"Love Walks In" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

"Love Walks In" is an iconic song by Van Halen, featured on their 5150 album released in 1986. Eddie Van Halen, the lead guitarist of the band, brings an enthralling and melodious energy to this track. This song provides a goldmine of techniques, sounds, and melodic ideas for any aspiring guitarist to delve into. In this guide, we'll dissect the guitar elements, focusing on chords, scales, and the solo. Sam Bell walks us through every note in his Lick Library tutorial.

Chord Progressions

The song primarily oscillates between the key of C major and its relative minor, A minor, although some extensions and modal interchange are utilised to enrich the harmony. The main progression in the verses can be expressed as C - G/B - Am - F, providing a strong tonal base. During the chorus, it shifts to F - C - G - F, which allows for a rousing, uplifting effect. Eddie frequently uses barre chords and power chords to give the rhythm a fuller sound.

Guitar Scales

Eddie employs a blend of major pentatonic and the diatonic major scales throughout. The minor pentatonic is used sparingly for some lead fills, adding a bluesy touch. His choice of scales is impeccable for weaving together the contrasting emotional tones of the song.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo in "Love Walks In" is not just a showcase of technical prowess but also a masterclass in melodic storytelling. Opening with a soulful bend from the 14th fret of the G string, Eddie seamlessly transitions into a series of rapid-fire pull-offs and hammer-ons.

The phrasing utilises elements of the C major scale with occasional chromaticism. Eddie also peppers in some tapped harmonics around the 12th and 7th frets, which brings an ethereal quality to the solo.

A memorable part of the solo is the use of unison bends. The contrast between the static and the bent note creates a soul-stirring emotional climax, which suits the lyrical content of the song.

Eddie Van Halen's Style in This Track

Eddie's approach to this song is less about raw speed and more about emotional conveyance. The song's solo section notably incorporates a wealth of feeling into each note, thanks in part to his trademark vibrato technique. Eddie also uses alternate picking efficiently during faster runs to maintain clarity and precision. His impeccable timing and innate sense of melody shine through.

When it comes to the clean parts, Eddie uses arpeggiated chord progressions. They provide an ambient texture that complements the lead vocals. His choice of effects like chorus and reverb also contribute to the dreamy atmosphere of the song.

List of Techniques Used:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions

The overall composition of "Love Walks In" makes it not just a song but an experience for any listener, especially guitarists who can appreciate the deeper intricacies of the music. Eddie Van Halen's craftsmanship offers valuable lessons in blending technique with emotion, making this a must-learn song for aspiring guitarists.