Quick Licks - Eddie Van Halen: Mastering Iconic Guitar Techniques

"Quick Licks - Eddie Van Halen" is an extensive guitar tutorial series taught by Jamie Humphries. tailored for guitarists eager to master the groundbreaking style of one of rock's most influential and innovative guitarists. This series zeroes in on Eddie Van Halen's signature techniques: fast pentatonic licks, two-hand tapping, tremolo picking, and whammy bar use. Each lesson is meticulously crafted, not only to teach these techniques but also to imbue the same electrifying energy and inventiveness that Van Halen brought to his music.

What You Will Learn in This Course

35 killer rock licks in the style of Eddie Van Halen. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Fast Pentatonic Licks
• Two Hand Tapping
• Tremolo Picking
• Whammy Bar Use

Technique Breakdown

Fast Pentatonic Licks: The Speed and Melody Fusion

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the use of pentatonic scales in rock guitar. These lessons focus on mastering fast pentatonic licks, a staple in Van Halen's repertoire. You'll learn how to combine speed with melodic phrasing, turning these scales into a powerhouse tool for crafting memorable solos. This technique is key to capturing the essence of Van Halen's solos, characterized by their rapid-fire yet tuneful nature.

Two-Hand Tapping: Redefining the Guitar's Potential

Van Halen's two-hand tapping technique is legendary, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible on the guitar. This series breaks down his approach to tapping, teaching you how to use both hands on the fretboard to create fluid, lightning-fast runs that are both technically impressive and musically expressive. You'll explore the nuances of this technique, learning how to integrate it seamlessly into your playing.

Tremolo Picking: Creating a Rapid-Fire Sound

Tremolo picking, involving picking a note rapidly to create a continuous sound, is another technique frequently used by Van Halen. These lessons will guide you through developing a consistent and speedy tremolo picking technique, crucial for adding intensity and a sense of urgency to your playing. This skill is vital for replicating the high-energy style that is synonymous with Van Halen's music.

Whammy Bar Use: Adding Expressive Flair

The whammy bar was a tool that Van Halen used to great effect, using it to add vibrato, dive bombs, and other expressive sounds to his playing. This part of the series teaches you the various ways Van Halen used the whammy bar, showing you how to incorporate it into your playing to create dramatic and unique sound effects.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Real-World Application

Each technique and lick is practiced over a backing track, providing crucial context for applying what you've learned. Playing with backing tracks helps you understand how these techniques fit within a song, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. It's a vital step in learning how to apply these techniques in live playing and jamming scenarios.

Eddie Van Halen’s Guitar Style

Eddie Van Halen's guitar style is a blend of raw power, technical mastery, and musical innovation. Known for his work with Van Halen, his playing combined elements of rock, classical, and blues, all delivered with a distinctive flair and creativity. His influence on guitar music is profound, and learning his style provides valuable insights into playing guitar with both technical skill and expressive power.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

• Enhance your ability to play fast, melodic pentatonic licks.
• Gain proficiency in two-hand tapping for more intricate solos.
• Develop a rapid and consistent tremolo picking technique.
• Learn to use the whammy bar for expressive, dynamic guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Van Halen"

Through the "Quick Licks - Van Halen" lesson series, you will gain proficiency in the following techniques:

• Tremolo Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Embrace the spirit of Eddie Van Halen with "Quick Licks - Van Halen" and let these lessons transform your approach to the guitar, paving the way for you to become a more versatile and expressive guitarist.