Van Halen

Van Halen emerged from Pasadena in the early 1970s, founded by Eddie Van Halen and his brother Alex on drums, with David Lee Roth delivering the flamboyant frontman persona and Michael Anthony anchoring the bass. The band's relentless live shows and jaw-dropping guitar work quickly earned a devoted following as they fused blues-rock grit with a high-octane metal edge. Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary tapping techniques and dynamic playing, paired with Roth's swagger and the band's tight rhythm section, created a template for a new era of arena rock.

Their self-titled debut and subsequent early records showcased virtuosity married to songcraft, culminating in a breakthrough style that would redefine rock guitar. The 1984 album, with Jump and a wider keyboard-and-hunk-pop sensibility, propelled Van Halen to global superstardom and helped mainstream guitar-driven rock into the MTV era. Eddie's legendary 'brown sound'—achieved with a combination of amps, gain, and gain staging—became a touchstone for tone, while the band's live show became one of rock's most imitated blueprints.

Van Halen's influence endures: they're a cornerstone of metal and hard rock, inspiring countless players to pick up the guitar with more confidence and imagination. The band's legacy is enshrined in Hall of Fame induction (Rock Hall of Fame 2007), multi-platinum sales, and dozens of iconic riffs and solos that students now study in modern tabs and lessons—the 66 Van Halen lessons on DadRock Tabs included. From Eruption to Poundcake, Mean Street to Jump, their catalog remains a rite of passage for aspiring rock guitarists.