Wolfgang Van Halen believes his father, Eddie Van Halen, is an underrated rhythm guitarist and songwriter. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on Eddie’s talents.
“I think my dad is an incredibly underrated rhythm guitar player and songwriter,” Wolfgang said. Many people see Eddie as just “Mr. Tap” or “Mr. Shred,” but Wolfgang thinks there’s much more to his father’s work. He explained that Eddie’s skills as a songwriter and rhythm player laid the groundwork for his famous technical abilities.
Wolfgang pointed out that while many guitarists can shred and run through scales, they often lack the depth that comes from strong songwriting. “There are plenty of people who are just great shredders, and that’s not as interesting,” he noted.
He also mentioned Malcolm Young from AC/DC, calling him the greatest rhythm guitar player in history. Wolfgang feels that both Eddie and Malcolm’s contributions often get overlooked.
These comments reflect Wolfgang’s ongoing discussions about musicianship. He has previously talked about the appeal of artists like Taylor Swift and how effective songwriting can be just as important as technical skill.
In other conversations, Wolfgang has explored Eddie’s playing style and influences, including the impact of guitarist Allan Holdsworth and various tapping techniques.
Wolfgang Van Halen continues to celebrate his father’s legacy while highlighting the importance of rhythm and songwriting in music. Fans of rock and guitar will appreciate this insight into Eddie’s artistry and the respect Wolfgang has for his father’s contributions to music.
