Runnin' With The Devil Guitar Lesson - Van Halen - Famous Riffs

"Runnin' with the Devil" is not only one of the greatest rock songs of all time but it's also our introduction to the legendary guitar work of Eddie Van Halen.

As the opening track on Van Halen's debut album, "Running with the Devil" had to start the now legendary album with a huge riff with a great hook.

In this Runnin' With the Devil guitar lesson we will take a look at that classic riff as played by Eddie Van Halen.

This riff uses basic triad shapes across the second third and fourth strings and also has a little bit of Hendrix influence in the way that Eddie hammers from one triad to the next at one part in the riff.

For many guitarists this is their very first Van Halen riff that they learn. It's pretty attainable by most ability levels and it is also an instant classic. :)

If you want to learn the rest the song as always make sure this video gets 600 likes on YouTube. After that I will tackle every part of the song note for note here on the site.

So I will see you guys again soon teaching the entire song. Until then, have fun with this classic riff by the one and only Eddie Van Halen.

Carl...

[andrewelizondo]

Rest In Peace, The legend will never be forgotten Rip Eddie Van Halen 1955-2020

[rickeywest]

I’m crying right now.... just found out 5 minutes ago eddie has passed from cancer. Learning this so I can cry while I play this loud as I can Rest In Peace. I also share the same birthday as this legend I’m at a loss for words

[shawnc]

Carl please make the video for the rest of the song huge fan of your teaching and Van Halen it would be awesome to play along with the entire song thanks man

[robertodagamapaes]

I’ve been suffering from anxiety from COVID-19. I’m getting better but I’m still not totally free from that, it’s a second effect so it’s different from regular anxiety! Your videos help me a lot! It’s the few moments I was free from this torment! Thank you!

[willriker]

Thanks, sounds great, almost 1000 likes ... looking forward to the whole song!

[geethr]

This song has 1000 likes. How about a complete song lesson?

[scott]

Appreciate what you do! You are one of the best out there! Excellent tutorial, good Video and excellent discussion by you! You have made my playing much better!!!

[DarkInvader]

Carl, Thanks For Your Reply. How About Doing "Never Say Die" Black Sabbath. Thanks Again !

[EOgletree]

Just learned funk 49 yesterday so this was...extremely easy. If you know, you know

[daviswood]

could you do a complete video for the song

[wndsrf]

If anyone wants to get rid of the warble when you barre the d, g, and b strings during the main riff, try detuning the b slightly.  I believe Eddie did that to make it sound better...which it does.

[learnguitarchordsonline]

Great work! Thanks for this really easy to follow tutorial.

[flexbass]

Can you do can't stop loving you by van halen

[Lex]

Awesome job.  I'm so sorry you didn't get 600 likes.  I would of liked to see how you played the entire song  (sad face)

[matteogalan]

Guitar legend will always be remembered RIP Eddie Van Halen.

[armindade]

Hey another great video! You are the best teacher on youtube, I was wondering could you teach the intro to "everybody wants some" by van halen? The intro has many pick scrapes and effects and it would be great if you could teach it.

[thelurxx]

Just found your huge van Halen tutorial series on your channel! Thank you so much, that'll keep me busy :D ;)

[DarkInvader]

Carl, You Forgot To Pick The Strings "Above" The Nut Before Starting The First Chord ! Just Busting Balls, Great Tutorial !

[susangallander]

ah man please finish the lesson you got me hooked on it now :)

[ashthegreat]

1000 like now Carl. Can we have the rest now pls? Love yr work. Thanks