"Why Can't This Be Love" by Van Halen: Guitar Lesson

The Core Elements

Sam Bell takes us through a classic track that is a paradigm of 80s rock, and demonstrates the virtuosic capabilities of Van Halen’s lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. The song is driven by a dynamic interplay of guitar and keyboards, which is a defining characteristic of the album "5150," Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar.

The chord progressions in "Why Can't This Be Love" are pretty straightforward but come alive through Eddie’s unique voicings. The main chords you’ll encounter in the song are A, D, and E, but it’s the tasteful usage of these basic power chords that make it interesting. If you're a student of guitar, you'll note how the power chords are sometimes extended to form sus2 and sus4 chords, offering a lush soundscape.

The Scales and Solo

When we look into the scales used, we mainly see the pentatonic scales in play. Eddie prefers the A minor pentatonic for the most part but dips into the major pentatonic to add that sweetness to the solos. The actual guitar solo is a rollercoaster. Eddie makes use of fast legato licks, tapped harmonics, and his patented two-handed tapping. If you’re looking to emulate this style, be prepared for some serious finger gym.

In this solo, Eddie starts off with a quick ascending legato lick in the A minor pentatonic scale that quickly establishes the mood. He then seamlessly transitions into a tapping sequence that involves both hammer-ons and pull-offs, leading into a melodious bend. There’s a rapid transition between different techniques, and yet, everything feels musical rather than mechanical.

Eddie Van Halen's Playing

Eddie’s genius is in making the complex look simple. His tapping technique changed the world of guitar when he burst onto the scene, but what’s more captivating is how musical he makes it sound. It’s not just a trick; it’s a full-fledged musical statement. "Why Can't This Be Love" offers a smaller, digestible piece of Eddie’s larger-than-life skills. His timing, groove, and especially the feel, is just another level.

The same goes for his use of harmonics. Whether it’s natural, artificial, or tapped harmonics, Eddie had the uncanny ability to make a guitar sing. Listen carefully to the way he integrates these into the song, sometimes subtly in the background, and you'll get a glimpse of his sonic vision.

The Techniques Used

For those wanting to dig deeper, here's a breakdown of guitar techniques used in "Why Can't This Be Love":

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Chord Progressions
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons

To sum it up, "Why Can't This Be Love" is not just a great song but also a masterclass in guitar techniques and emotive playing. Eddie Van Halen leaves a lot on the table for guitarists to learn, from foundational chords and scales to intricate solo techniques. Even years after its release, this track remains a timeless piece that continues to inspire guitarists around the world.