Runnin’ With The Devil TAB – Van Halen
Van Halen Runnin’ With The Devil Tab transcribed by Diego Fonseca.
In the video above, I perform “Runnin’ With The Devil” by Van Halen. This song, from their 1978 debut album, is a rock classic and a must-learn for any serious guitarist. Follow the tablature to play along.
Why Eddie’s Tuning Was Different
Eddie Van Halen was known for his meticulous attention to detail, and that extended to his guitar tuning. For “Runnin’ With The Devil,” he didn’t just tune down to Eb standard. He made micro-adjustments to each string to keep the major chords from sounding sharp or out of tune, especially the major third on the B string. Here’s the breakdown of Eddie’s tuning:
- 1st string (high E): Eb +12.7 cents
- 2nd string (B): Bb +26.9 cents
- 3rd string (G): F# +34.6 cents
- 4th string (D): C# +35.0 cents
- 5th string (A): Ab +35.0 cents
- 6th string (low E): Eb +26.7 cents
This specific tuning allowed Eddie to maintain the rich, full sound of his power chords while avoiding the intonation issues that can arise in lower tunings.
Gear Used:
Zoom Guitar Lessons – Learn to Play Like Eddie
If you’re looking to master techniques like Eddie’s and learn how to play with precision in custom tunings, check out my Zoom Guitar Lessons. From beginners to advanced players, I cover a range of styles, including rock, blues, metal, and shred. Learn the nuances of legendary tracks like “Runnin’ With The Devil” and elevate your guitar playing. Clickhere to learn more.