Why Eddie Van Halen is Uncopyable

In this episode, my brother Jon and I use isolated tracks to confirm what we have always known: Eddie Van Halen is the GOAT!
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[@sonoftheredfox]

I think the best part is having a brother that you can talk about all this stuff with

[@fredwerza3478]

I think Rick's brother is probably a better guitarist --- and you can sorta sense that Rick is jealous of that

[@nintendianajones64]

​@@fredwerza3478he needs to have his brother on more often.

[@andrewbrown7166]

Didn’t sense any jealousy whatsoever

[@dkbrn1b.737]

but who was Mom's favorite,lol?

[@irevisibel9237]

❤

[@hardwired_guitar]

When I hear Eddie's tracks isolated I get chills. It's like bearing witness to a miracle that was recorded.

[@jordanmiller8541]

I literally get huge goosebumps hearing the greatest guitarist ever.

[@evanwalters63]

Yes. No one has ever duplicated his tone. Many have tried. Also his playing. Many copy it but none of them have been able to play with the same fluidity and feel. He really was a one of a kind.

[@ivorharden]

It's been 53 years since Hendrix died, 41 years since Rhoads died, and 33 years since SRV died. They might not be with us, but their musicianship will always live on.

[@jeffpurins8229]

I don't think Rick talks about SRV (god i miss him) much? I'm still really new to the channel tho... you can never talk about him too much in my mind. lol

[@workingmansrevolution]

They were all geniuses

[@michaelmac1798]

I heard first Van Halen LP in 78 and it was like reinvention of heavy rock like a injection of adrenalin. But I did think some of the playing was like Hendrix which Eddie doesn't claim to be as influenced by. The way he plays solos is a bit like a jazz instrument. Though Hendrix music is more varied than Van Halen. Eruption was like something out of this world!

[@thomasrocker3684]

Immortal words Rock 'n' roll ain't noise pollution Rock 'n' roll ain't gonna die Rock 'n' roll ain't noise pollution Rock 'n' roll, it will survive (yes, it will)

[@h.markhorton8188]

These people are from another planet, came here for a while to show us things on the guitar we thought were impossible. Then left us early, wondering:”What the hell was that?” But inspired, and trying to figure out other inventive ways to make this incredible instrument sound. God bless ‘em all.❤

[@USSHammerology]

Eddie Van Halen will be talked about and listened to for the rest of human existence. Immortal talent.

[@user-mz1xu6bn2r]

He won't many have already forgotten him the tapping a curse it gets boring he was far better without the continuous tapping

[@m.vonhollen6673]

@@user-mz1xu6bn2rWhen Van Halen first came out, it was like when Hendrix did … a totally new game! You had to have been playing back then to understand how different of a player he was. Tappers are everywhere now but back then it was something completely different.

[@user-mz1xu6bn2r]

@@m.vonhollen6673 don't play guitar then tapping wasn't new Eddie was far better without it he got boring live ruining songs with over the top tapping

[@tylerdurden7142]

EVH's has been largely forgotten for decades now. He's more of a musician's guitarist. Gifted at playing the instrument but the music itself hasn't aged particularly well.

[@SMARTS_YT]

@@user-mz1xu6bn2rPretty sure his Eruption Live solo is getting more views at a higher rate now then ever. The younger generation is learning about this now.

[@MarcoPolo-je5ej]

Edward had the one thing that all others lacked, and that is he had the whole package: ✔️ Incredible rhythm ✔️ Incredible soloing ✔️ Incredible songwriting ✔️ Intuition to create his own sound

[@johnseck4394]

thank you!

[@seanmckelvey6618]

Might have been the case early on, and that's not to take anything away from EVH as a guitar player or musician, but it's like you're ignoring that Van Halen put out arguably more crap than good albums in their career.

[@awakenmirror3005]

Take away the songwriting part and you are spot on. In fact EVH was quite the messy songwriter. It was always through the filter of the other band members (especially Michael Anthony and later Sammy Hagar) that the riffs turned into great songs. There is one record in which Eddy almost fully took the reins and that turned out to be Van Halen III.

[@treff9226]

I'd have to argue with your post.

[@reubensane5539]

He had all that and he looked fkn cool too

[@RC32Smiths01]

If anyone had the definition of the Guitar Hero, it would surely be EVH. Innovative on technique and style, fantastic and heavy riffs, and an iconic image. Guitar literally would not be the same without him!

[@Charlie_Xplorer]

He's so much of a guitar hero, they even made a Guitar Hero: Van Halen spinoff in the GH franchise, which was the biggest no brainer ever. Great game too!

[@nellycol7559]

Right!!

[@Swanlord05]

He had the chops and the looks

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Definitely the Mean Streets album! God the sound of his guitar in that and the way he played! Perfection

[@NVRAMboi]

With each passing year I'm more thankful for that window of (rock and roll) time when I first heard a Van Halen song. It was different to the point of being profound. Not unlike he first time I heard progressive rock.

[@shauncarter924]

Eddie was just a mad scientist/artist/sonically gifted human being who chose to express himself through music. He heard things differently than everyone else. There will never be anyone like him again, and frankly, I’m glad for that. If there were several of him, then his abilities would not be as unique and wonderful.

[@23ograin53]

It's a tragedy how the tapping became the main focus of attention on Eddie's playing. His technique across the board was utterly impeccable, and he was doing things on guitar on the debut album that seemed like nothing short of a whole new style (and playing level) out of thin air. It's like he fell to Earth from outer space.

[@alexello1189]

I always like to point out cathedral, a song which requires precise manipulation of the volume knob (sometimes even to the breaking point) and it sounds like an alien spaceship. Or even intruder, which pairs well with the music video. But when I listen to it unaided, I can envision a breaking and entering senario with the breaking glass, screaming family, sirens going off etc. Eddie was a hidden master at painting a picture with music.

[@MrChetanG]

Disagree about tapping being a major focus.... maybe for non musicians, and it wasn't a big deal when EVH was touring from first 4+ albums. EVH was multi dimensional in every aspect of playing guitar/song writing/taking it apart to make it better/and just being the showman. You cannot pigeon hole EVH to one thing or two things or even three things. EVH was a gift from GoD to all of us. To say anything less is treasonous and just wrong in every way.

[@narvul]

Yeah that's a great tragedy, several families died, some cities got massacred even and just because of a EvH trick...!!

[@autk]

I think it was the never before heard sounds, the master of the fill, the slipped in the notch two notes, the double stops, the rhythm bits that were difficult a f. The "how'd he do it" spots ( long before videos and now just taken apart clinicians for 40 years breaking it down on KZbin ) It was a taste and style immediately it's own, a sound all his own, and an effortless live mastery that captivated and stunned anyone in attendance...and as Rick said..."uncopyable" Kinda funny to watch folks struggling to copy cat after countless years and hours of study...give it up, one and only original model of EVH, rip legend.

[@jimlawson9014]

Only the novice players will cling to the tapping.. who cares!! The true players will appreciate, study, and keep his memory alive for centuries!!

[@gregwinter8503]

We will always be talking about him. He’s the greatest in my opinion.

[@stephen9302]

TOP 3 for sure. Gotta give #1 to Hendrix

[@chantz888]

Of making mid music

[@Balmung5150]

@@chantz888 cope

[@chantz888]

@@revwillyg6450 doesn’t make his music pleasing to listen to to everyone.

[@autk]

Chantz no likey lol

[@AlexanderShibilski]

Eddie was known for smiling and we all always smiled back. ❤

[@longgrayline8055]

He’s truly the Mozart of guitar. Plus he had the looks and the fun attitude that just took the guy to a level few others could achieve.

[@danielstoddart]

If you're reading this now and you're a guitar player, this is why you really need to see the movie "Amadeus." Watching it now, it reminds me a little of EVH. All the metal guitarists who were on the scene when EVH came out on the first VH album are a little like Salieri in that movie.

[@santiagodobles9843]

💯

[@santiagodobles9843]

​@@danielstoddart indeed

[@Breakbeats92.5]

There was so much joy and happiness in his playing. EVH played guitar like someone who loved being alive. Some guys can shred but can't write. Some guys can write but can't shred. Eddie could do it all.

[@aladdinsane7882]

Seriously one of the greatest songwriters that ever lived.

[@Skwid-Lives]

So can BucketHead

[@richardschachinger2331]

And he rewrote Beat It! Michael Jackson loved what he did to it

[@Breakbeats92.5]

@@Skwid-Lives So can Prince.

[@dyerseve45]

​@@Skwid-Liveslol.

[@wtipton]

Eddie was a gift to rock music. He had that teenage "edge" with aggressive playing, experimentation and curiosity through his whole career.

[@teleguy5699]

Kind of like Jeff Beck.

[@citadel9611]

Nicely put.

[@dyer2cycle]

Yes, he was always evolving and experimenting...

[@metalmike570]

@@teleguy5699 Really Beck has influenced way less guitarists and didn't reach the masses like EVH. Still I like Jeff Beck but Eddie is the King to me.

[@metalmike570]

@@dyer2cycle Yes messing with amplifier power with attenuators and we all know about the Frankenstrat. The dude was one in 100 million.

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

His rhythm playing is so hypnotic, it has such a grit to it

[@youropionmattersnot]

He was the best rhythm guitarist ever.

[@steveelling9604]

Eddie: Had the craziest hooks, lightning taps, harmonics all over the keyboard, two-handed insanity, stellar speed, killer dive bombs, perfect rhythm, and could sing harmony vocals, too. Not bad on piano, either. Total package.

[@Dennzer1]

bEST ALBUM??

[@jeffpodrug8942]

Drums too.

[@metalmike570]

@@jeffpodrug8942 Alex was always better than Ed at the drums though!!!!

[@ricksmusicroom5578]

His style was bouncy.

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

Without forgetting how excellent Alex was, that they were in full intuitive sync, the synchopations between them made it magical. With some other drummer the outcome would have been very different. I definitely think their family jazz background was a key element.

[@argeev2013]

So glad you mentioned Unchained. It is my favorite hard rock song of all time. I saw them on the 1984 tour (3rd show, Lakeland, Fl), and when they opened with it, it was pure power.

[@reneehansen8721]

Same.

[@realmac5150]

Eddie is the GOAT for me. There was something about him, the feel, the tone, the joy... it all came through in his playing. Loved hearing him play and it was a honor to watch him live.

[@defhoez449]

Got to see Ed play quite a few times...my fav was when a buddy and I scored tix for the 5 th row right in front of Eddie on the reunion tour. I yelled out to Ed in between songs and he looked at me... gave me the cool Eddie grin and a thumbs up...I suddenly knew how someone felt seeing The Beatles lol

[@incrediblestepsProd]

agree 100% i would also add SRV in the mix...like Eddie the longer SRV solo'd the more interesting they became.

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Absolutely. My first concert was Black Sabbath with VH. Smaller general admission venue. My buddy and I managed to get around 30'. The entire show Including Sabbath was incredible. Then had to go see VH on their headlining tours and always Eddie killed it.

[@CaliRaftDude]

Your brother's comments on the 'whole package' are so spot on.. people tend to get focused on the solos, tapping, etc.. but there was SO much more that he was a master of.

[@qball1of1]

Just discovered "Ripley" from the wild Life soundtrack..sort of remember the movie but not the score. What a beautiful piece, not for blistering solo or massive crunch, just great music, and immediately thought of that piece after reading your comment.

[@fredwerza3478]

I've often heard that many guitarists admire Eddie for his phenomenal rhythm playing --- his leads and solos got all the attention but his rhythm ability in songs like "Beautiful Girls" really stands out to me!

[@bhoulihan]

He played guitar like a drummer. The combo of the crazy techniques mixed in with his insanely good rhythm is like nothing else.

[@ChrisGieger]

This is the next-level deep dive stuff that so many of us EVH fanatics (and guitar hacks) want more of. Keep it coming, Rick!

[@WallyMpls]

I love this Rick. I think the reason we are still talking about Eddie is because we love and miss him. In addition to this for our age group just takes us back to a nostalgic place. Man every time a Van Halen tune comes on the radio I just smile. Reminds me of driving in the 80's or 90's to go catch a Van Halen show somewhere. The music was loud, the audience was locked into the band, girls were dancing and guys were drinking. The whole time you got this kid Eddie on stage grinning. What a monster. Miss EVH

[@chrismacaluso6000]

I’m a drummer, and I could listen to you talk about EVH all day. He was such an amazing musician, and he brought out the best in the other musicians he played with.

[@sweetwilliam5150]

same here. I love Al too but Ed brought the goosebumps. Amazing we are still feeling it after all these years. What a legacy to leave.

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

Chris, I AGREE with you as well 100% on your comment!.........I saw VH (live) a few times as a teenager 1983-1986, and, STILL enjoy their music ANYTIME I hear it!!!!!......It's great NOW, to hear (isolated/studio/raw, etc.) tracks giving all the tools at our access/availability in todays world.........Good luck with all your drumming/music. Todd Walker

[@Keverember]

Nothing better than talking music with your brother!

[@stubrakon9683]

Hearing those isolated guitar tracks is amazing. I still get the same feelings as I did in the 80s. It's not just music. It sounds like a living creature, all knowing, feeding on pure energy. A universal language. Everyone is invited 😀👍😎🤘

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

.........Was thinking the same exact thing!!!!!!

[@jason698]

Eddie always came up with a cooler riff than anybody else and we loved him for it. RIP Meastro

[@chocomalk]

As much as I love VH1, Fair Warning will always be the ultimate VH album and tone for me.

[@seminolefantodd4736]

And Unchained their best tune to me.

[@robpaxson4455]

@@seminolefantodd4736💯

[@christopherwhite7347]

It’s the perfect balance of Eddie’s maturity and DLR’s immaturity.

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

Just that "Mean Street" intro alone

[@edwardyazinski3858]

*uck yeah!!

[@OpenRoader]

EVH had such a natural phrasing in everything he played. Every note flows into the next in a pattern that is naturally expected. His solo's, his riffing, is exactly the direction where my mind expects it to flow. Eddie was a shredder, but it felt effortless. All the shredder's that followed shredded for the sake of shredding, but rarely did it feel like it added to the music or had to be there.

[@fredwerza3478]

That's why I laugh at guys like Yngwie and Kirk Hammett --- really great shredders, but no emotional depth like King Edward had

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I'm not really a fan of EVH, but lots of his stuff fit the music his band played. Sure he was more musical then a lot of tech death and mathcore which I hardly listen to. Heck, I even like the keyboard solo in Jump more then the guitar solo. As for playing with "feel" a solo that comes to my mind when thinking of that is "The Best of Times" last solo from John Petrucci. If you want another modern shredder that is very musical then check out Plini who is one of my favorite modern guitar players.

[@WaltPowellEnt]

@@fredwerza3478 Laughing at another guitarist style seems silly and childish. "Mature" guitarist might like one or both players equally, but its a matter of personal taste. I'm blown away that you start "laughing" when you hear some guitarist play. It seems strange to me. I'm also curious, how old are you?

[@gib59er56]

Well said man. I can play some VH. You know who I sound like? Me. Ed cannot be copied. He had swing and swagger in his feel and attack. His hands were so strong , he had to have his guitars tuned 14cents off. If you or I picked up Ed`s guitars, we would be totally out of tune.

[@AnabolicFarmer]

What I find amazing about EVH is that his guitar playing had a different approach on every album from VH1 to 1984. I can't come up with anyone having the same natural flow in both rhythm and solo.

[@mallardtheduck406]

Unchained is a Masterpiece. As a Youngster it was "Hot For Teacher" that really got me hooked along with "Jump", I have been playing piano 35+ year's and that is so much fun on a Synth. Just the fact that Eddie built his own guitar's , worked on his equipment, developed his own sound....geez, he did so damn much. "Runnin' with the Devil"...though I Really walk with Jesus , is an infectious riff. "Panama" is an amazingly intensely fun riff. R.I.P. EVH. That was a great chat btw!!!

[@harryw9598]

true words mall, i got you on running with the. that soab is very musicsl too.

[@troyk4452]

Of all the amazing tunes they wrote Hot for Teacher and Jump ? Jump is the reason I and many others strayed…Total gayness lol I’m the One On Fire Somebody Get Me a Doctor THATS Van Halen Cmon man…..

[@The_Original_Truebrit]

I love to listen to Eddie's guitar tracks, he plays with such power and confidence. I think it's the way he attacks the strings that gives him his sound.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

Eddie’s comping is simply unbelievably original and groovy as hell. There’s no one comparable.

[@Domn879]

For sure. The ‘quiet’ part in Panama is one of my fav guitar parts of all time.

[@Chrsly]

@@Domn879 For all his face-melting shredding, Ed had a subtle and deft touch when the tempo and volume came down. I'd love to have heard him do jazz.

[@jeanjeanjean2541]

what's comping ?

[@chucky6311]

Amen ,so unique and creative the king

[@zephead64]

Exactly. The groove, and swing, that he brought into his riffs and even lead work was just SO damn interesting and unlike any of his peers and future peers... except maybe for Randy Rhoads

[@michaelroberts3898]

Edward came along and had the ear to search for his sound, the technique to make new sounds, and a drive to get a guitar and amp that delivered what he wanted to deliver. He didn’t just want a weird body shape for the sake of the newness of it, he wanted the sounds and capabilities he needed to get his sound. He wanted amps and gear that lived up to his expectations and specifications. He wrote brilliant melodies, and supported those melodies with rhythm and riffs that made great songs. He didn’t just play, he transformed the musical landscape by transmitting his sound in his head out to all of us. Some say he was the biggest thing since Hendrix. I would go back farther. With his search for sound, techniques, guitar and gear to support his search, I put him closer to Les Paul than Jimi.

[@RKDriver]

People are looking back on him and like they've done with the Beatles, are gaining a new appreciation for how good and unique he was. His rhythm pocket playing, song writing, live performances, improvisation in mid-song, guitar tone and tech developments. Just a one of a kind that comes along every so often.

[@periachi4961]

Eddie was the most unique soul on the rock guitar. No one could ever swing like him while sounding so awesome. He is forever my favorite guitarist and always will be. Eddie changed my world with my first listen to Eruption and I'll never forget it.

[@christinberg]

Eddie had an incredible ear, was trained on piano and had impeccable rhythm!!! He was amazingly creative and really never fully satisfied, always chasing tone and perfection!

[@The_Kirk_Lazarus]

He also started on drums and his brother on guitar.

[@stephencox4509]

Using all that delay to basically create saturation was just genius. Never losing clarity. Absolute beastly playing. EVH forever will be the king.

[@billbbobby2889]

His early classical piano knowledge truly helped with his future blending of distortion and harmonics on his axe sound. He himself said that he was "A Tone Chaser". But was like an exuberant young kid with a ferocious appetite for tone in a musical candy store. Coincides with biblical teachings, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter The Kingdom of Tone Heaven". It was a great time for music for many, and a great time growing up in America. Especially the 1980's. It was A Great Music Renaissance of Great Sound, Great Bands, and Great Music.

[@robrichardson261]

The Beato family's knowledge of music is incredible - love it.

[@929exrt3]

What I love about Eddie is not just his amazing licks and solos, but also how amazing his rhythm was!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"Jamie's Cryin'" is a horn section on electric just like the 60s bands did it.

[@jimmurray3573]

Legendary guitar players . Such as Eddie Van Halen. Jeff Beck, Randy Rhoads. Stevie Ray Vaughan. . We’ll always live on. Their music and guitar playing well live on. R.I.P..

[@robplante8631]

I would definitely put all four of those players in the same group. They were cut from the same cloth. Just the way they approached the instrument, and what came out of it, put them a cut above.

[@Atlas65]

@@robplante8631 No offence to Stevie Ray Vaughan, he just copied Hendrix playing and style. But all the other guys were unique. So maybe he doesn't really belong with the other guys.

[@brianathern9154]

EVH definitely blew my mind and I'm grateful to have embraced great music wherever it takes you

[@mariodriessen9740]

And then the influences he had in the world of guitar manufacturing and amps and pedals. He was important and groundbreaking in literally every aspect of playing guitar. He lived in my hometown, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, before he and his family moved to the US. I think it’s ridiculous that Eddie still doesn’t have a statue in Nijmegen. ❤❤❤

[@liquidmagma]

Get that statue done, bro!

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@liquidmagma : I think I will. At least I can give it a try to find the right people who can make this happen.

[@liquidmagma]

@@mariodriessen9740 That would be awesome. I'm from the US, but I can try to contribute.

[@rjlong89]

People have talked about him since the 1st record. Theyll continue to do so... amazing. And a whole batch of kids are discovering him each year too... thatll never change.

[@beefcake0354]

EVH was a criminally overlooked super great rhythm guitar player. I've been saying it for years. his timing precision was second to none.

[@goneflying140]

You are correct!! Just try to pick up a guitar and play "I'm the one." The swing beat opening riff in that song is so hard to play that I have never seen anybody else do it correctly. His use of effects in his rhythm playing make it sound so good too. Examples: Aint talkin" bout love, and unchained. He was great at rythm!!!

[@Charles-qn1bt]

LMAO. You used "EVH" and "Criminally overlooked" in the same sentence. Aside from Jimi Hendrix, there has never been a more celebrated guitarist than Eddie. Just because people were infatuated with his soloing and tapping technique, it doesn't mean his rhythm guitar playing was overlooked. Next you'll be saying "Wish You Were Here" is the most criminally overlooked album ever and that George Harrison is the most criminally overlooked songwriter ever.

[@beefcake0354]

@@Charles-qn1bt there are tons of videos of people analyzing/covering his solos and I hardly found those who specifically drove into his "rhythm" in most songs. that's my point.

[@carlosruiz6271]

always love to "sit in on EVH discussions" by people that know music. Rick's enthusiasm can be contagious as he talks about great music, and especially great guitarists. i really enjoy watching so many giants being interviewed. secrets, history, inside info, industry dirt, outrageous stories that draw a listener into the room. great job Rick and everyone involved. hope to see more detailed and incisive work in the near future.

[@trey2345]

The editing is top notch here. Love all the quick cuts to demonstrate what you guys are discussing.

[@medicman5278]

I saw every Van Halen tour from Women and Children through 5150. Eddie Van Halen was the absolute best. A truly complete player and great entertainer. Not only an inntovator guitarist but also a genius in equipment development. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

[@rockinrob2004]

That's why IMO he loved & respected Les Paul so much because they were (obviously completely different in style/genre) however from the same mindset of innovation, playing, & always working on taking it further than anyone else had. Les felt the same about him, they knew they were both far ahead of their time. RIP to them both as they both changed the world of music for guitar.

[@raymo6795]

...I still miss him

[@fredwerza3478]

Les Paul actually called up Eddie one time and said --- "Ed, you and me are the only ones who know how to build a guitar the right way" LOL

[@dyer2cycle]

Man, lucky..sadly, I never saw them live at all, one of my regrets from my teenage/20's years....I wish I had seen every VH tour from VH1 through Balance....

[@gordonmills2748]

The thing about those early records was that - as perfect as Eddie's playing was -- the tracks sounded like the song was going to fly apart at any second. The production made them sound wild and dangerous. They had this raw energy you can't get with click tracks and everything polished up. Ted Templeman knew what he was doing...capturing the "live" sound of the band.

[@chrislopez1918]

Landee & Templeman 👏👌

[@WillfulThinker]

That is a great characterization -- "like the song was going to fly apart at any second."

[@SquirrelTheater]

Eddie had a natural feel and swing when he played that no one else does and no one ever will. He was one of the best rhythm guitarists who ever lived, in addition to his virtuoso lead playing. He was a very rare musical genius and a true innovator. RIP EVH, we miss you.

[@mattblatchley2061]

Yes! Well put; that swing. The richness of their father's music really does shine through doesn't it?

[@SquirrelTheater]

@@mattblatchley2061 I agree. Jan Van Halen had a huge influence on the boys as they were growing up. 👍🏻😎

[@stevefisher2121]

First and foremost you are so dearly missed Eddie. There will never be another guitarist that shaped the electric guitar the way that you did. The music will live on forever and continue to inspire the next generations to come. RIP

[@AndyNyle]

People get blown away by how good Eddie was. But please remember he put mad hours of work and passion into it.

[@sammencia7945]

This is the unspoken secret of all musical success. Nearly all practiced like a fulltime job. Driven. Clash, Pistols, JD, Fripp, Nirvana, Beatles, EVH. Hours of relentless practice with no money in often squalid conditions. Unheated practice spaces. 25cents for corndogs, homeless, eating whitewash paste for food. Years of practice in his bedroom ages 17 to 22. 8 hours a day for 5 yeas.15,000 hours of practice.

[@jasonsmtb]

Practice doesnt make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

[@phlip5150]

Yes this is true but You can be a great guitarist and but in all of those hours but You still won't be as great as Edward was. R.I.P. EVH

[@willywayne5299]

Naw dude,it all came naturally to him,in his head the notes where there,he just put them on the fretboard,come on man!

[@AndyNyle]

@@willywayne5299 i would partially agree with you that one has to have an innate talent for “hearings” the right notes. And then of course craft it to perfection.

[@oregonwoodelf]

When I watch Eddie play the solo section in Live Without a Net 1986, and he starts with the 3:16 melody... That whole next 10 min section is just magic🙌You can feel it in his expressions, this is a guy in the zone and truly doing what he loves. I'm extremely grateful I got to see them live once. What a monster of an icon the music gods crafted with EVH🙏🎸 My Mt Rushmore for fun😁: Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag, Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi

[@gbailey115]

Unfortunately, I was born a little too late, but I have Eddie's live without a net solo as my wallpaper on my pc. I wish I coulda seen them live. All my favorite artists have passed or don't play with the whole band (queen)

[@stephanier6783]

Every concert Van Halen played was live "without a net". ; )

[@thomasfritsch3536]

Yo I was there new Halen conn what a. Show

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

Dimebag is kind of the oddball there.

[@fredwerza3478]

I honestly can't put Dimebag and Iommi on the Mt. Rushmore of Guitarists --- to me it's Eddie, Hendrix, Page, Gilmour and SRV

[@devcybiko]

It's been a long while since I visited and your enthusiasm hasn't diminished. I'm not a musician and I still love to listen to you LOVE music. Continued Success.

[@emilyscandycakes4530]

Had this kind of conversation with my buddies who play...it never gets old and the more you really listen the more it's gets better like aged wine...when we were young in the 70s,80s..we were drinking did pay attention..but now ..truly amazing R.I.P

[@wabbadu1]

The groove, the feel, the swing, the aggression, and most importantly the confidence in his abilities. Fearless playing. Nobody had ever attacked the guitar with such precision like that before. And it's been said that he had a light touch! Incredible. Will we ever see another player come along again and change the way we look at everything guitar related? Probably not to that extent. I hope so, but Ed was an anomaly. The chosen one. The legend will live on forever.

[@dennyclosser8456]

I love this about Eddie..he was complete…master songwriter, arranger, just the fact that you pick out his dropping just a few cents off perfect tuning so the cords are perfectly pleasing to the ear while pommelling you at the same time… long live, Edward Van Halen! Thanks Rick keep it going. And your bro to.

[@Blissfullyjae]

I will always love EVH's work and contribution to the rock music and to the -Music music- . His work really shaped not only hard rock sound in the 70's and modern pop-rock culture and sound in the 80's and 90's, but also defined even further on the approach to rock and pop music crafting. His fast solos are just the icing of the cake. The world owes a lot to Eddie's work.

[@bradmartin9672]

Please please please do more conversations like this with your brother. This was fantastic.

[@odmusicman]

What you are really illustrating is the hard work and discipline that Eddie applied to his craft. He took great care in both creating a fantastic tone and being able to produce chops like no one else. The opposite of younger guys today showing how fast they can play with little or no finesse.

[@slimsantilli4476]

Ed was our childhood. The soundtrack of our youth. The mountain to climb. The dude was a song writing genius.

[@batolurio4047]

Great interview as always Rick, Steve is a superb musician, very down to earth and great human being

[@phoulphillandtguill2692]

Eddie had his own style. Even if he weren’t playing the same tone, which is another one of his unique qualities, you can tell it’s him just by listening to his technique alone. Beat It is one the greatest solos in history.

[@777damonk]

I teach a guitar class at a local community college. I told the students last night that, at least in my world, when Van Halen comes on (like at a ball park or on the radio), time stops: it's Eddie. Still the king. For me it was always tone and rhythm that kept bringing me back. Drop Dead Legs? Forget about it!!

[@erikweis6527]

Hilarious to look at tablature for "Drop Dead Legs". It is 100% his swing, swagger, and tone that brings it to life. So perfectly, uniquely his. Nobody covers Van Halen, because it would sound kinda ridiculous.

[@priorscience]

Hearing those isolated guitar tracks shows how massive those riffs really are. Very cool video, Rick, and it's nice to see your brother and put a face to some of your stories about growing up.

[@bhoulihan]

So cool to see you guys just chilling and talking about what you love. This is what it's all about.

[@doucettp]

Great stuff! Very insightful. The tuning thing at the end is very interesting.

[@taurushamilton2739]

EVH is the most influential rock player to come along since Hendrix. PERIOD! They both dropped MAJOR 💣s and still influence players to this day. Their contribution to guitar / music is immeasurable… that’s why we are still talking about EVH, respectfully!💯🤘🏾🙏🏾

[@JackMcLeodJr]

I was just listening to Eddie's isolated tracks just the other day. MASSIVE sound. There's only one EVH 👑 Cheers Rick and Jon.

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Beautiful setup Rick. Looks REALLY nice!

[@thelostgiant]

Fascinating- I've often wondered about the string tuning thing and am glad that you covered the topic. I've found deep inspiration and have learned so much from the content that you produce. Thank you for offering this resource.

[@barrystroup9772]

Eddie created his sound from the hardware out. He built his guitars, hacked his amps, tuned for the song, and practiced practiced practiced. His dedication to tone and technique was unprecedented. He was disruptive in the best possible ways and that's why we'll never stop talking about him.

[@scowlistic]

🎯💯

[@dangabor8585]

Spot on!

[@Bryan-jd7os]

Exactly!

[@danielmeek3952]

His son Wolfgang is doing an amazing job carrying his dads rock legacy as well with his band WVH Mammoth, the song Distance paying homage to his father will bring tears to your eyes

[@markalan8784]

Yeah but hes not Eddie 😂

[@danielmeek3952]

@@markalan8784 true there will never be another Eddie Van Halen but the fact his son was so impacted by his career and followed in his footsteps goes to show not only was EVH an amazing musician but also an amazing father and man

[@Chrsly]

​@@markalan8784 And Wolfgang is quite happy to go his own way. He is determined to create his own identity instead of becoming a tribute/homage to his old man. Wolf is just getting started.

[@hacobjansen]

just listened to Distance and i'm on the floor crying

[@danielmeek3952]

@@Chrsly completely agree with this, saw him live earlier this year with Alter Bridge and dare I say he sounded better than the headliner that night, and I love Alter Bridge.. WVH is definitely a talent all his own!

[@paulmitchell1348]

Great video Rick. Thank you both for your time and expertise, reaffirming what a genius innovator Eddie was.

[@sebuteo]

Thanks, guys. A brilliant chat and analysis. So relaxed and natural. Which is in keeping with the music you discuss. I’m primarily a drummer. And, perhaps in part because of this, I’ve always totally dug Eddie’s rhythm playing. He manages to be both totally solid, and yet totally fluid, simultaneously. Mind-blowing! (And rather like Stevie Wonder’s drumming; also unique and uncopyable.) And then there’s the issue of ‘tempering’; as you guys demonstrate, so well, you have to both cultivate and then trust your ears. Great video!

[@user-cy9bi1lx9h]

All the albums with DLR are masterpieces but I think hands down Fair Warning is Eddie's best work

[@fredwerza3478]

I love the back story on that album --- Eddie and Dave were fighting a lot during that time, but the music is brilliant --- so much FURY in those songs!

[@ivorharden]

Dirty Movies needs to be played on the radio more 😂

[@fredwerza3478]

@@ivorharden "Daddy's little sweetie after some damn rainbow!"

[@timholtguitar6999]

Mean Street is a top 3 VH tune. That Intro is wild!

[@user-cy9bi1lx9h]

@@timholtguitar6999 hearing him play it and watching him play it are equally mind numbing."

[@nickvallemusic]

I personally LOVE the Hagar years of Van Halen. His playing, musical choices, and tones are just so beautiful sounding, diversified by his ripping playing... PLEASE RICK, do a Van Hagar video!!!!!!!!!!! 🙏

[@JoeBaermann]

Indeed, while I do enjoy Dave on the recordings he wasn’t that good live apart from being a great showman, Hagar brought the good lead vocal to VH both on the records as live.

[@richardgarcia406]

Yeah. Much prefer the DLR days, but there are some bangers with Hagar. The tone on the Balance album is sweet.

[@user-ss3xw1ow7n]

My friend asked me , who was the best front man? He said DLR. I said my first requirement for that position is , can he sing? Can he deliver the goods live? For that reason alone I wouldn’t pick DLR. It would be like picking the best guitarist on looks alone but he can’t play guitar. Just my thoughts, everyone has an opinion.

[@ledgroove26]

Jon’s a colleague of mine so it was so cool seeing him on the channel. Definitely have some more these conversations going forward, they are great

[@thomaskinne2357]

Hearing his isolated tracks, particularly from the first record up to Fair Warning, is just something that does not get old! I was 12 when the first record came out & had been listening to Zeppelin & Hendrix & was just completely blown away. That record is one of those that every f**cking song, is sick! But the solos man, On Fire, is a VERY good example!

[@Acousticmarine678]

EVH never gets old. Love the deep dives into his creativity.

[@gmanhirt8818]

1984 is Eddie’s pinnacle Recording Songwriting Songs Success It all came together And it was the peak for the band itself A classic

[@goneflying140]

Disagreed. VH1 was the pinnacle. The tone and playing still go unmatched to this day. End of story. I do love 1984 too, but the first album is the greatest rock guitar album of all time. Period.

[@gmanhirt8818]

@@goneflying140 its a tough choice between the self titled and 1984 but the level of the band and status has to be taken into consideration. 1984 was the peak And also the End.

[@russmartin1814]

You're two albums too late. By 1984, the decline had not only already started, but was picking up steam.

[@soundofwinter]

I tend to agree with the Rick’s bro, VH1 and Fair Warning are *the* sound.

[@john564holloway]

Great to see you on the show, Jon! I love different tunings and it's remarkable how guitarists use their ears, tune differently, even with 1 string. I believe tuning is the bare bones of guitar playing. This is a great vid about Eddie's knack of tuning and style. Rick, we could use more 'tuning breakdown' vids like this.

[@kblinn68]

i would love to see more of this type of video of you & your brother discussing subjects like this.

[@dereksendrak]

Eddie was never simply strumming his guitar his technique was truly unique!! No one will ever sound like him ever🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@jtirello3_111]

The first VH album is the greatest debut album of all time. Not a week goes by that I don’t listen to it. Mindblowing sound from the virtuoso of my formative years. RIP, EVH!

[@JManners10]

Guns n roses would like a word 😉

[@timbucker]

Boston's first album immediately went to the moon. It wasn't until 'Dance the Night Away' on the second album that most even heard of VH.

[@liquidmagma]

@@timbucker That's ridiculous. VH1 was huge and EVERYONE immediately knew who they were.

[@timbucker]

@@liquidmagma They were not on the radio until VH2, the only folks that knew about them had gone to a Sabbath concert.

[@liquidmagma]

@@timbucker Not even close to correct. EVERYONE heard the eruption lead in to You Really Got Me followed closely by Running With The Devil.

[@debras1503]

Good stuff Rick, I still remember sitting in the sun in my backyard and heard Running with the Devil and was hooked and after 40 years still listen all the time

[@irevisibel9237]

Great to see you and your brother vibe together. Enjoyed your talk very much!

[@maximumguitarage]

With today's tunes there is a machine beyond artists with an army of producers, additional song writers, and engineers to cultivate the catchiest mainstream songs for the masses. . What Van Halen did, showing up to the studio to record live, their own stuff, and have that same impact to the masses , Bravo! Hope we can go back to that form one day.

[@youngman44]

Every time I hear EVH’s guitar it captures a part of my soul - it’s like entering a time warp back to college (1979ff). The sound he captured was so powerful. He has really carved out his own fresh space on the guitar. Much like Gilmour, Page, Beck, The Edge, etc. Such music and guitar playing really is a kind of mystery - a gift from the divine. Beauty.

[@larryaustin6977]

We guitar players have always been frustrated with those slight variations in the B string, and even the G string. I loved this whole discussion with the Eddie clips of his raw recordings and then your discussion about these tuned by ear chords.

[@zunno.official]

The explanation of tuning to the chord at the end of the video is one of the most enlightening aspects of the guitar to ever be explained on the internet. I work with Tony Franklin and he uses fretless basses which means the guitars better be in tune to what's right to your ears and not just the pedal board or overdubs will be a nightmare. Great conversation guys.

[@sweetwilliam5150]

More videos like this would not hurt my feelings at all. Enjoy you guys detailing why it sounds so amazing and why Eddie was special. Like John said its much more than the soloing, it's the whole package. The riffs. OMFG. Never gets old. It's like a warm blanket every time.

[@georgespencer3973]

I wish this was longer. More Rick and John chats!

[@BillWagnerMusicianTurnedDev]

Brilliant guys. Your insight Rick is f'ing always spot on man.

[@jeyzur]

Eddie’s stuff is alive! His rhythm parts are the liveliest rhythms ever. His solos, at first listen seem otherworldly but are actually incredible call and response that is so damn pleasing to the ear and his songwriting…….he was the whole package. Legendary.

[@uptownrg6994]

My God, I miss EVH so much. Please listen to the rhythm guitar during the guitar solo to “Feel Your Love Tonight”. So catchy, so badass, so legend. Cheers to you Eddie!

[@VanHalenStarWars]

Greatest American hard rock band ever. These guys in their prime could not be touched. The Rolls Royce of heavy rock. 🤟 They were the total package!

[@michaelbell75]

I think Metallica, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters and RHCP would have something to say about that. But they are for sure top 10

[@fredwerza3478]

@@michaelbell75 I think Metallica and Aero are both great bands but weren't innovative like Roth-era VH was --- perfect combo of virtuosity and showmanship in that band

[@VanHalenStarWars]

Van Halen is the most influential of the bunch..the Rolls Royce of rock.

[@michaelbell75]

Depends on what metrics you want to use. Metallica has sold far more albums than VH ever did and they are responsible for taking hard rock/metal mainstream with Enter Sandman and the Black album, which is a massive accomplishment. If you ask me to name the greatest American rock band, I’m going to say Metallica.

[@bodystomp5302]

@@michaelbell75the black album was incredible.

[@robertjaramillo4822]

Absolutely great discussion 👍🏼 Ed was an is to this day emulated but never ever will he be duplicated. he has always an still is my inspiration to play this crazy instrument guitar. Thank you Ed for all the great music concerts etc. till this day when I hear him play I still get that young man in me saying when I grow up I'm going to be EVH. RIP to the best to ever play guitar thank you for the great memories!!

[@robinbailey6843]

Great episode! A friend shared this with me. As far as I’m concerned, the classic VH and EVH will be talked about long after we’re all gone. They made history and will be in the music history books.

[@smandez2023]

I absolutely love EVH. Yes, I too was influenced by Lynch, DeMartini, Bratta,etc… but Eddie is the dude that got me to pick up guitar. His riffs, sound, phrasing, made his own mods… yeah we all agree! RIP Eddie❤

[@brianbritt9103]

He was the total package. Was talking about him tonight and what it would have been like listening to him progress from beginner to Rock God.

[@d.k.quarshie6920]

Such a great point, with slight variances in the string tunings. Something we all new.

[@captlarrybucket1906]

Great conversation!!! Just proves Eddie's genuineness.