“Eruption” is one of the most famous instrumentals of all time, showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s signature tapping techniques. Guitar World magazine ranked it at number two on their list of greatest guitar solos of all time.

There’s a reason it opens both of Van Halen’s greatest hits albums: 1996’s Best Of – Volume I and 2004’s Best of Both Worlds. Some live renditions can extend to upwards of ten minutes, and often it segues into “You Really Got Me,” just like on their original 1978 debut album:

The piece is sometimes combined with elements from Eddie’s other recorded solos, 1979’s “Spanish Fly” and 1982’s “Little Guitars (Intro).”