Joe Satriani's Legato is INSANE!

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You ever wanted to UNLOCK Joe Satriani's one of a kind legato phrasing, style, and technique? You've come to the right place! Your buddy Uncle Ben Eller here is gonna show you 3 different phrasing concepts in the key of B minor that are gonna turn your fretboard into the dang ol' Crocodile Mile. If you've ever wanted to play the hot licks of classic tunes like Flying in a Blue Dream, Surfing With the Alien, Time Machine, Always With Me Always With You, and countless others.... you NEED these techniques!
In this lesson video, I'll show you the concepts you need to adapt, such as his floaty odd note groupings, then give you the tech tips you need to keep it sounding squeaky clean (just like Satch's dome)!
Gear:
Ibanez RG550
Fishman Fluence Classic pickups
Synergy Friedman HB DLX module
What legendary shredder do you want some insight on next?
#joesatriani #surfing #alien

[@BenEller]

Thanks for learning about Joe Satriani’s INSANE legato with me! My Patreon supporters are enjoying TABs plus a bajillion bonus lessons right here: www.patreon.com/posts/103435397?

[@hexn00b52]

Not only is Joe a gorgeous golden god. But he has spawned other gods. The world is a better place because of him.

[@richardjones2811]

Yes he spawned Kirk Hammett

[@FourMypersonaluse]

He is a Al Gorgeous voice impersonationist❓ 👶🎤🙏👶🎤🙏

[@FourMypersonaluse]

U can't say that with any conviction,,, because u have no idea what the world would have been like without him 👶🎤🙏👶🎤🙏👹🎤🙏👽

[@rapid13]

@@FourMypersonaluse He gives many people pleasure through his music. His music would not exist if he did not exist. The amount of happiness would be less without him having existed. Yes, we absolutely do know. Just like we we know how much better this comment section would be without you.

[@GooseGumlizzard]

he also spawned Kirk Hammett

[@synboy]

"Blue Dream" is a staggeringly great piece of guitar.

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Agree

[@jfo3000]

Great composition too.

[@metalboy5150]

That bit that finishes out the first solo of the song, maybe the last quarter or so of the first solo is just blindingly, brilliantly amazing. It starts with a 4 or 5 double stops and rolls into a bend-and-slide bit, and it just makes my heart stop every time. Joe is absurdly deserving of his "Guitar God" reputation.

[@DC11GTR]

Been a Satch worshipper since the late 80s and that’s yet to change. I kind of outgrew Vai (though his latest is fantastic) and I don’t really know how to listen to Dream Theater anymore. But Joe Satriani has never let me down. That G3 reunion tour earlier this year was a dream come true!

[@jasonstallworth]

Absolutely love Joe’s playing and still to this day mesmerized by the first song I heard from him, Flying in a Blue Dream. Just saw him and Vai in concert in Clearwater, FL. My favorite thing about Joe is his sense of melody! I’ll come back and watch this full video later (getting ready to play a gig…)

[@CommonInsider]

Hey man! I was at the Clearwater show too! I love Ruth Eckerd for Joe's shows, wonderful sound all around. Do you play around Clw/St. Pete?

[@sheriewart8100]

My stepmom loves how you hammer on and off in an irregular beat

[@BenEller]

HEYOOOOO

[@KRayxKodessA]

Satch's legato is so _uniquely...intrinsically_ his own. Great job capturing some of that elusive vibe!

[@sahelanthropus4422]

Learning the song always with me always with you really improved my legato.

[@robloxgladiator6917]

bro i just learned that before

[@BenMcrea61]

This is great. Who doesn’t love Joe and your tone is awesome.

[@brandonjackson5865]

The Crocodile Mile comment made my day . Kids these days will never understand the unavoidable speed ball effect of setting up your brand new crocodile mile filling her up with water and your wide open jacked you take about three rides on it and the world was good then your husky buddy from down the street shows up like Snoop on half baked and that’s the SOB that busted your crocodile mile from last year he takes one spin on catching a little air not completely over shooting the pool at the end but lands half way in and half way out busting the pool blatter draining the water out and turning your crocodile mile into a ghetto short bus slipping slide instantly now your awesome day turned into a sad mud hole in your step dad’s “nice grass” part of the yard. Man we had it made !

[@Johnkiernanmusic]

1:50 - this is totally true. And it's also something at Greg Howe has spoken about with his playing. While they are both technical players, they consider some of these faster legato passages as "note flurries" and they're more concerned with the start and the end of the click/phrase, not always so much the metronomic line up of every note in the entire phrase.

[@oldmanriff7633]

Flying in a Blue Dream would be a killer Riff Retrospective! It's the only album I still listen to consistently from him.

[@StuPedassol]

Dimebag was another one who had underrated legato. Thanks, Uncy Bang!

[@metalboy5150]

I'm not entirely sure you could call anything about Dime "underrated" (Pretty much everybody loves the guy), but I definitely never get tired of hearing people say good stuff about his playing, lol.

[@StuPedassol]

@@metalboy5150 for sure... not him as a person, an influence or as an entertainer, or hell, even guitar player. I just think some him his technique gets overlooked or just lost on some because of the bombastic ability to melt face and heavy but groovy riff writing. For instance, some people dont know he has some pretty awesome blues licks hidden in there.

[@HouseOfWoe]

I just saw Satch & Vai this past Tuesday at The Factory in Chesterfield Missouri. It was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget. Such a great show of musicianship! 🤘🏻

[@flavy1000]

What a greaat tip, to mute with those fingers, not just "palm mutting" , that was it! Thanks again for another master video, Ben!

[@BenEller]

Happy to help!

[@SteveFye]

Lydian legato, Master race! Great video Uncle Ben!

[@nickm2483]

Blue Dream is my fav Joe Satriani album. Always loved ‘Back to Shalla Bal’. He never seems to play it live though 😔

[@angushay3163]

there’s another like me! absolutely love the feel of that song, no song really like it imo

[@leob4403]

Yes Satch should really do a fan request tour, so many great songs he never plays

[@gigachad7452]

Idk what to say other than thank you, i had a hard time trynna understand these satch legatos cause its kinda unique to him and i loved them ever since i heard them the first time

[@timkoelln3826]

Always loved his hand over hand legato (muting by the nut with his right hand) in Cool#9, but honestly almost all my favorite Satch songs have tons of legato. Thanks for the awesome lesson! I always wanted one of those old RG550’s in Laser Blue. If they would have made those in the Genesis series I’d have already bought one (or 2)

[@sirtogii5216]

The muting technique is an eye opener for me who hasn't been playing very long. Been trying to use my palm but in quicker solo runs I find it almost impossible to be precise enough. Will definitely try the finger muting technique. Thanks uncle (although not sure how you can be my uncle and look about 15 years younger than myself...) Edit: heading over to Patreon to see what extra goodies you have for us!

[@BenEller]

Happy to help!

[@CC-qb9sm]

Love these “slurry, blurry” phrases! More Satch, please! You were right that this is a space that hasn’t been properly explored on the inter-webs and on KZbin so please continue to fill that gap! Satch is one of my favorite shredders and is also one of my favorites to see perform live. Thanks! 🤘🤘🤘

[@area859]

Uncle Ben, not only are you a "Shredi Knight"...you are a great guitar teacher. Along with Satriani's and Holdsworths legato, I enjoy watching Rick Graham run his smooth Legato licks......Thanks for a great video Uncle Ben....btw, Awesome gear you have accumulated..👊🎸🔥🎸

[@ROKZLEON]

That #2 lick is sick!!! 👽🛸

[@sotirios6882]

Try those legato runs on an Acoustic with the cut out to reach the higher register on the fretboard. Build-up your finger dexterity . Then move on to an electric n its like slipping on butter. Now go n get your SATCH BOOGIE ON.

[@997steve]

6:50 , makes so much sense. So different to 16ths and so very satch

[@BrianH020]

Ben, I've known your love of Satch for years (you covered one of my faves, Train of Angels one time long time ago), and know you did the pedal/open string lick from Belly Dancer. But you REALLY need to do that very next ascending lick from that song, that's the insane one! 🤘

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

I went to see Vai and Satriani concert. I had seen Vai one time before, so I knew what to expect. First time seeing Satriani and I liked his sound more

[@Zachary_Sweis]

Woooo that part at the end of "Always With Me, Always With You".

[@gcrauwels941]

Today, my wife and I were on the way back from Cherokee Lake and drove through your old hometown! I get home and here's a new video. Cool.

[@BenEller]

Haha awesome!!!

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Long time Satch fan...first saw him in concert after the "...Blue Dream" album Thanks Uncle Ben

[@wendelllaffin240]

now that's a great breakdown of the Satch legato technique ... very well done sir.

[@georgebernard8983]

Another top notch video! Thanks Ben!

[@bestboy897]

Best guitar content on the tubes.

[@stevenbuckley4433]

Just saw Satch and Vai in Richmond last month. They each did a set then a set together. Great show.

[@ndog5150]

Top shelf Ben! Thank you!

[@BenEller]

Thanks for watching!

[@chicochicoshukor7184]

Thanks sharing tips❤❤❤

[@mrmerbor1]

best satriani legato lesson out there. more joe stuff please

[@bengriffin1089]

Brilliant lesson - thanks!

[@BenEller]

Glad you liked it!

[@silvertear87]

I've always struggled with legato and if you give me a Satch workout, I'm all for it. Thank you sir!

[@ajabbott8559]

I love the sound of slurry blurry 🤘👍

[@metalex1708]

Thanks uncle Ben I will right away throw those licks at my good old Ibanez JS20s ❤

[@andyoc]

Excellent lesson as usual, especially on Joe's timing for this type of legato

[@julianschulz1620]

Man, i love your legato playing, it's just incredibly smooth & even. Seems like all the craze was hyper fast alternate picking, yet i always loved that Van Halen, Demartini, Vai, Lynch, approach, of that almost Sax-like fluidity.

[@BenEller]

Thanks a lot!

[@joskorivic]

Oh yes, Uncle Joes legato is where it's at! 🤟😀

[@lexystray]

When ever I think I got guitar down I just have to look at your videos and learn something new. Thanks for the ego check.

[@s4tchowns]

Great lesson, Ben! Thank you!

[@BenEller]

Glad you liked it!

[@DrSatan066]

Satch is the man! This would have saved me hours of vhs rewinds and pauses lol.

[@gulthepilot]

Been listening to joe sat since summer song came out...hes a guitar god...btw loved ur turn up the radio solo...that was sick !!!

[@robloxgladiator6917]

i learned always with me always with you my guitar teacher suggested it joe satriani is amazing

[@jacksonvaught1920]

Man saw you in Dallas today you were great!!! Andrew is badass

[@BenEller]

Thanks dude!

[@KingBeevr]

It has to be Bells of Lal (pts. 1 & 2). Everything about Flying In A Blue Dream is amazing. Even his singing has grown on me over the decades. He could have easily called the album Flying In A Blue Legato. Actually… that would be an amazing name for an electric car.

[@hellspark]

I never really loved hearing him sing on that album, but he really barked and growled it out for Big Bad Moon on the Satch/Vai tour. He blew the roof off the place. It was awesome!

[@colinburroughs9871]

I recall that being a slightly bigger deal to the fans at the time- most of the vox songs have aged at least pretty well.

[@KingBeevr]

@@hellspark I've always loved the solo on "I Believe". It's so melodic and understated, very underappreciated. But when he hits that high note in the chorus you can tell that is the absolute limit of his register. But the guitar work is so great on that song that I don't even care.

[@itsjohnnymillion]

I needed this nudge. Thank you!

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Awesome lesson uncle Ben. Exactly what I never knew I needed... I'm a huge fan of Satch as well.

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

Spinal Tap's Nigel Tufnel once observed this about Satriani's playing, "His fingers move, but where do they go?" Trust your Uncle Ben to show us the way.

[@sergioboccia6020]

Well done!

[@toxichompdiepsplixio3921]

Great tips. Thanks Ben 😊

[@reckless-575]

Love the vid. Thanks Uncle Ben 👍

[@chucksaeger7500]

That sounded great and your playing is so good I feel like a beginner whenever I hear you play. I need to practice more!

[@BenEller]

You can do it!

[@chucksaeger7500]

@@BenEller Thanks for that dude!

[@pcbullets8726]

As always, I learned something really cool. Thanks!

[@BenEller]

Glad to hear it!

[@shanerose5348]

Love it. Always with me always with you was my aha moment.

[@takeawaybenji]

Several of my favorite guitarists have this kind of organic/"floaty" time feel, such as Satriani and Holdsworth. The transcriptions are all full of odd-metered phrases such as 7 per beat or 5:4. Live recordings often have a different timing so... maybe they were just interested in free time instead of a 13:16 feel??

[@darrelladams4886]

You nailed it. Joes legato is definitely loose and floaty. Slippery and slithering. Definitely feels like more in the moment stuff to bridge his melodic phrases or lead into them. I do sometimes wish Joe had a Brett garsed phase though as there are definitely moments where tighter and more composed legato runs could have had more impact in songs. That said I still think Joe is the man and nothing beats some good Satriani cranked in the car

[@c.g.vonhagenstein7576]

I'll never forget picking up a cassette copy of Surfing With the Alien and listening to it for the first time. Joe's influence as a guitarist cannot be overstated. Nice muting technique. Joe also likes to do that thing where he grabs the neck near the headstock with his right hand while playing legato riffs with his left hand. It not only looks cool (I mean, we gotta look cool while we play right? lol), but also serves to mute/dampen the strings while he does his things.

[@WavyNinja]

I'm painfully attempting to learn Surfing with the alien right now. :P

[@dagoelius]

Joe's Ice 9 solo is still a staple of my legato practice routine.

[@cachelesssociety5187]

Been waiting 35 years for this.

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

Thank you Ben for spelling "WHOA" correctly.

[@PistolsPlayground]

Crystal Planet is one of my favorite albums from Satriani. Mother fucker was on his A game, and it marked a return to form from his self titled album.

[@BenEller]

Crystal is the BEST!!!

[@colinburroughs9871]

I think his 80's stuff is probably more iconic, but as a start to finish listen Crystal is probably my favorite. Had a bit more of a "band" feel too.

[@PistolsPlayground]

@@colinburroughs9871 I agree with you. His 80s work is what made him, but Crystal Planet is probably his most cohesive and consistent work. It's killer start to finish.

[@johnmarquez333]

Yaasss! Finally, the legato demo I've been looking for! I've been a fan of Satch since hearing the solo from Memories off his very first album. I was in a record store and got so worked up I had to go right home and steal some of my stepmom's valium.

[@brunolevasseur]

Hoody, Ben. Legato is my favourite fast playing. Good stuff in there.

[@keramika007]

I really like Joe's style, but I can not always tell WHY is he different.. Thank You so much for this...

[@eriks214]

Another great lesson

[@DisruptedSinner]

Love it! Perfect demonstration and explanation. Thank you! :)

[@BenEller]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaturi3897]

Paul Gilbert does do something similar as the 7 notes per beat....he refers to it as a time squeeze

[@metalboy5150]

"Blue Dream" is one of the coolest guitar songs, not just by Satch, but by anyone, ever. I've loved Satch since my early teenage years, and to this day, I still think that he's the Guitar God with the best sense melody and how to serve the song, better than any of the others, with the possible exception of King Edward himself.

[@chocomalk]

I remember buying a Guitar Player mag in the 80's that had a little plastic 45 record in the middle with Crush of Love and Power Cosmic. It included the tab for Power Cosmic...yeah lol anyway good times good times haha!

[@HowieStephens]

The finger muting of extraneous strings you're talking about towards the end is actually something I've started doing on guitar lately after having been playing bass a lot more recently. Like on 5-string bass if I'm playing something on the high two strings I'll have my thumb/pinky/ring fingers resting on the top 3 strings to mute them and just like as a place to anchor my hand. I don't think I'd ever really done that before on guitar, and I've been playing guitar a LOT longer than bass, but now it's starting to creep into my playing or something. Not till you mentioned the way Satch does it I'm not sure if I was fully conscious of it either... pretty cool

[@TrevBec]

Clean AF.

[@eigengrau1]

I don't know why, but i feel like i have to play " Electronic Dream Phone" right now. "Thanks".. Uncle Ben! ...

[@dalenicholas1984]

Uncle Ben's blue RG is just total sickness, great if IBZ brought back some of the old colours.

[@foley15136]

Sammy is a lucky dude. Got to make music with Eddie, and now with Satch. Vick is no slouch either.

[@sepiarain]

I went to school with Tom Quayle's sister, that's wild to hear him getting name dropped in a Satch video as a legato luminary 👏.

[@BenEller]

Tom may have the best legato ever!

[@Billywagner22]

The dad jokes are on point

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Outstanding demonstration of the muting technique

[@burnsZY85]

I don't know if you have looked at guthrie govan's playing yet but you should, he is amazing, i had the pleasure of seeing him live once and it was soo freaking good, i also seen vai and the satch the same gig.

[@BenEller]

He’s the greatest guitarist we’ve ever seen!!

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Great post dude.

[@BenEller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@willchug]

That was killer. 🙇‍♂️

[@stevelibby3]

Skolnick also has some pretty wicked legato... I struggle a bit with eliminating string noise while doing legato- a lot of times palm muting is impossible so I'm pretty sure it's all in the left hand. Or maybe using other fingers from the right hand?

[@SuperMozzman]

Back to Shalla Bal by a long way for me. That first breakout solo is Mount Rushmore stuff.

[@MercutioUK2006]

Joe is awesome, he was one of the first players I heard using those unusual tonalities and of course, the legato was always mind-blowing. He does use quite a lot of distortion compared to many........or at least that's my excuse for piling it on to hide my mistakes :)

[@damianval4626]

Echo off "surfing" is a great starting point for budding legato players,was for me anyway 😊 Then there's the bells of lal pt 2 where he takes it to a whole other level 🤯 Gotta love him🙏🏻

[@zenfully13]

"Building The Church" intro by Steve Vai would be a fun one to see you transcribe for us! 🤘

[@BenEller]

Great one!!!

[@irubberyouglueonethousand5384]

I'm still waiting for the video where Ben Eller sits down to kick it with Mark Normand. Somebody PLEASE make that happen

[@jeffreymckeown]

Mastering legato is the most difficult skill for me to learn

[@BenEller]

This should help!

[@guitarman6632]

Amazing 👍

[@SamBrockmann]

Could we see some Tosin Abasi style-isms next?

[@BenEller]

Oh you’re in for a treat if you haven’t seen this one already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3WblmeDetJ1rpIsi=X0L9JPN366Fny1Y7

[@SamBrockmann]

@@BenEller , hell yes!

[@captaincanada8872]

Uncle B, yer shit always good, but yer gettin' better... THIS, was outstanding.

[@SamBrockmann]

I absolutely adore Joe Satriani's legato. In fact, while I make no claim to be anywhere near his level, I prefer - like Joe - to do legato INSTEAD OF alternate picking. It's just such a Satch-ism. I didn't know about that muting technique. That's genius.

[@caseybrown4021]

Uncle Ben have mercy on a nephew and show us why chuck schuldiner was amazing.

[@karlwiebe3806]

Concise and to the point, yet again. Not too big, not too small. Just how Goldilocks likes it. Your lessons are always easy to toss into the weekly routine for narrowed focus.