rocker that doesn't love Eddy. THE best!

[@jeffmoore6279]

The trick to nailing this song's groove and timing is Ed's picking style. Thumb and middle finger. It places the pick at the center of gravity and makes it easier to get that groove and pick timing as well as the solos. I became obsessed with this song several years ago and began training myself to pick this way for about 3 weeks. It was unbelievable to see the advantages of this. However, it isn't easy. Especially when it comes to playing other songs by different artist. I eventually gave up and went back to whats more comfortable for me. I now understand why Ed always said "we always tried to play covers but it always ended up sounding like us". A unique pick technique by a unique artist. There's only one Edward Van Halen.......and I like it that way. LONG LIVE THE KING!

[@philx1111]

sorry friend, the pick is between the thumb & index. it's actually all in the wrist. my buddy makes pedals for Ed & Ed showed him the swing one day at his shop. the middle finger is used a lot too but not here.

[@jeffmoore6279]

@@philx1111 Sorry dude, he may have played it for your friend that way but there are plenty of videos out there showing him playing that song just as I suggested. Do some research, look a little closer and you'll see.

[@galacticoasis]

You are right about this tune. This is pure Eddy and his Jazz Boogie feel. Awesome song ..and you pretty much nailed it!

[@SamuraiGuitar]

I would say that Nuno Bettencourt is probably the one who gets the closest to EVH... What you guys think?

[@AndyK.23]

He does have that Latin groove!

[@ericmckenna4793]

You know what Nuno Bettencourt would be right next to Eddie. I idle that guy's well he's awesome guitar pkayer however Eddie pioneered the whole thing.

[@justingibson5163]

Ton of guys from 80's tried be Eddie or were heavily influenced. Two of my all times faves that truly had the Evh mojo yet at same time retained their own styles would be Nuno and Vito Bratta without a doubt.

[@joethebar1]

Absolutely

[@ddbedguy]

Nuno is a great compsrison. Reb Beach is another great one. Guy can play anything.

[@siskokidd]

I've been trying to explain "Ed" to a considerably talented guitarist friend of mine since forever. The guy is the same age as EVH, and very much about Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Beck, Gilmore... but for whatever reason doesn't "get" Ed. This video is perhaps the best explanation why. A lot of what those acclaimed and beloved old school guys do on guitar can be copied, and understood (except maybe Beck) to a great extent, but Ed is an entirely different animal. I think maybe what happened to my friend is that when he tried to play EVH songs way back when, it just sounded like crap by comparison. Probably scared him.

[@elderberry-hamster]

Also could be that his extensive use of the hammer-on technique (which he mastered) might give people the impression that he is a one trick pony, but if you really analyze his use of rhythmic melodies, unpredictable groove patterns combined with blazzing fast lead fills, you can then appreciate his ability to help propel their songs into pure rock anthems. "I'm the one" always left me saying "how the hell did he do all that"? We get it and that's what counts. 😁🎸🎸🎸

[@siskokidd]

@@elderberry-hamster I remember the moment, including the chills, the first time I heard a VH track on the radio. Running With The Devil - the tone of his guitar, the chords, solo, dynamics... I stood staring at the little radio with open mouth, a kid of 19 who grew up listening to the masters, and had already spent years playing in working bands. I knew what I was hearing before I knew his name.

[@teddyboy9116]

I'm the same I'm 50, been playing guitar since I was 10 and never heard a van Halen record in my life, we were into sex pistols, the clash, Bowie, cure, police, the jam, xtc, in the 80s, we hated hair metal with a passion

[@alanthorne3921]

I was 16-17 when VH1 came out and I was still trying to figure out Hendrix,Blackmore,etc.I saw the clip for You really Got Me on our local pop show and was not overly impressed because Roth looked like an idiot.Next I was working in a record shop and the second album came out and I got to hear the first album as well.I was blown away.The older guitar guys who came in were impressed but not impressed and didn’t like the music(You Really Got Me was sacrilege).I remember when E.C.s Backless album came out and these guys were raving about it.It’s ok but ultimately simple laid back tasteful music.And here’s the key.They thought VH’s music was tacky,trashy and not serious enough not helped by the goon in striped trousers out front.

[@ewoh24]

Eddie is the one guitarist I just CANNOT emulate, yet I am a HUGE fan of. And this video explains why. Its not so much his soloing thats the issue....its actually his RHYTHM playing that is impossible to copy. I can list countless examples of this, number 1 being "Unchained"...that rhythmic figure when it goes into the "Thought youd never miss me..." is just something. Its so natural it feels like its been done a million times but I challenge ANYONE to find another example of that particular motif is ALL of music.

[@hexsoftball3823]

Excellent technical overview! Subscribed!

[@FunkyELF]

Nice to see somebody so good be so humble

[@mattstrat1]

Love Sammy but after David left the group these swing songs kinda disappeared from the music .

[@russellnikolaus6811]

Different vibe to the Sammy era tunes, wich I love too.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Back in the early 80's when Yngwie came on the scene with Rising Force, I saw him live opening up for RJD (RIP Ronnie) and during his solo he was kind of mocking EVH by playing Eruption note for note just like the studio version. Kinda like saying "see? it ain't that hard" but that is only a small sampling of what EVH really is. Yeah, the shreddy single note Floyd Rose stuff is catchy, but EVH is really the King of the rhythm guitar. No one plays rhythm like Eddie. No one. Just listen to the cover of Where Have All The Good Times Gone and I rest my case. So many tasty little rhythm bits in that track. The King, hands down.

[@markc5771]

Eddie borrowed a lot from Pete Townshend and Billy Gibbons which made his rhythm playing a unique blend of structured boogie

[@kodiakfamily8032]

I agree. Eddie's rhythm guitar is off the chart.

[@TKDunn-qq7kd]

I just watched this again - haven't viewed since it first came out. Just jaw dropping how good this is and how humble Phil X is about his take on this amazing song. To be perfectly honest, to hear Phil X relate to the rest of us that he thinks he has "weaknesses" really highlights why he is so good - real musicians always know there is room to improve, even someone at this stratospheric level... 😮

[@stevesuttle5878]

Love the Phil! You now how to have fun with it.