Runnin' With The Devil by Van Halen

Dive deep into one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time with our “Runnin' With The Devil” by Van Halen guitar lesson. Known for its powerful riffs, gritty tone, and electrifying solos, this song captures the essence of Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar style. Our note-for-note lesson dissects every part of this classic track, providing you with the skills to master Eddie's iconic techniques and the know-how to capture his distinctive sound. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Eddie Van Halen and His Influence

Eddie Van Halen transformed rock guitar playing, bringing innovative techniques and a unique approach that inspired countless guitarists. From his pioneering use of two-handed tapping to his innovative phrasing and sense of rhythm, Eddie’s influence extends across genres. His playing in "Runnin' With The Devil" is both rhythmically dynamic and melodically rich, embodying a perfect blend of aggression and finesse. Learning the techniques in this song will not only improve your technical ability but also give you insight into the artistry that made Eddie Van Halen an unforgettable legend.

Song Breakdown and Guitar Techniques

Our lesson focuses on several core techniques that Eddie Van Halen used to create the characteristic sound of “Runnin' With The Devil.” Below are key techniques highlighted in the lesson, along with descriptions of each and the benefits of mastering them.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of “Runnin' With The Devil” and are essential for every rock guitarist. Eddie's use of power chords gives the song its powerful, punchy rhythm. Learning these will enhance your rhythmic precision and chordal control, helping you build a strong foundation for rock playing.

String Bending

String bending adds emotional depth and a sense of intensity to Eddie’s phrases. In this track, he employs string bends to enhance the expressiveness of his lead lines. Mastering string bending improves finger strength, control, and tonal variation, allowing you to add a bluesy, vocal-like quality to your solos.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to add dynamic contrast to riffs, creating a sense of rhythm and tension in “Runnin' With The Devil.” By learning palm muting, you’ll improve your ability to control note duration and volume, adding definition to your riffs and bringing more control to your overall sound.

Slides

Slides are prominent in Eddie’s playing style and add fluidity to his melodic lines. Sliding between notes gives a seamless, connected feel, enhancing phrasing and expression. Practicing slides builds coordination and smoothness in your transitions, crucial for cleanly navigating across the fretboard.

Vibrato

Eddie’s use of vibrato in the song adds a dynamic quality, giving sustain and depth to his notes. Vibrato is a crucial technique that improves finger control and adds emotion to your playing. Learning to add tasteful vibrato like Eddie will elevate your lead guitar playing, giving each note a personal, expressive touch.

Pick Slides

The gritty pick slides in “Runnin' With The Devil” contribute to the song’s raw, aggressive feel. Executing a smooth pick slide can enhance the intensity of your playing and add texture to your sound. Pick slides require control and precision, helping you refine your overall technique while adding a fun and distinctive effect to your arsenal.

Harmonised Octaves

The song also incorporates harmonised octaves, which create a fuller, more layered sound. This technique is beneficial for creating rich tonal textures and can be applied across genres. Practicing harmonised octaves strengthens your understanding of intervals and improves your ear for harmony, essential skills for any serious guitarist.

Syncopated Rhythms

Eddie’s playing in this track features syncopated rhythms that make the riffs more interesting and dynamic. Syncopation involves placing emphasis on off-beats, creating a groove that stands out. Learning syncopated rhythms will improve your timing, rhythm precision, and sense of groove, all of which are essential for playing rock and other styles of music.

Benefits of Learning "Runnin' With The Devil"

Mastering “Runnin' With The Devil” will give you insight into several crucial rock guitar techniques, enhancing both your technical skills and musical expression. Each technique adds a new layer to your playing, helping you build a well-rounded skill set that is invaluable for tackling more advanced rock guitar songs. By dissecting Eddie Van Halen’s methods, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to approach rhythm, lead, and solo playing, as well as how to inject personality into every note.

Guitar Techniques List

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Power Chords
4. Palm Muting
5. Slides
6. String Bending
7. Syncopated Rhythms
8. Pick Slides
9. Octave Melodies

With this lesson, you’ll be well on your way to channeling Eddie Van Halen’s incredible technique and musical spirit. Join us as we take you note for note through “Runnin' With The Devil,” one of rock’s most electrifying tracks.