Who plays the guitar in Michael Jackson’s song “Beat It”?

Eddie Van Halen is the guitarist featured in Michael Jackson’s classic song “Beat It”. He was famously brought in to record his iconic solo at the request of Jackson, who had been a fan of Van Halen since he first heard their 1978 self-titled debut album. Eddie’s famous guitar work on the track helped make it an instant classic and cemented its place in music history.

Eddie Van Halen: The Guitar Legend Who Played the Solo in “Beat It”

Eddie Van Halen is a rock legend who played the iconic guitar solo in Michael Jackson’s song “Beat It.” The impact of Eddie Van Halen’s signature sound on that song has endured for decades and continues to be appreciated by fans today.

His approach to playing the guitar was revolutionary, combining the rhythms and techniques of funk with those of classic rock. He seamlessly blended powerful strumming and masterful solos that created unique musical textures that thrilled listeners. His timing was impeccable and he had an ability to make every note count, creating tension as well as release throughout each composition.

Van Halen is considered one of the greatest guitarists ever, rivaled only by Jimi Hendrix. His influence can be heard in numerous other genres, from hard rock to heavy metal, jazz fusion and even pop music like “Beat It.” He pushed boundaries, constantly exploring new ideas and incorporating them into his playing style. He took risks but always maintained a strong sense of melody which allowed him to create some truly memorable performances.

The Origin of Michael Jackson’s Collaboration with Eddie Van Halen

Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” was one of the biggest pop hits of all time, but many may not be aware that it featured a searing electric guitar solo by legendary rocker Eddie Van Halen. The collaboration between the two musical icons is the stuff of legends – and it all started with a chance meeting in an airport.

The story goes that Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen were both sitting at adjacent gates waiting for their flights in LAX. As they waited, they struck up a conversation about music which led to Michael asking Eddie if he could help him write a song with a powerful guitar solo. Without hesitation, Eddie accepted and promised to record the track when he returned from his flight – something unheard of from most musicians at that time.

The next day, after arriving back in Los Angeles, Eddie went straight to Quincy Jones’ recording studio where he quickly recorded what would become one of the best-known electric guitar solos ever put on tape. When Quincy heard it for the first time he declared “this guy is going to blow everybody away.” His prediction was proven true when “Beat It” hit radio waves shortly afterwards – inspiring millions around the world with its fusion of Rock & Roll and Pop music.

Eddie Van Halen’s Impressive Contributions to “Beat It” and Pop Music History

Eddie Van Halen’s stunning guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s classic single, “Beat It”, is remembered as one of the most iconic and influential moments in pop music history. At the time of its release in 1982, Jackson was already a household name but it was Eddie Van Halen who helped take the song to even greater heights. Van Halen’s combination of incredible speed, technical proficiency, and sheer expression all delivered with an exciting blues-rock energy inspired millions around the world.

Van Halen made several remarkable contributions to “Beat It”. His lead guitar parts elevate many sections of the song from being merely good to outstanding; his use of riffs add enormous colour and texture that would otherwise be missing; and his extended outro provided listeners with an unforgettable musical experience. Van Halen also created a unique multi-layered guitar track for this song using two different amplifiers running simultaneously into separate mixers so he could control each sound separately during mixing sessions – something rarely done at that time.

As well as being featured prominently on “Beat It”, Eddie Van Halen’s influence can be heard in countless other songs across a variety of genres including rock, metal and jazz fusion. His unique playing style had a huge impact not only on popular music but also on how guitarists approach their instrument today – inspiring multiple generations to reach new heights with their playing.

Controversies Surrounding Eddie Van Halen’s Involvement with “Beat It”

When it comes to the song “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, one of the most iconic elements is the unforgettable guitar solo. Though many people assume that this famous riff was written and performed by Michael himself, the song actually featured contributions from famed rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen. This collaboration has since stirred controversy amongst fans and critics alike.

The main issue at hand is whether or not Van Halen was properly credited for his work on “Beat It”. Some argue that although he did provide a significant part of the track, he should have been credited as a co-writer due to the large impact his performance had on its success. However, others claim that such an arrangement may not have been feasible in 1983 when recording took place – with no formal credits being included in the liner notes or otherwise when the single came out.

Regardless of their different opinions, there’s no denying that Eddie Van Halen made an invaluable contribution to one of Michael Jackson’s most enduring hits. His effort not only added a unique flavor to “Beat It” but also showed how two distinct styles can be blended together effectively. The fact remains that without him, we would never be able to enjoy this electrifying classic today.

Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson’s Legacy through “Beat It” and Beyond

When the song “Beat It” released in 1982, it instantly became a sensation. Not only did this iconic single from Michael Jackson’s album Thriller reignite the King of Pop’s career and solidify him as an international star, but it featured one of the most memorable guitar solos of all time. This incredible feat was accomplished by guitarist Eddie Van Halen, a man who had risen to rock stardom himself with his band Van Halen only three years prior. The solo he provided for “Beat It” certainly cemented his place in music history alongside that of Michael Jackson himself.

The collaboration between Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson began when producer Quincy Jones asked the former if he would be willing to provide some guitar work on what was already an award-winning track. Little did either party know at the time just how pivotal this contribution would become over time as fans of both musicians forever tied them together through their timeless classic. After hearing just a few bars, Van Halen decided he could bring something special to this song and went ahead with recording his part in 30 minutes or less – though no money changed hands for this legendary performance.

Beyond its initial release, “Beat It” continues to leave its mark throughout popular culture decades later; films like Back To The Future II included segments featuring portions of the instrumental break; even video game enthusiasts can find Easter eggs related to it in titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock. Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson remain two influential figures whose legacies are still celebrated today thanks in large part to their successful collaboration on “Beat It”.