Guitar & Musician Forums

Just curious about the time investment needed to tackle Van Halen's Eruption as a beginner guitarist. Any insights?

I admire your ambition but I would be cautious about undertaking this as a new player. Sure thing - give it a go but I would not dedicate all your time to this. It is a hard thing to play even for an advanced player and undertaking something like this as a beginner could lead to some wasted time and a lot of frustration.

I was always guilty of trying to play things way above my skill level. You eventually find that you get a lot more satisfaction and real progress from working towards more sensible and realistic goals.

But hey... you might be naturally gifted and fly though it. I will certainly be interested to hear your version when you have done it!

Good luck

While I respect the ambition, I recommend focusing on full songs instead of just solos. Solos can be fun, but learning a complete song will give you a better grasp of structure and dynamics. It might be more fulfilling and beneficial in the long run.

Learning Eruption as a beginner? That’s ambitious! But hey, if you’re focused and dedicated, anything is possible. Just don’t forget to have fun with it. Building your skills over time is what will make those solos truly rewarding.

Look, I’ve been playing for a while, and I can tell you that patience is key. Learning Eruption is a big task, especially for a beginner. Break it down into sections, and don’t rush it. Celebrate your small victories along the way! It takes time, but with daily practice, you'll see progress.

I admire your ambition in wanting to tackle Eruption. However, I would advise against focusing on just one solo. As a beginner, it’s essential to develop a well-rounded skill set. Start with simpler pieces that build your technique and musicality before diving into more complex solos.

As a beginner, I really think it could take years, especially if you’re still figuring out basic techniques like finger placement and strumming. Eruption is a complex solo that requires a solid foundation. Maybe try starting with simpler solos to build your confidence first?