Steve Lukather: Mastering Rhythm Guitar

In this episode, Steve Lukather talks about being "in time". He also discusses his style, his influences and his friends like Eddie Van Halen.
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Catherine Sundvall
Clark Griswold
Ryan Twigg
LAWRENCE WANG
Martin Small
Kevin Wu
Robert Zapolis
Jeremy Kreamer
Sean Munding
Nat Linville
Bobby Alcott
Peter Glen
Robert Marqusee
James Hurster
John Nieradka
Grey Tarkenton
Joe Armstrong
Brian Smith
Robert Hickerty
comboy
Peter DeVault
Phil Mingin
Tal Harber
Rick Taylor
Bill Miller
Gabriel Karaffa
Brett Bottomley
Frederick Humphrey
Nathan Hanna
Stephen Dahl
Scott McCroskey
Dave Ling
Rick Walker
Jason Lowman
Jake Stringer
Steven crawford
Piush Dahal
Jim Sanger
Brian Lawson
Eddie Khoriaty
Vinny Piana
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Kyle Duvall
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Paul Noonan
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Duane Blake
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Pzz
Marc Alan
Rob Kline
Calvin Wells
David Trapani
Will Elrics
Debbie Valle
JP Rosato
Orion Letizi
Mike Voloshen
Peter Pillitteri

[@Dan-zq5wt]

I just love Lukather. The funniest, most down to earth, best dude in the industry. He’s so fun to listen to.

[@Greco-Romano]

the Sunset Sound dick jokes LOL

[@davidbartch8917]

Rick is the other part of a great interview ,people always let loose withe people who get IT.

[@BigboyRoy100]

@David Yeah, spot on. Rick is naturally chilled out and the whole demeanour is relaxed, and he let's Luke do his thing. It truly flows

[@kxmrock]

Agree 100% Same thoughts Here, I'd like to Jam with Him

[@FotoCreatives]

Steve only should learn to listen (better) until Rick has finished his question

[@rockstarcoder]

To me, you could have a Steve Lukather video twice a month... so much wisdom, music history, stories, knowledge, etc.

[@CarlitoNahual88]

Yes, as part of music ethics formation.

[@toddlentner1708]

Steve is one of a kind. So knowledgeable. He learned the craft from the bottom up. Hard to find someone like this anymore. I could listen to him all day long. Great interview, Rick.

[@ziggylayneable]

As stupid as it sounds but as a sidebar I'm glad he let his natural hair color growing and is embracing his age gracefully. And yes he is an awesome player he has influenced me since the 1980s. But I'm glad he's not dying his hair anymore as weird as that sounds LOL

[@ksimm1986]

I learned a lot. And Steve is a very cool dude.

[@jimidean]

I could listen to him all day long too. He’s an interesting cat.

[@jimideez9829]

@@ziggylayneable Yeah, looks like a mad professor of guitar.

[@larrypower8659]

Everything Steve Lukather is talking about is pretty much lost, and he’s right: There are a lot of great players but not many great songs. Rhythm guitar is a lost art; writing unique songs with unique melodies and lyrics is long gone and hard to find. Yes, there is some good stuff. But you really have to look hard to find it, and more’s the pity. It’s the dumbing down of creativity and those who search for it.

[@TN-D18]

Thirteen minutes and five seconds of 100% pure wisdom. Holy crap, what an insightful video. Kudos Rick.

[@gbrown4x4]

EXACTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joekelley5121]

I always learn so much from listening to Steve's conversations. Such a smart, wise man!

[@jamesoatwayatrockandgrapes2]

Steve Lukather is now my favourite interview you've done. Man, great storyteller and a warm yet kind cranky guy!

[@coyotecreekband236]

I think he should write a song called "Hey kids, get off my lawn!" He can do hammer ons and pull offs with his left hand and shake his fist with the other.

[@garylayton5719]

Steve is one of those few guys that has it all: chops, lead playing and an impeccable sense of time. Also, a remarkable songwriter. You don’t find guys like that anymore.

[@erniemathews8130]

And a good singer too

[@danielabilez3619]

He has changed over the years. He still has it.

[@MatthewSmith-fy5hk]

The icing on the cake is he is a laid back hilarious dude that would be blast to hang out with.

[@stevebravo1422]

There's guys like Steve in every town. I mean maybe not to his legendary level of achievement or talent but I know several just in my city. Some people just have the music in them.

[@LeeGee]

"Musicians"

[@matcoffidis1135]

We used to go down to Guitar Center and play guitars we couldn't afford....😂

[@susanedrington4878]

My ex husband did that all the time. He took me with him so we could harmonize. Lol.

[@gededenykharisman8683]

@matcoffidis1135 LOL 😂😂😂

[@kevinmcmahon8647]

Still do, bro

[@Joejoe-nt3gc]

Well with the way guitars are getting expensive,i might just as well do that😂

[@kaybaron5179]

I still do I like Sam ash they don't get to excited about us jamming on their awesome guitars

[@BillysFingers]

I could watch Rick's interviews with Steve all day long... so inspiring!

[@stratmister009]

yeah, I wonder when he'll post the rest of this conversation

[@oestervig]

@@stratmister009 It's been on his main channel for a while - go watch 🙂

[@robbyandrews223]

Steve Lukather is just one of the best. Smart, straightforward, humble. I watch all of his interviews.

[@josevi5835]

I recently attended a Toto concert in Madrid (July 2024). I was impressed by the level of the musicians on stage and their fantastic vocal skills. Lukather showed us how brilliant he is soloing and as a rtyhm guitar master. Moreover he has a great sense of humor and enjoys his job a lot. A real guitar hero.

[@larrypower8659]

“There’s no gigs, no Friday night parties …” Right on, Steve. I’m so happy I grew up playing when I did. Just getting out there on a gig was-and still is-the absolute best learning experience of all.

[@timhalley6987]

"...and now it's all DJs." kind of says it all. A great snippet from a really good interview.

[@nightnoodler812]

"Not good enough to curl his cords" Love this guy, he needs to write a book about his musical adventures. Cool kat:)

[@jaycareaga9929]

Luke wrote a book it’s called The Gospel According To Luke. Came out around 2018.

[@funkyfurballs1078]

"cables" :)

[@markscheld535]

He did write a book it's called The Gospel according to Luke

[@Caba-Rojo]

Dude, you have to listen to his book. There’s some secrets on the audio book and he narrates it himself. Amazing experience listening to him.

[@leaveitorsinkit242]

What does that mean?

[@hackapump]

Interviewing Steve doesn’t seem to be the easiest thing, he’s all stream of consciousness. But I’m here for it. He always drops some serious knowledge.

[@grimmertwin2148]

Wot? He makes great cohesive sense. Maybe you have stream of consciousness listening lol

[@hackapump]

@@grimmertwin2148 I’m not suggesting he doesn’t make sense, of course he does. It’s just that his mind wanders endlessly from what was the original question. It’s an endless stream of associations that reminds him of the next thing. Our minds all work differently, thankfully. And he is entertaining to listen to. You just might not get the answer you were asking for.

[@lizardlogic2564]

​@hackapump I understand you completely! Having been accused of the same thing 😅, it's really a function of wanting to convey so much, all at one time. Then, when I slow myself down, it's still "whoa, so much to take in, only at 70% speed" I love Steve's enthusiasm!

[@lizardlogic2564]

​@@hackapumpOH, and you will get your answer. It may take a few minutes, though. 😂

[@gypsycat619]

This is so True....EVH was actually a brilliant rhythm player with some lead thrown in as a sauce for flavoring!

[@willritter4076]

Similarly to Eddie Van Halen, Lukather's prowess as a lead player overshadowed his genius as a rhythm guitarist and songwriter. Both of them wore their rhythm player hats so well that their achievements in anchoring down their bands' songs went largely unnoticed. I'd put Malcolm Young and Steve Clark in the same category of rhythm genius, although unlike Toto and VH, AC/DC and Def Lep had 2 guitarists.

[@laurieharper1526]

I watched the entire interview when it came out and am now watching these excerpts. Steve really is (with apologies to him) one of the elder statesmen of the electric guitar these days. Enormous ability, experience and knowledge and able to distil what is really important and explain it in a humourous, self deprecating and understandable manner. He just makes you smile. God bless him.

[@stratmister009]

I didn't know he's posted the full session, gotta search it on his channel, if you got the link handy please reply

[@da324]

@@stratmister009 It's on ricks channel or just search it on YT

[@barrakouta]

Steve is the kind of guy you could hang out in a bar with all day long. A ripper bloke

[@stevenkaiser3837]

I love every Steve Lukather interview that I hear. He is so real and brings back a lot of memories of when I learned to play in the 70s. Great job, Rick!

[@whyyeseyec]

All you have to do is say hello to Steve and he's off and running. Just let him talk. He has a million stories to tell.

[@steveb391]

I saw Steve Lukather play with Toto at the California World Music Festival in 1978 at the Los Angeles Colosseum. I was 13 and I was blown away, by not just Toto but all of it. 😃

[@ImaCaMan]

“I saw the Beatles and I started playing.” How many times have we heard this? No other group- ever- had this type of effect on so many musicians.

[@derekwhyle1884]

I started playing in the early sixties. The music of that age was driven by guitar as electronics was in its infancy. In the UK we had any number of groups who inspired youngsters to pick up a guitar.

[@RockandRollWoman]

Those days when we listened to the entire album several times, not expecting to swipe left or right in 10 seconds... Deep cuts were a function of listening like that. Plus, it was a lot of work to get up and move the needle! I think it was a much more satisfying way to experience music.

[@deanrobertnoble138]

Love Steve. Awesome guy and genius guitar player. Never get tired of listening to his insight and years of wisdom! Keep on, brother; you rock! 🎸

[@kevincull1091]

Wow how much sense does this man make and I can so relate to all of it! And props to Rick for letting him express himself without interrupting, Bravo!

[@guitarkis4969]

Steve nailed how we used to listen to music.....hanging out with your friends/band mates with an album and just listening and commenting. Sometimes picking up the needle to go back to a crazy good part you wanted to hear again. I'm blessed to have lived through the late 60's and the 70's and been able to experience that.

[@kevinmarshall5270]

Lukather nailed it - we all lined up and listened to side 1, absorbed it, talked about it, awed about it, and then flipped to side 2 and repeated... until the notes and nuances were burned into our craniums. I'm a bit younger but I can still subconsciously sing or hum note for note most 80's tunes and I didn't even have their albums. - I just know the artists and the tunes for some reason because the music experience back then was more immersive - MTV and MuchMusic here in Canada definitely had a role to play. And the music was definitely 100% more interesting and creative. Today's pop songs are largely "cut and paste" technology driven... with a new face to market - all largely disposable pop. BTW - my very first "rock album" ever purchased with my own money was Toto Hydra. Thank Steve Lukather and the band for a lifetime of great music and memories.

[@earlcoli5607]

The last time I visited with Steve, 4 years ago in KC, I told him about this guy named Rick Beato and suggested he check him out. I am so happy he did! Great interview!

[@Caba-Rojo]

That’s awesome!

[@justinherbert9146]

John Lennon was one of the great rhythm guitarists -- listen to his parts on Revolution, She's A Woman, All My Loving -- brilliant parts that drive those songs along

[@grewalaman]

So true, I can relate to buying an album , sitting down in the sweet spot of the speakers and enjoying the record cover to cover. It is an event.

[@srinip]

I could listen to Rick's interviews all day long. But I must say, though, that Luke is just one of a kind. Forget his solos (which are mind blowing in themselves), but his rhythm parts on a zillions songs - how the hell does he come up with them? Those years in LA must have been truly magical, to have all those great players living in your neighborhood, playing with so many of them in sessions...I guess that is one part of learning that we may sometimes forget.

[@margotcoljee8594]

There is so much passion in his voice ,when Luke tells a story. I never get enuff of him ,ever ! I love you , Luke ❤️

[@SwampEye1]

It's great listening to Luke ... let the man talk ... living legend .. Rick, great as always ... asking the good questions and then listening and letting it be ... 👍

[@toploadtele]

5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I could listen to Lukather and his stories all day long...

[@Sonex1542]

It's like the 4th time seeing parts of this interview... It never gets old.

[@scottchilds5726]

Steve is the legend, the best of all things possible. Genius mode

[@MacawAviculture]

I loved reading Luke's book, The Gospel According to Luke. I researched all the musicians he mentioned in the book and was amazed with his abilities to play and support them with his insane guitar and arranging skills. Each time I watch a video interview, Luke will mention a musician that opens a new door into another musical space and time, like the Tony Williams album Believe It discussed in this video. Thanks Rick for taking the time to share all of these beyond words musicians!

[@peddlinjohnny4346]

I love this interview. I could listen to it over and over.

[@darrelladams4886]

I don’t know much about Steve but I love listening to him talk about music and the business and he can clearly play

[@robertiola88]

One of the few benefits of the internet in my opinion is getting to hear legends discuss our shared history in a very accessible way. I never get tired of hearing Steve Lukather talk about the songs and people I grew up with and how things are different today. Well done.

[@jaychuck1626]

It's crazy that the guys inToto were still doing studio work after have a monster grammy winning album and big fan base.

[@lizardlogic2564]

A good part of that later studio work was for friends who gladly returned the favor.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

I could listen to.steve all day...pretty much my all-time favourite guitarist. Been playing along with Toto since Toto IV came out...such great tone and feel.

[@allenstroo5414]

Wow. Awesome interview. Luke has been one of my all time favorites since the first Toto record. And he is far to humble for his level of talent! He hit the nail on the head about the current generation of music!

[@stelvis1984ify]

What a guy. would love to spend an evening talking in a bar with Lukater. Seems like such a great guy.

[@Smoshy16]

Listening to albums was such a journey (usually literally). Waiting for release day. You had possibly heard a single or two but nothing more. Heading to the music store. Talking to others in the shop. Heading home and putting the record on in anticipation. I'd usually lie on my bed with the headphones on and just be absorbed into a new world. The second time listening I'd get the lyric inlay sheet and then read along. Such wonderful memories.

[@salyer28]

Luke is an American treasure. Rick as well. Love you both!!

[@crazywisdom2]

I believe that Lukather IS one of the GOATS. I could listen to him.24/7. Just a great cat. Thanks Steve. Love you man.

[@siddcandy]

I sooooo love these kinda videos where the greats talk and it turns out how much humility they have towards their craft. So validating. Great content!!!!!

[@Surfinmars]

He nailed it on the head in the last couple minutes. No tech gadgets, and back in the 'olden days', there were lots of Friday night backyard beer keg parties with live bands.

[@MrMichaelk997]

I saw Steve this summer with Ringo Starr's All Star Band. He BLEW ME AWAY! He can make magic with that guitar!

[@vitobrattaforever402]

Steve Lukather is Brilliant!👍👍

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Steve Rick 😎

[@decathlonyou7260]

Already legendary now … I am now 48 years old, and so thankful that I can watch this from now onwards till the end of my life… This is is so sweet and the best musician interview every brought on tape (hahaha). If I could make a recommendation, please ask Tony Iommi for the next session…

[@colinohare]

He's just on a different level awesome player and the reason is his absolute love for music beyond most of us the way he speaks about music and musicians this guy's every fibre drenched in the emotion of creative music.

[@joea7339]

I have to admit, I've never been able to sit through an entire Lukather interview, until this one. Usually, he goes from guardrail to guardrail and just rambles, but I actually liked this one a lot. And just for the record, I've always loved him as a musician.

[@The63Jazz]

I could listen to Luke talk all day. Great interview Rick.

[@2dazetake]

The most unpretentious guitar God I've always admired,one of the good guys in the industry, Steve you friggin rock brother. 😊👍🎸

[@thejeffkershner]

I love it when my heros are down to earth and humble.

[@anticleiaquinngarcia67196]

What a talent ! A legend ! He's one the unsung heroes of music that if you just looked up his trajectory of musical credits you would & should be able to get the greatness of who he is.

[@christopherlees1134]

What he said about music being an important pastime, because there was no smart phone or internet, is so true, and I've said it myself. He's spot on the way he described how he and his friends would experience a new album. It was just like that. Absorbing the effort the musicians put into the composition and performance. That's a thing of the past.

[@ThorRavnsborg]

Steve is one of the best musicians I know of and also one of the best people. I have nothing but deep respect for this man.

[@davidsummerville351]

Saw the first video and liked it. Beginning to love this guy. Hope there is more coming. Thanks Rick!

[@freddylive4181]

probably some of the best insight about EVH will come from Steve .. Thanks Rick!!

[@baneverything5580]

Thank you Steve and Rick

[@prasslhutter6255]

"... It meant something..." so true!!! So true! Thank you! Greetings from Austria

[@sethcashman1011]

I love the story about Ed breaking down in tears in front of his tour manager on the first Van Halen tour, saying, “I don’t wanna be here. I wanna be home, playing jazz and funk, like Allan Holdsworth.” He loved Allan. Even tried to get him a record deal at one point.

[@andreatassinari4712]

I love steve madly, total genius, stratospheric talent as a guitarist and with a unique voice. Wow... how exciting Rick. I fell in love with Toto in the 80s and have never left them. I have seen all the Italian concerts, being amazed every time. I would listen to Steve for hours, narrator of the highest caliber. still fly high Steve. Andrea from Bologna Italy

[@ronconrad2867]

Classic Luke! Thanks so much, Rick for a great interview!

[@donscott763]

One of best interviewees I have seen. Lukather is a great musician and a great great story teller. How genuine and fun to listen to.

[@williamrobinson7435]

Some great insights, and Mr Lukather is SUCH a supreme master, as well as v modest and wise. Thanks Rick! 🌟🌟🎶👍

[@edgewound]

I love Steve Lukather's complete honesty. He's a Jedi of the music industry. Such a valuable talent...and wisdom!

[@sethcashman1011]

Love this interview. I could listen to Steve talk all day - about anything. He’s one of a kind. That said, it takes two to have such a fascinating discussion, so I should say that I could listen to you both conversing all day. Really great stuff.

[@Stu047]

I've offered Luke my hero worship for more than three decades. - My favourite musician. 🙂

[@thebeaun7646]

Rick…..between playing guitar and recording my own songs I listen to all these great guitarists you converse with and learn so much and get inspired. Thanks man!

[@geoffroubik5273]

I may that whole interview tattooed on my back. This needs to be a college lecture series.

[@gristlepounder]

Could listen to him all day long!

[@DrummerJohn]

That was a real deep thought provoking interview. I got deep into music with Journey back in 1979 80. I was in band and choir as a drummer back then. When I saw Journey live in 82 I was blown away. The live sound and intensity of the musicianship was my real wake-up call. Let me say, I went to the Freedom tour with Journey-and Toto in 2022 and it woke me up to the amazing music Toto had created in the last 50 years. I remembered some of the greats, Hold the Line, I’ll Supply the Love. There is such a catalog of songs that keep me listening over and over! English Eyes! I mean damn, just like Journey, live performances are absolutely incredible! Love Luke’s humble soul. It shows and translates to the live guitar work he brings to the show every time. Genius music. As a drummer, I can spend hours listening to anything Toto and Journey have done in the last 50 years. Not many bands can say the had any good music for more than 10 years.

[@michaeljosephmerritt7611]

I always learn from Steve Lukather interviews. He is a master teacher besides musician. A Professor Rick Beato asks great questions. He is a good guitar player too,

[@spacebass79g98]

Legend!

[@Caba-Rojo]

El Maestro! Love Lukather!

[@RexRobins-z6y]

Lukather is just so kind and appreciative of his friends, peers and those who came before him. Also helpful to those who came after him.

[@anfiorsceal]

The wisdom of a lifetime's experience as a pro musician - delivered in an entertaining dialogue. super!

[@BigboyRoy100]

A real class act here in Steve Lukather. If you want to progress in guitar playing (I'd say all of music actually) you have to listen to this man and his music.

[@FrisellFan01]

I may have said this before ...but interviews like this mean so much to me words can't describe....but if I were to pick a word to say what they mean to me ....priceless

[@onefastrt]

Thanks Rick , please keep doing more of these interviews.

[@TexasJackdaw]

Can’t agree more. Of all the records I played on, 90% was multiple rhythm tracks (and backing vocals) even though I considered myself a lead guitarist.

[@jeffprokes8990]

Great interview !! Luke is a Beast !! 🤘🤘❤️

[@MateoBakija]

Steve Lukather is one of the most talented musicians to ever exist. His sense for melody and songwriting is indeed heaven sent.

[@gustavoheberle6265]

Loved to listen to your stories ! You are a legend ! Theres no gigs anymore ! No backyard parties ! My God , you’re totally right ! Very happy to belong to a generation who loved to go to those parties and go after the gigs.

[@ZmanKC]

What a beautiful instrument. Green and black. Lovely.

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

I love Steve! His playing is as great as his sense of humor

[@RobberStormfire]

Lukather has always been one of my all time favorites. I really love his ballads and I'm normally not a "ballad guy". But the nuances on I Won't Hold You Back and I'll Be Over You are incredible. He captures such a feel and emotion on those. And of course he kills it on the rockin' tunes. Amazing how many songs this man has played on and contributed to.

[@nomusician4737]

Rhythm guitar might be the most underrated thing in a band. I worked in the music industry for 10 years, mostly as a session musician. I'd say I've played with maybe 20 really good rhythm guitarists during all those years. Everyone can learn how to play flashy solos bur rhythm guitar you either got or not. It is kind of like drummers that actually can play a straight 4/4 beat. There are VERY few drummers who can make a 4/4 sound as good as a Dave Wekl kind of drum part.

[@corrindion]

What a great down to earth regular musician!

[@cadesmith4278]

Luke at 11:40: "When's the last time you listened to pop radio and said, 'whoa! What was that?" So true.

[@TheGravygun]

A lot of people forget about Eddie's grooves he was a great Rhythm player. Fantastic

[@AmericanHero-c7j]

I haven’t run into Steve Lukather since at least 2008 at Nashville NAMM show, he always had wild hair, but now with it all gray, he looks like a madman. Great musician.

[@stratmister009]

there's a million clips put on the tube every week, but this clip is really really cool because Steve touched on a lot of real issues that are valid to our time.

[@michaeljosephmerritt7611]

Steve Lukather made an analysis in an earlier video, maybe even in this one. There is a lot of new and great talent on guitar. However, there are no great songs. Why? Fantastic Commentary by Steve Lukather.

[@garythomas4431]

Steve and Rick. Listen to the band Balthvs. They are from Bogota Colombia. I have become fairly close friends with the guitarist . I'm 62, and I started playing guitar in 74. I listen to everything. I used to sit In the floor and learn the complete albums. That's how I learned to play. Back to Balthvs. Very organic, beautiful music. Guitar interesting. I've learned, with Balthazar's help, a couple of their songs. They really lit my fire again with that excitement, that want to learn a new style. And now every time an old tune pops in my head, I'm sitting down with my phone and learning more new, old stuff. And that's what it is all about. Love ya'lls chat. ✌️