Spanish Fly (instrumental)

"Spanish Fly" is an instrumental solo played on a nylon string acoustic guitar by Eddie Van Halen. It was featured on his band Van Halen's 1979 album Van Halen II. The track was viewed by critics and fans alike as a follow up to the electric guitar instrumental "Eruption" from the band's first album Van Halen released in 1978.

It may be said that "Spanish Fly" was Edward Van Halen's answer to anyone who questioned his skill as a guitar player, or doubted that he really was playing the "Eruption" guitar solo on Van Halen I, rather than relying on studio sound effects or machines to create the sounds.

The track is played in one take with a pick, rather than fingerstyle. It expands on many of the techniques used in "Eruption" such as tremolo picking and finger tapping. Many guitar players have stated this to be a more difficult and technical piece than "Eruption". Guitarist Steve Vai has been known to say "Spanish Fly" is his favorite Van Halen song.