Why Do Guitar Players Like Eddie Van Halen?

Downloadable TABs, backing tracks, bonus guitar lessons, and MORE here: / benellerguitars
Get sweet deals on all the EVH and MXR products i used in this video here: www.sweetwater.com/shop/ben-e...
The king is dead. Long live the king.
Hey everyone, its your good buddy Uncle Ben Eller. This week, we lost a legend; the man who reinvented guitar and scorched the landscape of rock music with a smile on his face: Eddie Van Halen. We all know him, we all love him, we were all influenced by him (or influenced by someone who was influenced by him... he's your favorite guitar players' favorite guitar player!); but why DO guitar players like Van Halen?!
This is the hardest and easiest video i've ever made; easy because you don't have to even try to find reason why we love him: his unmistakable signature tone, his use of effects, his amazing signature gear, his rhythm and lead playing, his songwriting, and of course that tapping... he did it ALL! I wouldn't be here making videos and playing guitar if not for the guy!
But its the hardest for 2 reasons; for one, it means he's gone, and we'll never get to hear his NEXT creative breakthrough. And two, because how can i possibly pay tribute to one of the most monumental figures in music history? The best i can do is share my love of his music, his incredible playing, his unbelievable groove, and hopefully inspire another generation of young players to have their minds erased by tracks like Eruption.
In this video, i'll break down some of the things that make Eddie magic to me, all the while playing a host of riffs and licks from the entire Van Halen catalogue. I hope you enjoy it.
Gear:
Suhr Modern guitars
MXR GT-OD, Micro Flange, EVH Phase 90, EVH Chorus
EVH 5150 III 6L6 50 watt head
Suhr Reactive Load I.R. box
Logic chorus, reverb, and delay plugins

[@BenEller]

Thank you all for watching my tribute to Eddie Van Halen. I hope it comes close to doing him justice! What’s YOUR favorite Van Halen riff?!

[@jaysonfoy4486]

Ain't talking about love or eruption

[@centurionmusic11]

Either ...And the Cradle Will Rock or Jamie's Cryin'. Great video Uncle Ben!

[@guitarstorms]

Long live his music...

[@HunterBann]

Probably Top Jimmy. It's quick but still somewhat subtle. I love it.

[@kevbickerdike9676]

Girl Gone Bad for sure.

[@ramaynard77]

You forgot: His cool factor. He was just the coolest looking player with the coolest "poses" - that one knee on the deck and one leg kicked out thing was epic, and so many others...and that cool hair and the cool VH necklace and the coolest stage clothes and the coolest guitar licks. And the coolest freaking smoke rings!!!! He was the king of cool.

[@lfader]

That "it" factor! He had it and Eddie was smooth naturally at it! Never forced or pretentious. I remember reading an interview a time ago and he said he spent his Friday and Saturday nights in high school at home in his bedroom jamming to wheels of fire - not out partying -- so he practice like hell! he was gifted but it's not like he didn't put hard work into playing guitar he was so compelled and driven to it it just opened up for him and he was so far ahead of the pack it wasn't funny. I ran into him twice and he was just the nicest person regular guy dude imaginable .. you're walking away like what the f*** just happened that was so easy? He was the coolest no doubt ....

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

He was the coolest for sure...also loved the classic leap (like mid running pose) or his early backward leg shuffle. First live guitarist I ever saw when they opened for Sabbath in '78 and he changed my life. The energy that night was insane....I felt love for a man I never met....still do

[@lfader]

@@jimgodofbiscuits Saw Eddie open at Anaheim stadium the bill was Van Halen Sammy Hagar band Black Sabbath and then Boston! WTF what a righteous day .... Ed was smokin' hot pumped 🌟...

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

L fader Cool bro...yeah VH had something to prove as an opening act and Eddie provided a full on guitar ass kicking to everyone in the house! The whole band was great. Dave was the perfect frontman for earlier VH. My friend and I had the will to work our way as close as possible through the crowd (general admission) and got to around 25' and when the show started Eddie was right in front of us...I will never forget that night! Everyone says they blew Sabbath off the stage but it was not a fair comparison. I was a young Sabbath fan and was loving seeing Sabbath with Ozzy before he left. They had their own power and vibe I loved. We took bus trips as teens to a small general admission fieldhouse a few hours away. We were so underage but it was a party bus and no security inside the fieldhouse...i found a pint of whiskey fit perfectly in the small of your back under the waist of jeans...even summer with untucked shirt never busted by the rent-a-cop in the lobby. ;) I remember Bill Ward, after Sabbath's last encore step up on his thrown and jump over his slingerland kit to the stage as the rest of the band converged, locked arms and took a full band bow. Loved every minute of that night. Funny thing about Boston and Sammy....the Sabs/VH was in August then the next concert at that venue was Boston w/Sammy in October.....another kick ass show. First concerts rank right there with all the great firsts of life!

[@nodaysback8390]

@@lfader I bet tickets on the middle of the floor at that show were like $17.50 .. Maybe less.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Loved it man.

[@BenEller]

Thanks buddy. Country strong.

[@maxbeau5062]

I loved your video too Robert! Thank you both it’s been great celebrating Eddy with you

[@allboutthemojo]

Eddie's genius can be and is discussed endlessly so I'll touch on another less talked about but obvious thing about Van Halen. Eddie projected a very inclusive " have fun with me" vibe when performing on stage. Happy and smiling. Eddie Van Halen knew the purpose of performing. If people just want to hear exactly what the artist recorded, there's a CD for that.

[@sabbracadabra8367]

@@allboutthemojo

[@andersonbranco58]

Your Channel is awesome too!!

[@21stcenturymetal31]

He made being a guitarist cool. I mean his playing, attitude was unbeatable. Everyone wanted to be him.

[@alexaraya2018]

While Vai was licking alien toads butts to get inspiration from another dimension and Yingwie was chanting in front of mystical crystals in order channel Bach snd Paganini, Eddie probably dropped his guitar or bounced many rubber balls on the strings...you can tell it was his messing around with the instrument that gave his virtuosity meaning

[@PapaShongo25]

@@alexaraya2018 Plus he said he can’t even read music.

[@williamjordan5554]

Guitarists were cool starting in the 60s.

[@21stcenturymetal31]

@@williamjordan5554 No joke however he brought it to another level.

[@michaelbennett2260]

Not me

[@markfrost2707]

If you weren't around in 1977/78 it's hard to explain just how impactful and ground breaking he was. I was 14 and was never the same after hearing VH 1 in my friends macho TA driving home after school. I now teach guitar at my University

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

I will never forget the first time I heard Running with the Devil. 14 in someone's car and that incredible sound that arrived when disco, the Bee gees and Saturday Night Fever was everywhere. -VH- was just what I needed!

[@DuncanHolland]

I was. I was 15/16. I was a huge Zeppelin fan. I heard VH1 and like all guitar players wondered whether this was some new effect pedal or guitar synthesiser. Don't forget there was no internet, so what you knew came from journalists or word of mouth. The only solution was to go see 'em, which I did in Nov '79. And he did it with his hands. His hands FFS. You could spot the guitar players in the audience. They were all sitting down with either their head in their hands, or simply staring at the ceiling. The rest of the audience were going ape shit bonkers. Awesome memory.

[@BrandonBames]

This really feels like a proper tribute, not a quick cash in on the fact that Eddie's death is trending that you make about yourself like I've seen ALLLLLLL OVER KZbin. Well done man, I knew I liked you. Also.....points for Humans Being. Such an underrated track. Finger of God.

[@BenEller]

Just trying to honor the master!!!

[@Ruefus]

My thoughts exactly. This is the first *true* fan tribute I've seen. I quit watching all the other nonsense. When I saw that Ben had posted a new video......I already knew what it was without looking. What else could it have been? There is no Uncle Ben without Eddie.

[@overthehilldill3626]

Absolutely!

[@fab.silva1119]

Brett completely agree... a lot of rehash and nonsense out there. There’s only one other dude, besides @uncleBen, whose content I wait on... Rick Beato. Long live the king of ten fingers and six strings! #eddieVanHalen

[@dieslow313]

Who has done a quick cash in video ? I have yet to see a vid about EVH that didn't seem genuine 😐

[@mojo-hand4539]

Ben: "I Could make this video three times longer..." Me: "Yes Please!"

[@guitarq359]

The smile on your face on every single riff you play in the video says it all. Some people are put on this earth to do one thing and Eddie was one of those people.

[@retrobaseballjunkwax5302]

Edward was the best ever! Rhythm playing, songwriting, technical abilities, tone, gear modifications, obviously his soloing, the fact he was the biggest game changer, he even looked cool 😎 and didn't act like an a-hole....

[@SavitTheGoalie]

My ass he was the most argot guitar player I ever looked into hiding tricks from others lying about not listening to music only person he got along with was his brother and acting like he invited guitar notes his literary the guitar player I hate music is to shared not hogged he could’t teach anyone anything one on one

[@jimmyboy131]

@@SavitTheGoalie He wasn't arrogant, he was private. And maybe he was a jerk at times. There's a difference. Also yeah he seemed to be difficult to get along with but not because of arrogance; maybe he just didn't like a lot of people. As for his choices of what music he listened to, so what? Everyone likes what they like, that's not an indicator of arrogance. And who cares if he didn't teach or didn't tell everyone how he did what he did? Again, that's nothing to do with whether he was arrogant or not.

[@tjmakerextraordinaire]

You are impossibly good! Got it all down !!!!

[@tjmakerextraordinaire]

@@jimmyboy131 …. And from a girls perspective…. You can’t deny he was HoTT as Hell!

[@x2phat2cmytoes]

@@SavitTheGoalie I agree, he is an exceptional guitar player. BUT HE IS ARROGANT AND THINKS HES BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE. He said that Randy Rhoads was just an imitation of himself. Could you imagine the gall to say that about Ozzy guitarist

[@Guitargate]

Dude you really did a great job with this tribute.

[@jamesgranderson2890]

I’m late but you’re right. Dude nailed it. Still feels like yesterday we lost the GOAT guitar master.

[@eharleyaguilar5143]

Love this tribute - I’ve seen it a dozen times or more since Eddie’s passing and it always hits me - we’ll never have another one like him again.

[@Robynloveshred]

What made Eddie so loved was that in his interviews seemed so humble for having such immense talent, and another that was almost nerve-racking but insane was that for many years even today you couldn't go into any major guitar store without hearing at least 3 or 4 disciples trying to emulate his tone,technique, and style which was such a unique and original sound.That in itself says what an impact he has made.

[@chrischoir3594]

Eddie was so popular because he had the whole package. The tone, the technique, the speed, the riffs, the chunky rhythms, the look, the stage antics, the luthiery skills. Eddie did everything and he did it the best at the time. IMO Eddie is the best rhythm guitarists of all time. Atleast up to the first 4 or 5 records he was probably the best rock lead player of all time too. But his rhythms were what got his songs on the radio because that is what people can move to.

[@msw812]

It wasn’t just best at “that time”. There are hordes of the highest levels of professional musicians and equipment engineers that are still scratching their heads trying to figure things out in multiple aspects of Eddie’s work and tone. No other guitarists are of that capacity period.

[@Kfiekwlwlflflckkg]

@@msw812 ok fanboi

[@robertclarkguitar]

Yes. He didn't rip anyone. He stayed HIM! That Is lacking HEAVILY today.

[@chrischoir3594]

@@msw812 Hi Mike, let's be realistic, guys like Malmsteen and Becker took lead playing to another level. But Eddie will always be the guy that opened the doors for the Neo-guys. Let's also acknowledge that Holdswork and Dimeola were around before Eddie. They really sarted shredding as we hear it today. Eddie brought it to the masses with commercial appeal.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Juuso nah hes right. There are tons of great players but i only know of two who truly changed the course of things. And i dont even really like van halen as a band or their songs.

[@davismounger9549]

I choked up at the end. Childhood memories, family, discovery, appreciation, happiness.

[@BenEller]

Me too, man

[@rickleblanc8900]

What i loved most about Eddie was his total dedication to his craft and the excitement he brought to music fans worldwide not to mention his influence/legacy.

[@Sonny_AA]

I came back to watch this again and I have to say now that I have some emotional distance from Ed's passing I'm really appreciating how well you articulated everything. It stands on its own as a great video essay about a historical figure.

[@ozman6602]

I was never a big Eddie Van Halen fan but still can never deny he was a great guitarist. R.l.P. Eddie

[@robinwilliamson95]

I’ve seen a lot of “tribute” videos to the late-great Eddie Van Halen over the last few days, but his is the first KZbin video I’ve watched that really is a heart-felt and touching tribute to the guy. It obviously comes from someone who is a life long fan and who’s been inspired by Eddie to become a fuckin kick-ass guitar player, and one that I enjoy watching every week. Your tribute echoes the way we all feel. So well articulated and beautiful. Well done Uncle Ben. Well done 👍 xxx

[@BenEller]

Thank you so much, Robin

[@tbrown8888]

@@BenEller I wanted to say how much I do watch you and enjoy your content. I don't watch every video but I know you are a man of passion. After seeing this video, it has changed my perception of you. I was a young sophomore in high school, in Oregon, who bought a ticket to a Van Halen show in 1984 because a fellow classmate could not go. I traveled with 3 schoolmates, 80 miles, being driven by a friend's dad to witness Van Halen in person. It changed my life, the way I heard music, and I will never forget how that made me feel. I truly believe you captured the essence of why we all fell in love with EVH. A genuine thank you.

[@RKDriver]

Same here. I've been diving into EVH content over the last few days and this has been the best hands down. For us guitar players who were inspired by the man, the material Ben put out here really connected with me. I would love for Ben to teach us how to play 5150. One of the best EVH did.

[@74900kdw]

Agreed! I had a wall up about Eddies death until seeing this tribute. After Neil Peart and Tom Petty before that I just was kind of blocking Eddies death out. Your tribute was so sincere and heartfelt that I found myself choking up by the end. Remembering my freshman year in high school and hearing Van Halen 1 in my sisters Ford Pinto. Funny cause it's the only memory I have of being in my sisters car. The impact was that great. If you don't remember where you were when you first heard Van Halen you must not like music. RIP Eddie!

[@jbacker1190]

This is actually one of two best tributes I've seen so far. Ben's for the technical, guitarist point of view. For the non-musician take, but someone that truly appreciates music and musicianship, Professor of Rock's vlog was perfect in my opinion.

[@thephatalien]

I wasn’t gonna watch any Eddie tributes at all because I felt like people were trying to ride the wave of his recent passing...but Ben you did a very fitting tribute and showcased a great sample of some of his work. I guess I never stopped to realize how much he influenced not only guitar players but also the guitar industry. Thanks for this.

[@Mordi_B]

I agree with you. I am tired of this narcissism exploiting human being's death. I am really huge fan of Edward, as an autistic, he really change my life, but I don't want to be a part of this "party". I'll do something later. Ben did a good and respectful one.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

You said it brother I told myself. If I can hold my guitar without crying I'll be ok

[@bobravenscraft5376]

I'm a child of the late 70s. Dude without Edward. Guitar center. Empty building

[@bobravenscraft5376]

When Ben mentioned the Amp feedback story. I knew. You Love Edward too Rock on!!!!

[@wrathofall]

People are sincerely upset. I think most of the tributes are legit. Not all, but most. Search for 76 -78 live videos. We've loved them since then. Us old timers lol. We've lost a big part of the soundtrack of our lives.

[@roseterry3389]

I’m glad to see other people think there will never be another Eddie Van halen

[@christopherlewis955]

Wow man really impressed by this video. You did EVH proud, nothing was missing with the time you had! Thanks for taking the time to make this masterpiece. Be well!

[@neckcheese1356]

The best part of this tribute is the Eddie-inspired smirk you have while playing all the riffs and licks.

[@jerrybrown66]

Man, I've been binging on EVH tributes and this is the best one.

[@jeffgemm5080]

Best tribute to the King I have seen yet! Very classy!! I have always been a drummer but, when Eddie passed, I decided to try guitar..... I am 51! Never too late to learn. Thanks for all of your videos... they have been helping big time!

[@ronnie_5150]

Excellent tribute. In my 40's and I actually feel like my childhood ended when EVH passed. I was in my car, and I actually had to pull over. My two biggest influences in music and life passed within a year. EVH and Neil Peart.

[@CroneRaven1810]

His Rhythm playing, His lead playing and Tone. Basically everything of the guitar.. I'ts universal. He's an absolute monster and changed my life. Thank you Eddie van Halen. May you rest in peace.

[@KingPepeLePew]

It was Eddie's playing that coined the term "Fretboard Gymnastics".

[@CroneRaven1810]

@@KingPepeLePew He also kickstarted the Shred arms race, that came after in the 80s and beyond. He basically made the first hot rodded strat aka SuperStrat and give birth to basically charvel, kramer, ibanez RG/S etc, made floyd rose trem system popular, made the D-tuna to go drop D on a floyd rose trem system without hassle, tinkered on amps and made amps with peavey, evh. The guy is a genius. Has done alot for guitar outside of just making music

[@KingPepeLePew]

@@CroneRaven1810 Vai would not be anywhere as big as he is today, if it were not for Eddie. Eddie made Dave huge...Dave Left and hooked up with Vai and with his massive Van Halen following catapulted Vai into the Guitar Stratosphere , prior to that Vai did 2 years with Frank Zappa with very little mass acclaim then moved to Alcatraz and did 1 year with zero craps given outside of their band fandom as it was all about Yngwie, then went onto do Crossroads the movie..still no-one gave 2 craps other than he was a cool character in the film and it was the film highlight moment…then he joined David Lee Roth and went from an obscure guitar guy to guitar wizard overlord overnight that could rival EVH’s skills and the rest is now history. So basically it's Van Halen's misfortune to an extent which put all the spotlight onto Vai...make no mistake, Vai knows this 100%.

[@timprall5417]

@@KingPepeLePew Vai ain't shit! Post product doesn't stand And numbers will never stand in EVH sales. Great want to be, but far from the Original! Great product along with so many from the most awesome leader! Sorry, give credit to what is due! Bless your soul EVH!!!!!

[@sotirios6882]

"THERE WILL BE NO OTHER " "LONG LIVE KING EDWARD" That smile on ur face jamming out to his music is priceless. ROCK ON BEN ! 👊 👍 🎸 😎

[@kennethknowles8922]

This was magical. I love Van Halen but didn't know anything close to this level of detail. It really enhanced my appreciation.

[@custosnocte1528]

Ben, I was born in early 1970. By the time Van Halen's first album came along, My older Brother and his friends had been letting me hang out with them, listening to Rush, Ozzy, early Priest, Iron Maiden, LZ, Kiss, AC/DC, Kansas, Journey, Styx, REO, Supertramp, Pink Floyd, Eagles, and many other great bands. I can't even imagine what life in America would have been life without Van Halen and those other bands. I cried when I learned Eddie Van Halen was gone from our lives, from this relm. I couldn't believe what happened. Van Halen was and forever will be my favorite of all time. Sadly, IMHO, today's modern World of kids have no idea, and NEVER WILL know the feeling of experiencing the front ten rows at a Van Halen Concert event, let alone general admission. Seeing Van Halen with DLR a few times at the early age of 14 was an awesome event. Many more VH concerts, including the first show for us to see Sammy fronting Van Halen @ Monsters of Rock with Metallica and Dokken (George Lynch), Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI. Spring 1988. Sadly, the kids today will never really know what this World once had and has now lost. Quick flashback and tribute to my Brother (RIP). In 1978, our Dad took us to the music store (think it was Tower Records) at the Mall, where we bought the first Van Halen Album, twice. (One of two VH Albums on vinal for our RCA, Fisher, and JBL stereo system which was pieced together and powered with a Pioneer Amp into JBL speakers. That expensive and loud stereo belonged to my Brother and his four friends, everyone always hung out at our house, down in the basement, where they could crank up that stereo as loud as the speakers could handle) Around mid ,1979, we got the bright idea to be like VH and Rush (Tom Sawyer) is reason I began playing keyboards. "Light up the Sky" is reason my Brother started playing the guitar. And so, because of Rush and Van Halen, Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Joe Walsh, Beatles, Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, we pressed on over the years. My Brother, Eric continued playing every day for the rest of his life. He even became a store manager for a guitar center in the American Midwest. Eric was a super cool guy and made friends with many people over the years. Eric, in my opinion was a monster guitar player. He never put down his guitar, played at home, in the bands and at work, 😂 Sadly, my Brother and Best Friend Eric died from a heart attack May 25 2015. Over 400 people attended the Memorial service. (And I thank all who were there). Dan Donegan, and other members of Disturbed were there that evening. Danny D was one of my Brother's good friends. They started jamming together in the early 1980s. There is this other cat who was my Brother's best friend and fellow guitarist, Mike B. Who is something to see with a guitar This dude flies below radar and he's an absolute family man who wants nothing to do with the music industry as it exists today. Ben, your playing is like Mike B. Damn tight and spot on. I've met a lot of guitar players who's names are not in any lights, and they are unknown to the public, and they rarely get any credit for THEIR magical abilities with an Ax, they should. Thanks to KZbin and other platforms, we are beginning to see this next phase in Music coming at us. There's SO MANY Monster Guitarists "hiding out and laying low" (GNR) America and the rest of the World is loaded with talent, just waiting to explode onto the next phase in music. Can't wait. At the Funeral Memorial Service, I spoke for around 20 minutes, and then My Brother's best friend and bandmate, Mike B, had written and played a haunting tribute which left the room silent with their thoughts. It was something to behold, indeed. Tribute to Eric M. Rest in Peace. Anyway, The other VH album was for 8 track player in the car. That POS 8 track used to eat the tapes. So, Ben, some 43 years ago, I was baptized with this great music at the age of 8. Ben, I have written down and shared some of my most favorite musical memories and experiences over the past decades so you would know that your efforts on this video mean a great deal to me. You and I both have older Brothers responsible for introducing us to this magic ! Thanks to all the big brothers out there. **This video you produced is truly a fantastic tribute to the all time greatest Guitar and Keys Player Edward Van Halen Brain Surgeon of Rock** ! **Ben, your guitar playing is absolutely spot on tight** ! **Thank You very much for this very cool video** My apologies for this rather lengthy post here today. So many thoughts running through my mind, hard to stay on point. So many side thoughts added in. Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this post. Wishing everyone all the best. God Bless and don't stop playing ! Stay Safe and Be Well. M² Custos Nocte` ✓✓

[@BenEller]

Thank you so much for watching, AND for your story! Absolutely awesome.

[@custosnocte1528]

@@BenEller Thank You a whole lot. I'm going to hit the keys and play a few VH numbers now. Keep rockin' Brother. All the best. Mike

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

To me, the intangible EVH magic was joy. Every note carried joy and humor. That’s what people feel. The tones and touch and compositions are exquisite, but that joy and humor, that delight in making a joyful noise, is always there. That smile is in every note! RIP EVH.

[@cHVF]

I couldn't watch without having to pause throughout to gather myself together, remember my own memories, my life, practicing, listening over and over, .. then wipe the tears away, smile, and resume your tribute. Don't know why I'm so emotional about it. Maybe you just made the only tribute to Eddie that I can relate to. Thank you for this. Love your playing too.

[@BenEller]

That makes two of us, man, I was having to pause multiple times during the making of this video to clear my eyes, too!

[@fcwestcott9365]

I have never grieved like this for any other musician and I have loved some of them greatly. This is different!

[@MRX2099]

Same here i remember what I was doing when I heard certain VH songs and reflect on all the good times...growing up listening to Eddie

[@adamwarlock5286]

Guess the whole world is hurting at the minute. Feels that way to me anyway but glad Uncle ben is here to give us all a hand up when we need it most.

[@stevestan6525]

What a great tribute! I agree that his ability to combine fantastic guitar playing with wide appeal was exceptional.

[@dextermoore278]

Eddie had everything. The looks, the clothes, the moves and he was the greatest guitarist in the World. He was so innovative and cool. He always had that cute smile and he just loved playing music. What a LEGEND.

[@MrMetalhorse]

Ed was my favorite guitar player. This has me so depressed. It still doesn't feel real. It's gonna be a while before I can listen to Van Halen again without having that empty feeling in my stomach. Rest in peace the greatest of all time.

[@CynHicks]

You were obviously going for celebration and remembering with this one instead of depressing R. I. P. style like most do. Great job man!

[@lorenperelman4517]

Damn. You're like the EVH of EVH tributes, Uncle Ben. That was dope!

[@linksgolfer9949]

Hey Ben…… just found you today….. have to tell you “Holy Shit” you made the hair on my arms stand up, brought me right back to my teens , I can see the absolute love on your face playing those EVH riffs to perfection. Bravo my friend. Looking forward to following along. Thank you sir 🎸

[@F13thvoorhees]

Eddie's riffs just ooze personality, there's something primal and perfect about them that goes beyond words.

[@dtc8249]

yep. same kind of thing with Dimebag, both dudes somehow translated their personality into their music, and strangely they both seemed to be similar personality-wise - fun-loving, gregarious, generally enjoying life.

[@georgebernard8983]

Eddie Van Halen didn't just play the guitar, it was an extension of his soul and he laid it out and shared it with the world!

[@jasonwhite7427]

There's a joy in his expression. He has intangible elements that no one else really has.

[@kevinw8688]

This was simply a fantastic video on Eddie. Love the breakdown of all the variations of Eddie's brilliance. And it's not just guitar players who love Eddie. It's funny, even before I knew Eddie was ya know EDDIE when I heard him play, even just his guitar riffs and not the flying solos, I instinctively knew this was a different type of guitar player. There was no one like him before he came along and there has been no one like him since. I am sad as shit it's over, but glad it happened and glad I was there to see many of his gigs. Miss that guy!!!!

[@greekfreak1980]

One thing that is overlooked when talking about Eddie: he wasn´t just a virtuoso and amazing songwriter but he also pushed the bounderies in guitar design. Back in the 70´s,they had the 3-4 classic designs by Fender & Gibson,like Strat,Tele,L/P, SG. The Flying V and Explorer were also around,if you wanted something more "wild" looking,but that was it. Guitar design was pretty much stuck,the big companies didn´t try out new things. Then Eddie came along with his "Frankenstrat" and changed everything. There wouldn´t be no Jackson Solist/Dinky or Ibanez RG/S-Series or any other modern Superstrat guitar,if it wasn´t for Eddie,experimenting and trying to improve the classic Strat. He was the first to use an OFR for example and was one of the first to wax-pot a PAF humbucker,to get rid of feedback. He pretty much kickstarted the whole "hotrod your guitar"-trend.

[@EliseOfTheValley]

Don’t forget revolutionizing amp design with the 5150

[@stupidusername38]

Absolutely, he physically changed the modern guitar. Take a fender and mix it with a Les Paul. Gibson tonked in the 80s because super strats were the axe of choice for rockers. Luckily Slash saved Gibson in the 80s

[@Ruefus]

Without EVH, what's now known as 80's Rock and Metal simply don't happen.

[@thepurpleplayer9168]

@@Ruefus I mean black sabbath existed before VH so no rock and metal would still have existed but the way people play their guitars in those genres would not be the same

[@mobiusII]

Love your post, but what is OFR please?

[@qtheband751]

This has to be one of the most concise, thorough and well rounded analyses of what made Ed great. Excellent points about his often overlooked rhythm playing and the fact that he was a song writer over virtuoso. RIP King Edward. Thanks you for the timeless music. #ripedwardvanhalen

[@robertdays6226]

Wonderful tribute. Thank you for this. Your reverence and sincerity had me choked up a few times. Long live the King!

[@WadeTheWild]

This is so great, Ben. You do such a great job of articulating whatever topic you are discussing. I saw a slight tear and crack in your voice lastly discussing what eruption still "does" to you. I feel the same, my friend. Eddie was just unbelievable, not sure really how to describe what he did for me as a young kid, and still does to this day. He just had "it" and I've never found anyone else that did.

[@dougtube2006]

… Best Eddie Van Halen tribute I’ve seen ... Great job

[@Toddy1969]

I just picked up my guitars again this year after 15 horrible years of not playing at all. I have been going ok but haven’t really had much direction in my practice, but after this tragic news and your amazing tribute, I am officially on a Van Halen learning trip! I am 51 years old but you’re still my Uncle Ben, thank you brother! Long live Eddie! R.I.P. 😔❤️

[@sixstringvoodoo]

Thank you!!!! That's more like the kind of tribute the Grammys should have given Eddie. I'm moved to tears, yet I have a huge smile on my face because I know how fortunate we all are to have lived during the times of EVH.😎

[@Hardvolume007]

The thing he taught me the most as a kid, was genuinely loving the guitar itself. Making it yours. He could talk to even regular people about it for an hour.

[@Robbie28]

That grin. Of course we remember that incredible playing, but that grin. It was infectious. Anyone with an appreciation of music that saw him playing just had to smile watching his joy of not only doing what he loved to do, but doing it very well. Losing him feels like losing a cherished family member. Although the music community lost a legend, his family lost a husband, a brother, a dad. My heart goes out to the family and very close friends and hope they find the strength to get through this unreal pain. Thanks very much for the video sir.

[@geerterri]

I know that when you're on stage you have to appear happy. But Eddie seemed sincerely joyful that he was doing what he loved.

[@Robbie28]

@@geerterri Fact. I was 12 years old when Randy Rhoads died and didnt even play guitar yet or listen to Ozzy. Eddie is the loss I will remember for rest of my days. Hell, I didnt know him at all and its still a loss to me. The only question I pose to everyone is How the Hell is Keith Richards still alive? lol No offense at all to Keith, but its kinda funny cause as many chemicals he did in his Heyday, he must have pre embalmed himself lol

[@Karlgolden]

Amazing bro! RIP Eddie 💔🎸🔥🙌

[@allanmcmillan3850]

Great video and amazing play through!!!!!!!

[@Mohzz.]

8 months later and this legend will always be apart of my life, after the thousands of times of listening to eruption and his live without a net solo I still get chills. Thank you for being my inspiration

[@curtiseickhoff5189]

I know my bio dad is very down about Eddie’s passing... just sent him the link to your vid and am going to relax and enjoy it too. Thanks as always, Uncle Ben. RIP Eddie. The harps in heaven are wanting to tweak their tone now.

[@nicktaylor3042]

It’s crazy because I’ve listened through every album multiple times and can still hear new things in Ed’s playing I never noticed. Thanks Ben 🤘

[@mlite84]

Wow insanely good Ben! Loved everything about this! Thank you!

[@robtoc]

Well done Ben....this was fanTAStic!

[@robertclarkguitar]

Because, he stood for BEING YOUR OWN SOUND. Not living a life of covers or others riffs. He said it loud. Play your life and play it your way!! Be your sound. Feel ...

[@migueleespinosa2632]

His rhythm playing is was what always humbled me. After 40 years I can't touch it.

[@therockinguitarman]

Well done! Thank You, for taking the time and putting this up. Awesome Tone!!! DOA

[@fuzzypickles1388]

Excellent tribute Uncle Ben! Thanks for doing this. You fn rock!

[@papamurf7653]

The smile on your face while jamming those riffs, says it all😊. Thanks 🤘

[@robertgarza7322]

Can we also just talk about how on POINT Uncle Ben’s tone, playing, and riff choices were? His “I’m the One” was freaking flawless

[@jasegolfstar8831]

*Eruption was near note-for-note. Ben makes it look easy!*

[@JohnDoe-jc3cl]

Robert Garza ....I was about to say ! Bens tone chording picking ....pretty good. I even looked up what he uses in the description. 5150. 50 watt. Suhr guitar, doesn’t say what pickup it is. Sounds pretty good to me!

[@PapaShongo25]

I think it’s hilarious people in the comments arguing over who’s better and “But Yngwie could play all of this”. Meanwhile a KZbinr just played his main riffs near flawless. So stupid to compare art. Millions of people could paint the Mona Lisa, doesn’t make it the original.

[@vhuassie]

Well done Ben. A great video and well played as well.

[@AnthonyRufo]

Love this video Ben-great job!

[@notofthisgod32]

Why do guitarists like Eddie Van Halen? Cause he's Eddie Van Halen

[@seiyorianimation239]

This is more badass explanation 😂

[@mathewhudson7649]

Dutch pops, Indonesian mom... Came to the USA and their sons rocked the world. I truly love Eddie's playing and I'm so glad for the music that he left us with.

[@leonskum.5682]

Great tones my friend. I was desk drumming along to all these riffs!!! keep the music going!!!!

[@badzombi]

Just the way you look...your so into it...you can tell it makes you happy throwing down these iconic badass riffs...well done sir...

[@Wallimann]

That was a great video Ben!

[@BenEller]

Thank you, David!!!

[@doylestownhuskies9624]

@@BenEller You know it's a good video when you get compliments from David. Thanks Ben awesome video! I loved Eddie and you made a great tribute.

[@michaelmaier7262]

I have to agree. This is a loving tribute to the man and his music and IT FREAKIN' ROCKS! I've shared it around some, too. Great video.

[@gregking2571]

Yes it was, subscribed.

[@gnovincejr2]

Man, never thought I'd tear up during this but yeah. I just love guitar so much and Eddie was THE MAN!! Soon as you said something about his smile "You really got me"! RIP Eddie!

[@altizzy]

I got choked up at the end. Beautiful video. Thanks for everything you do

[@timwebster3074]

Greatest tribute I've ever seen. I only recently came across your page, and I'm sticking around. Thank you man

[@BenEller]

Thanks Tim!!!

[@steveelling9604]

Damn, Ben, this is the most insightful take I've seen about EVH, ever. Great work.

[@shawnokeefe4405]

I’ve been watching EVH tribute videos for two days, this is the best I’ve seen. Well done sir.

[@rescareguy]

I can see and feel the love and respect you had for EVH when you are playing his riffs. Best tribute I have seen

[@danielbuchanan1564]

You nailed this! You covered his sound evolution. Your recreations on everything were spot on. Beautiful tribute!

[@HunterRouth]

The fact that "Can't Get This Stuff No More" & "Humans Being" is played in this video makes it super badass. Uncle Ben, this video is tremendous and the best tribute yet. I watched it straight through. Now. How about that "Runaround" video we talked about in Raleigh?

[@BenEller]

❤️❤️❤️

[@dan082476]

I think humans being is probably one VH best tracks

[@phouse8manable]

Danny Hudson it was that song that made me ask my parents for a guitar when I was 10 years old. I couldn’t get enough of the main riff.

[@jaketaz2848]

Eddie's playing sounded like pure creative freedom.

[@harrywissink842]

Inspiring! Even took up the guitar and learned judgement day ! Which is pretty complex ! The video right here right now is immensely great ! Thanks Ben ! Ed will be missed forever

[@johnabbottphotography]

Thanks, Ben, for this Tribute. Only a true fan could go through all of those things and recognize that Eddie was the marriage of technique, touch, tone, and melody. Thanks for playing his music in a way that recognized all of those things.

[@Wyldwulf]

An absolutely stellar eulogy Uncle Ben, this should be in his family's memorial chest.

[@ShrapnelBandOfficial]

I think the point you make from 17:12 should be emphasised to every kid picking up a guitar today.

[@drumgk]

By far the most in-depth and best tribute to Eddie the musician ever! There were so many facets that made him the musician he was.

[@michaelbyus344]

Very nicely done Mr. Eller. RIP Mr. Edward Vanhalen,,, we really thank you for all the inspiration and talent you have given us.

[@thecoderofyoutube]

Sooooo many people need to watch the last 4 minutes of this video and learn. You nailed it.

[@dryter]

Awesome tribute. One more thing that made Edward the greatest: His grin. Even listening to VH on a cassette in my pickup on a road trip in 1983, he was like, "Dudes, we are having a party in Pasadena and everyone is invited. Let's have a good time!" No angst, or pissing around that became fashionable in the 90s. All I need is a beautiful girl. Oh yeah!

[@dwaynehendricks7842]

But, I know quite a few people who complained about his grinning/ smiling??? I guess rock-n-rollers are sposed to be all pissed off??

[@kas14244]

Amazing tribute very well put!!! Thanks!!

[@lotus7eater]

This is such a brilliant video. Thank you so much!

[@cjmeadors]

Just imagine a guitarist about 10x better than the competition, one that made all others look common & ordinary, that was Eddie Van Halen in 1978. People often argue over who’s best today, but back then, there was no argument, Eddie was the undisputed King of Guitar. There will never be another like him. RIP

[@mtpstv94]

He still is. Even Rhodes didn't come close at that time. His playing was actually pretty dirty and not well contained.

[@bonilla1240]

Watch the video of John Mayer playing Panama live, and you will see how even today's accomplished musicians have a hard time.

[@Skabanis]

@@mtpstv94 Rhodes was a beast.

[@cjmeadors]

JB Bonilla - Definitely, but since music is so subjective, I think it's enough just to say, "If there ever was a man who was universally recognized as the greatest guitarist of all time, it was definitely Eddie Van Halen." Hendrix was comparable to Clapton, but Eddie really had no competition when he first arrived in 78. His mystique, talent & charisma was so overwhelming, even amazing jazz players like Holdsworth, Al Di Meola & McLaughlin were shaking in their boots; this was just a whole different way of playing nobody had ever seen before. Nobody knew anything about tapping, dive bombs, squeals, hybrid alternate picking with hammerons, the Floyd Rose, forearm-twisting tremolos, etc. and that’s just the start of it. Randy Rhoads & George Lynch were amazingly talented, but even they were lagging far behind the Maestro at this particular time and were relatively unknown. No guitarist has ever shocked the world in this fashion.

[@hoteldelta2453]

@@bonilla1240 John Mayer is a blues player, a more fair comparison would be satchel from steel panther, but he can play it just fine, either way it doesn’t take away from eddies influence, but maybe don’t bring other musicians down

[@calvinmclaughlin2454]

When I found out the Eddie Van Halen had died, I realized that despite being an on-the-surface rock snob, I really only ever knew "Hot For Teacher" out of their entire catalogue. I knew Eddie himself was a huge influence, and I knew he was widely regarded as a rock legend, but I just wasn't familiar. So, on to Spotify I went to try and track down some of their top songs to see what the band was really all about. I cannot overstate my surprise when I found that every single track I listened to I actually knew - if there had been a killer rock song on the radio that I didn't recognize at the time, it was Van Halen. If there was a classic rock ballad that a friend had blasted out of their car stereo and I couldn't put a name to it, it was Van Halen. If there was a gag performance by bands trying to capture the unique and iconic sound of 70's-80's hair metal, they were trying their best to be Van Halen. I sat for a few hours just rolling through their albums one by one on my computer, and I realized just how incredibly powerful each track was on its own. Eruption, Panama, Jump - these were the unsung soundtracks to parts of my life that I hadn't had a band to attribute to. And right about then, I realized that if there was a single resource that I could trust to give me the real, in depth analysis of just what Eddie had meant to the world from a musical and inspirational standpoint, it was Uncle Ben. When I saw this in my subscription feed it was an insta-click, and let me tell you I was goddamn right. There's a real emotion and just nostalgic joy when he plays each riff - that combination of emotional appreciation for just how fun and interesting every single note is, along with the acknowledgement of just how important it was to him personally. If I wasn't already inspired, I sure am now. This weekend will be dedicated to trying to pick up some skills in tapping (although I think there might be a criminal code for trying to do that as a Gretsch player), mostly inspired by Eddie himself but also to try and capture a sliver of whatever Ben's got behind his eyes in this video. We'll see how it goes. I'll update you after I'm done trashing my stepdad's DOD Grunge pedal.

[@therapist6328]

I have so much wicked gear, but my oldest son loves the Grunge pedal. Good luck with the riffs. Eddie was the beast.

[@carlodestefano6628]

👏👏👏 Watched and liked it when you first put this out there. Had to watch it again. Job well done 👍

[@crankertom2974]

Great job ! I have watched this one several times over the last month and it really stands out. Thankx.

[@simply3141592654]

Eddie's solos are technically amazing, but Eddie's playing has a sense of humor that many of his imitators haven't picked up on. Ben, also nicely picks up on Eddie's vibrato.

[@j_freed]

Love this comment. Ed was GOOD enough that the humor in his playing never sounded just silly. I love the intro lick to I'm The One, with the quarter note bends that sound kind of 'wah wah wah wah....' it's a perfect choice and sounds a bit like the guitar laughing. Ed also made these over-dramatic bends a lot of the time earlier on. He was like pure fire.

[@RKDriver]

Eddie was a gunslinger player kinda like Stevie Ray. Imperfection was what reached into your soul. And as Eddie has said "if you make a mistake, do it again and everyone will think you meant to do it." Something like that.

[@mkreple]

I felt last 10 seconds A LOT! Thanks, man. Absolutely prefect homage to the King.

[@BenEller]

❤️

[@TheGuitarReb]

There is no King but Elvis, there is no god but Clapton.

[@rickleblanc8900]

@@TheGuitarReb as great as Clapton was (especially in Cream), the whole "Clapton is God" thing seemed overrated to me. Blackmore was the most exciting Strat player since Hendrix and Page was a master of many talents/styles, just brilliant. It's all subjective really and to have just one perfect player of all time is hard to nail down

[@TheGuitarReb]

@@rickleblanc8900 I totally agree with you. No problem. it's just a saying because He is good. Christians and Muslims even Jews would call it blasphemy. Yep, have you ever heard "Super Chicken" play his diddlybow.

[@jamesvick7558]

You have the true love brother! Thanks for the video!

[@jamesgranderson2890]

This! This made me cry. Thanks for this!

[@thBrilliantFool]

"Why do guitar players like Eddie Van Halen?" Might as well ask "Why is water wet?"

[@bradfordreese8310]

I remember reading an article back in 1982 where Eddie said "I wanted to be a drummer so I got a paper route and saved up enough money to buy one. While I was out delivering papers, Alex would sneak and play my drums. One day I caught him and realized he was better than me so I said, fuck it, I'll play guitar. And so while other guys would skip class to get high, I'd skip class to go home and play my guitar". I wish I could've found my niche in life like Eddie did his. I feel like part of my soul has been taken from me. Van Halen got me through some of the toughest, tragedy filled years of my life. I guess by now he has found a way to install a tremolo on his harp and is rockin God. RIP Sir Edward.

[@edsnotgod]

Ironically, I can't stand "Eruption" - a track he didn't say "record this, this is my magnum opus". And I've often compared it to a Ford Pinto fitted with a fart can, parked at Walmart, and revved into the red for the sake of screech. All I "see" when I hear Ed wank is the fuzzy dice bobbling so seductively, the plastic trim rattling so dangerously, the fart can farting so prodigiously. But it's all just that - a wankfest. And when I witnessed the tone deaf wankers at the music stores abandon butchering Smoke on the Water and commence wanking random crap, I was afraid what the future might hold for rock. And I wasn't disappointed. Poodle-haired wizards adopted absolutely generic song formulas. Chug chug, sustain, chug chug sustain, weedle weedle, chug chug sustain. Boom bap, boom boom bap. Check it out, my custom guitar has 24 frets and counting.

[@bradfordreese8310]

@@edsnotgod You sound like a community college know it all, who took a survey of cinema class and decided you were qualified to be an expert critic. That's all well and fine, except when you look at critics, they are, without exception, failed in their preferred vocation, (being movie stars or movie makers, etc . . . ), and don't know squat about what they are criticizing. So if your intention was to come off as a jealous, passed-over asshat, (or even if it wasn't intentional), Congratulations! You finally succeeded at something, however, I digress. Every uncouth ape on the planet is entitled to their opinion, regardless of their understanding and education. You sound like a semi educated person, or at least, you can weave a tapestry of descriptive word salad. Too bad you use that ability to be an ignorant internet troll. I challenge you to compose a single, melodic song that comes close to Eddie's worst. If you can't, shut your pie hole and allow the rest of us to remember a person who impacted many of our lives in a positive way. After all, this tribute is a celebration, not a venue for hateful troglodytes like you.

[@andersonporfirio9356]

@@bradfordreese8310 Always ignore trolls/pseudo-intellectuals. Don't feed them.

[@Veterangarage]

You rock dude. Shed a tear just hearing all the riffs.

[@mikeriesco6174]

One of the finest things I've ever seen on You Tube, bar none. Thank you!