316 by Van Halen

"316" by Van Halen is an instrumental track off the album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and showcases Eddie Van Halen’s softer, melodic side. Known for his innovative approach and unmatched flair, Van Halen brings his unique style to this emotionally resonant piece. This lesson will dive into the techniques used in "316" that will not only enhance your technical abilities but also your expressive playing. With a focus on melodic phrasing, dynamics, and articulation, this lesson provides guitarists with a rich palette of skills that are beneficial across various genres and styles. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic Van Halen track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen was more than just a guitar virtuoso; he was a pioneer in rock and electric guitar. His revolutionary techniques, such as two-handed tapping, intricate harmonics, and aggressive string bending, forever changed the way the guitar was approached in rock music. His influence spans across multiple generations, inspiring countless players with his ability to blend technical prowess with passionate musicality. In "316," Eddie Van Halen showcases a more tender side, using subtle techniques that build emotional depth without the need for rapid-fire soloing or heavy distortion. This song highlights his mastery over melody and dynamics, making it a perfect study for players aiming to improve their expressive playing.

Techniques Covered in "316"

Vibrato

Vibrato is used in "316" to add a singing quality to the notes, giving them warmth and emotion. Vibrato involves varying the pitch of a note slightly, creating a pulsing effect. This technique is essential for any guitarist as it adds depth to solos and helps convey emotion through subtle pitch modulation. Practicing vibrato will help players develop control and enhance their musical expressiveness.

Alternate Picking

Eddie Van Halen uses alternate picking to achieve smooth, even lines throughout the song. This technique involves alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, allowing for greater speed and accuracy. For players, mastering alternate picking is vital for clean, precise playing, especially during fast passages. It’s an essential tool for building speed and endurance while maintaining clarity.

Harmonics

Harmonics, both natural and artificial, add a shimmering quality to "316." Eddie Van Halen’s use of harmonics brings a distinct, bell-like tone to the piece, adding subtle color to the melody. Learning harmonics expands a guitarist's tonal range, allowing for unique soundscapes that are perfect for adding flair to solos and compositions.

Slides

Slides in "316" connect notes smoothly, allowing transitions between phrases to feel fluid and natural. This technique involves moving the finger along the fretboard to shift from one note to another. Practicing slides helps guitarists achieve seamless movement between notes, making their playing more expressive and connected.

String Bending

String bending is essential in "316" for adding a vocal-like quality to individual notes. By bending the string, the pitch is raised, creating an expressive shift that adds tension and release. Mastering string bending is crucial for adding emotion to solos and achieving the classic "crying" guitar sound heard in many rock and blues genres.

Two-Handed Tapping

Eddie Van Halen popularised two-handed tapping, a technique that involves "tapping" on the fretboard with the picking hand. In "316," tapping is used to create smooth, flowing melodies that resonate with a unique tone. This technique offers guitarists the ability to achieve a rapid, cascading sound and is excellent for expanding melodic options across the fretboard.

Legato

Legato playing, achieved by using hammer-ons and pull-offs, is another prominent technique in "316." This smooth style allows notes to flow into each other without breaks. Legato playing is beneficial for creating fluidity in solos, helping guitarists play rapid sequences without the percussive effect of picking each note.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are essential for creating a flowing sound in "316" and are often used in legato playing. Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow for smooth transitions and dynamic variation within phrases. Practicing these will help guitarists achieve a fluid, connected sound that enhances both speed and articulation.

Benefits of Learning "316"

Studying "316" not only strengthens core techniques but also encourages players to focus on dynamics and expression. By working on vibrato, harmonics, and legato, guitarists will gain a deeper understanding of how to convey emotion through their playing. Additionally, techniques like alternate picking and two-handed tapping improve technical agility, making it easier to tackle complex solos in other songs. Each of these techniques builds a foundation that will benefit guitarists across multiple styles, from rock to blues to jazz.

Mastering "316" is an excellent way to develop a well-rounded skill set that enhances both technical ability and musical expressiveness. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn foundational skills or an advanced player refining your sound, this lesson offers valuable insight into the playing of one of rock’s greatest guitarists.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Harmonics
• Slides
• String Bending
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

By practicing these techniques, players will be equipped with a versatile set of skills that can be applied to a wide range of musical styles and pieces.