Check out violinist Nina DiGregorio’s outstanding version of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar masterpiece “Eruption”
Nina DiGregorio stands as a luminary in the realm of music, celebrated for her unparalleled talent and remarkable achievements. With a career spanning illustrious collaborations and captivating performances, her musical prowess knows no bounds.
Having graced the stage alongside icons like THE KILLERS for President Obama, DEEP PURPLE, CHEAP TRICK, Shakira, Michael Bublé, and many more, DiGregorio‘s virtuosity has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Her contributions to the industry extend beyond genre boundaries, having lent her exceptional skills to artists ranging from Boz Scaggs to Peter Cetera, and from Stevie Wonder to the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA.
A standout moment in DiGregorio‘s career arises from her tenure in Toni Braxton‘s band, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a musician. However, it is perhaps her role as the leader of the all-female ensemble FEMMES OF ROCK that truly exemplifies her innovative spirit and artistic vision. Currently captivating audiences across the United States with their dynamic performances, FEMMES OF ROCK represents the culmination of DiGregorio‘s dedication to pushing musical boundaries and empowering female musicians.
Yet, amidst her myriad accomplishments, one standout performance encapsulates the essence of DiGregorio‘s talent: her mesmerizing rendition of Eddie Van Halen‘s legendary instrumental masterpiece, “Eruption.” Displaying unparalleled skill and precision on a 7-string fretted violin, Nina DiGregorio‘s interpretation stands as a testament to her unparalleled mastery of her craft.
“I struggled and fought the limitations of the instrument,” says DiGregorio. “I had some really hard practice days, but the best motivation for me is ‘it can’t be done.’ It took a combination of newly learned left and right hand technique, played precisely, practiced slowly for clarity, forever to even make the right sound. The spaces that you need to hit, quickly, on a fretted violin are much smaller than that of a guitar.
“I tweaked the effect chain and technique right up until the 11th hour on the very final day of doing this. One day near the end of it, I was practicing in the studio and Brody [DiGregorio‘s husband] was taking a shower. When he got out, he said to me he thought I was playing the recording of Van Halen. That was my breakthrough day. I knew I was close. I haven’t worked this hard since my masters recital on classical violin. I’ve ripped up my fingers to shreds, they bled, they blistered.”
“Eddie Van Halen was in a class all of his own,” she continues. “His sound, technique, rhythm, and musicality changed the game for all guitarists (and this electric violinist) that followed. I am a far better performer, a far better violinist, with a much larger range of abilities, thanks to the months (or years) I put into dissecting his style and taking the time to do this on a violin as close to how he did it (so effortlessly) on a guitar as possible. Thank you, EVH, for making so many of us better musicians.”
In the annals of music history, Nina DiGregorio‘s legacy is bound to endure, celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to the art form and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility.
“Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen stands as a watershed moment in the history of guitar solos, forever altering the landscape of rock music. Released on VAN HALEN‘s eponymous debut album in 1978, the solo revolutionized guitar technique with its unprecedented speed, innovation, and technical prowess.
VAN HALEN‘s use of two-handed tapping, harmonics, and rapid-fire scales redefined the possibilities of the instrument, inspiring countless musicians across genres. “Eruption” remains a cornerstone of rock guitar, revered for its virtuosity and enduring influence, cementing Eddie Van Halen‘s status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.