"On Fire by Van Halen" - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Van Halen’s On Fire from their self-titled debut album is a high-octane showcase of Eddie Van Halen’s unparalleled guitar prowess. Combining blistering techniques and dynamic riffing, this track exemplifies the energy and innovation that made Van Halen a household name in rock. Our note-for-note lesson on On Fire breaks down the song’s key techniques: harmonics, palm muting, power chords, and string bending. These skills not only capture the essence of this hard rock anthem but also enhance your overall guitar playing ability. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Technique Breakdown

Harmonics

Harmonics are a defining element of On Fire, adding sparkle and a distinctive tonal character to Eddie Van Halen’s performance. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute natural and artificial harmonics with precision, capturing the shimmering, bell-like tones that punctuate the track.

Mastering harmonics not only adds a unique texture to your playing but also improves your accuracy and touch sensitivity on the fretboard. This technique opens up new creative possibilities, whether you're playing rock, metal, or experimental music.

Palm Muting

Palm muting drives the tight, percussive rhythm work in On Fire. By muting the strings near the bridge, Eddie Van Halen creates a rhythmic, staccato feel that enhances the song’s intensity. This lesson focuses on achieving clean and controlled palm muting, essential for the song's driving riffs.

Practicing palm muting refines your rhythm skills and increases your control over dynamics. It’s an essential tool for creating contrast and maintaining a tight groove in high-energy tracks.

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of On Fire, delivering the song's raw power and drive. This lesson dissects Eddie’s use of power chords, teaching you how to navigate the fretboard efficiently and create the rich, chunky sound that defines hard rock and metal.

Learning power chords is a must for any guitarist, as they are foundational to countless genres. They provide a solid platform for rhythm playing while allowing for easy transposition across the neck.

String Bending

String bending is a signature element of Eddie Van Halen’s expressive lead playing in On Fire. This technique involves bending the string to raise the pitch, adding emotion and nuance to solos. In this lesson, you’ll focus on achieving precise bends that stay in tune while mimicking Eddie’s phrasing.

Practicing string bending enhances your ear training and finger strength, enabling you to add expressive vibrato and sustain to your playing. It’s an indispensable technique for lead guitarists seeking to add personality to their solos.

About Eddie Van Halen and His Influence

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized rock guitar playing, and On Fire showcases many hallmarks of his style: innovative techniques, unparalleled energy, and flawless execution. From his groundbreaking two-handed tapping to his creative use of effects, Eddie redefined what was possible on the guitar. His work on Van Halen inspired generations of guitarists, elevating the instrument to new heights.

Studying a track like On Fire allows you to delve into Eddie’s unique approach, understanding how he combined technical skill with a deep sense of musicality. By learning his techniques, you’ll gain insight into the mind of one of the most influential guitarists of all time.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• String Bending

Our lesson on On Fire by Van Halen is an opportunity to master iconic techniques and bring Eddie’s electrifying playing into your repertoire. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to expand your skill set or a seasoned guitarist aiming to refine your Van Halen chops, this detailed breakdown offers everything you need to capture the song’s essence. Let’s ignite your playing and get On Fire!