Amsterdam by Van Halen

In our note-for-note guitar lesson on Van Halen's "Amsterdam," you’ll dive deep into the iconic techniques of Eddie Van Halen, exploring the distinct sounds and playing styles that make this track a standout. The lesson breaks down key guitar techniques, showing you how to replicate Eddie’s mastery in a structured, easy-to-follow approach. Our tutorial offers a detailed look at each technique, giving you insights into why these methods are used, how they’re executed, and the benefits they bring to your guitar-playing skills. Andy James breaks down this classic Van Halen track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Eddie Van Halen’s Legacy

Eddie Van Halen, the mastermind behind Van Halen’s sound, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock history. Known for his groundbreaking two-handed tapping and electric, high-energy performances, Eddie revolutionised the way guitar was approached in rock music. His style blends technical precision with a sense of play and experimentation, making every Van Halen song a canvas for creative guitar work. Eddie’s influence is unmistakable, and learning to play "Amsterdam" offers a unique opportunity to experience his techniques firsthand, expanding your repertoire with moves that can enhance your versatility and creativity as a guitarist.

Breakdown of Techniques in "Amsterdam"

Power Chords

Power chords are a fundamental part of rock music, providing the driving force behind many Van Halen songs. In "Amsterdam," Eddie Van Halen uses power chords to create a full, energetic sound that powers the song’s rhythm. Learning power chords strengthens your ability to play rhythm guitar with clarity and depth, giving you control over sound dynamics and structure in any genre.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds texture and rhythmic control, a technique Eddie uses extensively to add punch to his riffs. In "Amsterdam," you’ll learn how to balance between muted and open notes, creating a percussive, tight feel. Mastering palm muting improves timing and control, helping you add crisp articulation to your playing while enhancing your rhythmic skills.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Eddie’s signature sound often includes fast hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for quick note transitions without excessive pick use. This lesson breaks down how Eddie incorporates these techniques in "Amsterdam" to create fluid, smooth phrases that sound effortless. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs helps build finger strength, coordination, and speed, essential for achieving a more expressive playing style.

String Bending

String bending is an expressive tool Eddie uses to emphasise certain notes and add a vocal-like quality to his solos. In "Amsterdam," bends are executed to add tension and release, enhancing the song’s emotional drive. Mastering string bending improves pitch control and finger strength, enabling you to add emotional depth and intensity to your solos.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique Eddie uses to bring sustain and warmth to notes, adding a sense of movement to sustained pitches. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to incorporate vibrato to match Eddie’s style, which enhances tonal richness. Practicing vibrato helps develop a personal touch, making your playing sound more professional and adding emotional depth to each note.

Slides

Eddie Van Halen uses slides to connect notes seamlessly, creating a flowing, legato effect throughout "Amsterdam." Slides add smoothness and continuity to solos and riffs, allowing for transitions that sound effortless. Practicing slides improves your dexterity and helps you add an expressive quality to your playing, allowing you to move across the fretboard with ease.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking provides precision and speed, which are crucial for achieving Eddie’s rapid riffs. In this lesson, you’ll learn alternate picking techniques that add intensity and clarity to your playing. Practicing alternate picking is essential for developing speed and accuracy, a skill that benefits guitarists across all genres.

Two-Handed Tapping

Perhaps Eddie Van Halen’s most famous contribution to guitar playing, two-handed tapping is a technique used in "Amsterdam" to create complex melodies and rapid-fire note sequences. In our lesson, you’ll learn how Eddie uses tapping to add dynamic excitement to his solos. Practicing two-handed tapping expands your reach on the fretboard, allowing for intricate, melodic phrases that would be difficult with one hand alone.

Harmonised Guitar Lines

In "Amsterdam," Eddie layers harmonised guitar lines to create a full, rich sound. This technique involves playing melodies in harmony with one another, producing a depth that makes the guitar feel orchestral. Learning harmonised lines enhances your understanding of melody and harmony, a skill that’s beneficial for playing with other musicians or layering your guitar tracks.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique in "Amsterdam" contributes to the song’s unique sound, and by mastering these methods, you’re not just learning a song; you’re expanding your guitar skills significantly. Techniques like two-handed tapping and string bending improve finger strength and control, while vibrato and alternate picking help you develop your personal playing style and precision. The techniques covered in this lesson are versatile tools that you can carry into other songs and genres, making you a more capable and creative guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Harmonized Guitar Lines

With these techniques, "Amsterdam" by Van Halen provides a comprehensive learning experience, covering essential guitar skills that can take your playing to the next level. This lesson lets you master the song while expanding your technical abilities and building the confidence to tackle more complex guitar pieces. Dive into this lesson and bring Eddie Van Halen’s legendary style to your fingertips.