"Beautiful Girls" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

Released on their sophomore album, "Van Halen II", "Beautiful Girls" stands as a testimony to Van Halen's innovative and electrifying approach to rock. The track's undeniable groove, catchy hooks, and Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar work make it an evergreen favourite among guitarists and music aficionados alike. Sam Bell dives deep into this classic album track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Chords and Progressions

The song predominantly features a mix of major and minor chords, some of which include E, D, A, and G. While these may seem like standard fare for rock tracks, it's the embellishments and the subtle variations in strumming that give them a distinct Van Halen flavour. The progression can be considered a play on the classic I-IV-V progression, albeit with a twist.

Guitar Scales

Eddie Van Halen's solos on this track are rooted in the E minor pentatonic scale, though he incorporates his signature touch with the addition of outside notes and various modes. The pentatonic scale, while simple in structure, offers vast possibilities, and Eddie's utilisation of it on "Beautiful Girls" is textbook material for budding guitarists.

The Solo Analysis

"Beautiful Girls" features a solo that is quintessential Eddie. It starts off with a series of rapid pull-offs, leading into a section where he employs the use of tapped harmonics, lending a bell-like quality to the notes. This is followed by a series of double-stop bends that screams bluesy rock. Eddie's unique approach to mixing bluesy licks with modern rock phrasing is in full display here. The solo finishes off with a combination of fast legato runs and dive bombs using the whammy bar, leaving the listener both exhilarated and wanting more.

Eddie Van Halen's Mark

The lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, needs no introduction. His innovative techniques, coupled with an unparalleled musical sense, made him a force to reckon with in the world of rock guitar. In "Beautiful Girls", he seamlessly blends elements of rock, funk, and blues to create a sonic masterpiece. His vibrato is controlled yet expressive, his phrasing impeccable, and his technique remains a gold standard for rock guitarists. The song is a testament to Eddie's ability to combine rhythm and lead playing, creating a soundscape that's both intricate and infectious.

Techniques Employed in "Beautiful Girls"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Open-String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends

In conclusion, "Beautiful Girls" encapsulates the magic of Van Halen. It serves as a great study piece for guitarists, offering lessons in rhythm, lead, phrasing, and technique. Eddie Van Halen's genius shines through, making it both a treat for the ears and a challenge for the fingers. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's something in "Beautiful Girls" for every guitarist to learn and appreciate.