R.I.P. EVH And just to address some comments I've got: I did not monetize this video (you won't see any ads). I want to pay my tribute and share Eddie's legacy.

In the late 80s, a guy I used to work with on the road was a truck driver for a Van Halen tour. He invited me to the hotel where I met Eddie (very briefly). During the show, the sound engineer handed me some headphones soloed to Eddie's guitar. It wasn't during a solo, but what he was playing during the vocal sections blew me away. He's obviously best known for his lead work, but I'm not sure musicians are aware of his rhythm playing and how much it contributed to the Van Halen sound. Give it a listen. RIP Eddie.

A legend gone but not forgotten, i cant even imagine how many guitarists were inspired by Eddie to start playing

The tapping was just one part about Eddie's that made him special. If you're trying to learn how to sound like him, the tapping stuff is actually the easiest stuff to learn. His rhythm was the best part about his playing. It often gets overlooked by the crazy sounds he would make with his guitar on lead. But yes his rhythm playing is what truly makes Edward Van Halen special. Combined with his lead, piano/keyboard, and song writing ability, he was truly unique one of a kind. Another awesome, cool innovative lick that Eddie did was the intro to Mean Streets. Try playing that if you want a challenge.

I met Eddie when I was living in LA in the 90's, I was at guitar Center and I was hangin' out there to try some Jazz Basses. There was a guy behind some big amps, sit on a combo, playin' the guitar... I listened to him and I said to myself: this playin' reminds me something... I approached him and he was Eddie, with the shop guy, talking about the gear :D :D :D I just got petrified, I couldn't speak a world in english at that moment... He smiled and asked me if I needed to try the instrument... :D :D :D :D I was so confused at that moment that I replied: Oh no thanks, I'm a bass player! :D :D :D :D We laughed and we talked a little bit about Italy since he asked me where I was from :D :D :D He was so humble and nice... Van Halen, can you get it?? EDDIE VAN HALEN!!! I had a smile on my face for the rest of the month!! :D :D :D A huge loss, indeed. ❤️

I only trust a guy from the Netherlands to teach me how to play guitar licks from a guy from the Netherlands. Thanks Paul!!! RIP Eddie!!

Interesting, everyone always says you need a 16 inch radius neck or something to do tapping, yet here's Paul doing it cleanly on what looks like a classic 62 Fender neck with a 7.25 inch radius.

I’ve taught guitar for over thirty years and am still apprehensive about teach Eddy’s songs. Even though I learned every one of their tunes starting back in th early eighties I’m still worried I would not do him justice passing his material on. Thank you for taking that leap Paul. RIP Eddy.

He was the reason I started playing. Once I heard Eruption, I knew that guitar is what I wanted to do. Thank you so much for uploading this! It sure makes his passing a lot easier!

I think a much underrated and ignored part of Eddie’s playing was his unbelievable and unrivalled sense of rhythm. It was behind everything he did. A true innovator with his feet firmly set in the backbone of music. A childhood hero and all that talent now gone. RIP EVH.

Wonderful breakdown! I'm a little over 2 years into learning guitar, at the age of over 40 it's a bit tougher I think, I don't have much time but when I got my new book from my teacher I found some Eddie licks and tapping stuff in it and I thought to my self, let's try that crazy Erruption lick. This is not the hardest part of that song tbh but for a beginner it's a pretty good challange but if you pull it of you feel like a true superhero! It's one, if not THE most iconic and recognizable guitar lick in history! I agree with you, everyone should try this! Don't fear it, it took me really just a few minutes to get the tapping tech down, after about an hour of practice I was able to play it at an (for me) unbelievable high speed. The hardest part is to get your left hand to move to each position fast enough to match your tapping speed, this is the real challange for me but again, little over 2 years and I'm 40+, if I can do this, everyone who loves this can! Whether you're an Eddie fan or just heard this for the first time and liked it, grab your guitar and start playing!

Cant believe he's gone. Eddie will nevertheless, live on in the music he left us. R.I.P.

Great tutorial as I'm a performing musician and have always respected Eddie's playing tremendously, but I never even attempted to learn any of his songs because to me he was just too good and I never felt like I could do his songs justice. I know I can do them justice now and since Eddie's passing I've decided to learn "Eruption" and a couple other EVH songs too. Here are the notes I've made from this tutorial as I hope it helps as it's a fun song to play. It's a little tricky to get the transitions amazingly smooth, but it just takes practice and slowing it down to get the technique down clean: C#m= 9-2-5 (G# C# E) 8x A= 10-2-5 (A C# E) 8x B7= 10-4-7 (A D# F#) 6x B7= 12-4-7 (B D# F#) 2x E= 12-5-9 (B E G#) 8x (C Major) 10:14 C= 13-5-8 (C E G) D= 15-7-10 (D F# A) E= 15-9-12 (E G# B) 13:08 (cascade down 1 fret & play 2x for 4 frets in total for each chord) E7= 17-12-15 (E B D) D7= 15-10-13 (D A C) C7= 13-8-11 (C G Bb) 14:39 B= 12-4-7 (B D# F#) Em= 12-5-8 (B E G) RIP EDDIE!

I simply appreciate you doing this for doing a rather great tribute to the one and only EVH. He was truly one of a kind, and unmatched in influence and innovations done for the guitar! Awesome work!

RIP Eddie. Bless you Paul. All you videos are loved and appreciated. Thank you for carrying the torch in sharing the great mans legacy. Long live EVH.

As a non-guitarist, but still a massive lover of music, the insight you provide is so helpful to me fully appreciating the music for not just how it sounds but how it is played. Thank you for these types of videos, and RIP EVH.

I just got into Thunderstruck practice (the struggle is real) and you come with this. Come on man. I gotta study to school sometime too. LOL. RIP Eddie

I must say of all the guys on KZfaq who do tutorials of this you’re one of the few that actually teach what the notes and chords are that are being played. Not just tab. Very refreshing.

RIP Eddie. His playing now lives on in all of us. I imagine he's taking lessons from Holdsworth now.

EVH style is all about learning how to relax and breathe whilst playing. Keeping on top of adrenaline is crucial. Hardly anyone ever discusses this though. Honestly, nothing hinders one's ability to learn more than adrenaline. And with such an adrenaline arousing style of music as EVH's, it can be extremely difficult for some people to detach themselves from the intense, high octane feel of the song. It's key to progress. Breathe. Relax. Play. Repeat.

Thanks for making this video 💚 We will all miss Eddie, but his legacy will live on in guitar players for generations to come.

I remember being stuck on pentatonics and playing the same boring licks over and over than my dad showed me the performance by EVH and being absolutely blown away by what i had witnessed. He changed my playing forever RIP legend ❤️❤️.

mentions how clean eddies playing was, while simultaneously playing the cleanest rendition that i have ever heard! you are an unbelievable guitar player paul! as was eddie!

EV..... just pure Genius. Met him before he passed. We were both having back surgery the same day with the same amazing doctor. Didn't get to chat with him but he gave me a thumbs up as he was being taken to the surgery room. For me, that was epic. I was SO sad when he passed.

EVH was absolutely legendary and indeed not only in the lead-guitar department. His songwriting and rythm guitar was also amazing to say the least. He will surely be missed and will continue to be a source of inspiration to many aspiring and achieved guitar players for a long time. Great breakdown of this technique Paul, really good. R.I.P. Eddie!

Will always be remembered for the legend he was, thanks Paul.

You’re a class act Paul thanks for showing Eddie some love and teaching another great lesson.

Paul! You are unlike other KZfaqrs you make your videos so pleasing that I can watch you whole day without even getting tired. When everybody is giving tribute in other manner you took it differently and taught us without wasting time! Greetings from India❤

I’m so grateful for all the great guitar instructors Paul, Tim, Papa, Robert, Matthew Scott, Marty it’s freaking awesome.

man, I was 13 or 14, listening to a Spotify rock radio, when the Boston song I was listening to ended and eruption came on, I was studying but as soon as I heard the first chord, I stopped and listened. The intro was so cool, and the solo sounded nothing like what I normally listened to, and then the tapping part came on and it blew my mind, I instantly got goose bumps and knew right then I’d play guitar.

It came out when I was a freshman in high school. I remember listening to it after picking up a copy.

Rest In Peace to a legend!!

Paul is a damn good teacher, this was so simple understand. Thank you so much for this. RIP Eddie, you will be missed forever but never forgotten.

Eddie just went home to Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Chuck berry BB King ,Michael Jackson ,George Harrison, John Bonham, Bob Marley. Rest In Eternal Peace your music will live forever I was crying in bed for the whole night man I am still in shock

RIP Eddie ❤️. The legend inspired generations of guitarists. He presence will always be lingering in the soul of people he left his impressions on. Thank you Paul for this video.

Thank you, sir. Such a nice, clear explication of the technique, sound, and music theory behind EVH’s “Eruption.” You have made this amazing sound accessible to so many, and you also have probably cheered up many who are sad about Eddie’s passing.

I love the Dutch pronunciation of his full name. So beautiful. 🇳🇱

Eruption is timeless.... I remeber when it first came out and was blown away by what I heard. It is so mesmerizing. I did see him play it live, RIP Eddie the music world will always have a void with you gone altough your music lives on forever.

It's easy to forget he was a Dutchman. I still love that first Van Halen album, out of this world. I've never wanted to try and play like Eddie, just not my thing, I leave it to the pros, like you Paul! Another great video and a nice tribute to a great musician and showman.

I love your videos man. Every time I’m in a rut you pull me out and make we want to go learn and write all kinds of stuff. I really appreciate your vids!!!

R.I.P. to one of the VERY BEST guitarists to ever walk the earth, Eddie Van Halen. I saw him once live and it was one of the BEST concerts I've EVER been to in my life! I might have to delve into playing a few Van Halen songs to pay tribute to Eddie! Thanks for the video Paul as your videos are GREAT! :)

Great tribute to Eddie. I can think of no better way to honor him than to rock his music! Crank it up so he can hear us all in guitar heaven. Thanks Paul.

I'm a hopeless romantic but I love watching a Dutchman pay homage to a Dutch innovator in EVH. A killer demonstration to parts of Eruption that all guitarists - regardless of technique or level - should give a try to learn. As EVH said many times (as do all Guitar Gods) don't be afraid because the music is what counts. Thank you @Paul Davids!

Thanks Paul! I rarely try to learn something like this. You make me stretch which is why you must be an awesome teacher!

Checking in over 3 years later to say thanks Paul for this video! Anchoring your tapping hand to the neck with your thumb was something that never occurred to me, and clearly was the correct way to do it because now it’s much more comfortable. Thanks again, love your content!

One of the best channels I've found till now hats off🙏🏻

The thing is I just talked about him for hours with my mother about jump and Van Halen in general and then I checked my Twitter and then I saw the message. I hope he is doing great. I think he won’t be forgotten...ever❤️

A great tribute lesson, Paul ! I never imagined that Eruption was accessible to my intermediate skills, but you make it seem doable. Thanks Eddie. Thanks Paul

You are bringing Sir EVH back ... I steal licks from you every time i see ur vids ... U r my mentor for life 💜💜💜💜

R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen. In 1979 listening to Van Halen II album and listening to Eddie Van Halen inspired me to pickup the guitar at the age 13 years old and learn how to play it. I still play guitar to this day. Great video Paul.

RIP Eddie. He was so inspiring to me. May his music live forever!

RIP Eddie, thank you for the innovation, riffs and licks. Great video as usual Paul..

Thank you for such a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to our King Edward. The Missus woke me up crying and for the entire day we couldn’t listen to a note of King Edward without the waterworks comin’ - so many good times with his music -it felt weird We found watching interviews with him and other kind folks like yourself paying tribute to Eddie makes it somewhat easier to bear. We literally had a day of intensely mourning. It might sound daft but Ed’s playing and attitude is hugely responsible for inspiring me to be the person I am. There’s a Bad Religion ( Punk Band ) Lyric that says it al “ Everyone you love leaves a mark on your soul, The world is a little less bright without King Edward Im fighting cancer and depression and its been especially tough with the news of Eddie’s passing but hearing all these wonderful tributes and reaction and the love and joy he brought and is bringing….makes it a tad bit easier Much love and respect! Thank you for honouring our King Edward. Eddie's music touched us so deeply because of his love for the instrument and the innovations he has done. To us, it feels like the brightest and best brother, Uncle, friend mentor you ever had is not in our realm anymore. You have Nothing but love from the rock/metal / guitarist community, respect for your tribute to EVH, Rock n Metal does not get the exposure and respect that other genres get. So, you are forever in the hearts of many a Rock / Metal / Guitar fan's hearts. Stay safe & all the best wishes to you. Watch this Video Interview and you'll see why we're hurting so much...The world is a little less bright without King Edward This is a brilliant interview if you haven’t seen it kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r8hiaadpx6i-cmw.html&ab_channel=Z%C3%B3caloPublicSquare most people don’t know the King Edward was a bi-racial half Asian / half white Immigrant and that his lifelong friends were the black kids who stood up for them when they came to the US. A definitive American Dream story. Eddie played the solo on Michael Jackson’s Beat it, re-arranged it so it sounded more ‘Rock’ and introduced Michael to a wider audience for free. Eddie buried Dimebag Darrell from Pantera with his original Bumblebee Guitar when Dime’s life partner Rita asked him to make a Copy Ed said “an Original deserves an Original” Vinnie Paul ( Pantera ) Dimebag’s brother says the last words his brother said to him was Van f+*in Halen’ their nightly ritual before hitting the stage. He gave Jerry Cantrell 5150 Stacks after touring with Alice In Chains and the last concert he went to was TOOL and a TOOL fan asked him to take a picture of the fan in front of Tool’s stage and he did, The fan had no idea who Ed was and Ed was chill with it. Frank Zappa loved and respected Eddie and got him to teach Dweezil who was obsessed with ED When Frank died Ed was THE 1st first to call with condolences and to offer any assistance. He did the same for Chris Cornell Guitarist Pete Thorn when Chris Passed He got Allan Holdsworth signed to Warner to introduce Allan to a wider audience He was the 1st to mod his guitars in such an extreme way chasing tone, Creating the Super Strat - Humbuckers in Strat style guitars, Waxing Pickups, Variac on his amp and did his first 2 albums with the original Fender Whammy which led to the creation of the Floyd Rose Whammy Bar. Les Paul Said Ed, him & Leo Fender are the only guys who know how to make guitars His 5150 Amp is still THE go to amp and sound of Modern metal, Gojira use the EVH 5150 His Rhythm Playing was funky, tasteful and rockin’ and his songwriting is the reason his loss is affecting grandparents, parents, kids and all ethnicities alike as Van Halen songs will live forever. He bravely and quietly fought cancer for 20 years Enjoy EVH kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gp-iYLGp2r_Xqps.html&ab_channel=Hazardteam

Truely awesome, thank you for playing the piece my father played to me with the words," this man is amazing son" rip EVH

Couldn't think of a better tribute to the legend than this. Well done Paul.❤️

I really appreciate how much you revere EVH and convey the beauty of his composition and technique. Well done.

Rip Eddie, the news truly devastated me.

Eddie Van Halen didn't die. God needed a guitarist so he simply chose the very best.

I didn't think I'd ever manage to play this before I saw this video. Thank you for showing just how easy it really is

Amazing lesson and a great tribute to Eddie! You made me appreciate his playing even more man

Thank you. Growing up in the 80s VH became my favorite band. When I went to buy my first guitar it had to have a tremolo bar so I could play like Eddie. I never learned how to play but just last week I dusted it off and decided to give it a real go and use your course. Then this week Ed dies and you make this video. This video is wonderful on so many levels for me. We have lost a great one. Thank you

Thanks from the deep of my sad rocker heart for sharing this with your unique style Paul...I may be eventually able to play it with your guide...Ciao Eddie!❤️🤟

Fitting to honor Eddie and his legacy since you give great instruction and breakdown since you clarify nicely by specifically noting how to use fingers. As a guitarist for book trailers about comics who's looking for inspiration, your instruction here is nice since you note good hammer techniques for arpeggios. Cheers!

Fantastic tribute to the legend, EVH. Thank you so much Paul. 💯💯💯🎸🎸🎸

Saludos, bendiciones desde Republica Dominicana... me encantan tus tutoriales, son de mucha bendicion..

I really appreciate how you edited the transition of your solo into Eddie's solo

I used to listen to this part and think it was impossible for me, as I’ve only been playing around 6 months, but I was able to get 90% speed on the first chords in only 15 minutes of practice. Thanks for such an awesome tutorial, I never thought I’d be playing this ever.

After Eddie so many guitarist deployed the tapping style, but there was something so fluid in the way Eddie played. It was like liquid silk the way he transitioned between riffs, slides, muting tapping etc. The other important part is that his playing was never just about speed. He was very Melodic and an excellent rhythm guitarist as well.

Thank you Paul! Great lesson. Man it's hard to keep that rhythm so even. Eddie was amazing. I remember my friends and I teaching ourselves tapping in the early 80s. Good memories.

You are super awesome instructor for all the time Mr. Paul Davids. Thank you so much Mr. Paul Davids for sharing and preparing helpful vids which I have benefitted from your vids. Grazie Seniore Mr. Paul Davids.

When I saw the title, I thought "Oh no, don't do that man." and then watched it to the very end. I like the way you payed the tribute. Thank you. P.S. Love your vids.

Absolute Genius. Johnson and Hendrix smiled down on Eddie from above when he developed this technique and said “Yes son, your work has just begun.”

Thank you, Paul for this. First Rock Band I ever fell in love with was Van Halen. 1984 was my first album. Wore out two cassette tapes to the point that the tape actually broke! Made a copy of the third one so I couldn't break the original after that. Wore out a couple of copies too. lol. Learned to play guitar because of EVH. Thank you Eddie for your time with us. You are loved! Fare thee well.

damn. I really felt the heart in that sign-off. RIP indeed. Great breakdown Paul

Thank you Paul for honoring and demonstrating EVH's tapping style. Rock legends don't live forever(well maybe Keith Richards) but their music surely does. RIP Eddie!

Very clear video. Thanks for the effort. You made something (comparably) easy that sounded impossible to play. You have my gratitude.

And suddenly the penny drops (I've never tried to play this stuff, always been happy to sit in-awe and just enjoy it blasting over me). Seeing that explained like that.... wow. Thanks Paul, I feel really inspired to sit and have a go at it. A very suitable tribute.

Yes, he has certainly left his mark, amazing. Thanks for sharing this Paul, super classy.

Great tribute to Eddie and well played Paul. Always a pleasure watching your videos💯

Paul you are truly amazing! Love what your videos.

Hey Paul, Great video as always. I never got into EVH's music very much but Eruption was the first thing I heard played by Eddie when I started learning to play the guitar and it always has been an amazing piece of music. Eddie was truly one of the greatest guitarists.

There's something very JS Bach about this solo, reminds me of Tocata and Fugue where the organist goes bananas and brings the organ to an eruption of greatness!

Nice video Paul. I have seen others 'teach' this, but that the first time it all made sense Your instruction makes it much easier to understand and remember the movement and why it works so well. Thanks.

Amazing video! Thank you. RIP EVH.🎸

Wow Paul, you broke this down beautifully! Finally a well put video to learn how to accomplish that technique. Now I just need to sit down and practice it lol. Thank you Paul!

Ones of the best to ever do it, you will be missed Eddie❤️

I'd like to also add to a previous comment that he was a killer rhythm player and great song writer. My buddies and I saw this first hand in Toledo, OH and it sent us running for our guitars to practice! Thanks for this great episode

Thank you for making this video. I really enjoyed you included the breakdown of theory in this!

Eddie is the reason I started loving guitars.. RIP master

Brilliant lesson and tribute. Thank you.

Eddie wasn't the reason I started playing guitar in general but he was the reason I actually tapped (no pun intended) into lead guitar. His style is so naturally fluid and at the same time totally unorthodox, it's absolutely fascinating to this day. But it wasn't just his lead playing. His riffs are super catchy and impressive as well. Think about "Ain't talking bout love". This is one of the most iconic guitar riffs *ever* . Absolutely killer stuff. Obviously we could go on forever but let's just say: Thank you for everything, Eddie!

Paul, Thanks so much for the lesson and explanation. Really enjoy your teaching technique.

Great lesson! Greatly appreciated. EVH was one of my idol guitarists

Great vid!😁 I love your videos and I look forward to watching your new vids. Keep it up and keep inspiring people All around the world😉

No frills with this instructor. It’s what I like so much about his program

Great video as always and a great tribute to an astonishing guitarist.

thank you so much for your video ! i see that it's easier than it looks actually, well my left hand went sore quickly after tapping with the ring finger so much but the whole tapping thing is demystified to me and i thank you for that !

This video was so helpful. Just by watching this, I learned how to tap like Eddie Van Halen.

R.I.P. Eddie... He really was inspiring for all of us guitar players. From big masters like Paul and many others to humble amateurs as many of us. About this video, I'm with some folks over here, noboy talking about Paul's mind-blowing skills!! I'll never cease to repeat this :D. Great video Paul!! I'm freakingly in love with this hot beauty Stratocaster.

'Beat It' solo: this is real legacy.