"Summer Nights" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

Ah, "Summer Nights"—one of the definitive tracks by Van Halen that guitarists should absolutely dive into. Featured on the 1986 album "5150," it marks the beginning of the Sammy Hagar era. However, the brilliance of Eddie Van Halen remains consistent. Here, we'll dissect what makes this song so iconic, particularly focusing on the guitar aspects. Check out the video to watch Sam Bell take us through the entire song.

Chord Structure

The song follows a fairly simple chord progression for most of its duration but it's the way Eddie Van Halen plays these chords that makes it special. It starts off with a riff based around A, E, and D, but executed with Eddie's characteristic palm-muted and syncopated style. In terms of chord progressions, you'll see a lot of I-IV-V movements, a classic staple in rock.

Scale Use

The tune predominantly uses the minor pentatonic scale, but Eddie's way of adding chromaticism elevates the riff and solo sections. He's not just playing straight up and down scales; he's dancing around, skipping intervals, and creating a sense of tension and release. There are snippets where he integrates modes like Mixolydian and Aeolian, adding some spice to the phrasing.

Guitar Solo

Ah, the solo! Eddie Van Halen's solos are always a treat, and this one's no exception. The solo starts with a descending sequence based on the E minor pentatonic scale, but very quickly, Eddie starts to include some chromatic notes to add colour and flair. From there, you have classic Eddie techniques like two-handed tapping, pull-offs, and hammer-ons. He employs a healthy dose of vibrato and finishes off with some whammy bar antics.

Eddie Van Halen's Signature Style

One of the things that stand out about Eddie's playing in "Summer Nights" is his unique approach to rhythm. He uses a detuned variant of his Frankenstrat to achieve that thick, growling tone. He manipulates the instrument in a way that fills a lot of sonic space, which is quite evident in the main riff. He's not just a lead guitarist; he's an orchestrator with a six-string. His phrasing is always in service to the song, a key characteristic of great guitar players.

Guitar Techniques Used

In a nutshell, "Summer Nights" showcases a plethora of guitar techniques that Eddie Van Halen was known for. Below is a list to give you an overview:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Hammer-Ons
• String Bending

So, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, "Summer Nights" provides a perfect playground to learn, practice, and understand the art of rock guitar. The song showcases Eddie's unparalleled innovation in terms of both technique and emotion, truly cementing his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists in the annals of rock history.