Not with a famous band like Van Halen, but still managed to achieve success…
Harvey Mandel, the former Canned Heat guitarist, is widely recognized for his pivotal role in the development of the two-handed tapping technique on the electric guitar in rock ’n’ roll history. While this technique gained immense popularity in the late ’70s and early ’80s, thanks to guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen, Mandel claims that he was already utilizing it live as early as 1968. Despite his early adoption of tapping, Mandel believes that he has not received the proper recognition he deserves.
In an interview with Guitar World, Mandel expresses his perspective on the lack of credit he receives for his early use of tapping. He explains that due to not being associated with a prominent band at the time, unlike Van Halen, who had a hit record, his pioneering work did not reach a vast audience. Mandel acknowledges that while he is credited on platforms like YouTube for his contributions, the widespread recognition of the technique is mostly attributed to Van Halen due to his commercial success.
Mandel traces his introduction to tapping back to 1967, where he learned the technique from Randy Resnick, his co-guitarist in the Pure Food and Drug Act band. Initially hesitant to practice it in front of Resnick, Mandel eventually honed the technique and incorporated it into his repertoire. Mandel asserts that he was tapping on the guitar well before Van Halen and many others who came after him, highlighting that his unique approach was often mistaken for jazz guitar playing by listeners.
Reflecting on the influence he had on future guitarists, Mandel recalls notable artists like George Lynch and Van Halen observing his performances at renowned venues like the Whisky and the Starwood. He acknowledges Van Halen’s exceptional talent but distinguishes his approach from his own by emphasizing a melodic and musical style over extravagant showmanship. Mandel’s preference for a more structured and song-centric tapping technique contrasts with Van Halen’s acrobatic and flashy playing style.
Moreover, Mandel’s impact on legendary musicians like Ritchie Blackmore, who witnessed his tapping in 1968 alongside icons like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, solidifies his pioneering status in the guitar world. While Van Halen attributes his inspiration for tapping to Jimmy Page’s Heartbreaker solo pull-offs, Mandel’s influence on shaping this innovative technique remains a crucial part of guitar history.
In conclusion, Harvey Mandel’s early experimentation with the two-handed tapping technique laid the groundwork for future guitarists and significantly influenced the evolution of rock guitar playing. Despite not receiving widespread acclaim during his time, Mandel’s innovative approach to tapping has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.