"Jamie’s Cryin’ by Van Halen" - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Van Halen’s Jamie’s Cryin’ is a classic example of Eddie Van Halen’s unique ability to blend melodic hooks with technical guitar wizardry. This song, a standout track from their self-titled debut album, captures the essence of the band’s innovative sound. In this lesson, we break down the techniques that define the song, including rakes, string bending, vibrato, and whammy bar tricks, allowing guitarists to master its nuanced guitar work while enhancing their overall playing skillset. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Technique Breakdown

Rakes

Rakes are a key feature in Jamie’s Cryin’, giving the guitar parts a sharp, rhythmic edge. This technique involves muting the strings with your fretting hand while striking them with the pick, creating a percussive effect that enhances the song's groove. Eddie Van Halen uses rakes to build anticipation and emphasize specific notes, making the phrases more dynamic and engaging.

This lesson will guide you through the mechanics of rakes, showing how to control string muting and pick attack to achieve a clean, consistent sound. By practicing rakes, you’ll improve your ability to add rhythmic texture and flair to your playing, making your performances more expressive and dynamic.

String Bending

String bending is central to the melodic lines in Jamie’s Cryin’, adding emotion and expressiveness to the guitar work. Eddie Van Halen’s bends are precise yet soulful, creating a vocal-like quality that resonates with listeners. Whether it’s a subtle bend or a dramatic pitch shift, this technique elevates the song’s melodic character.

In this lesson, you’ll learn to execute string bends with accuracy, focusing on intonation and control. Mastering string bending will help you infuse your playing with emotion and develop a more nuanced approach to lead guitar.

Vibrato

Eddie Van Halen’s use of vibrato in Jamie’s Cryin’ is another defining element of the song’s guitar parts. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note by varying finger pressure on the fretboard. This technique adds depth and sustain to individual notes, making them stand out within a phrase.

The lesson covers various types of vibrato, from subtle to wide, teaching you how to apply this technique effectively in both rhythm and lead contexts. Developing your vibrato will enhance your expressiveness and allow you to convey more emotion in your playing.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The whammy bar (or tremolo arm) is one of Eddie Van Halen’s signature tools, and its use in Jamie’s Cryin’ adds a distinctive character to the guitar parts. Eddie employs the whammy bar for pitch dives, subtle vibrato effects, and even dramatic, swooping transitions that give the song its unique sonic identity.

This lesson demonstrates how to use the whammy bar to create these effects, focusing on control and creativity. Learning whammy bar tricks will expand your tonal palette and give you the tools to experiment with your sound, much like Eddie did.

About Eddie Van Halen and His Influence

Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar playing transformed rock music, and Jamie’s Cryin’ is a prime example of his innovative approach. Combining melodic sensibility with technical prowess, Eddie’s style brought new life to rock guitar, influencing generations of musicians. His creative use of effects, techniques, and gear set a new standard for what the guitar could achieve in a band setting.

Studying Eddie’s work on this track offers valuable insights into his artistry, encouraging guitarists to push their creative boundaries and explore new techniques. His legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and passion in music.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Rakes
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Whammy Bar Tricks

This Jamie’s Cryin’ lesson provides a detailed exploration of the techniques that make the song a timeless classic. By mastering rakes, string bending, vibrato, and whammy bar tricks, you’ll not only replicate Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar parts but also enhance your versatility and creativity as a guitarist. Dive into this lesson and discover the magic of Van Halen’s groundbreaking sound!