Chordplay - The Chords of Steve Vai

[@lifelongfan07]

Steve Vai is considered as one of guitar gods. He loves 2nds 4ths etc....beautiful! I love aug chords.... in theory, they say you can’t resolve or end on these.....wrong! This guy did this!

[@HeadbangoO]

Great episode. So interesting to analyse guitarists who know what they do, instead of 90% of the others who just move half tones to get spooky tunes!

[@ron3676]

Hey David,,,Thanks ,the Vai stuff is so cool,,,Chords and leads,,,saw Steve a few times,,,- Vai Band,,, DLR and White Snake,,, his Fingers are a so long,,, he has to turn his hand to play the neck,,,Steve is one of the greatest ever.,,didn't he start that 7String Ibanez thing,,,Then the corn band took it over. in the early 90s a freind Blues Saraceno opened up for Steve Vai in L.A. it was AWESOME. - RJ

[@johnkerr6141]

The stuff that he did playing with Whitesnake is utterly awesome

[@LateNightLessons]

Heck yeah! Slip of the Tongue is an underrated album - BIG time. I think the self-titled album may have overshadowed it a little bit, but Vai was totally on fire and you could tell he pulled out all the stops when he recorded that one. Truth be told, I like when it sounds like he's working under pressure and pushed creatively. Nothing against his solo material, but most of that stuff sounds relaxed to my ears. Not on Flexable or Passion and Warfare so much, but pretty much everything else seems/feels relaxed and at ease. But in his Zappa, DLR, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz days - he sounded like he was expected to be a musical magician for those sessions and you can almost feel that pressure he was under to be as great as possible!

[@joerobinson2538]

I was lucky to see him and meet him both times on the DLR tours of 86’ and 88’-in 88 he was bringing his bicycle off the tour bus🤣 great way to stay in shape! I’ll never forget his exaggerated hand movements as he signed my guitar mags with him on the cover of-just like his right hand when he plays! I was so awestruck! While I was walking away in 88’, he yelled -“come back here! I forgot to give you one of my new picks! It is a hot dog flying through the air graphic--Hot Dog and a Shake meets Skyscraper? David-you may even have that pick in your collection! Let me know! It would be cool if we both had the same pick! I didn’t get one in 86’-they were rushed into the hotel by security-he actually stayed back behind the band members to sign stuff while the security dude wasn’t too happy🤣 those DLR albums were both life changing for me-especially Eat Em and Smile!

[@LateNightLessons]

That rules! : ) I don't have any Vai picks, but that story and everything kicks ass. He's such a legend and incredible talent. When I see anyone talking bad about him and saying something negative, I just think about everything he's seen and accomplished in his career. There's nothing anyone can say that will dismantle that body of work and career. He's a complete master of the guitar and a legend beyond-legend. Rock on Joe!

[@quix99]

One of the people that all it takes is 1 note and you know who it is. My greatest inspiration for playing

[@barrypwalkerable]

Another great video!!!!! More Vai please!!!!!!!

[@BillyZakk]

Thanks... great stuff, hope I can pick some of it up when I get guitar in front of me, keep videos coming

[@BillyZakk]

How about the chords of Richie Kotzen next

[@brooksharris3231]

Dude, you rock!

[@straightshooter8662]

ive found you can get some really nice cords starting from the 3rd either up or down on a cord, and imply the root. its a jazz thing i think but its very cool cause you get some very nice sounds and can imply whatever root you want

[@superzombie6024]

This was excellent, you have a really great way of explaining multiple aspects be it one single note and or riff, great work!! Any chance you could do a once over on "Going Crazy" intro, also a very unique Vai creation!

[@jboughtin7522]

My first encounter with the M7flat13 chord was this song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6bcaYZ4q7KloK8

[@ricopaxton]

Half way in.. Man, "sisters" and "two fools a minute", two of my favorite tunes of him. Had once the pleasure, seeing him live with David Lee Roth, my favorite "musician constellation". Thank you (again) for great insights

[@DarrenJohnMusic]

Watching Steve Via play Whispering A Prayer live at the Astoria is a religious experience. He's the best guitar player in the world.

[@markusantonio4866]

My first live experience of him and his great band The Breed on that concert. The ending part of that song is fantastic

[@ThrashRoC]

To me , it´s Impossible to name "The Best" Guitar player in the world ..there are so much great Players ...from the past and the present Steve Vai , for example is Technically VERY great ...but not ALL his Records or music touches me ..how i said .."Passion and Warfare" is his BEST work , and alone for this Album he deserves to be one of the absolute greats

[@bingefeller]

Great video, David. The open position Eadd9 is *the* Steve Vai chord to me, every time I hear that chord I think of Vai. There are loads of cool chords on the Sex and Religion album as well. That has some of his best playing on there too.

[@choppingpenguin]

The solo in Rescue Me Or Bury Me may be my favorite Vai solo of all time. Mind boggling!

[@LateNightLessons]

sus4b9 - that album is killer and I saw Vai (and Townsend) on that tour. 1993 - it seems like a lifetime ago, which I guess it was - hahaha! Great stuff and hell yeah - that solo from Rescue Or Bury Me rules Stephen! : )

[@bingefeller]

@@choppingpenguin There was an interview with Steve Vai in the September 1993 Guitar World and he talks about the Rescue Me or Bury Me solo. He says that he played the first part of that solo with his fingers and he talks about getting a Jeff Beck like tone.

[@normjones6916]

Rediscovering these chord shapes with you wow. Superb work on teaching these chord shapes:)

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you so much! Steve Vai RULES! : ) Stay tuned for more material and take care!

[@ThrashRoC]

Hats OFF ! Steve Vai´s Album "Passion and Warfare" is one of my ALL TIME Favourite Guitar Records ! i listen it for maybe 500 Times in my life ..(get it directly when it came out) "Sisters" is also one of My Favourite Steve Vai songs ! Straight away so Great !

[@ThrashRoC]

"I would love to" ....BEST Vai Solo !! ..."Now im very very shy"

[@TMoody]

Eat Em' & Smile is my favorite Van Halen record.

[@LateNightLessons]

Hahaha! That album is on fire! : )

[@kyrkwalters5658]

????🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@deanlewis2692]

Another great vid. You mentioned meeting vai. Well cool. I’m 48 and was well into vai around ‘87 as well as many players. I’d never even heard most of em speak til KZbin kicked off.

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks for this comment and for watching too! : ) I met Vai at Sweetwater's GearFest in Ft. Wayne, IN which occurs each June. I highly recommend making the trip (even if it's hundreds of miles for you). I've been two years in a row covering it for Guitar Player Magazine and so far I've met/seen Vai, Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, John Scofield, Adrian Belew, Nita Strauss, Courtney Cox, Mark Holcomb, Chris Broderick, and a ton of others. It's a great event and free to the public too! Rock on!

[@reubentrapp]

Wow associating chord voicing with artists is hugely helping me visualize chords when I hear them elsewhere. Awesome lessons!

[@ThrashRoC]

This is 'greasy kid's stuff, ' mix 12, ground zero, with the melody guitars Up .3, bass up .4, kick down .5, overheads up .4, less gate on the snare, And 3db added at 10k on the pultecs to the rhythm guitars. we're rolling. Pickslide ....

[@varundsr4512]

Love the lessons man - really thanks a lot. Quick question, any specific reason why you call the second chord a Em7b13 instead of Cmaj9/E?

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Steve Vai is such an old soul. I met him, it was a truly spiritual experience, not like any other celebrity I've met, and I've met a lot!

[@rokchops]

You have a really great approach to teaching Dave, and an Amazing VAST Knowledge of Chordal Theory! I'm glad that I found your channel mate! Thankyou Zane - (Perth, Western Australia)

[@LateNightLessons]

Well you're welcome and thank you for watching and this comment. It's great to hear feedback and know that these videos are helping and inspiring other people. That's what this is all about and it makes me feel good reading comments like this one. : ) Take care and rock on!

[@mdm73100]

Dave…great break down on this ..Viv woman is that hidden gem from Vai school.. I have always thought Vai’s chord and rhythm playing might actually be stronger than his lead play ..my opinion

[@eatsleep8688]

adult chord. not for the kids. lol Em11 . Em13. E6add11. EM9 harmonic chord: CM9

[@thomasfarmer1730]

Hey what about the chords of Vovoid...guitarist Piggy(R.I.P.) was probably the most unconventional metal guitarist with his strange weird chording.

[@scottwilson6138]

Saw Steve via when he came to Australia with David Lee Roth in 88. I got flexible when it first came out Nothing like it Loved him in crossroad

[@TheMeJustMe75]

As a teenager, I was more interested in solos and how to write them. Years later, understanding the chord progressions is more important to me. Solos make more sense if you know what's backing them. Know the chords, know the modes and things will click. To be honest, still struggling with modes.

[@jeeankarlos9123]

Thank you for shared your knowledge. I like that. What do you think about the book Vaideology? I don't know if I buy. Thanks again.

[@bartvenken7138]

The chords you played at the begining make me think of Zappa's Zoot Allures.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

There is a video of Steve teaching For the Love of God. It's basically the solo. You get a good look at his style and how he uses his finger placement.

[@johncecilia4517]

Amazing lesson! Very inspiring Tabs would be nice too

[@LateNightLessons]

Thank you! I do include tabs for some of these lessons, but I rarely do for Chordplay. Sorry! : )

[@johncecilia4517]

@@LateNightLessons no problem still great videos!

[@urgumskurgum7570]

This video is great.I had wondered for a long time how these chords were played so thankyou. I saved this video to my playlist as i didn't have time until now to sit with my guitar in my hands and have followed how you have shown them to be played. Many thanks ,All the very best🎸 .

[@LateNightLessons]

That's great to hear and thanks my friend! Stay tuned for more lessons and material and take care! : )

[@stringbender11672]

Lol I was wondering when u were gonna do some Vai. Flex-Able is a milestone in my music collection. Very cool bro. Thank you for breaking down some of his stuff, cuz it ain't easy!!!😎👍

[@LateNightLessons]

Thanks bro and yeah, Vai is a badass! He'll be back. : ) lol

[@Habilio1]

Vai, is probably the most creative player, who else has jumped from band to band and made amazing solos???

[@LateNightLessons]

His solo material is outstanding, but I've always liked when he works with another artist. Zappa, DLR, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, PIL, etc... - when he's working with a group his playing/music changes and it seems he has to focus his music and energy differently. It's all great, but when he's working in those situations it seems to push his differently compared to when he's doing his own thing. Thanks again and take care!

[@MikeMassions]

Next time you’re at GearFest, stop by the HeadRush booth and say hello! 🤘🏻🎸

[@LateNightLessons]

I will do that! I did meet Michael Lee Firkins at the HeadRush booth last summer at GearFest. My mind was TOTALLY blown meeting him, and then my mind was blown again checking out the HeadRush amps. : )

[@MikeMassions]

Late Night Lessons very cool! MLF is the MAN. Heck yeah, man. Come hang out with us.

[@ligamentpull1]

Awesome Lesson, Could you please cover some of His Eate'm and Smile Solos?

[@waynegram8907]

Late night lessons, can you make a video lesson on steve vai "joint shifting" licks? and when steve vai was in david lee roths bands licks he did?

[@stealthy7]

Late to the party - very very good/inspiring, thanks David

[@QuikdethDeviantart]

Ballerina chords? Hard to tell with the Eventide doing its thing....

[@seriousorry]

Emadd11, great chord shape. In fact its the 1st chord from FZ- Revised music for guitar and low budget orchestra. Well close maybe.. .

[@richardjewett7702]

Chordplay of Frank Zappa soon??

[@LateNightLessons]

Hey! I did create a Chords of Frank Zappa episode a month or so before this Vai episode. Check it out and thanks for watching! : )

[@SuperHorsecow]

These chords sound really interesting. Thanks for this lesson. I struggle with chordplay sometimes; my theory knowledge is lacking. Your chordplay lessons have pushed my guitar playing. Very exciting stuff aha

[@LateNightLessons]

This is GREAT to hear and what this is all about! Thanks for this comment and letting me know these lessons are helping. : ) Stay tuned for more and take care!

[@chrisconners1632]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@brandontuck1923]

Par Brahm at the end of where the wild things are please

[@rocker8692]

Reminds me of mr.rodgers neighbor song lol

[@mikeriesco6174]

Been paving his own...Vai-way?

[@burnsZY85]

Really enjoying this series on chords, great work :)

[@iminthewonderland]

Tank you

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

OOh nice find. Subbed.

[@theaccidentalautophagist6565]

This is so useful thank you

[@brianralph5036]

for the love of god sounds just like the theme from kung fu

[@commentfreely5443]

steve vai 'doesn't sound normal'

[@terminatort.m4866]

U forgot Alcatraz

[@Stringprodigy]

Not on your Patreon

[@lapendosnaz]

Awesome man...👍

[@GuitarAddiction]

yummy .. that first chord em type is epic with an A bass too ;)

[@LateNightLessons]

Oh yeah, like a A6sus4 - that's a great chord! : ) Thanks for watching!

[@davidperrott5098]

Wow... Great choice of songs Dave. 'sisters' .. 'Damn good' and 2 fools from skyscraper. I love that track with the duelling between Vai and Sheehan. They're really showing off and its humorous and fun also. I saw him with DLR at Monsters of Rock 88 at Donnington UK. Epic day that was! Then I saw Vai with Devin Townsend in a little club in Madrid in 93 when he did the 'Sex and Religion' record. Not one of my best loved efforts ... Still think' Passion' takes some beating ... And the flexable's and leftovers have got some totally insane stuff on em. Anyway... Thanks Dave I'm a fairly new member so i'm lucky that I get to enjoy the new stuff and all the past lessons as well! Happy Daze!!! x

[@JeremyBransford]

Dude...great picks! Been playing Sisters for 25 years. Thx for the "Two Fools a Minute" demo!

[@oddfellowfloyd]

This was great, man! :) Steve was the guy who originally inspired me to start playing 7-string (back in 2001?), and his video of, "G3 Live , 1996, with solo), was the thing that just dropped my jaw. Could you please do a lesson on the chords behind, "The God Eaters??" :D

[@dixee6498]

"It's almost like a flower blooming". That's probably the best description I've ever heard to describe Sisters

[@UR2Compliant]

Your demeanor is so warm and approachable...I learned a lot (even though I've been playing for years) and you are the kind of dude I'd wanna hang out with! Great stuff bro...subbed and thumbed up!

[@druchumley4571]

Vai is just an incredible musician. His work on Public Image Limited's Album is the pinnacle of what the electric guitar is capable of.

[@cool927]

Steve Vai is so versatile. He says that he is not a great blues player and yet every time I hear him play the blues… he is amazing! Great ear for melodies and odd chord voicings. Such a unique player and style.

[@gregcastdrywall1645]

Thanks for this one. Nice work 👍 Would be great to see an Ace frehley video on his lead technique and chords from his earlier years. Around the Kiss Alive era.

[@tplunkett87]

I've seen him on both of the DLR tours and then his several solo shows recently and I absolutely love his work. When I first heard the Flexable album I had never heard anything quite like it. I completely agree that Viv Woman is such a unique groove - thanks for playing that one!

[@PIlotrcm]

Like your channel. You talk more about theory and music than simply technical exercises.

[@choppingpenguin]

Viv Woman was the very first Vai riff I ever learned, love it!

[@LateNightLessons]

That's awesome and I really do love that tune. It's totally one of my favorites. : )

[@subjectifobjectif]

Great video, love your humility...& the G skills too

[@fernandes5986]

Amazing lesson, Sisters is seach a beautiful baroque piece. I love adult chords : D

[@fernandes5986]

It's amazing how you can sound that good with a Line 6.

[@Jasonfurrofficial]

Flexable is on my studio wall too!

[@LateNightLessons]

I love that album! I bought that record when I was a kid visiting a record store with my dad and I had no idea who Steve Vai was (I was young). I spotted and liked the artwork on the cover and at that time/age I had no idea who the best players were - I basically only knew Eddie Van Halen. So when I shopped for music back then, I usually picked albums that had a guy on the cover with a guitar in his hands. I bought Flexable and Blow By Blow the same day and they both blew my mind. I was NEVER the same after that - hahaha! : ) Take care and rock on!

[@Jasonfurrofficial]

Thomas Nordegg, Steve's guitar tech, is a friend of mine. I'm glad you got to meet him at Gearfest! This past year is my first year missing Gearfest. Gearfest year before last is how I got my vocal audition with Dweezil Zappa! I love Sweetwater's facilities!

[@gtrman69777]

I have a signed copy of Flexable that I got at a Vai concert back in the 90's 😃. I wish I could remember where I put it. 😢

[@sasgayable]

awesome lesson but where's that sweet star wars print from??

[@LateNightLessons]

It's a strip of vintage wallpaper from the '70s that I found and framed. It's totally off the hook. : ) Thanks for watching!