Eddie Van Halen

Name: Edward Lodewijk Van Halen.
Born: 26th January, 1955 (Netherlands), son of guitarist Jan Van Halen (father) and Eugenia née Van Beers (mother) originally from Indonesia.

Profile: He is a Dutch-American guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter and producer, best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the hard rock band "Van Halen". He is widely known for his innovative performing and recording styles in rapid guitar playing, tapping, and high frequency feedback; he is also known for energetic and acrobatic stage performances.

History: Eddie learned to play the piano as a child and has won many different talent shows. However, playing the piano did not prove sufficiently challenging or interesting to him. Consequently, while Alex (brother) began playing the guitar, Eddie bought a drum kit and began practicing. They would practice for hours day after day. After Eddie heard Alex's performance of the The "Surfaris" drum solo, he grew annoyed that his brother had overtaken his ability and decided to switch and begin learning how to play the electric guitar.

Eddie notes the importance of supergroup "Cream", holding their improvisation in high regard, considering their songs to be mind-blowing. He once claimed that he had learned almost all of Eric Clapton's solos "note for note" by age 14.

Influences: Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Allan Holdsworth and Ronnie Montrose.

Axology: Fender "Frankenstrat" guitar, Ernie Ball Music Man signature series guitar, Peavey Wolfgang, Marshall 100-watt Super Lead amps, Peavy 5150 amps; MXR Flanger, MXR Phase 90.

Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_lwocmL9dQ

"His innovative use of two-handed tapping, natural and artificial harmonics, vibrato, and tremolo picking, combined with his rhythmic sensibility and melodic approach, have influenced an entire generation of guitarists."

"undoubtedly one of the most influential, original, and talented rock guitarists of the 20th century."

"Lot's of people think a song without singing is not a song, Tell that to Beethoven and he'll kick your ass" - Eddie Van Halen.