how to play unchained by van halen

3 min read 07-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn to play Van Halen's iconic "Unchained"! This comprehensive guide breaks down the song's riffs, solos, and techniques, perfect for intermediate guitarists. Master Eddie Van Halen's signature style with our step-by-step tutorial and video resources.

"Unchained," the hard-rocking anthem from Van Halen's 1986 album 5150, is a testament to Eddie Van Halen's innovative guitar style. Its powerful riffs, soaring solo, and driving rhythm make it a challenging but rewarding song to learn. This guide will break down the key elements, helping you unlock the secrets of this classic.

Understanding the Song Structure

"Unchained" features a relatively straightforward structure, making it easier to learn in parts:

Intro: A powerful, driving riff that sets the tone for the entire song.
Verse: The main riff continues, underpinned by a strong bassline and drums.
Chorus: A slightly altered riff with a more melodic feel.
Solo: A showcase of Eddie Van Halen's signature tapping and whammy bar techniques.
Outro: A repeat of the main riff, often with variations.

Mastering the Main Riff

The main riff is the heart of "Unchained." It's characterized by its powerful, driving rhythm and use of pinch harmonics. Here's a breakdown:

Riff Breakdown:

Rhythm: The riff is primarily played in eighth notes, with a strong emphasis on the downbeats. Practice maintaining a steady tempo and strong rhythm.
Pinch Harmonics: Eddie's signature pinch harmonics are crucial to capturing the raw power of the riff. Experiment with different techniques to find what works for you. There are numerous online tutorials demonstrating proper pinch harmonic technique.
Tapping: While not as prominent as in some of his other songs, subtle tapping can be incorporated into the riff for added flavor. This is optional but adds authenticity.

Practice Tips for the Main Riff

Slow Practice: Start at a very slow tempo, focusing on accuracy and clean execution. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Metronome: Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo and develop your timing.
Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the nuances of Eddie's playing in the original recording. Emulate his phrasing and dynamics.

Conquering the Solo

The solo in "Unchained" is a masterclass in Eddie's distinctive style. It features his signature tapping, whammy bar dives, and legato phrasing.

Solo Breakdown:

Tapping: The solo heavily relies on two-handed tapping, a technique that requires significant practice and coordination. Start with simple tapping exercises before attempting the solo.
Legato: Eddie uses legato phrasing extensively, smoothly connecting notes without picking each one. This requires a light touch and precise finger placement.
Whammy Bar: The whammy bar plays a crucial role in creating the soaring, expressive sounds of the solo. Experiment with different techniques to control the pitch bends.

Practice Tips for the Solo

Break it Down: Break the solo into smaller, manageable sections. Practice each section repeatedly until you can play it smoothly and accurately.
Listen and Transcribe: Listen carefully to the solo and try to transcribe it note for note. This will help you develop your ear and understanding of the melodic structure.
Use Slow Practice: Use slow practice to master the technical challenges before attempting to play it at full speed.

Essential Gear and Techniques

Guitar: A guitar with a humbucker pickup will capture the raw tone of the original recording.
Amp: A high-gain amp is essential for achieving the distortion sound. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your setup.
Effects Pedals: Consider using an overdrive or distortion pedal for additional tonal control. A wah pedal can also add to the feel.

Video Resources and Tabs

Numerous YouTube videos demonstrate how to play "Unchained." Search for "Unchained Van Halen guitar lesson" to find tutorials suitable for your skill level. Many websites and tablature resources (like Ultimate-Guitar.com) offer tabs for the song. Remember to use multiple sources to cross-reference and find the most accurate versions.

Conclusion

Learning "Unchained" requires dedication and practice. But by breaking down the song into manageable sections and focusing on mastering each element, you can unlock this classic Van Halen anthem. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning one of rock's most iconic guitar parts. With persistence, you’ll be rocking out to "Unchained" in no time!