Rank #9Rock/Metal1980sDeceased
Eddie Van Halen
Two-handed tapping and 'Eruption' rewrote the rulebook. Every shredder since owes him a debt.
95% approval
Career Highlights
- Van Halen I (1978) — "Eruption"
- Jump (1984)
- Invented two-handed tapping technique
- Frankenstrat guitar
Influence
Two-handed tapping was known before Van Halen, but "Eruption" made it a phenomenon. Every shredder from 1978 onward owes him a direct debt.
Legacy
Redefined what was technically possible on electric guitar. His tone, technique, and showmanship set the standard for an entire era of rock guitar.
Stats
Overall Rank
#9Genre
Rock/MetalEra
1980sUpvotes
42,100Downvotes
2,100Approval
95%Elite — Top 10