This is Eddie Van Halen’s guitar from Van Halen’s “Panama” on its own, with the vocals, bass and drums removed. Without the band you can hear every part of the riff, the rhythm fills and the solo exactly as he played them on 1984.
GUITAR only (Eddie Van Halen):
What to listen for
- The main riff. The song’s driving chord riff is simple on paper. On the isolated track you can hear how Eddie’s picking hand gives it its swing, and every small fill he adds between the chords.
- The “brown sound”. Eddie’s guitar tone, which he called the “brown sound”, is easy to study here: heavily driven but still clear enough to hear each note of a chord.
- The breakdown. In the quiet middle section of the finished song you hear Eddie’s Lamborghini revving. With the guitar on its own, you can follow what he plays underneath it.
About the song
“Panama” is from Van Halen’s sixth album, 1984, released in January 1984 and produced by Ted Templeman. It was written by the four band members: Eddie Van Halen (guitar), David Lee Roth (vocals), Michael Anthony (bass) and Alex Van Halen (drums). 1984 was the first Van Halen album recorded at 5150, Eddie’s home studio. The car engine heard in the song is Eddie’s own Lamborghini, recorded at the studio.
More from the band: the Van Halen isolated tracks page and the Eddie Van Halen page, plus two more songs from 1984: Jump (guitar and keys) and Hot for Teacher. New to stems? Read our guide to isolated tracks.
FAQ
What album is Panama on?
“Panama” is on Van Halen’s 1984 album 1984, produced by Ted Templeman.
What is the car sound in Panama?
It’s Eddie Van Halen’s own Lamborghini, which was recorded revving at his 5150 studio and added to the song’s breakdown.
Who wrote Panama?
All four members of Van Halen are credited: Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen.
