Are you a fan of the legendary Van Halen? If so, then learning how to play their songs on guitar is a challenge you’ll want to tackle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for some new material to practice, there are plenty of easy Van Halen songs all aspiring players should learn and add to their repertoire. From classic power ballads to kick-butt instrumentals, these rockin’ hits will certainly bring good times! Read on as we look at some tried and true tracks that make for great singalongs – whatever your skill level!
Easy Van Halen Songs on Guitar
1 Eruption
Eruption is one of Van Halen’s most iconic songs and is a favorite among guitarists. It was first released on the band’s 1978 debut album, and it quickly became a fan-favorite due to its unique tapping solo by Eddie Van Halen. The song features an easy rhythm guitar part that can be easily learned as a beginner.
2 Jump
Jump is another classic Van Halen song that is easy to learn on guitar. It was released in the mid-1980s and quickly became a hit due to its simple but catchy riff. The main guitar part consists of chords, strums, and licks that are all fairly straightforward for beginners.
3 Panama
The melodic and captivating track “Panama” from Van Halen’s 1984 album has become a classic, with its driving guitar riffs and addictive hook. It features a simple yet powerful chorus riff that can be quickly picked up by beginner guitarists. Completing the track is an easy feat – simply master a couple of chords, licks, and solos with some practice! [1]
4 Runnin’ With The Devil
With its timeless melody and lyrics, Van Halen’s Runnin’ With The Devil remains a perennial rock favorite from the band’s debut album. This song showcases an iconic guitar riff that even novice guitarists can learn with ease. The rest of the song is composed of basic rhythm and lead elements that are easily learned.
5 Hot For Teacher
Hot For Teacher is a heavy-hitting rock song from Van Halen’s 1984 album. It features an easy main riff that can be quickly learned by beginner guitarists. The rest of the song consists of straightforward chords, riffs, and solos with some occasional tapping parts.
6 Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
Van Halen’s electric and energizing smash hit, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” will forever remain a timeless classic from the band’s groundbreaking inaugural album. Strumming the iconic main riff on your guitar has never been simpler or more enjoyable than now! The remainder of the song consists of simple, easy-to-learn rhythm and lead lines that even newcomers can pick up quickly.
7 You Really Got Me
The Kinks’ timeless hit, “You Really Got Me,” has been widely celebrated for decades and later covered by none other than Van Halen. This song boasts a simple main riff as well as effortless chords, licks and solos to master. If you’re a beginning guitar player searching for the perfect way to learn some of Van Halen’s music, this is it!
8 Unchained
This song is a great classic rocker from Van Halen’s 1981 album, Fair Warning. This is one of the band’s more popular songs and it features some impressive guitar work from Eddie Van Halen. With only five chords to learn, this song is perfect for beginner guitarists looking to add a bit of rock flair to their playing. The riffs are simple yet effective and the main solo section is relatively easy to play with some practice. A must-learn for any aspiring rock guitarist!
9 Ice Cream Man
This song is another classic Van Halen track that’s great for beginners. It has a simple chord progression and the lead guitar parts are easily within reach of most beginner players. You’ll want to practice up on your palm muting technique as there are several sections in this song where you’ll need it.
10 Why Can’t This Be Love
This song is one of Van Halen’s most popular tracks and it’s a great way to get into playing some of their lighter, more melodic music. It’s still rock, but the chords are much easier than what you would hear on their heavier songs. With just five chords and a simple strumming pattern, this song is easy enough for first-time players. The solo section will take a bit more practice, but once you’ve got it down you’ll be singing along in no time! [2]
11 Atomic Punk
Another simple song that relies on only three chords, Atomic Punk is a great starting point for learning some of Van Halen’s earlier material. With an easy-to-follow rhythm and just two notes in the solo, this one will give you a feel for the band’s sound without being too challenging.
12 Somebody Get Me A Doctor
A slightly more advanced track, Somebody Get Me A Doctor has some tasty blues licks in the solo section that will require a bit of practice. Once you get them down though, you’ll be able to master the whole song with ease. The rhythm remains fairly straightforward throughout and it’s a great way to test your knowledge of Van Halen’s grooves.
13 Dance The Night Away
This 1978 classic off Van Halen’s second album is a great place to start for guitarists. The song features an iconic, instantly recognizable riff that you can play along with the record or tab out. It’s simple but still very effective and will have you rocking out in no time.
14 Drop Dead Legs
This 1984 track is a great way to get started with Van Halen’s heavier sound. The intro riff is easy enough for beginners, but still packs a punch, and the solo section isn’t too difficult either. If you’re looking to learn more complex metal riffs and solos, this is a great place to start.
15 Dreams
With its simple structure and catchy riff, Dreams is an easy Van Halen song to learn on guitar. The intro starts off with a single note followed by a two-note bend that really sets the tone for the rest of the song. After playing around with these two notes, building up tension as you go, Eddie Van Halen takes it up a notch with some fast-paced hammer-ons and pull-offs.
16 Right Now
One of Van Halen’s more melodic songs, Right Now is an easy song to learn on guitar. It starts off with a simple strumming pattern from the rhythm guitar and then leads into Eddie Van Halen’s signature multi-string tapping solo. This solo features some fast alternate picking and quick hammer-ons/pull-offs that can help you build up your technique if you have patience to practice it correctly. [3]
17 Romeo Delight
Romeo Delight is another classic Van Halen song that’s easy to learn on guitar. The intro features a catchy two-note riff, followed by a four-bar chord progression that uses power chords and open strings. The solo section of this song relies heavily on Eddie Van Halen’s unique approach to tapping and fast alternate picking—but it can be broken down into small manageable chunks for the beginner guitarist.
18 Jamie’s Cryin’
Jamie’s Cryin’ is a classic power ballad from Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled debut album. With its unforgettable guitar solo and simple chord structure, it makes for an easy song to learn on the guitar. To start playing Jamie’s Cryin’, you’ll need to know the basic chords of A, D, E and C major. For the introduction and solo, focus your attention on Eddie Van Halen’s fingerpicking technique that helped make this song famous.
19 Can’t Stop Loving You
Can’t Stop Loving You is a smooth, bluesy number from Van Halen’s 1995 album Balance. With its simple chord progression and repeated fills, it makes for an easy song to learn on the guitar. Beginners should keep an eye out for Eddie Van Halen’s signature vibrato technique throughout the solo. To play this song properly, you’ll need to know basic open chords like A, D7 and G major in both standard and barre variations.
20 (Oh) Pretty Woman
(Oh) Pretty Woman is a classic pop-rock number from Van Halen’s 1982 album Diver Down. This song has been covered by countless bands since its original release, and it makes for an easy song to learn on the guitar. To get started playing (Oh) Pretty Woman, you’ll need to know basic chords like A, D major, E minor and G major. Focus your attention on Eddie Van Halen’s lead guitar solo for an added challenge and don’t forget to add in the wah-wah effects for an authentic sound! [4]
21 Little Guitars
Little Guitars is a funky rock number from Van Halen’s 1982 album Diver Down. This song was inspired by the Latin-influenced music of Carlos Santana and it makes for an easy song to learn on the guitar. To get started playing Little Guitars, you’ll need to know basic chords like A7, D major, E minor and C major.
22 Finish What Ya Started
Finish What Ya Started is a classic heavy rock number from Van Halen’s 1988 album OU812. This song has an infectious chorus and it makes for an easy song to learn on the guitar. To get started playing this song, you’ll need to know basic chords like A, D major and E minor as well as some more complex chord shapes.
23 She’s The Woman
This track was the lead single from Van Halen’s 2012 album A Different Kind of Truth. It’s a fast-paced rocker with an easy guitar riff at its core, making it an ideal choice for beginning players. The riff is just two notes that are repeated in sequence: G and C (or D). From there, you can add some simple strumming patterns to make it sound fuller. If you want to take things further, you can try adding hammer-ons and pull-offs between the chords or slide up and down the frets for added resonance.
24 When It’s Love
This song was the lead single from Van Halen’s classic album OU812. The main guitar part consists of two chords that are held for most of the verse and chorus. These chords are E and A, but it’s important to pay attention to the little variations in timing when playing them together. Once you have those down, you can add some more complex picking patterns or even try a few simple hammer-ons and pull-offs. This is a great one for learning how to fingerpick as well.
25 Love Walks In
Love Walks In is a classic Van Halen song from their 1986 album 5150. It features an easy main riff that can be quickly picked up by beginner guitarists. The rest of the song consists of straightforward chords, licks, and solos with some occasional tapping parts. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to learn one of the more intricate Van Halen songs on guitar.
26 Mean Street
Mean Street is a fan favorite from Van Halen’s 1981 album Fair Warning. The main riff is quite simple, featuring just two notes: G and D. You can mix it up by adding a few hammer-ons and pull-offs or playing some single notes in between the chords. Once you have that part down, the rest of the song consists of straightforward power chord progressions so it should be easy to learn quickly. [5]
27 I’ll Wait
This track was the lead single from Van Halen’s 1984 album 1984. It features a slow and steady main riff that consists of three chords (G, D, and A). This makes it great for learning how to switch between chords quickly and accurately. Once you have the riff down, you can add some simple licks or solos between the chords to spice things up.
28 Secrets
Secrets is a classic Van Halen song from their 1979 album Van Halen II. It features an easy main riff that consists of two notes, A and D. You can add some simple strumming patterns to make it sound fuller, or you can even try adding some hammer-ons and pull-offs for added resonance.
29 House Of Pain
House Of Pain is a fan favorite from Van Halen’s 1980 album Women and Children First. The main riff consists of just two notes, G and D, which are repeated throughout the song. You can add some simple licks or solos between the chords to give it added depth. Or you can try adding some tapping parts for an even more intricate sound.
30 Beat It (Michael Jackson)
This classic song by Michael Jackson was made popular by the iconic music video. Although it may seem daunting to learn, with a few practice runs you’ll be able to master it on guitar. Start with learning the basic chords, and then move onto more advanced techniques such as soloing and tapping. The guitar riff is based off of an E-minor pentatonic scale, so make sure you understand this before going any further! [6]
Easy Tips on Learning Guitar Songs by Van Halen
If you’re a beginner guitar player, learning to play guitar songs by Van Halen can be intimidating. But with a few helpful tips and some practice, soon you’ll be shredding like the classic rock gods! Here are some easy tips for getting started on your journey to mastering easy Van Halen songs on guitar:
- Get familiar with basic chords. Before you start trying to tackle complex riffs, it’s important to get comfortable with playing the most common open chords such as E major, A major, D major and C major. Knowing these chords will make learning other more complicated ones much easier down the line.
- Learn basic strumming patterns and rhythm techniques. Once you get the basic chords down, it’s time to start learning how to strum them. Start with simple four-beat strumming patterns that you can use to play any of the easier Van Halen songs. Make sure you take your time when practicing and focus on developing good rhythm and timing.
- Set some small goals for yourself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or frustrated when learning a new instrument, so make sure you set reasonable goals for yourself. If a particular riff is proving too difficult, break it up into smaller chunks and practice each part separately until you feel comfortable playing the entire thing.
- Have fun! Learning guitar songs by Van Halen can be both challenging and rewarding, so don’t forget to enjoy the process. Once you’ve mastered some of his easier songs, move on to more complex ones and really focus on perfecting your technique.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll soon be shredding along to Van Halen’s classic rock hits! So what are you waiting for? Plug in your guitar and get strumming!
Benefits of Learning Guitar
Learning to play the guitar can be both rewarding and fun. It can also have a number of positive impacts on your life. Here are some of the benefits you may experience when learning how to play guitar:
- Improved Hand-Eye Coordination: When playing guitar, you’re training your brain as well as your hands. You need good hand-eye coordination in order to properly press down chords, strum patterns and hit different notes accurately. This improved coordination will translate into other areas of your life, making everyday tasks like typing or writing easier and more efficient!
- Stress Relief: Playing the guitar often serves as an outlet for stress and negative emotions, allowing players to channel their energy productively. Whether you’re playing an easy Van Halen song or something more challenging, playing the guitar can be a powerful form of relaxation and help to clear your mind.
- Increased Cognitive Ability: Playing music involves using both hemispheres of the brain – this means it helps to develop problem-solving skills while also increasing your ability to think logically and creatively. You’ll notice improvements in your memory and become better at multitasking!
- Improved Social Life: Learning how to play guitar opens up lots of social opportunities with other musicians, helping you make new friends who share the same interests as you! You may even find yourself joining local bands or jamming with friends at open mic nights.
- Music Appreciation: Once you’ve mastered the basics of guitar playing, you’ll find yourself paying more attention to lyrics and melodies – allowing you to appreciate music in a whole new way! You may even develop an appreciation for other instruments as well.
Learning how to play guitar can help improve your life in so many ways. Whether it’s mastering easy Van Halen songs or discovering something new, learning the guitar can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. [7]
Effortless Van Halen Guitar Songs Comparison
Rock out with ease by exploring the simplicity of playing Van Halen songs on the guitar. This comprehensive table provides an in-depth comparison of chord complexity, rhythm difficulty, strumming patterns, solo difficulty, and additional techniques to help you choose the perfect Van Halen track for your skill level.
| Song | Chord Complexity | Rhythm Difficulty | Strumming Pattern | Solo Difficulty | Additional Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jump | Low | Easy | Upbeat Strumming | Low | Keyboard Intro Adaptation |
| Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love | Medium | Moderate | Power Chord Emphasis | Moderate | Whammy Bar Techniques |
| Panama | Medium-High | Intermediate | Fast-Paced Strumming | High | Tap Harmonics |
| Why Can’t This Be Love | Low-Medium | Intermediate | Arpeggio Strumming | Moderate | Bridge Guitar Solo |
| Runnin’ with the Devil | Low | Easy | Simple Power Chords | Low | Doubling Guitar Riffs |
Explanation:
- Jump: Low chord complexity, easy rhythm, and a low difficulty keyboard intro adaptation for a unique touch.
- Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love: Medium chord complexity with moderate rhythm and additional techniques like whammy bar usage.
- Panama: Medium-high chord complexity, intermediate rhythm, and high solo difficulty with tap harmonics for a challenging experience.
- Why Can’t This Be Love: Low-medium chord complexity, intermediate rhythm, and a moderate difficulty bridge guitar solo.
- Runnin’ with the Devil: Low chord complexity, easy rhythm, and additional techniques like doubling guitar riffs to add excitement.
Select a Van Halen song from this table that aligns with your guitar-playing skills and enjoy the iconic sound of this legendary rock band.
FAQ
What is the easiest Van Halen song to learn on guitar?
The easiest Van Halen song to learn on guitar is “Jump.” It features a simple, memorable riff and chords that are easy to play. What other easy Van Halen songs can I learn?Other relatively easy Van Halen songs to learn on the guitar include “Panama,” which features an iconic 3-note main riff; “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” a bluesy rock tune with repetitive riffs; and “Runnin’ With the Devil,” which has a straightforward, almost monotone riff.
Are there any online lessons for playing these songs?
Yes – there are several online tutorials available for learning how to play each of these Van Halen songs. Many of these tutorials feature instructional videos that provide detailed instructions on how to play each song, as well as tabs and chord diagrams. Additionally, some websites offer free downloadable sheet music for Van Halen songs.
Are there any books that can teach me how to play these songs?
Yes – there are several books available which provide comprehensive lessons on playing Van Halen’s greatest hits. These books typically include easy-to-follow instruction, helpful diagrams and photographs, as well as audio samples so you can hear the song being played by a professional musician. Additionally, many of the books also include tablature notation so you can play along with the recordings.
Are Van Halen songs hard to play on guitar?
No – while some of Van Halen’s classic songs may be challenging to master, many of the band’s most iconic tunes are actually quite easy to play. If you practice and take your time, you should be able to learn any of the songs mentioned above with relative ease. Additionally, there are plenty of online tools available for helping you become a better guitar player, such as lessons and tutorials specifically designed for learning Van Halen songs.
What is the hardest beginner guitar chord?
The hardest beginner guitar chord is likely the F major barre chord, which requires the use of all four fingers on one fret. The difficulty with this chord comes from stretching your fingers across multiple frets while holding down all six strings simultaneously. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to make it easier to play such as using lighter gauge strings and practicing finger exercises.
Was Eddie Van Halen fast?
Yes – Eddie Van Halen was known as one of the fastest guitar players in rock music. His playing style featured lightning-fast licks, which often utilized tapping, sweeping and tremolo picking techniques. He is widely considered to be an influential pioneer of hard rock guitar playing.
What amp did Eddie Van Halen use?
Eddie Van Halen famously used a modified Marshall amplifier with a variac (variable voltage regulator) to achieve his signature sound. This setup allowed him to crank up the volume without suffering from distortion or feedback at higher volumes. Additionally, he would often combine two different amplifiers for a more full-bodied tone.
Did Van Halen invented tapping?
Eddie Van Halen is often credited for inventing the technique, commonly known as tapping. The earliest example of it appears to be in his 1978 song “Eruption” from the album Van Halen. Since then, he has used the technique in many of his songs and become synonymous with the sound.
Could Van Halen read music?
No, Van Halen was not a formally-trained musician. Both Eddie and Alex Van Halen are largely self-taught musicians who learned to play guitar by ear. However, they both had an innate ability to pick up on musical cues and memorize complex riffs. Despite never reading music, the band released countless iconic rock songs that have become staples of the genre. Learning how to play some of their more popular songs on guitar can be a great way for aspiring musicians to hone their craftsmanship.
Which is the easiest musical instrument to learn?
Guitar is often considered to be the easiest instrument to learn. It requires minimal knowledge of music theory and can be learned relatively quickly with enough practice. Additionally, there are countless songs written for guitar that makes it an ideal starting point for any aspiring musician.
How many hours does it take to learn guitar?
This all depends on how hard you work and the skill level that you are starting from. If you have never touched a guitar before, it can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of practice to get comfortable with the basics. Many teachers suggest that beginner students should practice for at least 15 minutes a day to make steady progress. However, if you already have some experience playing guitar then learning new Van Halen songs may be easier and faster than starting out completely green.
Can you recommend some beginner-friendly Van Halen songs for those just starting to play guitar?
Absolutely! If you’re just starting to play guitar and want to dive into Van Halen’s repertoire, consider beginning with songs like “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” “You Really Got Me,” and “Panama.” These songs feature relatively simple riffs and chords, making them a great introduction to the energetic and iconic sound of Van Halen.
Which Van Halen songs are known for their simplicity and are suitable for guitarists with basic skills?
For guitarists with basic skills, Van Halen songs like “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and “Dance the Night Away” are excellent choices. These songs showcase Van Halen’s signature style while maintaining simplicity in their chord progressions and riffs, providing an accessible entry point for beginners.
Can you suggest Van Halen songs that are easy to play on an acoustic guitar for solo performances?
While Van Halen is primarily associated with electric guitar, you can adapt songs like “Jump” and “Why Can’t This Be Love” for solo acoustic performances. Simplified chord progressions and strumming patterns can capture the essence of these songs, making them suitable for acoustic renditions, even if they were originally recorded with electric instruments.
What are some Van Halen songs that incorporate easy yet iconic guitar solos for players who enjoy soloing?
If you enjoy incorporating iconic guitar solos, try Van Halen songs like “Eruption” and “Hot for Teacher.” While these solos can be challenging in their original form, simplified versions can capture the essence of Eddie Van Halen’s style and provide a great opportunity for players to explore soloing in the context of Van Halen’s music.
Are there any Van Halen songs that are suitable for beginners interested in practicing their tapping technique on the guitar?
Absolutely! For beginners interested in practicing tapping, Van Halen’s “Spanish Fly” is a great choice. While it may present some challenges, it’s a fantastic song for developing tapping skills and diving into Eddie Van Halen’s innovative approach to the guitar.
Useful Video: Van Halen Riffs For Beginners!
Conclusion
Van Halen’s music is a great introduction to learning how to play guitar. With some practice, even novice players can learn the basics of Van Halen songs on guitar. The iconic riffs and rhythms of Eddie Van Halen are sure to stick with you for days, and can provide hours of entertainment. So grab your favorite axe and get ready to rock! You’ll be playing easy Van Halen songs on guitar in no time. Good luck!
References:
- https://instrumentio.com/easy-van-halen-songs-on-guitar/
- https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=559630
- https://rockguitaruniverse.com/van-halen-guitar-songs/
- https://www.guitars101.com/threads/van-halen-top-5-easy-guitar-songs.25060/
- https://guitarcontrol.com/darrin-goodman/three-easy-killer-van-halen-riffs/
- https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/whats-a-relatively-easy-van-halen-song-for-me-to-learn.1298810/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-Van-Halen-song-to-learn-for-an-intermediate-guitar-player