How To

How to Play "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

This guitar hero classic the Van Halen version of the popular "You Really Got Me." Here's a guide to getting this song into your guitar lexicon starting with Van Halen's own beginning riff.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Learn the Van Halen introduction. This is based on an E major chord starting on the seventh fret of the A string. Use the bar chord along with a low G note and some muted string strumming to get the real Van Halen sound.

  2. Step 2

    Use basic chord structures for the verse and chorus. The song starts out with a basic major chord repeated, then goes a step down and back up in A major and G, just like the intro.

  3. Step 3

    Change keys. Use bar chords to move with the song, where the first verse changes key going in top the second verse. You can hear the guitar and vocals going down in key if you listen to the song; this is a major part of following through on guitar.

  4. Step 4

    Follow Van Halen soloing patterns and the bridge of the song. You'll need to play a few variations on your A-G chord progression, but otherwise, you're good to go.

  5. Step 5

    Use tabs and guitar sheet music to figure out any solos. For a true imitation of the Van Halen version, you'll want to either learn it all by ear or check out online music guides to play along from beginning to end.

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