How to Play Van Halen's I'm the One - Includes the Guitar Solo

Steve Townsend demonstrates how to play Van Halen's "I'm The One" from Van Halen's first album using Eddie Van Halen's tricks and techniques.

Gear Used:
Wampler Pedals Pinnacle distortion pedal
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
Ibanez Guitar

[JColeComedian]

Great video! Your mellow demeanor is like a guy at a hardware store showing me the different bolts you have but you are teaching us a completely insane musical masterpiece. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[JIMJAMSC]

I was 16 and been playing guitar for about a year when VH1 came out. I was playing, Smoke on the water, Aerosmith, Sabbath, some Nugent etc and though I was da chit! Friend calls me over, puts on the album and cranks it through those old speakers the size of refrigerators.
Eruption ripped my brain out, melted my face. By the time "I'm the one was over, I quit guitar for 2 months. Felt like I had been violated by aliens and most all of us had to go back to square one.
Amazing that 40 yrs or so later these songs are still considered milestones in guitar.

[sunnfeedbacker]

Holla from 2020, here learning this masterpiece after Eddie died this morning. Absolutely gutted. RIP to the greatest

[wayguitar]

This song was always "it" for me. It exemplified the revved up blues that was Ed's hallmark & feel. Excellent!

[montagedrift]

Every Van Halen enthusiast must see this video, Bravo Steve Townsend and thanks, I will be watching this video over and over until I get it right thanks again.

[josefbleaux]

This is one of those VH tunes that the casual fan might have never even heard. This song is a masterpiece in my mind. You are correct Sir. This song is right up there shoulder to shoulder with Eruption. Thank you sooo much!!!

[wolfieziggy]

40 years later it all sounds very analytical but at the time it blew minds. Still gives me chills.

[theprofessorfate]

When you watch someone teach it and although the teacher is very good, you come to the realization that playing this piece requires something special from a player, if he or she wants it to sound just right. There is a flare to playing it that not everyone can achieve, but that's what makes the original so great.

[ontrakmerchantservices]

Steve Townsend is an excellent guitarist & teacher, thanks for Posting this training.

[dalealanbryant]

This guy is, really, really good as a teacher. To the point, concise in his words, and shows you how to practice individual riffs. Thanks for your time, and input, man!

[xdreampcs]

Here in 2020. Long Live King Edward 1955-2020. Awesome vid and thank you, gonna try this!

[blendzol]

Those triplets were a pain in the ass to learn for a minute. But the way you explained it was better than all the other lessons on you tube. Thank you

[ronhanisco]

Man, you are good. I don't need lessons, but you can teach with articulation. I've learned a lot about teaching from you. My students tell me I'm too impatient, and don't explain myself. You are an incredible player AND teacher.

[jamescarmody]

Great instruction !! Can't believe Eddie was only 21 or 22 yrs old when this song and album came out. 42 years later it is still amazing. Will always be. But that he was so far ahead of everyone so young is mind-blowing. A great musical story for history. His impact is so amazing. The Michael Jordan of if Michael Jordan also invented the breakaway [dunk-safe] rim, Plexi backboards, the 3-point line, the shot clock and the official size and weight ball the NBA now uses.

[JColeComedian]

Three minute and forty-seven second song- 40 minute instructional video LOL Eddie is not of this earth.

[alexclayhm]

Loving the Van Halen riff lessons guys, keep them up. It would be interesting to see too some of his tones nailed by the Sovereign and the Triple Wreck (they can do it). EVH was so underrated as a rhythm player. I partial to his rhythm licks just as much or more than the solos.

[wolfie]

I have been playing / teaching for close to 30 years and your teaching skills are stellar! I am also a huge EVH fan and i will be sure to drop back from time to time for some tips.

[imagep]

That was a great lesson. It's crazy how he uses those shapes instead of diatonic scale positions. Thanks for all the hard work that went into making this. It was very enjoyable and helpful.

[markfriedmann]

Awesome lesson. Explained beautifully and easy to follow. My favorite VH tune. To be able to see and play what the legendary EVH is doing, is beyond words. Of course it’s impossible to duplicate the master. Miss you Ed

[dongampon]

Best guitar teacher in the world. Wicked guitar player.