"Panama" by Van Halen

Van Halen’s iconic song "Panama," from their legendary 1984 album, is a tour de force of high-energy rock and guitar wizardry. This guitar lesson breaks down every riff, lick, and solo note for note, providing a deep dive into the techniques that made Eddie Van Halen a guitar hero. By mastering this song, guitarists will enhance their skills and gain a greater appreciation for the artistry behind one of rock's most unforgettable tracks. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Eddie Van Halen and His Influence

Eddie Van Halen, the mastermind behind Van Halen's groundbreaking sound, is celebrated for revolutionising guitar playing. Known for his innovative techniques, such as two-handed tapping, harmonics, and dive bombs, Eddie's style combined technical mastery with a sense of fun and spontaneity. "Panama" captures his ability to merge raw power with intricate phrasing, making it an essential study for aspiring guitarists. His influence spans generations, inspiring players to push the boundaries of what the guitar can achieve.

Guitar Techniques in "Panama"

This lesson covers a wide range of techniques, each with specific benefits for guitarists. Below are the techniques you'll learn in "Panama," along with their descriptions and how they enhance your playing.

Power Chords

Power chords drive the rhythm of "Panama," giving it its unmistakable punch. By practicing power chords, you’ll develop strength in your fretting hand and learn how to create dynamic, rhythmic grooves. These are fundamental for rock and metal playing.

Palm Muting

Eddie’s precise use of palm muting creates tight, percussive rhythms. Mastering palm muting helps you gain control over string noise and achieve a cleaner, more articulate sound.

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes are achieved through slides, adding fluidity to your playing. Slides also enhance your ability to move between fretboard positions effortlessly.

Vibrato

Eddie’s expressive vibrato adds a vocal-like quality to the notes. Vibrato improves your phrasing and helps convey emotion in your solos.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques are essential for playing fast, flowing passages. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve your finger strength, speed, and fluidity.

Two-Handed Tapping

Eddie’s signature technique shines in the solo of "Panama." Two-handed tapping allows you to achieve rapid note sequences and expand your creative possibilities.

String Bending

The expressive bends in the solo add drama and tension. String bending improves your pitch accuracy and adds nuance to your playing.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Eddie employs the whammy bar for dive bombs and other expressive effects. Learning whammy bar tricks will unlock new textures and sounds on your guitar.

Syncopated Rhythms

The tight, grooving rhythms in "Panama" demonstrate Eddie’s mastery of syncopation. Practicing syncopated rhythms improves timing and rhythmic precision.

Harmonics

Natural harmonics create ethereal, bell-like tones in the song. Mastering harmonics enhances your tone control and opens up creative possibilities.

Benefits of Learning "Panama"

By learning "Panama," you’ll develop a versatile toolkit of techniques that can be applied across a variety of styles. From the powerful rhythms to the intricate solos, this song offers a complete workout for both rhythm and lead playing. It also provides an opportunity to study the artistry of Eddie Van Halen, whose innovations continue to inspire guitarists worldwide.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Panama"

Below is a comprehensive list of the guitar techniques featured in this lesson. Click on the links to explore each technique in more detail:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Harmonics

Dive into the "Panama" guitar lesson and unleash your inner guitar hero with these timeless techniques!