Play Like The Next Generation

You’ve heard from a slew of guitarists flying the Van Halen flag, now TG looks at the playing styles of today’s EVH disciples

Eddie Van Halen was an innovator in how he played the guitar and with the tools he used to do so. He tore up the guitar playing rulebook on his 1978 recording debut, and legions of guitarists subsequently followed his lead, aping both technique and tone.

Today, his influence is just part of the backdrop of rock, extending far beyond those who directly cite his influence. As Plini related to TG: “It’s frankly hard to imagine what sort of guitars we’d be playing or what kind of amp sounds we’d be dialling in if not for him.” We would be inclined to agree...

For now, we’re looking at some of today’s guitarists who are taking Eddie’s trademark techniques into new musical territory. Progressive math-rock and shred feature highly, but remember that the joy and excitement of pure rock ’n’ roll are at the heart of Ed’s playing.