A Short History Of Eddie Van Halen’s Iconic Guitars

Eddie Van Halen celebrated as a pioneering guitarist and the driving force behind his eponymous band, is hailed as the second great guitar revolutionary after Jimi Hendrix. Rolling Stone magazine ranks him eighth among the greatest guitarists of all time, reflecting his profound influence on rock music.

Van Halen’s explosive guitar solos played a key role in pushing disco off the charts in the late 1970s. His band’s self-titled debut album, Van Halen, and the subsequent hit record 1984—featuring classics like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Hot for Teacher”—redefined Hard Rock with their energetic and innovative sound.

But who was Eddie Van Halen before his rock and roll fame?

Born in the Netherlands, Eddie was immersed in music from a young age, influenced by his father, a jazz musician. Despite being a self-taught prodigy who could master nearly any instrument, Eddie never learned to read sheet music. Both Eddie and his brother Alex Van Halen began their musical journey on the piano before transitioning to guitar. They were truly natural talents so to speak.

For a deeper look into Eddie’s legendary guitars, check out the video by Keith Williams of Five Watt World. This video explores the stories behind Eddie’s iconic instruments and is a poignant tribute to his influence on guitar playing.

The video is a reminder of how Eddie’s groundbreaking work, such as the first time you heard “Eruption,” could leave you in awe, unable to process the sheer brilliance of his technique. Eddie Van Halen showed musicians everywhere the joy and passion of playing guitar at the highest level. His impact on music is enduring, and his legacy continues to inspire guitarists around the world. Rest in peace, Eddie, and thank you for your incredible contributions to music.

Watch the story behind Eddie Van Halen’s guitars in this video: