by Wolfgang Van Halen recently broke down two distinct tapping techniques pioneered by his father, Eddie Van Halen, in an interview shared on Guitar World via Ultimate Guitar.
The discussion offered insight into how Eddie’s revolutionary guitar work shaped rock history. It also revealed how Wolfgang applies these techniques through his own drummer’s perspective in his new track, “The End.”
“I look at tapping – I know there’s many different ways of doing it, but being the ‘Van Halen spawn,’ I look at tapping in two different ways,” Wolfgang said. “There’s the ‘Eruption’ tapping, there’s the ‘Hot for Teacher’ tapping.”
He explained the technical differences between the two approaches.
“The ‘Eruption’ is very straight. You anchor one finger and blast through,” he continued. “But ‘Hot for Teacher’ is way more rhythmic. Since I’m a drummer, first, I kind of take everything rhythmically.”
Wolfgang’s analysis reveals how his dual identity as both a drummer and guitarist shapes his understanding of his father’s groundbreaking techniques.
Guitar World reported that Wolfgang’s new track “The End” incorporates tapping techniques inspired mainly by Eddie Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” solo rather than the more straightforward tapping style found in “Eruption.” The song features an explosive rhythmic lead intro that showcases the rolling, rhythmic tapping style Wolfgang describes. The music video also nods to the classic Van Halen track.
Wolfgang’s drumming background significantly influences his approach to guitar playing. He explicitly credits his drumming experience with shaping how he approaches guitar rhythm and timing. This percussive sensibility translates into a more textured and groove-oriented style. “It’s super simple… Since I’m a drummer first, I take everything rhythmically. Then you have to try singing on top of it later, which is funny,” Wolfgang explained in the interview.
Eddie Van Halen’s influence on modern guitar tapping techniques remains foundational and multifaceted. Ultimate Guitar noted that Wolfgang differentiates two main schools of tapping technique established by his father: the precise, barre-style tapping in “Eruption” and the more rhythmic, rolling tapping in “Hot for Teacher.” These approaches demonstrate the versatility and expressive potential of tapping as pioneered by Eddie Van Halen.
Eddie’s style transformed guitar soloing by popularizing two-handed tapping with a balance of melodic precision and rhythmic complexity. His technique evolved beyond purely virtuosic display into rhythmic interplay and phrasing. It influenced generations of guitarists and established a lasting legacy in rock guitar history.
The interview was conducted by Ola Englund. It provides a rare glimpse into the melodic and rhythmic nuances that defined Eddie Van Halen’s legacy, as seen through the eyes of his son who continues to honor and evolve that tradition.
