Hang 'Em High – Van Halen

Learn to Play "Hang 'Em High" Note for Note

Van Halen’s "Hang 'Em High" is an explosive, high-energy track from their 1982 album Diver Down. Known for its relentless speed, fiery riffs, and jaw-dropping solo, this song is a showcase of Eddie Van Halen’s signature techniques, making it an essential study for guitarists looking to develop precision, speed, and dynamic expression.

In this note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com, you’ll break down every part of the song—from its rapid alternate-picked intro to its screaming lead licks. This lesson covers a range of essential guitar techniques that will improve your overall playing ability while giving you an authentic taste of Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarist Behind the Magic – Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. His groundbreaking approach to the electric guitar revolutionised rock music, incorporating advanced techniques like two-handed tapping, pinched harmonics, and whammy bar tricks to create sounds never heard before. His playing on "Hang 'Em High" demonstrates his exceptional speed, fluid phrasing, and rhythmic precision, making it a masterclass in rock guitar performance.

If you want to develop a more expressive, technical, and dynamic style, studying Eddie’s work is a must. His ability to blend raw energy with melodic sophistication set him apart, and "Hang 'Em High" is a perfect example of his iconic approach to the guitar.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques Used in "Hang 'Em High"

1. Alternate Picking

The song's rapid-fire opening riff is a workout for alternate picking. Mastering this technique improves precision, speed, and stamina—essential for executing fast, clean passages without relying on hammer-ons or pull-offs.

2. Power Chords

Throughout the track, power chords provide the song's driving force, making the rhythm section sound massive. Learning to use these effectively will improve your rock and metal rhythm playing.

3. Palm Muting

Eddie employs palm muting to create a percussive, tight rhythm tone in various sections. This technique enhances dynamic control, helping players add depth and aggression to their riffing.

4. Legato

The blazing legato runs in the solo showcase Eddie’s smooth left-hand technique. Practicing legato will improve finger strength and allow for seamless, fluid phrasing in solos.

5. Pinched Harmonics

Screaming pinched harmonics add a signature bite to certain licks in the song. Mastering this technique enhances your lead playing by allowing you to add aggressive, high-pitched squeals to your notes.

6. String Bending

Expressive string bends are a staple in Eddie’s solos, allowing notes to soar with a vocal-like quality. Developing control over bends will greatly improve your phrasing and emotive playing.

7. Trills

The solo includes trills, where rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs create an intense, fast-moving sound. Practicing trills is a great way to strengthen your fingers and build speed in your lead work.

8. Whammy Bar Tricks

Eddie is famous for his innovative whammy bar tricks, and "Hang 'Em High" is no exception. Learning to manipulate the bar for dive bombs, warbles, and pitch shifts adds excitement and unpredictability to your playing.

9. Two-Handed Tapping

A signature Eddie Van Halen technique, two-handed tapping is used in the solo to create rapid, cascading notes. This technique expands your soloing vocabulary, making it easier to execute fast and intricate passages.

10. Tremolo Picking

Some sections of the lead require tremolo picking, where a single note is picked repeatedly at high speed. This technique enhances your right-hand endurance and is essential for fast-paced rock and metal solos.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Trills
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Tremolo Picking

This lesson on "Hang 'Em High" will not only teach you how to play the song accurately but also help you develop essential rock and metal guitar skills. Whether you're looking to improve your speed, master Van Halen’s signature techniques, or simply add new elements to your playing, this deep dive into Eddie’s approach will elevate your guitar game to the next level.