The Truth About Eddie Van Halen's Beat It Guitar Solo

Michael Jackson’s hit single “Beat It” took the King of Pop in a new direction, as he had never quite done a rock and roll song before. So, to ensure the best result, Jackson made sure to get help from one of the greats of the rock genre — songwriter and guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

At first, Van Halen found it hard to believe that Michael Jackson wanted to work with him. But once he realized it was the real deal, he laid down one of the most iconic solos in music history. And that wasn’t the only thing he did for the song. Let’s take a look at the truth about Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Beat It” guitar solo.

#VanHalen #Truth #Music

[GrungeHQ]

It's hard to even imagine this song without Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo.

[PsYcHoTrOn]

First time I heard "Beat It" on the radio I knew immediately it was Eddie playing the solo! The tone of the guitar, the notes & how they were played...Couldn't be anyone else!

[casualcarolinafishing]

I knew it was Eddie the very first time I heard Beat it. My friends thought I was crazy, but I told them there's no mistaking that sound if you're familiar with it.

[JGM-zrtv]

One of the most creative guitar solos ever. Fits the theme of the song perfectly.

[E.ternalBTNH]

Ed played the solo.
He didnt play the riff.
But, Ed definitely re arranged the song.
He said it and Quincy statement backs it.
Eds amazing at song arrangement.
One of his feats I dig the most about him.
13 number 1 hits on guitar and piano.
75 million records sold worldwide.
Rest in Peace Ed

[ArmenChakmakian]

The “iconic riff” is the guitar part you hear throughout the song. That part was played by Steve Lukather. Google him. His main gig was Toto, but he played on a ton of music in the 80s and 90s. He played guitar on this entire album. Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo in the middle of this song.

Added 4/22: He’s also been touring with Ringo Starr over the past few years. Find Rick Beato‘s interview with him on here. It’s a great interview! He talks about playing with Michael Jackson and working with Quincy Jones.

[flashy]

Only Eddie would give his talent for "FREE". He's no legend, he is all around us, watchin and waiting.

[beverlybassitt]

He will be sadly missed the man was awesome!

[rangerwhite]

I read Dave Lee Roths autobiography ages ago, "Crazy From The Heat". A great read, particularly about how the industry works. I remember him saying when he heard this, he thought, "that sounds like Ed". They were all doing their solo stuff back then. That solo is in my top 3, with Comfortably Numb and Hotel California. It's just sublime playing that fits into the song perfectly. RIP Eddie and Michael.

[petefaders]

He only played the solo. Steve Lukather played the rest. Also, he didn't re arrange the whole song, just the music under the solo.

[RonaldReaganRocks]

Don't forget Steve Lukather! Along with Quincy, he came up with the iconic central riff of the song. Eddie just rearranged some of it and provided the (blistering) solo. It was a team effort, like most great music.

[JordVT]

No no. Eddie played just the solo. Steve Lukather (of toto fame) played the main riff and even bass parts

[bradypeake]

Shows how much a good guy he is didnt want to get paid just wanted to make music...

[joemango]

Come on Eddie how could you think nobody would know it's you playing anybody can tell it's you playing come on you're the greatest guitarist ever with your own sound if they put you in a room with 10000 guitar players playing at the same time playing the same song and blindfolded me I could walk right past everybody and walk right up to you you're amazing Eddie rest in peace going to miss you

[thomaspartington]

This completely disregards all the work done by Steve lukather who actually wrote the riff and played the bass part, all Eddie did was play the solo

[hockeyman]

I learned awhile ago that there was another phenomenal guitar player on that tune. Steve Lukather of Toto played most of the song. EVH did some arranging and played the solo.
if you never listened to Lukather play you're missing out. The guy is an incredible talent.

[mattd]

I first heard of this song when my piano teacher told me Eddie VH was doing a song with Michael Jackson. I couldn't believe it. It felt like a sell out or a betrayal. Then I heard the song and had to admit, it was pretty awesome. One of the guitar magazines later named it guitar solo of the decade. It was that good.

[adam-hpqt]

Great song written by Michael, and amazing solo by Eddie.

[erikgour]

Everyone knew it was Eddie.
Here's the rub to take away from this. Whether you like M.J. or not, it just shows how much influence he had on the music world, because at that point in Eddie V.H's career, I don't think there's anyone else that could have commanded his time. Yeah, he was that big, but so was M.J.
Really cool collaboration. Definitely historical

[craigpatterson]

Two Legends looking down on us Smiling and hoping we'll do better with the next musical talent !
Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen .... Rest in Heaven ❤️🙏🏾
You two helped people dream of who they really wanted to be . ❤️🙏🏾✌🏾