Van Halen's 'Right Now': Guitar Chords & Song Breakdown

Hey everyone, music lovers! Today, we're diving deep into a Van Halen classic that's been rocking the airwaves and inspiring guitarists for decades: 'Right Now'. This song is a fantastic example of Van Halen's innovative songwriting, Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar work, and the band's ability to create a truly memorable tune. So, grab your guitar, and let's break down the chords, the structure, and what makes 'Right Now' so special. This article is your guide to understanding and playing the chords, and even adding your own touch to it.

The Intro and Verse Chords: Setting the Stage

Let's kick things off with the intro and verse chords. The intro of 'Right Now' is immediately recognizable, with its distinctive keyboard riff that's quickly joined by the guitar. The chord progression is relatively straightforward, but it's the way it's played – the rhythm, the feel, and Eddie's characteristic touch – that truly brings the song to life. The basic chords used in the intro and verse are centered around A major and E major. Specifically, you'll be playing these chords: A major (A, C#, E), D major (D, F#, A), and E major (E, G#, B). The rhythm is crucial; it's a driving, almost syncopated feel that gives the song its energy. Eddie often uses a technique called palm-muting, where you rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, percussive sound. This is very important if you want to get the sound right. He also makes generous use of open strings, which contribute to the song's bright and open sound. Remember that the guitar often doubles the keyboard part, which means that you can also play it on the guitar with the same chords. Mastering these basic chords and the rhythm is the first step toward playing 'Right Now'. The song's structure is pretty easy to follow, so let's get into each part of the song, from the intro to the bridge, and how the chords fit together. Focus on playing cleanly and keeping a steady rhythm. This is a song that's about feel and precision. And trust me, it's not as complex as it might sound.

When we talk about the intro, the chords are: A, D, and E. Play these chords with a consistent strumming pattern, and you'll immediately recognize the song. It sets the tone for the entire track. The use of a simple progression creates a great sound. As the song progresses, the verse is also built around these chords, with maybe some variations in rhythm or a change in the arrangement. You can get a good feel by listening to the original recording. The main chords create the foundation, but it's the small details that make the song. Pay attention to the transitions between chords. It is important to know the duration of each chord. That's what gives 'Right Now' its unique feel. Practice switching between the chords smoothly. You will get better with practice. Once you feel comfortable with the intro and verse chords, you'll be well on your way to playing 'Right Now'!

The Chorus: Bringing the Energy

Now, let's crank up the energy a bit and head into the chorus. The chorus of 'Right Now' is the heart of the song. It is where everything comes together: the vocals, the drums, and, of course, the guitar. The guitar chords in the chorus become richer and more powerful, building on the foundation established in the intro and verse. The chord progression in the chorus usually stays around the same chords, but how you play them is what makes the difference. You'll still be playing variations of the A, D, and E chords, but maybe with a slightly different strumming pattern or a different rhythm. Listen to the original recording to get the dynamics of the song. You'll likely also hear Eddie adding fills and embellishments to the basic chords. These fills are the trademark of his sound. They add so much flair and expression. The secret to mastering the chorus is to play with confidence and conviction. The chorus is where the emotion of the song comes alive. You can really start to feel it. Experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques. Try adding a little bit of your own personality. The chorus is the part of the song where the band members come together and create something extraordinary. It builds on the energy and emotion.

The chorus gives you the opportunity to show off your musical skills. While it's essential to understand the chords, it's the rhythm and how you play them that truly bring the chorus to life. As a tip, when you practice the chorus, think about the dynamics. The chorus needs to be much louder and more energetic than the verses. You're playing to convey the emotion of the song. This part of the song is meant to be the biggest and most exciting part. Once you get the chords down, focus on the overall feel of the chorus. The tempo, the energy, and the passion make it memorable. And don't be afraid to add your own touch and flair to the song.

The Bridge and Beyond: Adding Flavor

Let's move on to the bridge and some of the other interesting parts of 'Right Now'. In the bridge, the song often takes a turn, offering a contrast to the main verse-chorus structure. It's often where the song's energy and complexity build up. This is where Eddie's genius as a guitarist really shines. The bridge in 'Right Now' might feature different chord progressions, more complex rhythms, or even a guitar solo. The bridge is the section where the band can explore new sounds. While the core chords remain the same, the way they're played changes. The bridge acts as a transition, but it can also be a highlight of the song. This is where the band members can add more color to the song. If you're looking to challenge yourself, the bridge is your playground. The bridge usually changes the rhythm, the harmony, and the energy.

When you play the bridge, listen carefully to the original recording. Try to identify the different elements and how they all come together. Look for details in the guitar parts. Eddie often includes chord embellishments and solo sections in the bridge. These are your opportunities to add your flair. You can emulate Eddie's guitar parts or even create your own. If you are learning the guitar solo, then it's a great opportunity to explore the guitar's capabilities. Remember that the bridge is not the end of the song. It leads back into the chorus, so it is important to think about the transition.

Beyond the bridge, 'Right Now' is a song that keeps on giving. Eddie often adds a guitar solo. The solo is an opportunity for improvisation and musical expression. This is where Eddie really lets loose. The solo adds another layer of emotion to the song. The solo might incorporate techniques like tapping, string-bending, or vibrato. By studying the solo, you can learn a lot about Eddie's style. After the solo, the song usually returns to the chorus, bringing the song to a satisfying conclusion. Learning the different parts of 'Right Now' is a fun and rewarding process. You'll not only improve your guitar skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the song.

Tips and Tricks for Playing 'Right Now'

Alright, guys and gals, let's talk some tips and tricks to make your 'Right Now' experience even better. Playing 'Right Now' like the pros involves a combination of technical skill and musical expression. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Practice with a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady rhythm, which is crucial for this song. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. It is so important to develop a good rhythm, so practice it as often as you can. It helps develop your timing.
• Master the Palm-Muting: Palm-muting is a key technique in many Van Halen songs. Practice muting the strings with the side of your picking hand to get that signature percussive sound. It can be a little challenging to learn at first.
• Experiment with Strumming Patterns: 'Right Now' has a driving rhythm. Try different strumming patterns and find one that feels right for you. Experiment with different patterns, so you'll be able to play with more variety. Try changing the speed and dynamics of your strumming.
• Listen to the Original Recording: Always listen to the original recording of the song. Pay attention to Eddie's phrasing, the dynamics, and the overall feel of the song. The original song is the best way to get a feel for what it's supposed to sound like.
• Learn the Guitar Solo: The guitar solo is a highlight of the song. Break it down into small sections and practice each one slowly. Take it slowly and build up speed. Learning the solo is a great exercise.
• Use Proper Finger Placement: Be sure to place your fingers correctly on the fretboard. Keep your fingers close to the frets to avoid any buzzing sounds. It's really worth paying attention to the details.
• Play with Expression: Music is all about expression. Don't be afraid to add your own personality and feel to the song.
• Practice Regularly: As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Set aside some time each day or week to practice, and you'll see your skills improve. Regular practice will help you build your confidence.

Conclusion: Rock On!

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to playing 'Right Now' by Van Halen. We've covered the chords, the structure, and some helpful tips to get you rocking. Remember, the key to playing this song well is practice, patience, and a whole lot of passion. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make the song your own. And remember, learning to play songs like 'Right Now' is a journey. Every guitarist started somewhere. Keep playing, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the music. Rock on, and happy playing!

I hope this breakdown was helpful. Keep practicing, keep rockin', and I'll see you in the next one. Cheers! Let the music be with you. This song is a great addition to any guitarist's repertoire. And remember to always have fun playing your guitar. You can always come back and re-read the sections. Thanks for reading. Let me know what other songs you'd like me to cover. Stay tuned for more musical adventures!