Van Halen's "5150" - Guitar Lesson

The Song Structure and Chords

"5150" by Van Halen, from the album of the same name released in 1986, is a classic example of Eddie Van Halen's ground-breaking techniques and musical sensibilities. The song operates primarily in the key of A Major, but true to form, Eddie sprinkles in some modal goodness with hints of Mixolydian and Lydian flavours.

The song starts with an anthemic intro that features open-string pull-offs and hammer-ons, forming an arpeggiated sequence. This leads into the verses with an interesting and not-so-ordinary progression. The chords run through A, G, D, and B. They may look like garden-variety chords, but it’s Eddie’s voicings and embellishments that give them an extra flair.

Scales Employed

Eddie often employs a variety of scales, and in "5150," you'll hear the A Major scale for the most part. However, he spices things up with the Mixolydian and Lydian modes. For instance, during the solo, you'll notice some characteristic Lydian #4 intervals that add a celestial hue to his already cosmic approach.

The Lead Guitar Work

Eddie Van Halen was a master of weaving in melodic lines with blistering technical prowess. His lead work on "5150" is iconic, both for its melodic ingenuity and technical brilliance. The solo in the song features everything from tap harmonics to finger slides, making it a case study in itself.

The solo starts off melodically, embracing the song’s overall vibe, before launching into Eddie's signature two-handed tapping technique. His choice of intervals during this tapping section is astonishingly musical, not just an exercise in finger gymnastics. The latter part of the solo sees him utilising more traditional techniques like string bending and vibrato, giving a nod to his blues-based roots while maintaining his distinctively modern touch.

Solo Analysis

Eddie kicks off the solo using the A Mixolydian scale, employing alternate picking to keep the tempo high. He seamlessly incorporates a few Lydian intervals, and there's a spot where he moves into the Dorian mode, though only briefly. What's exceptional about this solo is how Eddie melds different scales and modes without losing the musical essence.

Halfway through the solo, we see him employ the tapping technique. Unlike the popular notion of tapping being a speed technique, Eddie uses it melodically. He taps a high note and then resolves it to the next octave below, creating a mesmerising effect. He wraps the solo with an ascending sequence that utilises sweep picking and alternate picking.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking

All in all, "5150" is an epic composition and a must-study for any aspiring rock guitarist. Whether it's Eddie's unique approach to modal playing, his innovative tapping techniques, or his ability to make complex musical ideas digestible, this song encapsulates why he was one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Let's check out the video lesson with Lick Library tutor, Sam Bell.