10 Greatest Eddie Van Halen Guitar Moments

By the time the band got to recording 1984, they were already known as kings of hair metal. With almost half a decade since their debut, Eddie and the boys had created some of the most celebrated songs to ever come out of the California rock scene. They didn't need to prove anything, but "Hot For Teacher" showed that they weren't done wowing us just yet.

Though the intro of the tune is dominated by Alex Van Halen's drum performance, the song doesn't really get going until Eddie comes roaring in. Instead of easing us into the song with a classic riff, "Hot For Teacher" wastes no time, with Eddie starting off with a tapping run that would leave most mortals' fingers in shambles. We had gotten used to Eddie's tapping moments across the band's discography, but the amount of stretching that he has to do with his left hand is almost superhuman in some spots.

As it gives way to the main riff, Eddie also displays a healthy control of dynamics, as he goes from subdued and quiet to an absolute sonic explosion in the span of a few seconds. The band may have better deep cuts in their catalog, but when it comes to the biggest hits they ever had, this track is one of Eddie's most awe-inspiring performances.