Steve Stevens - Riffs, Chords & Warm Up

Guitar Workshop with Steve Stevens
Read the full article: bit.ly/PlayAlikeStevens
Steve Stevens talks about his favorite riffs, special chord voicings and warm up exercises for guitar players to get the fingers warmed up well for a concert.

[@mredmister3014]

Love this guy. He took the beer bottle out of my hand when I was right in the front row and used it for a slide. Gave it back without spilling it lol. Top 5 dynamic guitarist for sure.

[@LennySugiono]

Legend

[@diaz5292]

Fucking Legend!!👍

[@beavis4play]

that's awesome - i hope you still have the bottle! LOL

[@PeterVenkman_666]

Right! I'd take that bottle to my grave!

[@hoisin75]

The best KZbin comment I have ever read

[@shaynebergwever6268]

He's one of the very best, yet would never claim that. His work with Billy will go down as some of the best Guitar work of all time. Too many great tunes to list.

[@NoName-ql1wk]

Name three.

[@shaynebergwever6268]

@@NoName-ql1wk, wants names, ironic?😆. White Wedding, Rebel Yell & Cradle of Love, all had awesome riffs and off-tap lead work imo✌

[@MrMustard2U]

Talked to Steven once at the NAMM Show in Anaheim CA, he was a very Cool, Friendly & Down to Earth Dude...

[@markmarsh27]

Without Steve Stevens there never would have BEEN a Billy Idol.

[@snoolee7950]

Love em both, a good duo work well together. Great respect to both of them.

[@leeannasloan526]

Yep

[@flomulousvaanderstoode5318]

True dat fam

[@gaycha6589]

Yes there would. He just never would have broken thru in USA in same way.

[@MentalMickey999]

Billy Idol was already around before the Steve Stevens line up, they came together at the perfect moment in time.

[@Scottocaster6668]

It baffles me why SS doesn't have more recognition like he should, such as Eddie, Randy, Lynch etc. He can play any style and genre of music. The more I watch these videos on him, the more he is climbing up my favorite guitarist ladder.👍

[@ohplezz]

Might not get a lot of notoriety, buy he has been extremely successful financially. Much more so than most.

[@michaeldunkley5959]

you are totally right! The guy is a guitar god!!

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@michaeldunkley5959 I guess us guys with the good ear are better gifted! 😆

[@capnkirk933]

Eddie Van Halen was one of Steve Stevens biggest fans

[@darryllspalding9680]

needs the right vocalist to match

[@wlcrutch]

Such a professional, and a total badass. The first time I saw the video for Eyes without a Face and he flew in on that killer break (best riff of all time) I was hooked. Right there, was a guy making rock n roll the coolest thing ever

[@Magik1369]

Steve kicks ass. Big tone, addictive rhythm chops, and blistering leads. This guy rocks and I've been listening to him since the 80's.

[@drumr72]

Well put, summed up nicely.

[@Andre5225]

Who would give this video a 👎🏽??? I have found SS’s playing, tone, phrasing, voicing on his guitar exceptional, especially when you consider how it fits within the context of the songs that are in the their set list. His work with Billy Idol & his solo albums are greatness. Rock on, brother!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@cliffamey6341]

a very underrated guitarist

[@billyreynolds4749]

Absolutely Cliff. As a guitar player...Steve Stevens is one of my all time favorite players!!

[@chansouvannarath3789]

Over shadowed by Billy Idol. He is really really good.

[@booifojoe]

I would say that he is more underrecognized rather than underrated. Those that pay attention know the deal. Those that just listen to the radio, well, they just listen to the radio.

[@zygmundzygmundowski]

Totally agree!!!! Whiplash Smile!!!!! What a guitar work!!!!!

[@TomMcMahonMUSIC]

Listen to the Bozzio Levin Stevens albums if you guys haven't.. some truly awesome instrumental albums with Steve's playing

[@mikec1851]

Steve Stevens and George Lynch are my favourite guitarists of all time. Great tone and addictive riffs. They make the extremely difficult look so easy.

[@barrysmith916]

A true artist, session muscian, and all around rock guitarist. Him, Neil Shawn, and Steve Lukather are more melodic than most. Steve Stevens is so under appreciated .

[@mikerieck306]

I saw Steve with Billy Idol in Providence RI when Billy first got sober. Holy crap.....Steve ripped through a 10 minute solo/guitar demonstration that defied description. This man is an animal.

[@soyounoat]

This guy is amazing to hear, but also impresses with his serious studied understanding of guitar technique and musical theory. It's apparent that he has attained mastery by working for it.

[@Theo-hc5ob]

He is freaking amazing. And it seems that he is a nice guy, too

[@Monsterdrumma]

Theo 80126 I met him and he is a completely awesome and friendly guy!

[@aandc2005]

One of the greatest and a cool easy to talk with down to earth person!

[@jamesmccracken9323]

well said and definitely agree !

[@brentrobinson124]

lilnetty2 I met Steve Stevens back in 1987 after the Whiplash Smile show in Montreal. He came out with his hair all messed up, wearing a towel around his neck and drinking a "Purple Jesus" lol....whatever that drink is! He was still in his white leathers. He was an amazing guy to meet. He was so nice to me and my brother. Awesome guy! He told us that he likes to meet his fans because Steve Howe was a dick to him when he met him and swore that he wouldn't be like that to his fans.

[@rickfeith6372]

Ya gotta be...your career won't last long if you're a world class dick...except Yngwie

[@Ledprostate]

Crushing tone. His flamenco excursions are stunning.

[@JohnMastrangelo]

Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYrcmX5qfap9gZo

[@WarrenSt.James_Guitarist]

oh yeah!......brilliant guitarist

[@minorityofone1510]

and totally unexpected. What a great guitarist!

[@wickedcrypto6004]

Steve Steven probably has one of the most authentic Rock N Roll sound that I have ever heard coming from a guitar and such videos like this one make you realize why!!! I appreciate you posting this video. Seeing Steve Steven very intimate one on one with his guitar makes me appreciate true Genius...

[@ChiefDoesStuff]

This guy is a monster on guitar!

[@yabo2424]

One of the greatest ever !!

[@tonypowell250]

A monster is someone like Steve Vai.

[@phenixreturns]

go and see Godin, Rondat, Kochmann and others too like Michael Zurita and Bertignac-Aubert-Paul Personne in other style

[@beaveittoleaver2327]

Eh, NOT one of the greatest. With all DUE respect. Check out Tony Rice if you're interested in the fretboard being MASTERED...

[@gimpyjwilliams]

@@beaveittoleaver2327 lol tony rice, you mean check out paul gilbert

[@tonyd6848]

What a gentleman Steve is. He seems down to earth and doesn't have a "Rockstar" mentality. What a fresh breath of air. Thank you Steve!

[@yabo2424]

Ive said it once and I'll say it again. One of the best guitarists of the past 30 years. Brilliant musician. Diversity this is why he's so great! He can do it all !!

[@captainflamson]

Steve Stevens kicks ass, from Billy Idol to Atomic Playboys, to Memory Crash, a wicked wizard of the finest caliber. Also, I love that he still looks like the fucking rock star he is, too many rockers have cut their hair!

[@westcoastbrotha]

You’re one of my biggest guitar role models ever Steve. Fucking love your playing style.

[@katzensprung7449]

Steve Stevens is a very likeable and down to earth person. And yes, he is a great master of the guitar! This video is pure gold!

[@justjames1111]

What a Great Guitarist and a humble Guy, talking about Townsend and Page as Masters of guitar, when he is one of that group. Brilliant.

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

Oooh that cheeky bit of Spanish riffing at the end there.... what a superb player he is... overlooked / underrated?? Not by those in the know. Legend

[@JohnMastrangelo]

check out "Run across Desert Sands" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYrcmX5qfap9gZo

[@DRPowell]

He played something similar when demonstrating the Fender VG Stratocaster in another video. I’m actually tempted to buy the one I saw at a pawn shop based on his demonstration. Impressive guitar, more impressive player!

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

@@DRPowell I've got an original VG I bought in 2007 or 06, can't remember! Fun guitar. A great Strat in its own right, without the electronics.

[@DRPowell]

@@MarkFeaGuitar - That is an interesting coincidence! The one I saw is an ‘07 model. It is in nearly new condition and still has stickers on the pick guard. It is in a Gator style case with a price tag of $800. I don’t know what they retailed for but I am tempted to pick this one up. I have limited space in my practice room and the VG would do the job of several guitars.

[@MarkFeaGuitar]

@@DRPowell I paid £1200 for mine new back in the day...

[@panagiotismatsikoudis8039]

Incredibly massive and punchy guitar tone. Steve has an incredible connection with the instrument. A big inspiration. I love most guitar heroes but this guy has a certain rawness to his playing and sound that is hard to beat.

[@Cl3moh]

Its authentic, and as big and brash as it is, Steve's very intelligent and understands his role. Such an important and influential player- such stylistic mastery. Just a right on dude.

[@christinewebb8308]

Yes hes a god love him soo much wish he was my man

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

I have such respect for this guy's work. When he speaks or plays, I stop and listen.

[@MikeBikerKickstand]

Steve reminds me of another great player of his generation ...... Steve Lukather. Their music is so recognizable that you don’t realize the brilliance behind their craft until you get them playing on their own. It’s all about vocabulary for a guitarist and these guys sport exceptional and iconic lexicons.

[@MrMedtech1437]

One of my guitar heroes. Got to crank it loud as soon as I hear one of his riffs. Another one of who I look up to in the guitar world is Billy Duffy.

[@CalDocky]

Couldn’t agree more. Billy Duffy is absolutely underrated as a player.

[@beenderedonedat]

Yes man!

[@flashy5150]

Steve is an unbelievable guitar player. He's even better on the acoustic.

[@romanmiskovic5895]

great example how small details can make a huge difference and create signature sound!

[@scottyecora]

Steve S. is one of my favourite guitar player, with Van Halen and Lukather. While I enjoy others like Vai, Petrucci, Timmons that may have more technical skills, Stevens, Van Halen and Lukather guitar parts blur the line between rhythm and lead playing and are tightly integrated to the song's arrangement. It's particularly true about Steve S. : his guitar parts on Billy Idol's hits can almost be sung and are as much, if not more, memorable than the songs melodies. A true master !

[@peterosipov400]

I suppose Eddie Van Halen's and Steve Stevens' skills are on par with Vai, Petrucci and Timmons. It's just a bit different music they are into that represents their skills differently.

[@scottyecora]

You are completely right, I did not expressed my idea correctly.

[@Incog2k6]

Peter Osipov Actually, it's Steve Lukather who is on par with Vai (I'd actually consider Lukather better, just look up their G3 performances), Petrucci and Timmons. He is so good, he can play alongside even Jazz guitarists. Well, he used to be the most sought-after session guitarist back then, so it's no surprise. His alternate picking speed is ridiculous when he decides to go all out, plus his knowledge of music theory seems endless.

[@peterosipov400]

Incog2k6 I don't doubt Steve Lukather's skills so as original poster, that's why I didn't mention him

[@peterosipov400]

Incog2k6 I double checked, and I was wrong. You are right, of course Steve Lukather worth the mention!

[@drumr72]

I have buddies who have opened for Steve and he is a class act. Super humble and approachable.

[@SunMaschine]

One of my ol' time fav guitarist. Long live Mr. Stevens!

[@averageguysgadgetguy]

To be this fuckin good at the guitar and come off so humble and down to earth is almost unheard of...the guys a legendary top 10 or 15 guitarist of all time and seems like the chillest dude at a bar telling stories 👏👏👏

[@rogerkoob9904]

I met him at the new York guitar show in 1992 and he's not only an awesome player he's a really nice guy.......

[@CoffeeattheBeach]

Loved Steve Stevens for-ever...since I was a kid and to me some of his best work was on my favorite Billy Idol album- Whiplash Smile. That entire album is magical.

[@jbow8213]

Drea East Coast you mentioning that album brought a smile to my face, thank you!

[@rokyericksonroks]

Yes, you are right, I forgot about that one!

[@missesmew]

Agreed fully 👌🏽, very underrated player. Back then no one thought there could be a great punk Guitar player. 👊🏾

[@7Skulls7]

I agree Whiplash is my fav too!

[@MrGoodknight2010]

The man is an ace, love his style and work with Idol. Awesome stuff.

[@kerrykurschinsky2451]

Steve Steven's,.... tough act to follow,... this guy has done his homework,... he goes places,... with his rig musically,... very few have the ability to go,... his music is wide and spacious,... perfect,.. for a guy like Billy......

[@ashdravencrow6328]

I believe that superb guitarists does not do much licks nor they warm up before a shOw. Their connection to guitar is something more extraordinary. When they carry it the guitarist and the guitar become one.

[@yabo2424]

I've said it once and Ill say it again !! Steve Stevens is brilliant one of the best guitarists of the past 30 years. Diversity this is why he is so great, he can do it all

[@joehentalack2443]

STEVE,is such a cool and Humble dude,I met him,when I was catering for three Billy's concert in DALLAS,so nice,he signed a Guitar(STRATO 1972)for me,and played it,after he"tuned"it,to his"taste"...What a moment"..."Surgical".....He is a super nice guy,and and a fabulous Rock Guitar Player,way under rated........

[@mastersupreme6126]

joe coquerre STOP SMOKING WEED TO GREEN LOL!

[@nickphillips1721]

Like a fine wine.......................................Mr. Stevens just gets better and better, has Never been under rated in my book. He is in a very elite class of players, that include Buck Dharma, Elliot Easton, Pearl Thomson and more. He is probably the best side man any artist has ever had.

[@markcross3411]

Far out..the no sound check thing blew me away. What a legend!!

[@thomasniedermeier4793]

So good to see this guy rocking on years later in 2023. Great musician. Imagine a world without Stevens or Idol. No Rebell Yell, no fun….

[@TheStones1965]

Saw him live in 1984 on the Rebell Yell Tour. I was going to see Billy Idol but Steve stole that show. Billy was great but the guitar playing was insane.

[@kingdiamondfan4032]

Such a tasty player I have always loved Steves playing and after meeting him and him treating me like gold it made me even more of a fan .

[@trevornever27]

For having such a bombastic style and look this guy couldnt be more humble about skills and versatility

[@rstarguitar5350]

Steve Stevens absolutely one of the greats underrated in underappreciated in music He is a kick ass guitarist make no mistake about it and he comes across as kind of a modest guy which makes him even cooler

[@peterperez1285]

A true artist. Looks are always deceiving. He truly knows his instrument and has a total control of music theory. I real unsung guitar master hero!

[@MrJackal43]

The coolest guitar player of all time... bar none.

[@timothyh6670]

Wow you haven’t been exposed to much music otherwise you would see how ridiculous your claim is

[@Jonesy1978]

@@timothyh6670 lmfao 👍

[@stinky_nut_blast]

@@timothyh6670 Speaking of Exposed. That was a crazy good Stevens & Vince Neil album.

[@rodgano2780]

A great musician. A wizard on guitar!

[@anthonyhershko]

He's such an AMAZING PERSON!!! I got a video from him for my birthday!!

[@Theo-hc5ob]

Freaking Brilliant player. Add to this he seems to be a genuinely nice guy. I could listen to him play that last part, on his Godin guitar, for a whole video. Thanks for posting these!

[@Janko1972]

The secret to being a great guitarist is play something that everybody likes. A good example is Andy Summers with "Message in a Bottle". Great to listen to, hard as hell for me to play. I couldn't imagine doing that riff for four minutes. Steve's playing was so refreshing in the 80's while all of the other Rock Bands were trying to sound like "Chicago".

[@danielchapman2842]

Just recently realizing how amazing a guitarist Steve Stevens is. I'm not a huge fan of Billy Idol's music but respect him. But Steve Stevens is very underrated IMO.

[@Ranametalera]

most underrated guitar player EVER!

[@MrDuds1984]

He was the guitarist of the Top Gun theme, it won a Grammy

[@christineblack4654]

did not know that!

[@andrewvanatta499]

@@christineblack4654 yea. That movie then went on to become an accidental propaganda device that evidently worked, and a lot of pilots know this riff now

[@TakeDeadAim]

@@andrewvanatta499 I was one of them!lol! Saw TG after I had gotten a pilot slot and although I knew I wanted F14's...after that I KNEW I wanted the "Turkey" and finished high enough to pick it. The movie bears no resemblance to the real world...and it did forever remove "Maverick", "Iceman", "Jester", "Goose", "Cougar" from the rolls of callsigns...but it did attract a LOT of candidates to AOCS. In fact, had I not already been "in the barrel"...there's a good chance I wouldn't have gotten a slot myself as I had a pretty average intro pack...but did do very well once I got started. Retired now and seems like an entire lifetime ago for sure!

[@andrewvanatta499]

@@TakeDeadAim dang. I'm still 15, but I want to become a fighter pilot so bad, just so I can feel the freedom you've once felt. Thank you for your service. o7

[@TakeDeadAim]

@@andrewvanatta499 My son followed in my place and what I always told him was not to get ahead of yourself. Keep that dream on "the stick". However, you MUST focus on the "baby steps" to achieve it. Focus on your grades and your physical fitness. It a hyper competitive community where it literally and figuratively pays to be top of the class. Good luck young man...

[@williamapolinar1018]

One of the nicest guys you can meet! Unbelievable guitarist.

[@ducamuk]

Steve Stevens is still a badass. I respect this guy. 👍

[@jegjeg9011]

Wow, seems you are still growing your talent Steve, I have always enjoyed your playing.

[@j_freed]

Such a ballsy guitar and amp combo. A worthy Gibson-a-like.

[@MrWolf5150]

The ultimate rock star guitarist. Absolutely Awesome player and always seems to be a genuinely nice guy.

[@Daehawk]

I love in one video he talks about hearing old 50s style stuff on the radio when he was young and he does a few licks of it and its instantly the 50s.

[@glenx4892]

I've alway s loved Steve Stevens guitar playing WAAAYYYY back in the '80's !!! what I want to know now is... where this BEAST of a guitar player is playing these days...... I will travel far and wide to witness in person, his command and mastery of the fretboard...

[@jeremycubs8331]

For anybody still hasn't listened to Vince Neil's Exposed album go check it out then you'll see how beast this guy really is.

[@zachary_attackery]

Vince is an amazing singer in the studio, he just sucks live

[@eudymaverickmentor]

Steven's guitar work is awesome. It's just hard to listen to Vince Neil. His voice is so harsh.

[@shred5]

Forget the Vince Neil album, check out his solo albums and his work with Bozzio Levin Stevens if you think that was good.

[@aandc2005]

I agree

[@truescotsman4103]

@lilnetty2 lol

[@theshapeexists]

One solid SOLID player. One of my earliest influences.

[@stanknugget]

I take back everything I’ve ever said about Steve Stevens. He seems like a nice and humble guy.

[@AllThatShreds]

Steve is s legend!

[@richardscott2334]

Steve Stevens is awesome. He's the real deal. Not just a guitar player but a true musician's musician.

[@aandc2005]

Steve is a amazing guitar player! One of my favorites!!!

[@johnshields6852]

Man, Steve is obviously incredible guitarist, he's interesting to hear him talk music and guitar, he has such a natural way about him, you can hear his love of music and it's a pleasure to listen to him. You see top 5 or 10 lists of the best guitarists, and there are so many, really most top musicians you don't hear about them just because of there's only so many famous ones. But Steve is my favorite musician, not just ability, much has to do with the fact I enjoy hearing him talk music, all facets. 🎸

[@turkeeg7644]

This dude is great. I love his hooks. In the MTV days of my youth , I always remember his playing having this great movement and musicality.

[@neudan7788]

Absolutely legendary musician. What an inspiration!

[@OrbiterElectronics]

I love Steve Stevens & Billy Idol. Steve is one of THE greatest guitarists.

[@holgerhagmueller]

The rebell yell riff is one of the most beautiful guitar riffs ever!

[@onyourmarkphoto]

I had no idea this guy was so talented. Just never heard his name or knew anything about him other than he was the guitarist in Billy Idols group. Wow have I been missing out. Much respect Steve Stevens.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

He's the man. ..very memorable riffs

[@BaritoneOneFive]

The great Steve Stevens! Unapologetically 80's!

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

Thanks for sharing Steve. I bet you would be a blast to jam with...

[@EL34XYZ]

Steve Stevens, one of my top favorite rock guitars of all time!

[@TheDaaazer]

Fantastic guitarist. SO good.

[@donaldkumler5149]

This guy is so awesome he makes it look like anyone could do what he does, but we all know the truth.

[@jamescain6816]

This guy is so underrated ! Such a cool dude to ! I'd love to sit down and jam with him ! And he is so down to earth love this guy ! Steve keep posting videos .

[@michael_caz_nyc]

He inspires me = Steve is one of the coolest, most down-to-earth, and amazing guitar players. oNe LoVe from NYC

[@jeremyjohnston592]

Huge sound. Killer player. Absolutely beautiful guitar...

[@soundknight]

Jeremy Johnston he is a great player, nice to see someone not playing a Gibson.

[@jhopkins213]

Knaggs makes some nice gear. And that gold top! Beautiful guitar.

[@timidater4803]

One of my favorite guitarists!!!!!

[@RandyFricke]

Steve's been reading my comments about how to play "Whole Lotta Love" properly. Steve is one of those great guitarists that has an incredible vocabulary. Guitar-wise I mean.

[@Babeoftheabyss]

Saw Billy Idol in San Bernardino several weeks ago. My first thought when Steve Steven's came out was "wow over the top rock star much?" And then he did these incredible solo performances and owned it! I totally ate my initial thought, dude is over the top rock star. Incredible player

[@CalebePriester]

"Never judge a book by its cover"

[@mdwayne741]

Amazing player....love his work.

[@VFizz]

Steve Stevens- one of the most talented guitarists / musicians to ever hit !

[@mastersupreme6126]

VFizz HE IS THE SECOND BEST AFTER STEVE HOWE EVER!

[@zapp99]

Love the his approach to making music. His rhythm parts are always so full sounding, not overly complicated but yet unusually colourful. And his solos always complement the songs perfectly rather than jumping out totally just as a sideshow.

[@Dan.the.Guitarman]

Steve is amazing and such a nice guy in interviews. He and that godin are a match made in heaven

[@kevinseraphimday6373]

Awesome. This guy's brilliant. Thanks for posting!

[@rjc7289]

Love his flamenco licks, even if he's using a pick instead of traditional finger-style.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Great player who sits in the band and makes the whole thing sound huge by leaving the right amount of space for everything else.

[@newdimension4731]

3:27 Those guys were masters at that... LOL Steve you're a master of your own creativity as well

[@GuitarBonedo]

SUBSCRIBE: kzbin.info Full article: bit.ly/PlayAlikeStevens

[@dannyh7557]

Just subscribed

[@fastted8618]

My neighbor wore black finger nails to the next board room meeting. He now works in the mail / male room.

[@spicecrop]

Why couldn't we have had youtube in the 80's and 90's?

[@curtisunit]

The definition of a pro. I used to love this guys playing on the BI tunes when I was a kid. Revisiting some of that made me appreciate how much attention to detail he devoted to those tracks. The pocket in the parts is fantastic as is the tone, to say nothing of how appropriate the parts were. It doesn't surprise me that he has the knack for shredditude. He has a good relaxed right hand take to alternate picking.

[@chookvalve]

Nothing like a humble star. Refreshing!

[@465marko]

That whole lotta love thing just changed my world!!

[@jimmessina]

i´ve been fan of led zeppelin since my 12´s, i discovered just three years ago that i was playing whole lotta love wrong, a Peruvian guy teach me at a local store how to play it properly...it blew my mind.