“I had to learn how to get the sound. I was just hooked”: Driven by a Van Halen obsession, Jacob Deraps is a YouTube shred superstar on a mission to bring catchy rock ‘n’ roll back to the mainstream

Jacob Deraps shreds on his Kramer S-style.

It’s been more than five years since Eddie Van Halen’s death left a void in the guitar universe. Like Jimi Hendrix before him, EVH’s influence will continue to be felt for decades, possibly centuries, after the man himself left this world.

For evidence, just head to YouTube and witness the uncountable number of guitarists emulating Eddie. While many are able to hit the notes, only a few can nail the nuances of his feel, not to mention his tone. At the top of that list, from St-Georges de Beuce, Quebec, is one Jacob Deraps.