Unveiling the Iconic Guitarist Behind Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'

Who played the guitar in Beat It? The answer is none other than Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen.

One of the most iconic guitar solos in music history can be heard in Michael Jackson's hit song Beat It. But who played that unforgettable riff? Well, it turns out that the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. To begin with, the song's producer, Quincy Jones, initially reached out to Eddie Van Halen to play the guitar solo. However, Van Halen was hesitant at first and only agreed to do it after being told that it was for Michael Jackson.

Despite his initial reluctance, Van Halen eventually recorded the solo in just two takes and it went on to become one of the most recognizable parts of the song. But here's where things get even more interesting: it's rumored that Steve Lukather, the guitarist for the band Toto, also played on the track. In fact, Lukather himself has claimed that he played the rhythm guitar parts and some of the lead lines.

So, who really played the guitar in Beat It? The answer seems to be a combination of Van Halen and Lukather, but regardless of who played what, there's no denying that the guitar work on this song is truly legendary.

Introduction

One of the most iconic songs of Michael Jackson, Beat it, is known for its fantastic guitar solo. The song was released in 1983 and became an instant hit. What makes this song unique is that Jackson wanted to add a rock edge to his album, and he did so by asking a famous rock guitarist to play on the track. In this article, we will discuss who played the guitar in Beat it.

Eddie Van Halen

The legendary guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, played the guitar solo in Beat it. He was one of the most influential guitarists of all time and was known for his unique playing style. Jackson approached Van Halen to play on the track, and Van Halen initially thought it was a prank call. However, after realizing that it was, in fact, Michael Jackson, he agreed to play on the song.

Recording Process

Van Halen recorded the guitar solo in just two takes. He improvised the solo, and it took him only 20 minutes to come up with the final version. The recording process was smooth, and Jackson was impressed with Van Halen's work.

Van Halen's Influence

Van Halen's guitar solo in Beat it became one of the most recognizable and iconic guitar solos of all time. His unique playing style and techniques influenced many guitarists. The solo was so popular that it helped bring rock music to a wider audience, which was not typical for Michael Jackson's music.

Van Halen's Legacy

Eddie Van Halen's contribution to Beat it cemented his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His influence on rock music is immeasurable, and his innovative playing style continues to inspire new generations of musicians. He will forever be remembered for his work on Beat it and his incredible talent.

Impact on Thriller

Beat it became one of the most popular songs on Michael Jackson's album Thriller. The album went on to become the best-selling album of all time, selling over 110 million copies worldwide. The success of Beat it helped propel Thriller to unprecedented heights, and it remains a cultural phenomenon to this day.

Awards and Nominations

Beat it won two Grammy Awards in 1984, one for Record of the Year and another for Best Rock Vocal Performance. Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo was instrumental in the song's success and was a significant factor in winning these awards.

Cover Versions

Beat it has been covered by many artists over the years, including Fall Out Boy, Weird Al Yankovic, and John Mayer. However, none of these covers have been able to match the original version's success or capture the magic of Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo in Michael Jackson's Beat it, and his contribution to the song was instrumental in its success. His unique playing style and innovative techniques continue to influence musicians to this day. The impact of Beat it on Michael Jackson's career and the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated, and it remains a timeless classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

The Origin of Beat It

Beat It is a song written by Michael Jackson that was released in 1983. The song is known for its catchy chorus, powerful lyrics, and iconic guitar riff. It was released as the third single from Jackson's album Thriller. The song became an instant hit and cemented Jackson's status as the King of Pop.

The Importance of Guitar in the Song

The guitar plays a crucial role in Beat It. It provides the song with its distinctive sound and adds to the overall energy of the song. The guitar solo in the song is one of the most recognizable guitar solos in music history.

Who Played the Iconic Guitar Riff

The iconic guitar riff in Beat It was played by Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen was one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century and was known for his innovative playing style and technical ability.

Michael Jackson's Input on Guitar Playing

Michael Jackson was heavily involved in the production of Beat It and had a clear vision for how he wanted the song to sound. He specifically requested that the song feature a guitar solo and was very particular about the guitar sound.

The Search for the Perfect Guitarist

When Michael Jackson decided he wanted a guitar solo in Beat It, he knew he needed to find the perfect guitarist for the job. He wanted someone who could play with the right amount of energy and flair but also had a unique style that would make the solo stand out.

Eddie Van Halen's Involvement in Beat It

Eddie Van Halen was the guitarist that Michael Jackson chose to play the solo in Beat It. Van Halen was initially reluctant to play on the song, but Jackson convinced him to do it by offering him a chance to solo over the track.

The Recording Process of the Song

The recording process for Beat It was a collaborative effort between Michael Jackson, producer Quincy Jones, and Eddie Van Halen. The guitar solo was recorded in one take, and Van Halen's playing was so impressive that Jackson insisted on keeping it as is, without any edits or alterations.

The Guitar Solo that Defined 80s Music

Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo in Beat It is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. The solo has become synonymous with the 80s music scene and inspired countless guitarists to pick up the instrument.

Eddie Van Halen's Legacy in the Music Industry

Eddie Van Halen's legacy in the music industry is immense. He was a pioneer in the world of guitar playing and had a profound impact on the development of rock music. His innovative playing style and technical ability made him one of the most influential guitarists of all time.

Why Beat It is Considered One of the Greatest Songs of All Time

Beat It is considered one of the greatest songs of all time for several reasons. The song has a timeless quality that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. The guitar solo in the song is one of the most recognizable guitar solos ever recorded, and the song's message of unity and peace is as relevant today as it was in 1983. Beat It is a true masterpiece that will continue to inspire generations of musicians for years to come.

As an AI language model, I do not have a point of view. However, I can provide you with information about who played the guitar in Beat It and the pros and cons of their performance.

Who played the guitar in Beat It?

Eddie Van Halen played the iconic guitar solo in Michael Jackson's hit song Beat It.

Pros of Eddie Van Halen's performance:

• Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo is considered one of the greatest of all time and has been praised by fans and music critics alike.
• The solo adds an extra layer of energy and excitement to the song, making it even more memorable.
• Eddie Van Halen's contribution to the song helped break down racial barriers in the music industry, as he was a white rock guitarist playing on a pop/R&B song by a black artist.

Cons of Eddie Van Halen's performance:

• Some people argue that the guitar solo overshadows the rest of the song and takes away from the message and meaning of the lyrics.
• Others criticize the fact that Eddie Van Halen was paid only $1,000 for his work on the song, despite its massive success and impact on popular culture.

As we come to the end of this blog post, we hope that you now have a better understanding of who played the guitar in Michael Jackson's hit song Beat It. It is truly fascinating how one song could bring together two of the greatest guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather, and create a timeless piece of music that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

We hope that this article has not only provided you with valuable information about the making of Beat It, but also sparked your interest in learning more about the history of music and its impact on our culture. It is through exploring the stories behind the music that we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art form and the artists who create it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends and family who love music as much as you do!

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Here are some of the common questions that people ask about who played the guitar in Beat It:

1. Who was the guitarist on Beat It?

The guitarist on Beat It was Eddie Van Halen.

2. How did Eddie Van Halen end up playing guitar on Beat It?

Eddie Van Halen was approached by Michael Jackson's producer, Quincy Jones, to play the guitar solo on Beat It after Jackson expressed interest in having a rock sound on the song.

3. What kind of guitar did Eddie Van Halen use on Beat It?

Eddie Van Halen used his signature Frankenstein guitar, which he had assembled himself from various parts.

4. What is the guitar solo in Beat It considered to be?

The guitar solo in Beat It is considered to be one of the most iconic guitar solos in music history.

5. Did Eddie Van Halen receive any recognition for his guitar work on Beat It?

Yes, Eddie Van Halen received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for his guitar solo on Beat It.

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