"D.O.A" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

From their 1979 album "Van Halen II", Van Halen's "D.O.A" is a blistering showcase of hard rock guitar prowess. Sam Bell dives deep into the intricacies of this song, touching upon guitar chords, scales, and a detailed look at the guitar solo, all from the perspective of a seasoned guitar teacher.

Chords and Scales

The song prominently features power chords driving the main riff, providing the foundational backbone. A power chord, typically consisting of the root and the fifth, is a staple in rock music due to its full and aggressive sound.

In terms of scales, the song mainly revolves around the Minor Pentatonic scale, a scale that is fundamental in rock and blues genres. The choice of this scale, combined with Eddie Van Halen's unique phrasing, gives the song its characteristic edge.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo in "D.O.A" is a masterclass in rock guitar virtuosity. Eddie employs a mixture of legato runs, two-handed tapping, and pinched harmonics to create a soundscape that is both melodic and technically impressive.

He begins with rapid legato licks, quickly transitioning into his signature tapping technique. Eddie was one of the pioneers of this technique in rock music, using both hands on the fretboard to produce rapid-fire sequences of notes. The middle section of the solo is characterised by the use of pinched harmonics, adding a 'squealing' quality to the notes.

Eddie Van Halen: The Lead Guitarist

Eddie Van Halen, the song's lead guitarist, needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, his playing style combined classical techniques with rock sensibilities, resulting in a unique sound that set him apart from his contemporaries.

In "D.O.A", Eddie's playing is aggressive, yet controlled. His choice of notes, combined with his impeccable timing and rhythm, showcases his ability to craft solos that serve the song, rather than overshadowing it.

Techniques Employed in "D.O.A"

To understand and appreciate the depth of Eddie's playing on this song, let's outline the various guitar techniques he employed:

• Power Chords
• Legato
• Two-handed tapping
• Pinched Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• String-bending
• Unison Bends
• Open-string Riffs
• Tremolo Picking
• Whammy Bar Tricks

In conclusion, "D.O.A" stands as a testament to Van Halen's ability to fuse technical prowess with musicality. As guitarists, studying such songs can offer valuable insights into the art of rock guitar playing. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn from the maestro Eddie Van Halen and his iconic tracks.