*Everyone always talks about Eddie's leads and wild techniques for crazy sounds..., but what I feel is neglected is just how badass a rhythm monster he was... Leads are all cool and flashy and grab attention, but it's the hypnotic groove of the riff that lulls the listener into a trance and really sucks you in and takes you for a ride..., and Eddie was a true master of the almighty riff... Heads don't bang, nor do booties bounce, without a hypnotic groove that overtakes the listener, mind body, and spirit..., and Eddie had IT......*

Eddie will be proud of your words and tribute, master. Cheers from Chile, South America 🇨🇱🎸🤟

You know you're a serious EVH fan if you're referencing Balance! Love this song, glad you highlighted it

Back in high school I was learning guitar in Thessaloniki with my teacher, Laki Ragazas. I remember Laki talking to me about this exact song and this exact technique. He was so excited to talk about it! He said "You can clearly see how he got that sound in the video. He didn't try to hide it, and he didn't show anything extravagant to move your attention away from his fingers. No, he wants you to know. That's why EVH is the best there is"

Gus is killer! Loved his time in Ozzy .

Thanks Gus!!! I finally could afford his 50w 6L6 Head, then he passed 2 days later...I'm still in disbelief.

Remembering Eddie is (will always be) important and so hard. My fav is his picture of him which says, “I will always be with you just push play.” It always feels like we just saw Beethoven walk through the room. Thanks Gus. You too are awesome for the nice tribute!

Great words. Classy. Gus, when i first saw that video for Don't tell me what love can do.. i too, was amazed at how Eddie was doing that, like everything he did, but I just don't think people really got what he was really doing there. He always blew my mind even with stuff that seems so simple as him "scraping/plucking" the pick w/ that riff. Where like you said most probably just thought it was some effects and palm mutting, which it was not. Eddie always had some cool new thing to show us every album. And Balance is so under rated. Thank you for talking about this song and technique. It does get over looked. I was fortunate enough to see VH live, one show i was 4 rows away from stage left right in front of him. It was during the Gary Cherone, which people "knock" but honestly.. they played songs so many great deep cuts and songs that weren't really played live anymore on that tour. It was great. and you have not witnessed anything as magical as to watching Eddie play the opening riff to Unchained right in front of you or of course Eruption. I'm just really happy I can at least can say I saw that. I feel bad for the so many guitar enthusiasts that have never nor will ever get a chance to witness those bits of pure magic. RIP EVH.. the King!

First off : Thank you for your Respect and sharing your feelings and memories of Mr Van Halen.

Sorry you never got to see the man play live, Gus. But thank you for this video! Everybody knows you're an incredible player and I think all of us EVH fans are going to dig a little deeper into his licks now that he's gone. Carry the torch

Wow. Your EVH's sounds is on point! You nailed it

Hey Gus!!! Hello from the USA 🇺🇸 Michigan. I met you a few years ago. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me and take Pictures. Great EVH video!!!

He's always created something new. That was how Van Halen was. Thank you Gus! Excellent tribute.

GUS you just rock! Connecting with you and watching you is always such a joy to me. Thank You for this tribute!!! Awesome technique! You are brilliant. R.I.P. EVH

That was really heartfelt and sweet bro. I’m sure Eddie heard your words and is smiling down. Thank you for highlighting that technique as well. I had no idea. It’s really cool. Rock on my friend 🤘

Legends never die. His spirit lives and he will always guide us as a Guitar God.

Great observation, glad you served that up. He's one of my biggest influences, not just with all the soloing techniques, but his rhythm playing was spot on and so creative for the time. Nice tribute.

You play like no one else dude. So smooth. super cool tone, perfect control on your fingers, and you play acapella like no body, dude youre one of the best of the best, Gus. Thank you for sharing your great talent

Believe it or not, gus is a one of a kind musician. Only one that designated un-nessesary finger movement, while still achieving stellar transitions. Knows music theory, also his equipment very well.

Thanks man, your videos are honest, sincere and you pay tribute to your idols by showing your true colors.

Thanks Gus, I feel your sadness. It's nice to cherish EVH. So much joy there.

I love that riff. One of my favorites. For all his skill, it shines in a lot of ways because he excelled in thinking outside the box. Loved him, miss him.

Im so glad someone else appreciates that song as much as i do. The whole balance album is phenomenal. Its one of my top picks

I felt the emotion in the intro playing! You're the man, Gus G! Love you -

Thank you Gus G. you're an amazing talent thanks for taking the time to do a video for us. You're guitar sounds absolutely heavenly and inspirational

Great stuff Gus 👏👏👏🤘

That tone was amazing great job mate!!

Yassou! Good words from the heart, my friend. I was fortunate to see VH in 1982, and 1984, both times at the legebdary Cobo Arena, in Detroit, Michigan! Amazing shows, as you can well imagine. Cheers from Moblie Deathcamp! Also... thank YOU for playing the way you do, man. One of my faves!

Great tribute to the King! The greatest hard rock musician of our time! Yes, I’m glad you brought up this often overlooked facet of his strumming! Awesome!

Gus you did a great job of putting your thoughts into words!!! Great video!!!!

I was so fortunate to see them in 79 and 80. Van Halen was at its best brother. The raw energy and the blasting music with barely any stage props was amazing. Unfortunately in late 81 I had the chance to see ozzy with Randy Rhoads, I didn't go, had no money. I regret this sooo much to this day.. God bless EVH and Randy.

The crunch is perfect love it!

LOVE "Don't tell me what love can do"!! Balance is an underrated album

Very cool video, Gus. I still remember the very first time that I heard Eddie. It was at a fair and they were blasting Eruption and I had never heard anything like it before. Unforgettable!

Great point! Something so small and overlooked! But something that no one else would have thought of playing it that way. Everyone else would have just chugged through it like you said. And the use of delay and number of repeats so the notes kind of overlap at the changes.

Fuck yeah Gus! Made my day mate! Making this comment before you stopped your playing in the intro

Thank you for the tribute; I never got to see EVH myself and I was heart broken when he past away; he was definitely one of the reason I picked up the guitar and a big influence, not just me but a whole generation around the world and for that reason I will never stop playing and improving.

That is great!!! How I wished a tribute to Eddie by one of the greatest guitarist Mr Gus G,!! Truly Eddie Van Halen is the most incredible musician, a genuis who reinvented guitar, technically was a prodigious!! His legacy and creativity will remain forever!!!

I've been listening to the song "Time" when you were with Ozzy. You are the man Gus.

Great underrated riff! My favorite EVH song for sure. That technique is very unique indeed. Cheers from Guatemala, Gus! I opened here for Firewind in 2018, what a great pleasure brother.

One of my favorite riffs by EVH!!! Bravo Gus!!!

clicking on this video I was hoping this was the technique you were talking about. All the guitarists who talk about EVH riffs, techniques, etc... Im blown away none of these youtube guitarists mention this exact riff!! Thanks for looking outside of the normal "Eddie" stuff..

Great song I've never even heard it until now, good looking on introducing the world to a overlooked gem. The video is ahead of it's time too ... it is a really good song it should of got more airtime.

Nice Gus great vibe man R.I.P EVH saw Ed 5 times live so grateful for this.

Wow totally sounds like a Cello like that. Thanks for sharing brother.🤘🏻🎸🎶

I was fortunate to see Van Halen live in the winter of 1985 touring the 1984 album at the Omni Arena in Atlanta. Autograph opened for them. Got my first tat after the show.

Great tribute Gus" Much respect 🎸🎶😇

Balance is actually a great album that riff tripped me out too,but I was not surprised cuz it was Eddie doing some Eddy stuff,every album had something special to offer. Great words for the maestro EVH.

Awesome video Gus! Thanx. And your guitar on the new firewind album is epic!🤘🤘🤘Epic! On

wow Gus just has such great tone and technique, Ed would have been proud to watch the opening riffs , respect

Excellent review of that song and the subtle technique he used to make that song a powerhouse

I love it Gus ♥️🤗🔥🔥🔥🎸

Great insight sir

Gus is just one of the nicest and most down to earth guys in Metal. When I heard Beat it the first times I thought MJ had one hell of a guitar player. I found out much later that Eddie did it. Same happend to me a while later with Firewind 🤯

Thanks Gus 👍🏻

Exactly the same, what you said, i‘ve thougt after the Balance-Album was released and i‘ve heard this Song. I was sitting by my Guitar-Teacher and he showed me how to play this Song. I‘ve never heared such a Sound out from a Guitar before. Eddy was so fantastic‼️👍🏻

God bless you Eddie and Wolfie , Alex, and family. thank you brother Gus G. we love you and God bless you also.

I just got your sig Blackstar and I played a gig with it yesterday. EVERYBODY complimented me on my tone. What's crazy... Is that I used the mxr EVH overdrive in the front of it✊ BRUTALLLLL TONE bro. Cheers from Texas

Your tone sounds amazing

Awesome!

Bravo !!

Thank you sir for your kindness

I've been using that technique in my riffs directly because of and since 1995 when that song released...I'm just not famous. THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE TECHNIQUE!!!

It is unique. I actually like everyone love his lead, but his rhythm playing is often over looked and hd had the best rhythm playing in my opinion. I never got to see them either and I am 59 and should have seen them, but just one if those bands I never got to see sadly. Good stuff. Thanks man..

I was lucky enough to see Van Halen in 2007 and 2012. I can say that Van Halen and Iron Maiden are the two best live bands I've ever seen. The best part of both VH shows was the end of Hot for Teacher. The lighting combined with the bombastic outro was something I'll never forget.

that guitar sounds amazing

Gus, you are a wonderful man!

Well done👍🎸🎼🤘

The slide work on the song Dirty Movies has never been covered.

Flamin tone 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Thank you Gus. Eddy the king for ever👍🎸

Hi, Gus. I was listening the Balance (Van Halen album), and after I listed the track 10 (Baluchitherium) I got the feeling that you really have that magic of Eddie. Keep rocking!!!! By the way, I ordered the Jackson Gus G San Dimas. I can't wait to play it. Salut

You my friend are absolutely right rock on brotha 👊

Cool technique!

Gus you are one of my favorite guitarists and I'm 54 you are one kool dude and a classs act did you know that he and Wayne Charvel invented the star shape you love i have 2 charvel star guitars I've been playing since the 80s not very many people play that shape when i saw your esp star at the music store that's when I found out who you where that was when i herd the fire and fury and bought your burning earth cd freaking awesome your solo in the end of the fire and the fury i felt it in my soul. Evh was a guitar god to us great tribute please do another song with a slow soul filled solo have a great day and stay safe brother.

I used to play this song live, and I used my thumb nail for it. I know he used the side of his pick but I got the same sound. I love the solo for this song also.

EXCELLENT GUS... YOU ROCK MY GREEK BROTHA... FROM GREEK TO GREEK -- YOU ARE THE NEXT BREED OF GUITAR HEROS... EDDIE WPULD BE SO PROUD MAN....IT WOULD BE A HONOR TO JAM WITJ YOU MY FELLO GREEK.🤘🤘🤘🙏🙏🤘🤘🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷⚔⚔⚔

mi first impression of this riff was..."wow!!..that's a futuristic sound!"...Balance its one of my favorites!

My favorite VH tune! Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do.

I remember when I first started playing and I was trying to learn don’t tell me what love can do and I would play the notes, but it didn’t sound right. Not until I saw Eddie play it live did I realize how he was picking it.

Thank you so so much for this post about a true icon. Long live KING EDWARD VAN HALAN. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸💪💪🔥🔥🎼🎼🎼🎵🎵🎵😎😎😎👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏

It's those little things that make music into magic

Thanks for quoting this song Gus. One of my favourites, unfortunately underrated...

As a fan, and not a guitar player, unless air guitar counts! Anyway as a fan....balance to me was an album that showed the changes that Ed was going thru.....in and out if sobriety, cutting his hair, getting more involved in the lyrics, which Sam didn't like. I thought the album was excellent. Saw 3 xs on that tour. Saw the opening one in pensacola fla. Set list..... COMPLETELY different from other two shows deep into tour. I thought these guys showed a helluva work ethic.....Eds hip.... Alex's neck....but they still went out and played stellar, on point, musically shows. Anyway thanks for paying tribute to an often looked over album....I like " Take me back/Deja Vu. To he beginning riff was wrote by ed in 78 or79. Ii caught it on a fan recorded bootleg in a club that was fantastic. Thanks dude

The true depth of Eddy’s ability may never fully be realized. And that’s the magic. We hear it on the recordings and can see it on the stage of old concerts but, like slight-of-hand tricks, do we really understand it? And in the end, should we? Can’t we just enjoy it for what it was? Obsessing over his tone and techniques could end up cheapening it. Nuno said in an old video, he doesn’t like showing how to play Extreme riffs. It forces players to develop their ear and playing. And you discover new things along the way which could shape your style. Just be inspired to try the riffs without a safety net of a “play through” video lesson. That’s a lesson in itself. When I started playing in the late 80s it was me, a boom box, guitar and an amp. I would play songs part by part and go over them religiously until I had it. Or was close enough since some things are difficult to do outside of a studio. This allowed me to develop the ability over time to pick songs up really fast and memorize them along the way. Videos and tablature are cool but for me it kills the experience of really learning.

Gus I would love to meet you. Greece sounds like a nice place to visit. I seen Van Halen monsters of rock many years ago. I'm in the Phillipines right now and from the usa.

EVH...Legend

I was 18 years old and a guitar player back in 78 when Eddie Van Halen hit the sene and I can promise every word you have said about Eddie Van Halen is the undisputed truth, a guitar player friend of mine introduced me to Van Halens first album and when I left and walked back to my house from his all I could do was think what the hell did I just listen to, I know after all these years people don't think that it's such a big deal but I can promise you it was especially to guitar players, we all wanted to be the one that shocked the world with something but we just had no clue what to do, but guess who did? That's right Edward Van Halen and shock isn't the right word for what Eddie did it was more like electrocuted us with massive Volt's of chained lightning, I seriously thought he couldn't be from this planet, so I know every word you just said is nothing but the truth, R.I.P Eddie Van Halen I couldn't forget you even if I wanted to.

Nice Gus well said...

Balance, great album What love can do is a rad tune as well

Amen brother...

Gus you are awesome.... Partuza

That song is a masterpiece

subtle technique but has huge impact to the sound

Hey Gus, I'm pretty sure he used a short version of this in the song Cradle Will Rock. It struck my memory when I heard U play it. The 6L6 Head is face Melting, but I will always have my Blackstar amp I practice with!!! Do U play your RR V much?? I got one in layaway Red with Black Stripes & Seymour Blackouts..Say a prayer plz!! God bless!!!

I've said it a million times-----------his rhythm playing is CRIMINALLY underrated. Just listen to the title track of 5150! That's only the beginning.

Nice brother

Got to see him 3 times with Sammy...All 5150 tour..! 2times in Dallas and then Austin

What do you get to get that amazing tone

Still miss him, thank you gus, i think balance album was brilliant and great tone of evh, cheers man! Did you hear Wolfgang song? if so what are your thoughts