Eat 'Em and Smile: A Guitarist's Paradise

David Lee Roth's first full-length solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile (1986), is a tour de force of guitar virtuosity. From the blistering solos to the catchy riffs, this album is a treasure trove for guitarists. Featuring an all-star virtuoso lineup of Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette. Both a huge critical and commercial success, this classic album saw Roth return to a hard rock sound comparable with that of early Van Halen, but with some speed metal, lounge and even jazz influences thrown in for good measure.

Steve Vai's contributions on lead guitar elevate Roth's already potent mix of hard rock and pop. In this course, LickLibrary’s Sam Bell walks you through the many highlights of each song from this ‘80s rock classic one phrase at a time, including Steve Vai’s outrageous guitar riffs and solos from legendary tracks such as; “Shyboy,” “Tobacco Road” and “Yankee Rose.”

Track by Track Analysis

Yankee Rose

The album opens with the bombastic "Yankee Rose," featuring Vai's innovative use of whammy bar tricks and dive bombs. The song's main riff is based on the Mixolydian mode, providing a unique and memorable melodic hook.

Shyboy

"Shyboy" is a high-energy track with Vai's frantic alternate picking and rapid legato runs. The song's A Mixolydian riff and speedy A minor pentatonic solos showcase Vai's ability to blend multiple scales seamlessly.

I'm Easy

"I'm Easy" is a bluesy track with Vai using the Dorian mode to create a smoky atmosphere. This song highlights string bending, bluesy bends, and vibrato to create a sultry and expressive guitar performance.

Ladies' Nite in Buffalo?

"Ladies' Nite in Buffalo?" is a funk-infused rock track with Vai employing syncopated rhythms and chord progressions inspired by the Mixolydian mode. The solo incorporates two-handed tapping and slides for a captivating performance.

Goin' Crazy!

"Goin' Crazy!" is an upbeat, pop-rock anthem with a major key tonality. Vai utilizes power chords and a catchy, ascending G Major scale riff. The solo section features sweep picking and arpeggios that demonstrate Vai's technical prowess.

Tobacco Road

"Tobacco Road" is a reinterpretation of the John D. Loudermilk classic, with a gritty, hard rock edge. Vai's guitar work on this track showcases his mastery of the pentatonic scale and double stops, while his searing solo incorporates pinched harmonics for added intensity.

Elephant Gun

"Elephant Gun" is a high-octane rocker with Vai's ferocious tremolo picking and galloping rhythms. The song's foundation is built upon the E Phrygian dominant scale, giving it an exotic, Middle Eastern flavor.

Big Trouble

"Big Trouble" offers a mix of hard rock and blues with Vai employing palm muting and open-string riffs to create a driving groove. The solo section showcases Vai's ability to shift between the Mixolydian and Dorian modes, giving the song an adventurous, unpredictable feel.

Bump and Grind

"Bump and Grind" is a funky, hard rock track with Vai using double-stop bends and unison bends for added expression. The song's solo is a masterclass in hammer-ons and pull-offs, demonstrating Vai's impeccable legato technique.

That's Life

"That's Life" is a swing-infused cover of the Frank Sinatra classic. Vai's guitar work on this track is reminiscent of classic jazz and swing guitar techniques. His use of finger-picking, hybrid picking, and Travis picking adds a touch of vintage charm to the song.

Steve Vai: The Guitar Wizard

Steve Vai's contributions to Eat 'Em and Smile cannot be overstated. As the lead guitarist, Vai elevates the album with his innovative techniques and unique style. Vai's background as a student of Joe Satriani and his tenure with Frank Zappa provided him with a diverse set of influences that shine through on this album. His ability to blend genres, play with exotic scales, and push the boundaries of guitar technique makes him a standout artist in the world of guitar.

Conclusion

In summary, Eat 'Em and Smile is a guitar-driven masterpiece that showcases the virtuosic skills of both David Lee Roth and Steve Vai. With its memorable riffs, jaw-dropping solos, and diverse range of guitar techniques, this album is essential listening for guitar enthusiasts. By exploring the songs on this album and incorporating the techniques employed by Vai, guitarists can deepen their understanding of their instrument and broaden their musical horizons.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE

Guitar Techniques Employed

Throughout the album, Vai employs a wide range of guitar techniques that showcase his virtuosic abilities. The following list provides a summary of the techniques used in Eat 'Em and Smile:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Tremolo Picking
• Galloping Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Travis Picking

This extensive array of techniques makes Eat 'Em and Smile a must-listen for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire or be inspired by one of the greats. Click on any of the links to view more in depth information about these techniques, and to find more Licklibrary lessons to develop these skills.