For those who think he can only play fast or can't play to with others etc etc. you need to work on your ear and or look at Ed's backgroud. Yes he can play in a any band or do an concert. He won classical piano contests and can play Clapton note for note on much of his cream stuff. He is melodic (unlike some of his wanna be's). Ed has recorded Bass, Keyboards, and started out playing drums. Eddie also started out as lead singer until they hooked up with diamond Dave. Hell Eddie IS a band. Some many think all he did is tap(please). He has the hooks, creativity, feel and balls to the wall sound in spades. Only Hendrix is in his league as an all around guitarist. There is really no one else even close. Just picture a battle of the bands via time machine. Eddie Van Halen just blows EVERYONE off stage. Nuff Said.
Aug 30, 2009 Rating
ha by: Anonymous
yes, you do need to explain why EVH is the best. because he isn't, it isn't close. nobody is close to hendrix.
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Jimmy Page
3. Eric Clapton
4. Jeff Beck
5. Eddie Van Halen
Jul 13, 2009 Rating
Not The "Best" by: Anonymous
Don't get me wrong, Van Halen was indeed a madman on the guitar and had a huge influence on a large variety of guitarists. However when it comes to the very "best" meaning best in terms of technique, versatility, and creativity he is definitely no where near the best. if you were to say ask him to do a solo guitar concert or fill in for a big band, he wouldn't no shit and would get thrown out even if he is Van Halen. Not only that but his solos are not that diverse in terms of dynamics or melodic and harmonic variations. He is good in his own rock setting and his band, but playing in a rock group and not really anything else doesn't make one very diverse or inventive on the guitar. I could think of a bunch of guitarists who can play faster than Van Halen's finger tapping technique with nothing but a pick (and they would make it more melodic to). I don't mean to be a total asshole or anything, but I can tell you if you would listen to multiple guitarists from multiple genres(Joe Pass, Leo Kottke, Paco de Lucio,), you would definitely agree with me.
