On Van Halen’s self-titled 1978 debut, the late Eddie Van Halen unleashed an encyclopedia of hard rock six-string techniques, including the two-handed hammer-on. His foil, hyperkinetic vocalist David Lee Roth, presented a swaggering, streetwise persona drawing on vaudeville and Black Oak Arkansas in equal measure. Bolstered by Eddie’s brother Alex and bassist Michael Anthony, the group kicked down doors with its assault, influencing scores of acts to follow. The fourth track on Van Halen, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” maintains a lasting hold on rock fans and guitar heads alike. Read about the classic anti-love song and learn how to get its sound with the BOSS Katana.
About the Song
Fresh from headlining Sunset Strip clubs, Van Halen was a force of nature when the group exploded onto an unsuspecting late ’70s music scene. The moody, spidery guitar figure at the center of “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” is quintessential Eddie Van Halen. Originally intended as a lighthearted spoof of the trendy punk scene, Eddie initially neglected to share his idea with the group. Still, once he did, its dark lyrical bent and the urgency of the music made it an early standout.
"The moody, spidery guitar figure at the center of 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' is quintessential Eddie Van Halen."
In addition, the tune made a convert out of producer Ted Templeman, who was still unsure of Roth’s vocal potential. “The more I read his lyrics, especially ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,’ the more impressed I became,” Templeman recalls in his memoir. “His line in that song about bleeding for something you really desire just stuck with me.”
Breaking it Down
Even considering his guitar influence, Eddie’s compositional acumen may have been his greatest strength. As a songwriter, he dealt in riffs of undeniable catchiness and power, dramatic motifs that linger in listeners’ heads. As with much of Van Halen’s material, the guitarist tuned down a half step for “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” The main riff revolves around an arpeggiated A minor chord, subtly integrating pinched harmonics on the turnaround. Altogether, the effect is both haunting and driving, mirroring the references to a love that’s “rotten to the core.”
"As a songwriter, Eddie Van Halen dealt in riffs of undeniable catchiness and power, dramatic motifs that linger in listeners' heads."
Consistent with the live-to-tape approach of Van Halen, the main guitar in “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” consists of a single performance. The canny use of slapback echo expands the sonic canvas using that one inventive part. Furthermore, Eddie’s solo is a masterwork of restraint. The guitarist utilizes a droning high E string to evoke an Eastern flavor. He ascends and descends before culminating in a classic rock flourish based on the minor pentatonic scale. An electric sitar, one of few overdubs on the album, cements the exotic feel.
Learn the Licks
In a video on the Marty Music channel, Marty Schwartz walks step by step through the main riff, showing how to capture its down-picked, palm-muted feel. Using a BOSS Katana patch, he teaches techniques to milk the legendary Van Halen Brown Sound for all its worth.
While dissecting the solo section, notice how the instructor uses the patch’s mod to unlock the bonus flange to recreate the lead sound. Once you’ve explored the song, visit BOSS Tone Exchange to download the “Not About Love” patch for your Katana. Turn it up and revel in the barnstorming vintage Van Halen vibe.
DOWNLOAD
"Not About Love" Patch for BOSS Katana
- In the style of “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen
