Eddie and the slide
Eddie and the slide
Does Eddie use a slide in "I'll Wait"? I always thought that was a whammy + slide combo coming out of the solo. Then I was listening carefully and was wondering if he was using it periodically throughout the solo. I know he used it on Dirty Movies and Could this be Magic.
Great ear! Yes, Eddie Van Halen does use a slide in the solo of "I'll Wait", and you’re right to think there’s a combination of techniques happening. While Eddie is known for his use of the whammy bar (especially for creating dive-bomb effects) and slides, in this particular solo, he combines both elements, but not in the way you might think. Stickman Hook
Eddie Van Halen doesn't use a slide in "I'll Wait," though it’s easy to understand why you might think so, especially given the fluid, smooth quality of some of his playing on that track. In "I'll Wait," from 1984, most of what you're hearing is Eddie’s use of the whammy bar and his impeccable phrasing and technique. The solo and transitions make extensive use of the whammy bar to create pitch bends and slides, which can give the impression of a slide being used at times. Geometry Dash
In "I'll Wait," from Van Halen's 1984 album, Eddie Van Halen is known for his masterful use of guitar techniques, but it's interesting to explore whether he uses a slide in the solo, particularly in combination with the whammy bar.
While Eddie is primarily using a whammy bar for the bends and vibrato effects in "I'll Wait," it's less clear if a slide is being used consistently throughout the solo. The outro section, where you're noticing a whammy + slide combo, could sound like a slide due to the smoothness of the subway surfers bends and glissandos, but it is most likely Eddie's whammy bar technique combined with his usual flair for legato playing. His use of harmonics and subtle shifts in pitch can give a slide-like impression, but there isn't definitive evidence of a slide being used in the solo or throughout the track.
Block Blast Magic Sound : Eddie Van Halen likely uses a slide in “I’ll Wait,” especially during the descending phrases after the solo, adding to the song’s distinct sound. While he is known for blending techniques like the whammy bar and slides, it’s not always easy to differentiate them throughout the solo. He also used slides in other tracks like “Dirty Movies” and “Could This Be Magic,” showcasing his innovative style.