As we celebrate Eddie Van Halen’s birthday today, I thought I’d take a minute and share what I think are the highlights of the legends thickest, nastiest, most ripping guitar riffs.

Instead of posting the videos where you just see the album cover and hear the track, I posted some live videos to listen to Eddie’s playing in the raw. So good!

-Meltdown-

• Unchained

  This one is a no-brainer to me. Eddie at his best! This has to be a riff that every guitar player wished they wrote.

• Poundcake

  From the Sammy era, this song rips. I love the use of the drill on his guitar. Only Eddie could pull that off without making it sound silly. Alex’s drumming on the song is excellent as well.

• Somebody Get Me A Doctor

  Whenever I play this song of RIFF, the speakers in the studio don’t go loud loud enough. Just a total jam!

• Mean Street

  The tapping. The ripping. The talent! “Lord, strike that poor boy down” – I’ve always loved when Eddie’s guitar slams out of that line. Such a great song!

• Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love

  I mean, what a guitar song! EVH giving a master class.

• Summer Nights

  I’ve always loved this song, maybe because of how it makes me feel. How doesn’t need some summer nights right about now? Great riff, fun song!

• Cabo Wabo

  This song automatically puts you in a warmer place. Eddie slays it!

• Running With The Devil

  Any song that makes you whip out the air guitar, is ok in my book. That crunchy, so EVH riff is hard to beat.

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