Steve Vai
Latest about Steve Vai
“Do not try to play them like Edward – because you can’t”: Steve Vai says this is the secret to nailing Eddie Van Halen’s guitar parts in front of a live audience
By Matt Parker published
Vai has been considering his experiences winning the hearts and minds of Van Halen fans back in the ’80s – as his friend Joe Satriani gets ready to do the same this summer
“My jaw was on the floor so many times!” Steve Vai once tipped Matteo Mancuso for greatness – now the two virtuosos have finally shared the stage in one of the most technically dazzling jams you’ll ever see
By Matt Owen published
It's been almost two years since Vai hailed Mancuso as the evolution of guitar, and at long last the pair have locked fretboards in a no-holds-barred guitar dual
“It’s one thing to listen, but when you play these songs, you go, ‘It’s no wonder Eddie had so much fun playing this’”: Tackling Van Halen, reforming G3, recording with Steve Vai – Joe Satriani is gearing up for his biggest year yet
By Andrew Daly published
He’s the godfather of shred, but over four decades into his career, Joe Satriani is busier than ever. He explains why he’s playing catch-up after avoiding Van Halen songs in the ‘80s, what his “intentionally excessive” collaborations with Vai have in store, and the biggest struggles he’s facing in covering “the greatest guitar player of all time”
The ‘90s was a watershed era for gear, and set the template for the future of the electric guitar – these are the retro designs, digital innovations and misfit toys that defined a decade and beyond
By Chris Gill published
The invention of the seven-string, emergence of digital modeling and rise of the boutique pedal industry all took place during the ‘90s, and provided the blueprint for the sound of guitar music to come
“Every time we play together it takes me back to when we were teenagers… pushing, challenging and helping each other to be the best we could be”: For the first time ever, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are working on new music together
By Matt Parker published
The two virtuosos have also announced a huge tour marking their first co-headline dates outside of their G3 shows
“Steve Vai tried to school me on string bending, but you just don't do that on bass!” Pete Griffin reflects on his time with Steve Vai, and his latest solo EP
By Nick Wells published
The seasoned sideman compares notes on Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt, Zakk Wylde and Dweezil Zappa
Steve Vai’s Hamer JEM prototype is going back up for auction – with a starting bid of just $2,500
By Matt Parker published
The instrument represents an alternative slice of guitar history, and was originally built as an audition to produce Vai’s signature model
“I don’t think I will ever come close to the magic of the original, but I tried my best!”: Marvel at Matteo Mancuso’s unique technique as he absolutely nails Steve Vai’s legendary Crossroads showcase Eugene’s Trick Bag
By Matt Owen published
The Joe Bonamassa and Al Di Meola-backed virtuoso gave the Crossroads track a mind-melting makeover as he announced he will be teaching at Steve Vai's forthcoming guitar academy
“Without a good ear at the helm, you could find yourself musically adrift at sea”: Steve Vai shares his course on ear training for guitar players – the ultimate guide to improving your musicality
By Steve Vai published
Developing your ear is one of the most important lessons you can learn as a guitar player – and there is no better teacher than Steve Vai
“It’s like John Scofield took acid”: Steve Vai’s tech shares the story behind the virtuoso’s psychedelic semi-hollow
By Jonathan Horsley published
Scofield's signature model has had a radical makeover for Vai’s semi-hollow moment – and we're not just talking about that stunning swirled finish
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