"Spanish Fly" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

From Van Halen's 1979 album, 'Van Halen II', "Spanish Fly" stands out as a prime example of Eddie Van Halen's trailblazing guitar virtuosity. This track showcases the sheer brilliance and versatility of Eddie's playing, cementing his legacy as one of rock's greatest guitarists. Sam Bell delves deep into this intricate piece.

Chords and Scales

"Spanish Fly" doesn't revolve around traditional chord progressions like many other songs; instead, it primarily relies on licks, riffs, and sequences played at a rapid pace. Still, Eddie does utilise a melodic framework suggestive of minor key modulations, possibly hinting at the Phrygian and Harmonic Minor scales. These scales, known for their exotic and Spanish flamenco flair, perfectly underscore the vibe of the piece.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The beauty of "Spanish Fly" is its nature as an extended guitar solo, which provides a rich canvas for Eddie's unique techniques and innovations.

1. Introduction: Eddie begins with rapid trills, immediately grabbing our attention. The use of these trills provides a certain tension that keeps listeners on their toes.
2. Main Body: As the track progresses, he seamlessly incorporates tapped harmonics, delivering that chiming, bell-like sound that many guitarists would later try to emulate. The track also sees Eddie using two-handed tapping, where he intricately taps notes with both hands on the fretboard, creating cascading runs that sound both complex and melodic.
3. Climax: Towards the climax, Eddie employs dive-bombs using the whammy bar, giving those dramatic pitch drops that he was so fond of. This is followed by a flurry of alternate picking and legato runs, demonstrating his impeccable speed and accuracy.

Eddie Van Halen and His Unique Approach

Eddie's playing on "Spanish Fly" – and indeed throughout his career – defied convention. Here, he took the flamenco essence, a genre traditionally reserved for the nylon-stringed classical guitar, and transported it to the electric guitar with aplomb. It's a testament to Eddie's genius how he amalgamated two starkly different worlds with such finesse.

His approach to the electric guitar, especially in "Spanish Fly", was groundbreaking. Many electric guitarists had been content with the instrument's rock and blues heritage, but Eddie was more adventurous. He had the audacity to translate the speed, aggression, and intricacies of flamenco onto an electric medium, pushing the instrument's boundaries.

Guitar Techniques in "Spanish Fly"

As promised, here's a comprehensive list of techniques Eddie employed in "Spanish Fly":

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Dive-Bombs
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• Whammy-Bar Tricks

In closing, "Spanish Fly" is not just another song; it's a masterclass in guitar playing. Eddie Van Halen's unorthodox approach, coupled with his immense technical prowess, has left us with a piece that will continue to inspire guitarists for generations to come. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding guitarist, there's something to learn, appreciate, and be awed by in "Spanish Fly".