'(Oh) Pretty Woman' by Van Halen

Introduction

Van Halen’s cover of “(Oh) Pretty Woman”, originally written by Roy Orbison, is a masterclass in rock guitar technique. The song blends Eddie Van Halen’s signature flair with tight rhythm work and a rich array of lead guitar tricks. Our note-for-note lesson at LickLibrary.com dissects every detail, ensuring you can replicate this iconic track with precision. Whether you're looking to improve your rhythm playing, lead phrasing, or overall control of your instrument, this lesson will sharpen your skills and expand your musical vocabulary. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Eddie Van Halen and His Influence

Eddie Van Halen revolutionised rock guitar with his innovative playing style, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the instrument. His approach combined technical prowess with an unmistakable sense of melody, making complex techniques sound effortless. In “(Oh) Pretty Woman”, Eddie's guitar work injects new life into a classic track, demonstrating his ability to take a well-known song and make it uniquely his own. His influence on generations of guitarists is immeasurable, with his techniques remaining a staple in rock and metal guitar playing today.

Key Guitar Techniques in '(Oh) Pretty Woman'

Our lesson focuses on several core techniques that define Van Halen’s sound and are essential for any guitarist looking to improve their playing:

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of rock and provide the song’s driving rhythm. These simple yet effective two-note chords give the track its punch and energy. Learning power chords helps guitarists develop tight, rhythmic precision, making them a fundamental skill for rock and metal players.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a percussive, controlled quality to your rhythm playing. By resting the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, you can create a dynamic contrast between muted and open strums. Mastering this technique enhances rhythm clarity and control, giving your playing a more professional sound.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, adding harmonic richness to lead lines. In “(Oh) Pretty Woman”, this technique helps create full-sounding melodies that cut through the mix. Mastering double stops improves your ability to blend melody with harmony, making your solos more expressive.

String Bending

Eddie Van Halen's expressive lead lines often feature string bending to add vocal-like emotion to his solos. Bending strings accurately helps develop finger strength, pitch control, and vibrato technique, essential for crafting soulful, dynamic solos.

Slides

Slides give the guitar a fluid, connected feel, allowing phrases to blend smoothly. This technique is crucial in rock and blues playing, adding a legato-like quality to lead lines. Learning to control slides enhances phrasing and expression in your solos.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking involves rapidly alternating the pick across a single note, creating an intense, sustained sound. This technique helps develop right-hand speed and endurance, crucial for faster lead passages and solos.

Pinched Harmonics

By striking a string with both the pick and the edge of the thumb, pinched harmonics produce a screaming, high-pitched tone. Eddie Van Halen frequently uses this technique to add attitude and bite to his playing. Mastering pinched harmonics allows you to inject extra excitement into your solos.

Harmonics

Harmonics create bell-like tones that contrast with standard fretted notes. Learning how to use natural and artificial harmonics expands your tonal palette and adds depth to your playing.

Conclusion

Our detailed lesson on “(Oh) Pretty Woman” ensures you grasp every nuance of Van Halen’s guitar work. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only play this classic track authentically but also enhance your overall guitar playing. Join us at LickLibrary.com and start learning today!

Guitar Techniques Used

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Slides
• Tremolo Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Harmonics