Jump - Solo by Van Halen

Van Halen’s “Jump” is one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1980s, showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar wizardry and groundbreaking techniques. In our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Jump - Solo", we dive deep into the nuances and intricacies of the guitar solo, dissecting every lick and phrase. This lesson is perfect for players who want to master Eddie Van Halen’s style while improving their technical proficiency. Here's what you'll learn in this detailed breakdown. Jamie Humphries breaks down this iconic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Genius Behind "Jump": Eddie Van Halen's Legacy

Eddie Van Halen revolutionised rock guitar with his innovative approach to technique and tone. Known for his extraordinary creativity, Eddie brought two-handed tapping, explosive harmonics, and dazzling speed to the mainstream, inspiring generations of guitarists. His playing on "Jump" is a perfect blend of technical brilliance and melodic sensibility, making it an essential study piece for anyone looking to emulate his style or expand their musical vocabulary.

Techniques Covered in the "Jump - Solo" Lesson

1. Two-Handed Tapping

Eddie Van Halen popularised this technique, and it plays a significant role in the solo of "Jump." This method involves using both hands on the fretboard to create cascading notes and fluid melodic lines.

Benefit: Learning two-handed tapping will improve your fretboard fluency and enable you to execute intricate patterns with ease. It’s a must-have skill for modern rock and metal guitarists.

Learn more about two-handed tapping.

2. String Bending

Eddie’s expressive use of string bending adds emotional depth to the solo, with precise bends that reach their targets perfectly in tune.

Benefit: Mastering string bending helps develop pitch accuracy and dynamic control, giving your solos a more vocal-like quality.

Explore string bending.

3. Slides

Sliding between notes creates a smooth, connected sound, which Eddie uses to transition between phrases seamlessly in the solo.

Benefit: Practicing slides enhances your fretboard navigation and adds a polished, legato feel to your playing.

Discover more about slides.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The solo features rapid sequences of hammer-ons and pull-offs, showcasing Eddie’s lightning-fast left-hand technique.

Benefit: These techniques are essential for achieving speed and fluidity in your playing, allowing you to execute complex runs with minimal picking effort.

Learn about hammer-ons and pull-offs.

5. Vibrato

Eddie’s controlled vibrato gives the solo its emotive and dynamic character, emphasising key notes with a singing quality.

Benefit: Developing your vibrato technique adds personality and depth to your playing, helping you stand out as a guitarist.

Master vibrato.

6. Whammy Bar Tricks

The tasteful use of the whammy bar in "Jump" adds a dramatic flair to the solo, enhancing its expressive power.

Benefit: Whammy bar techniques open up new avenues for creative expression, allowing you to emulate Eddie’s signature dive bombs and pitch shifts.

Explore whammy bar tricks.

7. Arpeggios

The solo features arpeggiated runs that outline the underlying chord progression, showcasing Eddie’s precision and creativity.

Benefit: Arpeggios are a cornerstone of lead playing, helping you target chord tones and create harmonically rich solos.

Learn about arpeggios.

8. Palm Muting

Throughout the solo and rhythm sections of "Jump," Eddie incorporates palm muting for added clarity and percussive attack.

Benefit: Palm muting enhances note definition and is essential for creating tight, articulate rhythms and leads.

Discover palm muting.

Why Learn the "Jump - Solo"?

By studying this solo, you’ll not only master one of rock’s most iconic pieces but also build a strong foundation in advanced guitar techniques. Each skill you develop here will translate into other aspects of your playing, whether you’re writing your own solos or covering other songs. Eddie Van Halen’s approach to melody and technique is timeless, and learning this solo is a rewarding step in any guitarist’s journey.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

This in-depth lesson on the "Jump" solo by Van Halen will not only improve your guitar skills but also give you a deeper appreciation for Eddie Van Halen’s genius. Start your journey with Licklibrary today and bring this legendary solo to life!

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Jamie Humphries

Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...

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