Jump
Van Halen
- Starts on
- A string, 3rd fret
- This excerpt
- Synth riff
- Strings used
- A, D, G
- Written in
- C (open-ish)
The tab
Tab is short for tablature: a picture of the strings. Numbers are frets. 0 means play the string open.
Computer notes — not the original recording.
The bounce
G
middle-thin
D
middle-thick
A
2nd thickest
The turn
G
middle-thin
D
middle-thick
A
2nd thickest
Rhythm in words
Da-da da-da daaa. Da-da da-da da-da (wait).
How to play this
- 1This is the keyboard hook as guitar notes in C.
- 2Two 3s on A, then D string 2, 3, hold 5 — C C E F G.
- 3The turn is G, A, G, F, E, back to C.
Practice slowly
Keep it bouncy. If the last rest is missing, it will not feel like “Jump.” Start with Hear the notes at full speed or slower, then copy on the guitar. If a note buzzes, press a little closer to the fret wire — not in the middle of the space.
This arrangement is a simplified educational excerpt for learning. Playback is a computer playing the tab notes, not the original recording. It is not a full transcription and is not affiliated with Van Halen.