My Favorite Riff with Nikki Sixx: Steve Vai

[@samscheffer8811]

If ever there were a musician that deserved to have a "rock star" ego, it would be Steve Vai. Yet he just seems cooler and more humble with each day that passes.

[@heyman6821]

If he had an ego he would have plateaued looooong ago

[@bhutchin1996]

I met him and Joe Satriani at an autographing event in October 1997. Very nice guy, very appreciative of his fans.

[@JohyeahM]

By all accounts, his own included, he did have an ego. But, thankfully, he lost it over the years.

[@incidentalist]

@@JohyeahM Oh yea, you can tell he has a huge ego!! Just look at any vids of him playing on stage, brushing his hair while playing, making "cute" faces..... that's ok though, he should have an EGO!! NEARLY untouchable on the electric ax!!

[@ovarianbarbarian4186]

"Huge ego" not seeing it myself, Dude how does doing any of those examples u gave tell u what his ego is either way? That's just how he plays, he gets so into it and just groovin, cute faces it's more like hes singing along with the guitar mouthing the notes as he slays it, plus it's a show he doing a song with certain funk to it.

[@conanthedestroyer7123]

No one plays like Steve Vi. He has such a melodic gift and he is the real deal.

[@davedoucette1256]

That smile Nikki had while Steve is shredding, I had that same smile, thank you Nikki for this interview, freakin Steve Vai is a guitar god.

[@schmodedo]

I'm a keyboard player and had that same smile !

[@thephatalien]

I was smiling right there too. What a great moment between both these guys. Steve’s got his super unique voice that must be so cool to see up close!

[@kingeris1657]

Dave Doucette Steve Vai is not a guitar god. He IS the guitar god.

[@sowelldon]

I was smiling and thinking " I wish I could make my bass talk like that."

[@cmhardin37]

He can't shred...😂

[@wwtastingroom75]

I like seeing Vai struggle to remember some of those old riffs...it proves he's human.

[@mskatonic1]

He's a class act.

[@wwtastingroom75]

mskatonic1 He really is. I met him once after a Zappa plays Zappa show in Portland, Or.. super nice guy

[@MrMatthiasSchneider]

And then 1 minute later he had the entire complex passage down despite not having played it in 25 years!

[@koffieverslaafde627]

@@MrMatthiasSchneider don’t stress the details

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

He tries to fit in ;) layin' low. You know, human civilization is notorious for devouring its gods.

[@nodaysback1]

Why the heck would anybody thumbs down this? It's just two dudes having a friendly talk

[@RedLP5000S]

Most likely jealousy.

[@kiekko673]

nodaysback Maybe they don’t like Nikki Sixx...

[@krleSteaLth]

Yy

[@Alex-sx8uz]

Joe Satriani... again 🙄

[@tribunation]

I met Steve back at 2004 NAMM. An absolute genuine person. Very nice guy. He talked to me like a normal human being. Paul Gilbert is a great guy too.

[@axekicker78]

Sixx really is the best interviewer out there, he's always sincere, interested and keeps the conversation going where you want it to go. Great.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Im not aware of anyone who's grown as much as a person either, really surprised in a positive way when i hear him in interviews etc

[@ultragroove1]

Agree with both of you. I can’t understand why this channel didn’t explode. He’s an exceptional conversationalist. Enjoying listening to these interviews even 5 years later.

[@dan-fr9dn]

HE'S A FRAUD

[@dan-fr9dn]

HE DIDN'T EVEN PLAY IN STUDIO RECORDINGS,CAUSE HE ONLY KNOW 3 CORDS LOL LOL LOL

[@KesslerMickschGeorgeII]

watching steve vai sit on a couch and stumble through a song is totally worth the watch. he's human after all!!

[@danisanchez85]

Steve is such an intelligent person he always blows my mind

[@GrovesGuitars]

Yankee Rose was a huge deal. That vid was the pinacle of 80`s LA rock. David`s new band with the hottest guitar and bass player in town. The impact of that debut should not be understimated!

[@guitarguru.3572]

I always kind of thought he told himself, “Ed thinks he’s the best around, does he? Oh, and so does everyone else? Well, watch this...”.

[@teapotpete]

@@PatOD75 By far! The guitar lines in 'Hina' are outstanding. Saw the 'lil ain't enough' tour at Wembley. Insane gig. Very good album too.

[@maxjudge020]

@@teapotpete sadly jason becker couldn't do more with Dave

[@5664788]

Man you got that fuckin right

[@malsmith9385]

It really was a standout song. I can remember seeing Steve with DLR at donnington and when they played 'jump', Steve played the guitar solo... behind his head.... 🤘

[@GatorMan4635]

To me it's so cool to see such a guitar legend be so nice and so open and it's also cool to see him make little mistakes that show you he really is an awesome down to earth human

[@OptimusMaximus78]

Yeah I was just thinking it's nice to see him fluff notes and be out of tune

[@megalodon8473]

It was also super cool to see him compliment Nikki on the Motley Crue riffs, shows how classy a guy he is!

[@cyjazz]

One of the most humble and down to earth people I had the chance to speak with. And extremely spiritual. With an extensive knowledge of things outside of music.

[@scottskinner577]

This man has literally forgotten more riffs in the last 25 years, than I've LEARNED in the past 25 years

[@RADOMIRATA]

by far

[@mumu5013]

😊😊😊✌️

[@smokingstoking7357]

It's how he holds the guitar you don't see young guys hold it correctly

[@scottskinner577]

@@smokingstoking7357 I still don't think I do

[@smokingstoking7357]

@@scottskinner577 what do you mean? I remember when he was with David Lee Roth and white snake

[@Vailover4ever]

Steve playing Jimmy Page, I love him even more and Nikki's smile while Steve is shredding is priceless.

[@nitrokyosho]

i met Steve Vai back in 1999 at the guitar center in Manchester CT he autographed my guitar and took pictures with me and signed album covers ,he was such a nice guy and did not rush me off he listened to me talk, such a awesome intelligent awesome guitar player.i promised steve i would not sell the guitar on ebay and i still have it and all the pictures framed still on display through out my house.i feel honored and great full for having met him

[@leemundy1613]

My favorite Steve Vai song is "Bad Horsie", it just does things to me on a visceral level, one of the nastiest licks EVER!

[@tonyburchette6710]

Guy is so talented yet so humble. He truly is a gift.

[@robistocco]

OMG that arpeggio from the Zappa's days, it's sooo amazing!!!

[@isaiahhenderson6814]

any idea what song that was?

[@MurnauNeko]

@@isaiahhenderson6814 the song is "what's new in baltimore"

[@junkyarddog4411]

Such a genuine, humble, down to earth guy, a pleasure to watch.

[@lemonpi3386]

Steve is so smooth.... wish i had even half the smoothness he has between notes and phrases....

[@snap-off5383]

Play all day every day for 50+ years like he has. . . .

[@champion358]

Steve is this regular, highly intelligent gifted musician that can communicate on a level anyone would understand. He's humble enough and gentle enough to approach comfortably and enjoys sharing his passion for music and guitar... as evidenced here with Nikki. Definitely a special musician and good human.

[@Cesar_73_Jefe]

Steve Vai has been my all round guitar icon for life...

[@DarrenMatthes]

Steve's "shredding" is like painting with sound! And it's awesome!

[@jimdavignon]

Vai is on the Mt Rushmore of all time rock guitarists. Fascinating and intelligent guy as well. Great interview

[@mike5177]

Jim Davignon He talks about those rare breed guitarists, yet doesn't realize he is one of them.

[@wiseguy9202]

I consider Shawn Lane to be in this same class of rare breeds.

[@Tubes12AX7k]

maybe he should BE on Mt. Rushmore...

[@maxjudge020]

@@wiseguy9202 sorry but hes boring af

[@wiseguy9202]

@@maxjudge020 completely understandable. His music is extremely complex and most people that favor algorithmic pop won't like the style. Hence why he wasn't as popular.

[@scottcoombs3201]

I regret that have but only one thumbs up to give for this completely totally awesome moment to hear Steve Vai!

[@krinkle442]

The Zappa riff he's playing is "What's New in Baltimore..." one of my favorite Zappa songs, ever (from "Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention").

[@Christian-xe9tr]

krinkle442 thank you I’ve been searching

[@spooge33]

Great Tune

[@suequick334]

It was nice that you two talked about Zappa .......and kept his music and memory alive.

[@evhleppard]

Loved the zappa riff he did. Steve is always so fluid in his playing, great stuff.

[@creeksquadnation2129]

What riff was that?

[@Joe71poke]

@@creeksquadnation2129 What's New In Baltimore off of Frank Zappa Meets The Mothers Of Prevention. There's also a version of it on one of his 'You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore' volumes.

[@stevenzin5834]

Steve not playing like he is in a talk show, he is playing passionately. That's just the ultimate sign of true artist, he just loves what he does. Rock on! \m/

[@jeffinlv]

Nikki Sixx seems like such a nice guy, would love to meet him someday.

[@jasonstallworth]

I love hearing Vai play! He has a very unique style that can't be replicated and the notes 'speak to you'

[@mskatonic1]

I enjoyed this so much. I've been a Steve Vai fan since I was eight years old.

[@jburt779]

mskatonic1 discovered him at 18. Never looked back

[@RockSensation119]

I love how excited sixx gets when vai starts shredding. Such a nerd for music, its awesome

[@pebe5585]

Love the Zappa stories :D

[@dumblineman]

What Zappa tunes is he playing there?

[@woweezowee3777]

Me too

[@robrobitaille1260]

Do you happen to know what Zappa composition ended up coming out of the guitar bit he was playing. The part about them coming back to it several times over a few months?

[@robrobitaille1260]

Sorry I just asked the same question to lilnetty2 anyone know?

[@terrywho22]

Bradley Doyle gave the title: "What's New In Baltimore?"

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

Came for Vai, stayed for the Zappa stories. Steve blows me away when he does those "Slinky bends" only he does. "Once upon a time It was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There were these girls that worked at the college. They were really cool. They thought so anyway. They would be delighted to tell you how suave they were at the drop of a hat..." Zappa: Jazz Discharge Party Hats.

[@Stormarizon]

love Steve Vai ❤❤..his playing is so flawless..he plays like he was born with a guitar in his hand 🤘

[@in5d]

I absolutely LOVE my Fernandez Sustainer!!!!

[@bullpentherapy]

Me to.. I got an old black Fernandez guitar I found used. Just the sustainer circuit alone is worth the 286 bucks I paid for it. Fantastic..

[@syfman6]

I have a Fernandez something pro, with a sustainer. I've had it for 20 years. Way before they were well known. So cool for playing at sound levels that won't decapitate the masses. Very cool invention. 💚🎸

[@grungeman86]

What a pair of nice, humble guys. You can really feel the mutual respect. Steve is a gem, also

[@keiferreefer1]

One of my favorite little pieces of music is a one of Steves, David lee Roth, Good times, love that whole guitar phrase in drop d. The harmonics usage, it all dances so nicely out of the box and off the beaten path, it's like taking a walk and really diggin the landscape features on a lightly breezy sunny day

[@RedLP5000S]

Excellent, excellent song.

[@pablosanchez6558]

And it was about his VH days

[@guyfromoc9107]

“It’s like I’m 16 again, staring at the mirror playing a tennis racket” lmao he’s one of us

[@ccbbh4477223]

He says "I remember putting that record on" How many of you out there can appreciate that???? We just scroll through the phone now but once upon a time we had these great paper sleeves that contained a pristine record that we took great care of and would slide it out and gently give it a light wipe down before gently placing it on the turntable and then lay the needle down into place and the music started. The process was such a part of the whole thing. GOOD TIMES!!!!!

[@jigamac71]

I used to bring my records to a friend's and we would just sit and listen to music. Reveling in the majesty of sound!!

[@RedLP5000S]

Thank god vinyl is back on the rise! 🤘🏻

[@mjcs6399]

Always been a Vai fan, but the person who really comes off well in this for me is Nikki Sixx. Much respect to both of these guys and their shared love of music draws me right in...

[@ZZombyWooff]

I could listen to hours and hours of Vai talking about Zappa... such a big fan of zappa and Vai 10++

[@rekdinhopoetico]

I love Steve, his way, his music, his playing, one of my top 10 guitar players and influences.

[@dockaiser]

This is one of Steve's best solos ever ... nice guys, both of 'm ....

[@PitDriver]

I never knew he had the sustainer above the single-coil till this. An amazing style, unique to his soul! To him it is simple... to me its rocket science! Sixx bring these shows back!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I could listen to him for hours. Veterans have so much good stuff to share.

[@reso1349]

Vai seems like a good guy.

[@JanneOksanen]

He makes a lot more sense now. Back in the day when he used babble on about esoteric spiritual mumbo jumbo it was a little embarrassing to watch that stuff.

[@bcancun123]

reso1349 Steve Vai is cool as shit real easy going dude

[@elspookso8414]

He still does. What's so weird, or embarrassing, about that?

[@LuisLozano]

u have no idea..i met him in Sydney, Australia back in 97...he was the nicest guy ive ever met...no big head..no bs..just down to earth lets chat bout guitar type guy..very gracious n autographed my guitar for me...real cool!

[@kelmaur]

he is an awesome guy...met him in Houston yearsssss ago......takes the time to meet everyone and talk to everyone....doesnt have a big head.....easy going dude....and he remembered me when he got back to LA and checked on some stuff for me that i hadnt received from his fan club and sent me signed publicity photo and a hand written letter himself stating he remembered me from the concert when i spoke with him.....Very nice guy

[@78LedHead]

I could literally watch this interview continue for 5 hours and not get bored. Nikki is an awesome interviewer, but in a genuine, chilled out way. Steve is just an insanely talented good dude who is easy to listen to. Great, great segment right here. Thanks for this.

[@SamprazDoodles]

How is Steve so humble the man is literally a guitar god that deserves to act cocky and arrogant every once in a while but holy shit he's always so laid back and encouraging. A true God 🙏😅

[@GimmeJimmy23]

I think when you are a true to the craft, you realize that the only place that arrogance has is when you're onstage as an act. This man is a class act!

[@cheenu711]

This man has played with whitesnake, Dave Lee Roth and has an incredible legacy as a guitarist. He is so humble. ❤️

[@nickordich7469]

Frank Zappa tho

[@justinkrann7406]

FRANK ZAPPA

[@43captrexkramer]

I met him once backstage, and yes he's that dude. Just as cordial and unpretentious as he appears same with Allan Holdsworth. When Yankee Rose came out we knew Dave was making a statement to Van Halen and the whole industry.

[@BrothersOfAlienRock]

so glad Nikki asked him to "shred", his mastery of the whammy bar and slippery tasty melodies always have warmed my alien heart

[@FEGuitar]

Hard to believe steve is nearly 60yrs old. He looks good!

[@JeanGillesTouraine]

N W same with Satch. These guys are not from earth.

[@sretePtraB]

No drugs, no alcohol helped I guess

[@deangullberry5148]

@@sretePtraB Yeah, but I can't do the vegetarian thing....

[@kelvinpanesar7606]

Dude!!!!!!!!!!! It's not as difficult as you think

[@trytongames7778]

Kelvin Panesar he looks like a grandma tbh

[@salookie8000]

sick playing starting at 14:23....Nikki lucky cat to have such direct and personal experience with Steve

[@superflea72]

thanks Nikki, that was awesome...I'm not really into 'shreddy' playing, but Steve Vai is undeniably cool and an absolutely stunning player! it would be great to see Nuno Bettencourt, or one of my other favourites - your buddy Mick Mars if you can get them.

[@jessetryon5108]

That's a man whose first language is spoken with a piece of wood and some strings! Amazing! That Zappa rif is the most mesmerizing thing I think I've ever heard.

[@rogerphilabaum4563]

Was hoping for this one! Thanks Nikki and Steve!

[@7storm776]

Steve is so humble with his skills. What a cool dude...

[@xwarx1000]

Steve is genuine/humble guy, always acknowledge his mentor the late great FZ .

[@deangullberry5148]

I just think it's odd that he rarely addresses Satriani. You know, the guy that literally showed him how to string a guitar.... Don't get me wrong, Vai is in my top 4 favorites, and I think he has a great disposition, but it chaps me a bit that everyone gushes his acknowledgement of Zappa and almost ignores the guy that got him started.....

[@RedLP5000S]

First album I ever heard Steve on was Flex-able. I loved it the moment the first note started playing. I never knew that much of it was FZ inspired. 🤘🏻

[@RedLP5000S]

@@deangullberry5148 you can have a teacher, and you can have a mentor. Satch was his teacher.

[@Alienadin]

How wonderful to get to hear so much about his time with Frank Zappa. Fantastic. Many thanks.

[@danw1955]

Steve is just a next-level player.😉 Granted some of his stuff is off-the-wall, but he knows exactly the sound he wants to convey, and it's always memorable. Great interview! 😁👍🎵🎶

[@RuggedRoughneck]

I could listen to Steve play all day.

[@kruse8888]

The first five notes in “For the love of god” still makes the hair on my arms stand straight up.

[@261Pro]

I really appreciate this talk .. some really old. School stories..

[@matsaw]

I'm still hoping that Mick makes an appearance on this show, really solid player, not the flashiest player around but to me Mick Mars has a lot of feel and heart behind his playing and besides, we hardly ever hear anything from him, I think he would be an excellent guest.

[@chiefwawawa]

Mick Mars is one of my favorite guitarists, and I personally think hes one of the best. The only problem here is that he has really bad arthritis in his back, and almost purposely wants to live like a recluse.

[@jbw9999]

Mick Mars one of the best? Oh Lord.

[@chiefwawawa]

Yes, I personally think he is a very good guitarist, and when I said that, I didn't mean in a "best of all time" situation. Just because my opinions are different than yours, and because I don't immediately bow down and worship the same 10 guitarists, just because Rolling Stone magazine tells me to doesn't make my opinion invalid.

[@matsaw]

Jack White: Better than anything the White Stripes has ever done or will do.

[@chiefwawawa]

My favorite guitar work from Mick is on "Home Sweet Home".

[@curtneilson5502]

SV seems like such a genius artist and exceptional soul, good to see nikki happy n humble

[@1badsteed]

I'd love for Steve to do an album of covers, of rock and roll staples, with his twist on them. Man that would rock! Imagine hearing him play Double Vision or Back In Black, Smoke on the Water...I'd buy that quick

[@GoesTo11]

Steve is one of the nicest guys in rock and is always very humble. It was really cool seeing Nikki being in awe of Steve's playing and was so down to earth as well. Great clip, thank you for making it!

[@pengenliburan4732]

STEVE VAI THE KING!

[@chadm4976]

Best Vai interview IMHO. First time I see him intimidated and I see his true self. What an awesome person.

[@davidsanderson5918]

Within four minutes, he's talking about Frank. Ha ha. Have to admit, whereas most people are Vai fans and only hear 'Vai' in Vai's music, I'm a Zappa fan and I most often hear 'Zappa' in Vai's music.He owes him so much. Fortunately he repays by raising Frank's profile for the youngsters, like here. Lightbulb moment: Vai says he "found it hard to come up with riffs" and his strength was more on the compositional side. Well...little wonder then that Zappa became his guru and life-long 'go-to'. Zappa was a composer who happened to play the guitar, that's all.

[@Prossdog]

I love listening to steve. He’s a brilliant musician but he’s been around so long and done so much stuff; working with Frank, Lee Roth, Whitesnake, solo etc. His stories about working with Zappa are so captivating.

[@Bradp18]

Great interview Nikki! Thanks to you and Steve for sharing. He's amazing to watch. The fact he makes mistakes is very refreshing to see. lol Keep up this great series!

[@scyphe]

Steve Vai, the humble God of Guitar. In this video he seems like a very down to earth and kind person.

[@stevel6943]

Steve comes across as a really nice guy. He's played in some major bands were there are lots of myths abd legends. I bet he could tell some stories.

[@weaselhead6771]

great chemistry.. New respect for guitar got steve Vai...and Nikki !!!!

[@SJMoscol]

loving these!!! is nuno next?

[@centaur70]

Goes to show you and I always say this that Zeppelin was ahead of their time. My prize collection.

[@nedbaez]

Great interview, I love every second.

[@ToXiC_RaPtOr]

What a god! Hands down my favorite guitar player. Great video and thanks !

[@maximusaugustus6823]

When Steve speaks I listen

[@cesarfranku]

Steve is a f'ing leyend, full of cool stories, watching him while he is triying to remember that frank zappa melody was like traveling in time.

[@GSHYBR1D]

Finally after several years i have seen Steve struggle with something

[@treeduck3705]

I think he knew it all along the way he played it at the end of the story.

[@fl00d69]

Everyone struggles with Frank Zappa ... xD Just look into what he programmed on fairlight and feel your brain melt.

[@j.c.mhardcoremetalfan413]

GS HYBR1D he's not struggling he's trying to remember how it went.not playing something for over 25yrs sometimes you have to think about it.

[@GSHYBR1D]

j.c.m hard core metal fan have you ever seen Steve Vai miss notes

[@j.c.mhardcoremetalfan413]

GS HYBR1D yeah everyone messes up once in awhile but in this case he was purely trying to remember how the song went.when he does miss a note which isn't often but does.most don't even notice do to smoothness.

[@azabuvsobelo5687]

Eat em and smile is one of the all time best rock guitar albums... Vai and Billy... incredible!

[@mickdonnell7077]

Great interview Nikki..

[@tokiesgalore]

The smile Nikki had while he was shredding was an exact copy of mine!

[@Geotubest]

I love how it so often reverts to Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin.

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

George which then reverts to some poor old blues guy

[@Geotubest]

Yes, that is indeed true. And probably reverts even further than that.

[@HarpoSpoke]

OH yeah...it all goes back to classical music eventually. The blues scale is a simple version of the minor scale and they were using the flatted 3rd centuries ago. So that Heartbreaker and Black Dog riff really aren't "blues". You won't hear a blues artist sound anything like that.

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

@Juan Pérez neither does this though so it's relevant.

[@guitarguru.3572]

When a lot of these guys were learning to play, or at least starting to want to play, there was no one above Page. In a lot of ways, there still isn’t.

[@nateslade8252]

Really cool how Sixx new that was the beginning of the solo. I had to go back and listen to recall.

[@patrickbutler9744]

these are so frigging cool

[@DrAL00isin]

The attitude song by Steve vai is a must listen if you haven't heard it. It's from the flexible album his very first solo project. Iconic man.

[@acegibson9533]

The solo in Heartbreak was the early edition of Eruption.

[@jahltdyt]

I just recently started watching Six Sense! And will be watching many more. Thanks Nikki for the awesome interview with Steve Vai.

[@calansvc]

"I've lost some of my ability to pick fast..." BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[@CLIFFLIX]

FANTASTIC Job Nikki. Great interview with a great guy. It was very warm and personal and just came out delightful. Excellent job

[@joshreynolds72]

“I wanna see if I got a little bit of groove here...” and boom there he went!

[@icanmanifest]

This was excellently done...

[@depecheddurand]

Would love to see warren cuccurullo from missing persons , frank zappa and duran duran he is one hell of a guitar player.

[@FLORIDAERO]

Missing Persons. Yes

[@TheRimeOfTheAncientMariner]

Wouldn't have guessed they would be pals, but that was great! Want to hear Steve talk about his time in Whitesnake as well

[@Boogieplex]

For anyone trying to improve their vibrato,take a look at Steve Vai's. His is the most profound,and notable vibrato's ive ever seen. They can be huge,wide and slow,or small and fast. Whatever the note calls for. To me that seperates the boys from the men. But Steve's vibrato has reached some outer-planetary plateau that would even make BB King blush.

[@constablekohler]

sure. if black people could blush

[@gurusuryan]

Yeah. Another one with killer vibrato is Yngwie.

[@daw162]

Steve's vibrato is very technical (I didn't watch this video, but I've seen him talk about circular vibrato rather than sort of a back and forth), but I'm not sure it's necessarily better than anything else. It's just different.

[@ibanezrg320fm]

Agreed. The most I learned from his technique was Passion and Warfare and reading his music book. That book is just the most jam packed, beautiful book of notes. Even his last song I believe that's all crazy is written crazy. You could probably Google it and see what I mean. But you won't appreciate it until you sit down and take one measure and try it for yourself. I think Erotic Nightmares or for the love of God is a perfect example of technique and blending. Just a beautiful album.

[@jonfaerman7518]

the best vibrato is the john sykes one...by far

[@choward874]

Steve is a living legend, and what a genuine guy.