Rick passed this on to me and I had to play it for my son, who is learning the geeter. This is the kind of stuff that inspires ppl to play. Reminded me of being in 10th grade and hearing “Hot For a Teacher” first time out. Opening phrase of second half of that solo has that “thing” and it sent me to the Moon. Phil, you are The Man.
Met Edward once when I was a kid, I gotta say he was a kind man with deep thoughts. I met him at a party in SoCal and he was so real to me. He said there is no magic in guitar, just learning & practicing. Afterwards drunken people flipped over sofas & crashed through windows...
I absolutely agree about "I'm The One". I'm 51, and was there living in SoCal when VHI came out. I was mesmerized by that whole record, and then II, and Women & Children, and Fair Warning, etc. But I just could not get past that one song. It was everything, all of it, his ground breaking greatness of masterful, swinging rhythm/lead playing all compacted and rolled into that one song. It'll never get old.
Dude... I’ve been telling people this forever. Eddies rhythm is insane. It can’t be replicated. Thanks for bring it to TH-cam. You’re pretty damn good at it though. Nice vocals too.
Yeah. It's not his technical abilities on the instrument that make this so. It's the fact he plans on entertaining EVERYBODY in the room with with his guitar playing. Fun video.
Alex had a lot to do with the swing. I always loved that shuffle beat in songs like I'm the one and bottoms up. Saw an interview with steve Vai somewhere in TH-cam and he had a great quote "there are 2 game changing icons of rock guitar, jimi and eddie, everybody else are just good guitar players" hahaha such a great quote from a master like steve Vai to pay that ultimate respect.
Yep. No one musician can swing or groove in a vacuum. I used to get annoyed when band mates told me to groove harder on the drums - I’m like, I should be able to just play a straight 4/4 with NOTHING in between - and how you play to me makes it groove. It’s all about the play between instruments
Well, the brothers got it from their dad. He was a clarinetist and saxophonist who played in jazz and big bands. That swing was instilled and ingrained in their brains since they were toddlers.
@@docproc5150 that's where Edward got that stuttering slap intro to mean streets. It's right off that drum interlude on Light Up The Sky. Listen closely and you'll catch it. At least as far as the cadence and pattern.
The one thing I found in those early VH albums was that his playing was incredibly energetic. It still now has more life in it than almost everyone else. There is a sense of awe and bombast and sheer joie de vivre in Edward's playing, and you captured it here really well Phil.
Back in the late 70s, early 80s, I would spend hours practicing, copying, and try to figure out what the mighty King Edward was doing. I came close, but had to bow down to EVH and accept the fact that the mould was broke, and there was only one EVH. I echo what Beato posted, and I appreciate your humility. Because your chops, timing, attack are amazing! You are so much fun to watch and listen to. Not just the music, but your fun hearted wisdom. You are the guitar players, guitar player. Blessings to you, because you bless me.
Perhaps the biggest difference, Eddie was never "trying" to play the song. It was his, honed for years in backyard parties and club dates and had the raw energy of youth and talent beyond the ages. Stellar job Phil, you nail as well as anyone, and lord knows, we've all tried over the last 42 years! Never gets old...
What a great tribute! Yeah, there's such joy, humor, and soul in Eddie's playing, it's so peerless. Thank you for articulating this swing aspect of his playing!
Hands down flat out this is my favorite VH song of all time. Ed has always been an amazing guitarist/songwriter/musician and I was 13 or 14 when I heard this for the first time I think in '78...I was dumbfounded like everyone else at the time but it was a great example of someone being themselves instead of following the herd. That's who King Edward is to me...an example of individualism and what is possible if one pushes themselves and there is no better example...including Eruption...than this. Love your video and keep up the great work man.
...and here we have Phil X successfully replacing both Eddie and Dave....Literally half of Van Halen....TALENT! Dude, team up with Ed's kid and your drummer Matt Starr and tour as FAN HALEN!
There are plenty of great kids that might do a streaming jam session - find Zyon Cavalera because we know where Weinberg's kid is lol and have Alien Weaponry, Asterism, and Grimaze open for them
It has always seemed to me that people never really acknowledged Eddie's rhythm prowess. He's sucha groovy and inventive rhythm player! Yet everyone keeps talking about his (also amazing) solo stunts. BTW, awesome tone you got there dude!
I remember reading the Guitar for Dummies when first learning and the author, when pointing out EVH, said that people think of tapping but his greatest skill and talent is his rhythm playing. Agree 100%
I disagree. Every single VH video on youtube has a hundred people commenting on how "EVH's rhythm playing is underrated"...with another 500 thumbs up. I think everyone knows he's a massive rhythm guitarist.
That’s why he’s my favourite. Mean street, unchained, hear about it later, light up the sky, secrets, in a simple rhyme, hot for teacher, On Fire, dance the night away, Jamie’s crying... countless more... I can watch Michael Angelo batió for a song, but I get bored. A song us made up of riffs, and if the riffs are great, then the song is half way there. I loved Randy, but for mine it’s EVHs riffs that make the difference
And one of the greatest song writers that ever lived. He could take that technical prowess and put it into a song you can bop your head to or dance and sing-a-long.
Dude....this spot on. I was way more impressed by Van Halen’s feel than the licks. And his guitar playing is epic. Vanhalens feel is off the chain.....
Especially in his passing this has never been more clear. His rhythm guitar was so on and able to lift different parts of the song in so many ways. I think about him every day. I can only attribute it to him an Alex playing since they were kids. Rhythmically Alex inspired him. They were so locked. Then throw extra genius on top of it. Ed is the King. You’re 100% right
Ed's rhythm playing and timing is otherworldly. I remember learning the intro to Beautiful Girls. It's like, man, I know the notes are right, but I can't get them to fit into the groove. Add all the flourishes, embellishments, clicks, scrapes, harmonics, and noises and whatnot, and solos on top of all of that, and this not only could be magic, but it is.
Guaranteed that Eddie learned that swing from his father in some way. Because his father played in jazz and swing bands. I think he took that and mixed it with what his dad was doing for years. Eddie formulated something with added things along the way to create something different. Now I don't know this as fact, but it's a belief of mine.
Definitely got that swing from the ol man....just listen to his dad's clarinet playing on Big Bad Bill...if you listen carefully, you can hear where Ed got his little soloing ideas from. Mix that with playing your whole life with your older brother who's also got those same influences and BOOM...you've got a rock n roll swing duo that can't be matched.
I'm with you on I'm the one being the takeaway track from that album. Everything about it is so defining for the band, even down to the little doowop shuffle part. It really displayed what Van Halen was in all their glory.
I think you called it man! ZZ Top on steroids shuffle.... VH used to do a blistering cover of Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers live, so that influence is definitely there. A few of the older VH tunes have a boogie shuffle thing somewhere in them (like the bridge in Somebody Get Me A Doctor) that gave the songs that “party” sound. Awesome! ✌🏻🎸🎼
I’ve always thought this tune was/is really the EVH “primer”; it just incorporates everything that is astonishing about his playing- the groove, and the crazy, completely original licks and scales, all perfectly executed and placed with full feeling right inside that groove. And Phil...Jesus...what a monster in his own right.
FINALLY YES! I've been saying this for years and years. I see so many how to play EVH videos and not one gets it right. They always miss something. You're pretty damn close though.
Ha! " Im avoiding my weakness." I love it! Nobody has that Ed thing..I agree! I've had a love hate relationship with this song since 1978. Outta love is my second favorite!. The humor and swing in that second lead..........Al does that, ting bap!.....Eddie comes in with that swinging/dancing solo..I don't think anyone gets the humor and fun Ed executes. You nailed this one! Great job and thank you! I feel better now!
I think his dad's musical background had considerable influence on him as well. Yes, Eddie's sense of swing really helped set him apart. Bottoms Up! Heck, listen to Hot For Teacher...he's even got some Benny Goodman seeping through that solo.
The fact that Phil fecking X has to concentrate to play this and he's got more years playing by now than EVH had BREATHING when he cut that track really tells ya how hardcore Ed was/is.
Makes me feel better , I gave up trying to replicate the groove. Trying to explain aspect of eddies playing to other players i knew in the 80s was a lost cause for some reason .
It's just proof positive it was in his DNA. Ed had that NAILED by the time he was 20. It blows the mind. Listen to the Zero album here on TH-cam. Van Halen's demos from 1976. It's rhythm Heaven. Electric Heroin. Ed's lead style is not fully developed yet. But, his rhythm playing is insane. Finding it was like discovering Van Halen all over.
I’ve never really been a huge fan of the whole shred movement and yet Eddie Van Halen is one of my favorite guitarists. There is something in his playing that is brutal, prodigious, groovy, dark and sexy all at once !! Great video !
Yeah, I don't think Ed cares aboutt shredding. Schredding has a strong focus on speed and while EvH is fast, he's more into musicality and creativity...
often replicated, never duplicated. There's a lot of folks that get real close nowadays, but they're just copying, not creating. The stuff that Eddie did seems like it just poured out him without consious thought. The "King"? .......... hail to the King baby.
The haters will say, "But he's not as fast as (insert name here)". For me it's the phrasing ALONG with the swing that got me. Phrasing on this song is ... Well, there are no words. Sure, dudes can rifle off arpeggios and gazillion amount of notes, but they can't phrase like EVH. Dude was the complete package (with bonus parts)!
I didn’t have a dad to teach me. From 13-17 yrs old Edward was like a father to me. Never met the man but I felt like a lost a family member. We fell out of touch as I grew older and my tastes expanded but it has been a great joy rediscovering my love for VH
Couldn't agree more. Besides I'm the One, I have not seen anyone get the "bounce" and percussive feel on Beautiful Girls covers/lessons. Just like I'm the One, there is a lot going on under the hood of Beautiful Girls. Would love to see Phil, @beneller, Rick do a breakdown of these seemingly simple song.
I was in pure denial with all these tributes and videos popping up in the last year. Videos I had never seen, photos I had never seen. And, videos like this one, just honoring him. I never thought he was THAT sick. I thought, “He’s coming out of this”. This was an excellent tribute Phil X. Hope he saw it.
Dude I've been geeking out on Edward Vh too since 1978, when I started playing around with guitar at age 10. Nobody before or since has made me want to play more, and your right. Everyone watches his left hand, which is amazing. His magic is not only in his right hand, which is also amazing, but the synergy between both those hands. That's why he's EVH, you can get close, and YOU can get very close Phil, with my skills, I can sometimes get close but that's only on occasion. It's definitely in his DNA, and I'm thankful he found it at just the right time. He is the king of 10 fingers, and 6 strings!
I remember an interview with Nugent and Eddie was on stage with him at sound check. Nugent told him something like "try my gear" and it was his big white hollow body and when Eddie played it, it still sounded like Van Halen. His soul comes out his fingers and Nugent was amazed.
Eddie's true brilliance is his rhythm playing, and how he incorporates all those riffs into his rhythms. Even his solos have rhythm haha. His music inspired me to pick up a guitar, as i'm sure he inspired Phil, and most of the people commenting here, to do the same.
You are my hero! I have been playing Sax for 45 years and I don't have it either. I love EVH and the crew to this day. The best video of the day for sure.
Dang Phil! Why didn't you ever sing for Van Halen? When I closed my eyes and listened to you, I was picturing David Lee Roth. I know your a great guitar player and all, but my god, you nailed DLR on this one. Not only that, but you've got the EVH chops down pretty well. Excellent. **********Ten stars out of Five. LOL
As a guitar player who is way behind you, I really respect you for recognizing that Eddie's greatest gift among many is his rythm. Big difference between playing notes and playing MUSIC! He is the master, and effortless in his genius, always in time.
Ed may be the king of Van Halen swing but I've always thought your were one of the cleanest guitarists I've ever heard, your right hand attack on the strings is pretty much like nothing else I've seen. The only comparable guitarist I can think of is Blackmore.
In 1998, I asked Ed's tech, Mike K, to ask Ed to play I'm The One (my fav VH tune of all time) before they went on that night. He told Mike; Wow, we haven't played that in a while.... sure! Not only did VH play I'm The One that night, but I also got to play Ed's PV Wolfgang through his rig. Loudest thing I ever played through in my life, and I've played through many a rig.
I had an interesting revelation about Eddie's style recently...I bought an EVH Wolfgang and noticed how unique the arm bevel is. I think Eddie approaches the guitar from an A string-centric approach and not a low E string-centric approach like most Guitar players. You can see what I'm talking about in this clip. th-cam.com/video/8L6cefSzrxg/w-d-xo.html It's almost like he hits the Low E string on occasion instead of living on it like most players. If you can break out of the routine of looking at the low E as your typical starting point and instead place your pick between the E and A by default your entire style transforms. I couldn't help but Swing and Groove way more on my Wolfgang than on any other guitar. Hitting the Low E with a quick upstroke then hitting the A with a downstroke was a very natural way to play on my Wolfgang...on my Ibanez, I'd play the other way and use downstrokes for both strings. That tiny nuance in playing makes a huge difference with timing and feel.
I cannot remember who said this but reading an article close to 20 years ago that stated "Ed is an even better rhythm player than a lead player" which at that time got me listening closer, and songs like "on fire" etc. really show the genius in his rhythm playing, great video Phil you sounded so much like Dave its scary. Thanks for video.
People sleep on Phils voice. Even me. But that was the first thing that grabbed my ear on this track- I was like holy hell he has a PERFECT voice for singing VH
EVH is and was the most awe inspiring guitarist , IMO, of his time and still hold his own amongst anything new. The first VH album came out when I was a sophomore in high school and grabbed my soul . To this day when Eddie tears into a riff it still makes my arm hair stand up and air guitar madness run wild through my skull. One of a kind. Gotta give you props though brah. You were shreddin it sweet as far as I'm concerned. You've got alot more of " it " than most. Thanks for taking me back for a few to the days of glory.
Phil X is astonishingly great. And he still loves all the great classics. After 57 years of growing sick of douchebag rockstars, for me, Phil X is the only guitarist I want to hear or watch. Him and Tim Pierce. Phil X kills it and is always about the music. And he loves Eddy. I serously question any rocker that doesn't love Eddy. THE best!
I love Steve Lukather but his statement that everyone can play Eruption now as if it has been surpassed and is now less important and easy to play is incorrect. Eddie is one of the greatest of all time and changed guitar playing. His relevance is beyond comprehension. I agree with Phil, it’s the nuances, rhythmic slickness, tone, FEEL, and VIBE and a shit ton more that make him a rock guitar genius god. My favorite musician ever.
philx1111 I know, I really didn’t take it seriously; however, it became one of those statements people hear and there are people who try to diminish his genius. Thanks for this video, I’ve always thought his swing kept many players from sounding correct. After playing guitar over 40 years, I still listen to Van Halen and still love them. BTW your ‘I’m the One’ is still killer...peace!
Out of the "everyone's" that can play eruption, there is still no one that can play it like Eddie. And oh yeah, Eddie also WROTE the thing. Being great and being great at copying someone who is great are two entirely different things.
@@philx1111 absolutely right . That swing is near impossible to replicate and you may have seen it all but maybe not until you see you tube channel Deraps and another EVH tribute band with guitarist Simon Hosford. Simon plays it so well, if your eyes are shut you will be fooled.
Another great video, Phil! Thanks! It's not only Eddie. It's Eddie + Alex + Mike who make the magic happen. The whole is much more than the summing of the parts. No one plays like Eddie, but not even the man himself will sound the same without Mike and Alex doing their thing.
Back in the early 80's when Yngwie came on the scene with Rising Force, I saw him live opening up for RJD (RIP Ronnie) and during his solo he was kind of mocking EVH by playing Eruption note for note just like the studio version. Kinda like saying "see? it ain't that hard" but that is only a small sampling of what EVH really is. Yeah, the shreddy single note Floyd Rose stuff is catchy, but EVH is really the King of the rhythm guitar. No one plays rhythm like Eddie. No one. Just listen to the cover of Where Have All The Good Times Gone and I rest my case. So many tasty little rhythm bits in that track. The King, hands down.
I love you for this . That grove , scats and the solos . That song inspired sooooo many players . His freedom , to just play the shit , the way he felt and wanted , just makes him that much more , an innovator and trail blazer .
You know what Nuno Bettencourt would be right next to Eddie. I idle that guy's well he's awesome guitar pkayer however Eddie pioneered the whole thing.
Ton of guys from 80's tried be Eddie or were heavily influenced. Two of my all times faves that truly had the Evh mojo yet at same time retained their own styles would be Nuno and Vito Bratta without a doubt.
I just watched this again - haven't viewed since it first came out. Just jaw dropping how good this is and how humble Phil X is about his take on this amazing song. To be perfectly honest, to hear Phil X relate to the rest of us that he thinks he has "weaknesses" really highlights why he is so good - real musicians always know there is room to improve, even someone at this stratospheric level... 😮
I've been trying to explain "Ed" to a considerably talented guitarist friend of mine since forever. The guy is the same age as EVH, and very much about Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Beck, Gilmore... but for whatever reason doesn't "get" Ed. This video is perhaps the best explanation why. A lot of what those acclaimed and beloved old school guys do on guitar can be copied, and understood (except maybe Beck) to a great extent, but Ed is an entirely different animal. I think maybe what happened to my friend is that when he tried to play EVH songs way back when, it just sounded like crap by comparison. Probably scared him.
Also could be that his extensive use of the hammer-on technique (which he mastered) might give people the impression that he is a one trick pony, but if you really analyze his use of rhythmic melodies, unpredictable groove patterns combined with blazzing fast lead fills, you can then appreciate his ability to help propel their songs into pure rock anthems. "I'm the one" always left me saying "how the hell did he do all that"? We get it and that's what counts. 😁🎸🎸🎸
@@elderberry-hamster I remember the moment, including the chills, the first time I heard a VH track on the radio. Running With The Devil - the tone of his guitar, the chords, solo, dynamics... I stood staring at the little radio with open mouth, a kid of 19 who grew up listening to the masters, and had already spent years playing in working bands. I knew what I was hearing before I knew his name.
I'm the same I'm 50, been playing guitar since I was 10 and never heard a van Halen record in my life, we were into sex pistols, the clash, Bowie, cure, police, the jam, xtc, in the 80s, we hated hair metal with a passion
I was 16-17 when VH1 came out and I was still trying to figure out Hendrix,Blackmore,etc.I saw the clip for You really Got Me on our local pop show and was not overly impressed because Roth looked like an idiot.Next I was working in a record shop and the second album came out and I got to hear the first album as well.I was blown away.The older guitar guys who came in were impressed but not impressed and didn’t like the music(You Really Got Me was sacrilege).I remember when E.C.s Backless album came out and these guys were raving about it.It’s ok but ultimately simple laid back tasteful music.And here’s the key.They thought VH’s music was tacky,trashy and not serious enough not helped by the goon in striped trousers out front.
Eddie is the one guitarist I just CANNOT emulate, yet I am a HUGE fan of. And this video explains why. Its not so much his soloing thats the issue....its actually his RHYTHM playing that is impossible to copy. I can list countless examples of this, number 1 being "Unchained"...that rhythmic figure when it goes into the "Thought youd never miss me..." is just something. Its so natural it feels like its been done a million times but I challenge ANYONE to find another example of that particular motif is ALL of music.
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this....thanks Phil...its refreshing to hear your honest take on music....you and Rick Beato can always be counted on to cut through the BS.😊
Man... love your modesty and dedication. As a lifelong Van Halen Van, this was epic. I know you say you don’t have it but as VH fan, you got it! Much respect!
I could listen to you play all day Phil and hearing you talk about Ed and playing his stuff makes me hear it from a different point of view and I have a much higher appreciation of how genius he was because I actually see very clearly you playing each thing and explaining and geeking out as you said. Also dude, I think you play this song the best. It is like you are connecting to the heart of Eddie when you play it is like his aura shines through when you play his stuff. Some people play it and it sounds exact and technically it is brilliant. You are also brilliant but somehow you make it FUN and that is what Eddie did. Fun in a natural way where it is effortless. It is a very surreal experience watching you play this and hearing it sound so much like Eddie! And the coolest thing is when you add all of your own "Phil Stuff" which makes it super cool because your stuff is a mind bender 🙂
![[#2024MAMA] G-DRAGON - 무제(Untitled, 2014)+POWER+HOME SWEET HOME+뱅뱅뱅+FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ox29z5Nf1Uk/mqdefault.jpg)
This is amazing and so true! Eddie is the King of Swing. You are so good brother Phil!!! Love the video. TH-cam Gold!
Rick Beato YOU'RE THE F*%KING BEST, RICK!! THX!!
Rick passed this on to me and I had to play it for my son, who is learning the geeter. This is the kind of stuff that inspires ppl to play. Reminded me of being in 10th grade and hearing “Hot For a Teacher” first time out. Opening phrase of second half of that solo has that “thing” and it sent me to the Moon. Phil, you are The Man.
Rick Beato and Phil X. Two of the best Guitarists on TH-cam that I enjoy watching and learn a lot from. Thank you Rick and Phil. Rock!!
Not many working Musicians deserve praise from Rick...Phil X does.🤘🤘
@@luisvillarreal5262 Two musicians' musicians.
Eddie was really the king. Every guitarist is heartbroken today.
...even Hendrix is heartbroken....RIP, EVH. 🙏
Finally, I've always said that "I'm the one" is the ultimate VH tune. And yeah, for all of us playing guitar, there's no way to nail that shuffle
It was the ultimate EARLY ERA Van Halen tune. I would argue that Girl Gone Bad was one of his best middle-ERA tunes.
@@widehotep9257 I'm The One, Unchained, Girl Gone Bad and House Of Pain.
Met Edward once when I was a kid, I gotta say he was a kind man with deep thoughts.
I met him at a party in SoCal and he was so real to me. He said there is no magic in guitar, just learning & practicing.
Afterwards drunken people flipped over sofas & crashed through windows...
I love hearing Eddie's old stuff because I think about how much it pissed off Ritchie Blackmore at the time.
Richie Blackmore rules.
Fantastic! A pleasure to watch Phil play, especially VH!
I absolutely agree about "I'm The One". I'm 51, and was there living in SoCal when VHI came out. I was mesmerized by that whole record, and then II, and Women & Children, and Fair Warning, etc. But I just could not get past that one song. It was everything, all of it, his ground breaking greatness of masterful, swinging rhythm/lead playing all compacted and rolled into that one song. It'll never get old.
His rhythm playing was just as groundbreaking as his leads!
The most influential guitarist since Hendrix Hands Down!
Not, 'just as'. C'mon...
you are damn right Phil! that is why, 42 years later we still talk about his riffs and VH1is still one of the quintessential heavy rock records
AMEN !!!!!!!!!’
Dude... I’ve been telling people this forever. Eddies rhythm is insane. It can’t be replicated. Thanks for bring it to TH-cam. You’re pretty damn good at it though. Nice vocals too.
PhilX, so humble, yet one of the best guitar players in the world.
That's what most Canadians are like...👍😃
Yep.
Does a pretty good DLR impression too.
Yeah. It's not his technical abilities on the instrument that make this so. It's the fact he plans on entertaining EVERYBODY in the room with with his guitar playing.
Fun video.
He plays great indeed
So true. His brother nails it on drums too. That intro to Hot for Teacher is high octane swing.
Long live the King.
I agree...Hot For Teacher has the same swing vibe as I'm The One...another one is Beautiful Girls ( a slower groove, but same toe tapping rhythm )
Alex had a lot to do with the swing. I always loved that shuffle beat in songs like I'm the one and bottoms up.
Saw an interview with steve Vai somewhere in TH-cam and he had a great quote "there are 2 game changing icons of rock guitar, jimi and eddie, everybody else are just good guitar players" hahaha such a great quote from a master like steve Vai to pay that ultimate respect.
Alex is the swing king!
Love your humility.
I love when you talk about songs that inspire you because you inspire so many of us!
EvH is totally burned out! Same o same o. PHIL X IS THE NEW PVH.
Half of what made Eddie swing so hard was Alex. Mad props to that behind-the-beat snare and killer shuffle
AVH is a monster !
Yep. No one musician can swing or groove in a vacuum. I used to get annoyed when band mates told me to groove harder on the drums - I’m like, I should be able to just play a straight 4/4 with NOTHING in between - and how you play to me makes it groove. It’s all about the play between instruments
Well, the brothers got it from their dad. He was a clarinetist and saxophonist who played in jazz and big bands. That swing was instilled and ingrained in their brains since they were toddlers.
@@docproc5150 that's where Edward got that stuttering slap intro to mean streets. It's right off that drum interlude on Light Up The Sky. Listen closely and you'll catch it. At least as far as the cadence and pattern.
The one thing I found in those early VH albums was that his playing was incredibly energetic. It still now has more life in it than almost everyone else. There is a sense of awe and bombast and sheer joie de vivre in Edward's playing, and you captured it here really well Phil.
Fantastic Phil! You are so humble, cool AND talented. Love ya bro!
Back in the late 70s, early 80s, I would spend hours practicing, copying, and try to figure out what the mighty King Edward was doing. I came close, but had to bow down to EVH and accept the fact that the mould was broke, and there was only one EVH. I echo what Beato posted, and I appreciate your humility. Because your chops, timing, attack are amazing! You are so much fun to watch and listen to. Not just the music, but your fun hearted wisdom. You are the guitar players, guitar player. Blessings to you, because you bless me.
Perhaps the biggest difference, Eddie was never "trying" to play the song. It was his, honed for years in backyard parties and club dates and had the raw energy of youth and talent beyond the ages. Stellar job Phil, you nail as well as anyone, and lord knows, we've all tried over the last 42 years! Never gets old...
Nailed it! The intro to I'm the One is crazy! EVH is the king of the turbo shuffle! He's untouchable!! Nice work on the rest of the tune! 👍
What a great tribute! Yeah, there's such joy, humor, and soul in Eddie's playing, it's so peerless. Thank you for articulating this swing aspect of his playing!
I’ve always been way more amazed at the rhythm playing of EVH. His groove drove all those VH songs. Thanks for pointing this out Phil.
Hands down flat out this is my favorite VH song of all time. Ed has always been an amazing guitarist/songwriter/musician and I was 13 or 14 when I heard this for the first time I think in '78...I was dumbfounded like everyone else at the time but it was a great example of someone being themselves instead of following the herd. That's who King Edward is to me...an example of individualism and what is possible if one pushes themselves and there is no better example...including Eruption...than this. Love your video and keep up the great work man.
...and here we have Phil X successfully replacing both Eddie and Dave....Literally half of Van Halen....TALENT! Dude, team up with Ed's kid and your drummer Matt Starr and tour as FAN HALEN!
Phil Xhalen!!
There are plenty of great kids that might do a streaming jam session - find Zyon Cavalera because we know where Weinberg's kid is lol and have Alien Weaponry, Asterism, and Grimaze open for them
Ya.. must be some old girlfriends giving Phil the thumbs down.
@@TheZooman22 sound's far too painful for me
wrong, failed at singing Roth. Roth had mountains of soul and tone. No one ever comes close
Pretty damned close....you nailed it Man. Great job, Bro!
Dan
It has always seemed to me that people never really acknowledged Eddie's rhythm prowess.
He's sucha groovy and inventive rhythm player! Yet everyone keeps talking about his (also amazing) solo stunts.
BTW, awesome tone you got there dude!
And Fair Warning is just brutal.
I remember reading the Guitar for Dummies when first learning and the author, when pointing out EVH, said that people think of tapping but his greatest skill and talent is his rhythm playing. Agree 100%
I disagree. Every single VH video on youtube has a hundred people commenting on how "EVH's rhythm playing is underrated"...with another 500 thumbs up.
I think everyone knows he's a massive rhythm guitarist.
That’s why he’s my favourite. Mean street, unchained, hear about it later, light up the sky, secrets, in a simple rhyme, hot for teacher, On Fire, dance the night away, Jamie’s crying... countless more... I can watch Michael Angelo batió for a song, but I get bored. A song us made up of riffs, and if the riffs are great, then the song is half way there. I loved Randy, but for mine it’s EVHs riffs that make the difference
And one of the greatest song writers that ever lived. He could take that technical prowess and put it into a song you can bop your head to or dance and sing-a-long.
Dude....this spot on. I was way more impressed by Van Halen’s feel than the licks. And his guitar playing is epic. Vanhalens feel is off the chain.....
I've thought for a long time that Eddie's swing feel was what set him apart from his contemporaries. Nice job Phil!
Man, it's truly a joy to watch Phil X play Evh, he delivers the goods like a kick in the nuts..... You can feel the intensity
Especially in his passing this has never been more clear. His rhythm guitar was so on and able to lift different parts of the song in so many ways. I think about him every day. I can only attribute it to him an Alex playing since they were kids. Rhythmically Alex inspired him. They were so locked. Then throw extra genius on top of it. Ed is the King. You’re 100% right
Ed's rhythm playing and timing is otherworldly. I remember learning the intro to Beautiful Girls. It's like, man, I know the notes are right, but I can't get them to fit into the groove. Add all the flourishes, embellishments, clicks, scrapes, harmonics, and noises and whatnot, and solos on top of all of that, and this not only could be magic, but it is.
Guaranteed that Eddie learned that swing from his father in some way. Because his father played in jazz and swing bands. I think he took that and mixed it with what his dad was doing for years. Eddie formulated something with added things along the way to create something different. Now I don't know this as fact, but it's a belief of mine.
Definitely got that swing from the ol man....just listen to his dad's clarinet playing on Big Bad Bill...if you listen carefully, you can hear where Ed got his little soloing ideas from. Mix that with playing your whole life with your older brother who's also got those same influences and BOOM...you've got a rock n roll swing duo that can't be matched.
Thanks for your geek -out 👍🏾🤘🏾You’re great! EVH 4EVER
I'm with you on I'm the one being the takeaway track from that album. Everything about it is so defining for the band, even down to the little doowop shuffle part. It really displayed what Van Halen was in all their glory.
Just had your channel pop up in my feed. You are bad ass brother. Major skills. Respect!!!!
I think you called it man! ZZ Top on steroids shuffle.... VH used to do a blistering cover of Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers live, so that influence is definitely there. A few of the older VH tunes have a boogie shuffle thing somewhere in them (like the bridge in Somebody Get Me A Doctor) that gave the songs that “party” sound. Awesome! ✌🏻🎸🎼
My very favorite Van Halen tune. Thanks for the insight. Nice job!
I’ve always thought this tune was/is really the EVH “primer”; it just incorporates everything that is astonishing about his playing- the groove, and the crazy, completely original licks and scales, all perfectly executed and placed with full feeling right inside that groove. And Phil...Jesus...what a monster in his own right.
So Good!!! One of my favorite VH tunes. You killed it!!!
When this came out in 1978, was like an allien spaceship landing on earth
A friend of mine introduced me to Eruption and I didn't even understand what I was listening to. I too thought an alien spaceship had landed. Lol
I seriously thought about putting the guitar down and quit playing when that album first came out.
I will vouch for that
That is a very cool perspective dude, honestly I had never heard anything like that album, the band were awesome and the guitar playing phenomenal
That's so cool. That's the EXACT words I'd use to describe Eddie's tone on VH I. ;)
Aaah, that tone!!
FINALLY YES! I've been saying this for years and years. I see so many how to play EVH videos and not one gets it right. They always miss something.
You're pretty damn close though.
Love the Phil! You now how to have fun with it.
Ha! " Im avoiding my weakness." I love it! Nobody has that Ed thing..I agree! I've had a love hate relationship with this song since 1978. Outta love is my second favorite!. The humor and swing in that second lead..........Al does that, ting bap!.....Eddie comes in with that swinging/dancing solo..I don't think anyone gets the humor and fun Ed executes. You nailed this one! Great job and thank you! I feel better now!
I 100% agree, I’m The One is a masterpiece!! It’s a guitar solo from start to finish.
I think his dad's musical background had considerable influence on him as well. Yes, Eddie's sense of swing really helped set him apart. Bottoms Up! Heck, listen to Hot For Teacher...he's even got some Benny Goodman seeping through that solo.
The fun and point of view you give to music really impacts me!! Greetings from Colombia
The fact that Phil fecking X has to concentrate to play this and he's got more years playing by now than EVH had BREATHING when he cut that track really tells ya how hardcore Ed was/is.
It’s his fingerprint, you can’t copy it!
Makes me feel better , I gave up trying to replicate the groove. Trying to explain aspect of eddies playing to other players i knew in the 80s was a lost cause for some reason .
It's just proof positive it was in his DNA. Ed had that NAILED by the time he was 20. It blows the mind. Listen to the Zero album here on TH-cam. Van Halen's demos from 1976. It's rhythm Heaven. Electric Heroin. Ed's lead style is not fully developed yet. But, his rhythm playing is insane. Finding it was like discovering Van Halen all over.
Such a great song- you rock it!
I’ve never really been a huge fan of the whole shred movement and yet Eddie Van Halen is one of my favorite guitarists. There is something in his playing that is brutal, prodigious, groovy, dark and sexy all at once !! Great video !
Yeah, I don't think Ed cares aboutt shredding. Schredding has a strong focus on speed and while EvH is fast, he's more into musicality and creativity...
Excellent technical overview! Subscribed!
I COULDN'T AGREE MORE. For my money, there is only His Majesty, Fast Eddie.
Fast eddie is the man. Rip. Love him in motorhead and fastway
Very cool video agree with every bit of it and the playing was absolutely awesome
Eddie was as technical and yet chaotic at the same level.........powerful as hell.....almost impossible to replicate
often replicated, never duplicated. There's a lot of folks that get real close nowadays, but
they're just copying, not creating. The stuff that Eddie did seems like it just poured out him
without consious thought. The "King"? .......... hail to the King baby.
The haters will say, "But he's not as fast as (insert name here)". For me it's the phrasing ALONG with the swing that got me. Phrasing on this song is ... Well, there are no words. Sure, dudes can rifle off arpeggios and gazillion amount of notes, but they can't phrase like EVH. Dude was the complete package (with bonus parts)!
He's the biggest Dutch musical talent we in Holland ever had en will have.
@Kent Horvath he's Dutch! Lol
@@Italian_Gentleman_of_leisure Eddie Van Halen
Very cool man...fantastic voices!!!
It’s the fact that Eddie plays so effortlessly. It’s second natured to him that’s why it swings when he’s playing.
I didn’t have a dad to teach me. From 13-17 yrs old Edward was like a father to me. Never met the man but I felt like a lost a family member. We fell out of touch as I grew older and my tastes expanded but it has been a great joy rediscovering my love for VH
Eddie's guitar on Beautiful girls is my favorite, the bounce he gets on that is awsome, i've tried so many time to get it, but sadly i'm lacking lol.
Couldn't agree more. Besides I'm the One, I have not seen anyone get the "bounce" and percussive feel on Beautiful Girls covers/lessons. Just like I'm the One, there is a lot going on under the hood of Beautiful Girls. Would love to see Phil, @beneller, Rick do a breakdown of these seemingly simple song.
I was in pure denial with all these tributes and videos popping up in the last year. Videos I had never seen, photos I had never seen. And, videos like this one, just honoring him. I never thought he was THAT sick. I thought, “He’s coming out of this”. This was an excellent tribute Phil X. Hope he saw it.
Van halen musically, is as good as a rock band can be. Eddie, Alex, and Michael are top notch
Great Player !!!!!!
Dude I've been geeking out on Edward Vh too since 1978, when I started playing around with guitar at age 10. Nobody before or since has made me want to play more, and your right. Everyone watches his left hand, which is amazing. His magic is not only in his right hand, which is also amazing, but the synergy between both those hands. That's why he's EVH, you can get close, and YOU can get very close Phil, with my skills, I can sometimes get close but that's only on occasion. It's definitely in his DNA, and I'm thankful he found it at just the right time. He is the king of 10 fingers, and 6 strings!
Always watch the right hand, it's the difference between average and great.
I remember an interview with Nugent and Eddie was on stage with him at sound check. Nugent told him something like "try my gear" and it was his big white hollow body and when Eddie played it, it still sounded like Van Halen. His soul comes out his fingers and Nugent was amazed.
I wish there was video footage of that I would have loved to see that as we all would I'm sure.
I remember that interview. Nugent was blown away with the sound
Eddie's true brilliance is his rhythm playing, and how he incorporates all those riffs into his rhythms. Even his solos have rhythm haha.
His music inspired me to pick up a guitar, as i'm sure he inspired Phil, and most of the people commenting here, to do the same.
Paul Gilbert talks about this in a few videos, without groove and rhythm solos fall flat, its the number one thing, good time
You are my hero! I have been playing Sax for 45 years and I don't have it either. I love EVH and the crew to this day. The best video of the day for sure.
Isn't it funny how every time you listen to this song, you hear something new.
YES. He and Alex were in lock-step with those shuffles. It will never be replicated. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!
so refreshing to hear phil being honest about something he can't nail despite sounding pure fire
The two happiest musician's on youtube, Phil X and Yoyoka. Can't wait to see you two jam on something soon!
Dang Phil! Why didn't you ever sing for Van Halen? When I closed my eyes and listened to you, I was picturing David Lee Roth. I know your a great guitar player and all, but my god, you nailed DLR on this one. Not only that, but you've got the EVH chops down pretty well. Excellent. **********Ten stars out of Five. LOL
As a guitar player who is way behind you, I really respect you for recognizing that Eddie's greatest gift among many is his rythm. Big difference between playing notes and playing MUSIC! He is the master, and effortless in his genius, always in time.
Ed may be the king of Van Halen swing but I've always thought your were one of the cleanest guitarists I've ever heard, your right hand attack on the strings is pretty much like nothing else I've seen. The only comparable guitarist I can think of is Blackmore.
In 1998, I asked Ed's tech, Mike K, to ask Ed to play I'm The One (my fav VH tune of all time) before they went on that night. He told Mike; Wow, we haven't played that in a while.... sure! Not only did VH play I'm The One that night, but I also got to play Ed's PV Wolfgang through his rig. Loudest thing I ever played through in my life, and I've played through many a rig.
I had an interesting revelation about Eddie's style recently...I bought an EVH Wolfgang and noticed how unique the arm bevel is. I think Eddie approaches the guitar from an A string-centric approach and not a low E string-centric approach like most Guitar players.
You can see what I'm talking about in this clip. th-cam.com/video/8L6cefSzrxg/w-d-xo.html
It's almost like he hits the Low E string on occasion instead of living on it like most players.
If you can break out of the routine of looking at the low E as your typical starting point and instead place your pick between the E and A by default your entire style transforms. I couldn't help but Swing and Groove way more on my Wolfgang than on any other guitar. Hitting the Low E with a quick upstroke then hitting the A with a downstroke was a very natural way to play on my Wolfgang...on my Ibanez, I'd play the other way and use downstrokes for both strings.
That tiny nuance in playing makes a huge difference with timing and feel.
I'd agree he's more A-centric - it's in a lot of his songs. But he's also just more about song despite being one of the best lead players ever.
Funny thing is that US players are usually E-centric, while European player are more A-centric. Don't know why, but they did research on that.
I cannot remember who said this but reading an article close to 20 years ago that stated "Ed is an even better rhythm player than a lead player" which at that time got me listening closer, and songs like "on fire" etc. really show the genius in his rhythm playing, great video Phil you sounded so much like Dave its scary. Thanks for video.
WELL WELL WELL...just found the new lead singer for VH!!! And ace gtr player...
People sleep on Phils voice. Even me. But that was the first thing that grabbed my ear on this track- I was like holy hell he has a PERFECT voice for singing VH
EVH is and was the most awe inspiring guitarist , IMO, of his time and still hold his own amongst anything new. The first VH album came out when I was a sophomore in high school and grabbed my soul . To this day when Eddie tears into a riff it still makes my arm hair stand up and air guitar madness run wild through my skull. One of a kind. Gotta give you props though brah. You were shreddin it sweet as far as I'm concerned. You've got alot more of " it " than most. Thanks for taking me back for a few to the days of glory.
You could easily be Guitarist of BON JOVI and lead Singer of VAN HALEN! maybe TOUR together! EPIC!
Van Jovi?
@@spudvader haha!
Brilliant!
Phil X is astonishingly great. And he still loves all the great classics. After 57 years of growing sick of douchebag rockstars, for me, Phil X is the only guitarist I want to hear or watch. Him and Tim Pierce. Phil X kills it and is always about the music. And he loves Eddy. I serously question any rocker that doesn't love Eddy. THE best!
Couldn’t have explained it better, glad to hear someone highlighting the depth and genius of I’m the One
I love Steve Lukather but his statement that everyone can play Eruption now as if it has been surpassed and is now less important and easy to play is incorrect. Eddie is one of the greatest of all time and changed guitar playing. His relevance is beyond comprehension. I agree with Phil, it’s the nuances, rhythmic slickness, tone, FEEL, and VIBE and a shit ton more that make him a rock guitar genius god. My favorite musician ever.
Bobby Revell dude, re Luke.... obviously it wasn't to be taken literally.
philx1111 I know, I really didn’t take it seriously; however, it became one of those statements people hear and there are people who try to diminish his genius. Thanks for this video, I’ve always thought his swing kept many players from sounding correct. After playing guitar over 40 years, I still listen to Van Halen and still love them. BTW your ‘I’m the One’ is still killer...peace!
Out of the "everyone's" that can play eruption, there is still no one that can play it like Eddie. And oh yeah, Eddie also WROTE the thing. Being great and being great at copying someone who is great are two entirely different things.
@@philx1111 absolutely right . That swing is near impossible to replicate and you may have seen it all but maybe not until you see you tube channel Deraps and another EVH tribute band with guitarist Simon Hosford. Simon plays it so well, if your eyes are shut you will be fooled.
Another great video, Phil! Thanks!
It's not only Eddie.
It's Eddie + Alex + Mike who make the magic happen.
The whole is much more than the summing of the parts.
No one plays like Eddie, but not even the man himself will sound the same without Mike and Alex doing their thing.
I’ve known how to “play” Beautiful Girls for years.
Now ask me if I can that swing groove down in the pocket as good as Eddie.
Tony Fondacaro Exactly! I can't even get close.
Man Phil,
I think I had as much fun as you did on this one!! I was in high school when this record dropped....Everybody freaked out! Great times.
Back in the early 80's when Yngwie came on the scene with Rising Force, I saw him live opening up for RJD (RIP Ronnie) and during his solo he was kind of mocking EVH by playing Eruption note for note just like the studio version. Kinda like saying "see? it ain't that hard" but that is only a small sampling of what EVH really is. Yeah, the shreddy single note Floyd Rose stuff is catchy, but EVH is really the King of the rhythm guitar. No one plays rhythm like Eddie. No one. Just listen to the cover of Where Have All The Good Times Gone and I rest my case. So many tasty little rhythm bits in that track. The King, hands down.
Eddie borrowed a lot from Pete Townshend and Billy Gibbons which made his rhythm playing a unique blend of structured boogie
I agree. Eddie's rhythm guitar is off the chart.
I love you for this . That grove , scats and the solos . That song inspired sooooo many players . His freedom , to just play the shit , the way he felt and wanted , just makes him that much more , an innovator and trail blazer .
I would say that Nuno Bettencourt is probably the one who gets the closest to EVH... What you guys think?
He does have that Latin groove!
You know what Nuno Bettencourt would be right next to Eddie. I idle that guy's well he's awesome guitar pkayer however Eddie pioneered the whole thing.
Ton of guys from 80's tried be Eddie or were heavily influenced. Two of my all times faves that truly had the Evh mojo yet at same time retained their own styles would be Nuno and Vito Bratta without a doubt.
Absolutely
Nuno is a great compsrison. Reb Beach is another great one. Guy can play anything.
I just watched this again - haven't viewed since it first came out. Just jaw dropping how good this is and how humble Phil X is about his take on this amazing song. To be perfectly honest, to hear Phil X relate to the rest of us that he thinks he has "weaknesses" really highlights why he is so good - real musicians always know there is room to improve, even someone at this stratospheric level... 😮
I've been trying to explain "Ed" to a considerably talented guitarist friend of mine since forever. The guy is the same age as EVH, and very much about Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Beck, Gilmore... but for whatever reason doesn't "get" Ed. This video is perhaps the best explanation why. A lot of what those acclaimed and beloved old school guys do on guitar can be copied, and understood (except maybe Beck) to a great extent, but Ed is an entirely different animal. I think maybe what happened to my friend is that when he tried to play EVH songs way back when, it just sounded like crap by comparison. Probably scared him.
Also could be that his extensive use of the hammer-on technique (which he mastered) might give people the impression that he is a one trick pony, but if you really analyze his use of rhythmic melodies, unpredictable groove patterns combined with blazzing fast lead fills, you can then appreciate his ability to help propel their songs into pure rock anthems. "I'm the one" always left me saying "how the hell did he do all that"? We get it and that's what counts. 😁🎸🎸🎸
@@elderberry-hamster I remember the moment, including the chills, the first time I heard a VH track on the radio. Running With The Devil - the tone of his guitar, the chords, solo, dynamics... I stood staring at the little radio with open mouth, a kid of 19 who grew up listening to the masters, and had already spent years playing in working bands. I knew what I was hearing before I knew his name.
I'm the same I'm 50, been playing guitar since I was 10 and never heard a van Halen record in my life, we were into sex pistols, the clash, Bowie, cure, police, the jam, xtc, in the 80s, we hated hair metal with a passion
I was 16-17 when VH1 came out and I was still trying to figure out Hendrix,Blackmore,etc.I saw the clip for You really Got Me on our local pop show and was not overly impressed because Roth looked like an idiot.Next I was working in a record shop and the second album came out and I got to hear the first album as well.I was blown away.The older guitar guys who came in were impressed but not impressed and didn’t like the music(You Really Got Me was sacrilege).I remember when E.C.s Backless album came out and these guys were raving about it.It’s ok but ultimately simple laid back tasteful music.And here’s the key.They thought VH’s music was tacky,trashy and not serious enough not helped by the goon in striped trousers out front.
Eddie is the one guitarist I just CANNOT emulate, yet I am a HUGE fan of. And this video explains why. Its not so much his soloing thats the issue....its actually his RHYTHM playing that is impossible to copy. I can list countless examples of this, number 1 being "Unchained"...that rhythmic figure when it goes into the "Thought youd never miss me..." is just something. Its so natural it feels like its been done a million times but I challenge ANYONE to find another example of that particular motif is ALL of music.
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this....thanks Phil...its refreshing to hear your honest take on music....you and Rick Beato can always be counted on to cut through the BS.😊
The one who has the evh swing perhaps is Nuno Bettancourt
Nuno pretty damn close..
Missing the seventies grit.... Nuno cleaned it up.
Nuno swings
Nuno's way better. It is such a delusional heritage to think that what's older is better. Typical of Hendrix's and 70's fanboys
Always wished he was in a cool band
Man... love your modesty and dedication. As a lifelong Van Halen Van, this was epic. I know you say you don’t have it but as VH fan, you got it! Much respect!
Love Sammy but after David left the group these swing songs kinda disappeared from the music .
Different vibe to the Sammy era tunes, wich I love too.
I could listen to you play all day Phil and hearing you talk about Ed and playing his stuff makes me hear it from a different point of view and I have a much higher appreciation of how genius he was because I actually see very clearly you playing each thing and explaining and geeking out as you said.
Also dude, I think you play this song the best. It is like you are connecting to the heart of Eddie when you play it is like his aura shines through when you play his stuff. Some people play it and it sounds exact and technically it is brilliant. You are also brilliant but somehow you make it FUN and that is what Eddie did. Fun in a natural way where it is effortless.
It is a very surreal experience watching you play this and hearing it sound so much like Eddie!
And the coolest thing is when you add all of your own "Phil Stuff" which makes it super cool because your stuff is a mind bender 🙂
Without Alex Eddie cant swing like he does..
Wolf says there no VH without Eddie wich I agree - I also believe theres no VH without Alex
Can't wait to see your tribute man. I'm sure like you are crushed like the rest of us. Take your time. We'll be here. RIP King Edward.