Steve Vai Breaks Down His Insane Hydra Guitar

[@soundmojo]

What do you think about Steve;s new guitar The Hydra? Let us know in the comments!

[@sirsquatch2347]

Have we actually seen him play it? I can't find anything, just talking about it, not even him holding it. (Just for looks? Art?)

[@soundmojo]

@@sirsquatch2347 ​ It definitely works as he mentions in our video that he recorded "The Teeth of The Hydra song in sections. Haven't seen any footage of him playing it either.

[@brianbrian1769]

We would really like to see the hydra being played. 1 of my friends doesn't think it's possible and I can't convince him.

[@brianbrian1769]

@@sirsquatch2347 I thought it strange Vai was blindfolded AND had his hand up as if to say "you aren't ready to see this yet". I think it's a bit of a teaser. Sneaky Stevie Vai.

[@brianbrian1769]

@SoundMojo I think the hardcase will be a hard case to carry.

[@Jeudaos]

And TRUELY he made an extremely well done song with just THIS one guitar. That doesn't just sound like a guitarists trying to shred and prove he can use all the necks. Steve vai truely MASTERMINDED that song.

[@soundmojo]

@Wodinn Perfectly said! 👌🏽

[@exerciseforidiots2296]

Yeah, the composition is insane knowing that one person is harmonizing three instruments. Just incredible 👍

[@SpiritualAtheist]

Absolutely. The song is badass brilliant. 👍

[@pox-ie]

i knew he wasn't off this world..... now he brings kickass alien technology to rock even more :)

[@soundmojo]

@Silvano Puggioni He's definitely not from earth!

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Im.saying

[@walterevans2118]

VERY creative....Designing a Multi Neck instrument with so many functions...Then writing a seamless chronological narrative of music that uses practically all of these functions played LIVE in a way that is an enjoyable piece of music.

[@soundmojo]

@Walter Evans Well said! I can't wait to see him perform on it!

[@walterevans2118]

@@soundmojo Me too

[@dennisjohansson5716]

I want to see mr. Vai just play around with the hydra, with a loop pedal or something, would be awesome!!

[@soundmojo]

@Dennis Johansson Same here! Excited to see what he does with it.

[@TheLogancoats]

"things that seem impossible don't seem so impossible once you start doing it." -Steve Vai. just an aside, but wow great wisdom.

[@soundmojo]

@Logan Coats So good ! 👍

[@TForTristan]

This was awesome! Great work! Steve is just so special, there's no one like him!

[@danielgulseren9783]

i have a hard time right now. But listening to what Steve says, makes me confident again. Hero, not only on Guitar.

[@soundmojo]

@Daniel Gülseren I hope things get better for you! 👍

[@05645ci]

Steve is a zen master; the first time I heard Yankee Rose by David Lee Roth it blew my mind; Steve is talking back to Diamond Dave on his guitar in the opening riff and he just rips that song up from there. Steve is as technically proficient is anyone you will ever hear; he's right, if he could sing and he wanted to play mainstream rock, he would have blown up some arenas. Long Live Stevie Vai.

[@soundmojo]

@05645ci Same thing here. The 1st time I heard Yankee Rose that was all I needed. That intro with him and Dave blew my mind!

[@kellyford8832]

the VIDEO of him playing this and the actual piece of music is ANOTHER GALAXY OF AWESOME.. i laterally got a tear and was COMPLETELY BLOWEN AWAY BY THE AWESOME THAT IS STEVE VAI .... "AGAIN" thank you Mr . Vai for being objective and pushing the envelope of innovation you RULE bro

[@everettst.claire870]

That guitar is insane. So f***ing cool. The fact that he can play it like a master is incredible.

[@soundmojo]

Not surprised he can play it like that 😉

[@CassiusMorrisOfficial]

YES

[@crashzero6517]

genuinely exciting, and cant wait for this video :)

[@soundmojo]

@Crash Zero It's a crazy guitar!

[@TCMabe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfUm3eAZdF_mqc

[@christianwilliamson9752]

I shook this man's hand at Westbury music fair. Ny. I was humbled and amazed

[@soundmojo]

@Christian Williamson Nice! He's such a class act!

[@essw3240]

Inviolate is probably my favorite SV record, and I love them all.

[@soundmojo]

@Ess W I have to admit it ranks up high for me as well and right off the 1st listen too!

[@wereleeroads9311]

That's how I felt, too, and I have them all. Inviolate is at least one of his best two or three. His lead tone has changed (and I think improved) a little, too.

[@soundmojo]

@@wereleeroads9311 Some unique progressions I haven't heard from Steve on this one.

[@Florida_guy]

The modern age is great we get to listen to Steve play and then listen to him talk ..both have alot we can learn and absorb

[@soundmojo]

@LarryLarry Couldn't agree with you more 👍

[@trevinbracken2889]

Man, Vai and Zappa. If he was only alive today! Would be some really beautiful music being made.

[@soundmojo]

@ Trevin Bracken I don't even want to think of what we're missing! 👍

[@trevinbracken2889]

@@soundmojo indeed my friend. Indeed.

[@chiefinspectorshine]

How about Vai and Satriani?

[@soundmojo]

@@chiefinspectorshine Would be cool to hear them on some tracks together. I have seen them live on the 1st few G3 tours

[@billville111]

The surprise is that this actually worked so well - the music, the performance, the look and the quantum leap to the next level. Steve - 💪👍

[@soundmojo]

@billville111 Well said! 👌🏽

[@seanwelch71]

I just saw the video. It's so fun. What a great idea. I liked the song a lot. Get on TV asap.

[@TheRichardHartog]

I read somewhere he had some shoulder injuries...reckon this monstrosity had some influence on that! ;-)

[@soundmojo]

@ Richard Hartog He talks about the surgeries in the full-length interview we're publishing this Friday!

[@brianbrian1769]

@Richard Hartog I read he hurt his shoulder making pizza. Lots of folk had to get a new gig during lockdown but at least he's back.

[@auzidub]

wow!

[@XXIII_89]

I was expecting him to have the guitar, and show how it works and why.. the half frets, the harp, and the ethernet port... does this thing have multiplayer capabilities!!???

[@soundmojo]

@Casey Peppers He hasn't released any pictures or videos with him holding or playing it yet.

[@XXIII_89]

Yeah I thought that's what this video was supposed to be. X/ it was nice hearing what Steve had to say regardless of course.

[@v4v819]

The guitar doesn't just have an ethernet port, but also a "direct upload to the Mothership" button!

[@TCMabe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfUm3eAZdF_mqc

[@realhighendglassforsale5226]

should point put that anyone can have anything built if they have the vision and resources for it......well, maybe.... I am still struggling with my flux capacitor. The song to me is proof of Steve's musicianship...

[@MichaelDooleyProject]

Steve seems like a real nice dude. Cool interview.

[@soundmojo]

@Michael Dooley Project Thanks! He was so nice and great to chat with!

[@MichaelDooleyProject]

@@soundmojo I’ll bet! That Hydra guitar would be so much fun to play. So unique.

[@soundmojo]

@Michael Dooley Project I can't even imagine the creative possibilities it offers. Have you seen how he need to rig it up to be able to play it? Check it out on his socials, he's shared it a little while back. Pretty crazy!

[@MichaelDooleyProject]

@@soundmojo thanks! I will check that out!

[@blasphem0]

was hoping for more of a technical breakdown..an explanation of what the tubes do..the lamp an ethernet ports..the seducer and the dragon effect..if midi works on all necks or just the harp?...

[@soundmojo]

@blasphem0 I feel you. We got this exclusive before any footage or music was released. It was great to hear the story behind it though.

[@paulolsen6870]

Michael Hedges - Because It's There.

[@ShapingMusic]

This guy is way way one of the greatest to pick up a guitar..

[@soundmojo]

@Lifetime of Music 💯

[@hwcidybz]

brilliant and true about attempting what seems impossible at first. For me, it was starting to learn the tabla. little by little....

[@soundmojo]

@baga chatiY It's a compounded effect of little efforts.

[@XKamszotX]

The Hydra - when one string breaks nine other take its place

[@soundmojo]

@VoxBox If I was his guitar tech I'd ask for double the salary just to restring that thing!

[@daviegriffin3539]

@@soundmojo The 🎸 Tech: 😳 *Pffft, triple my pay plus medical insurance because one of us will eventually lose an eye with that DAMN THANG.* #JustSayin' 🤷🏽‍♂️👁️🤭🤘🏽

[@bobotmeister]

well, his figuring how to play it off a stand. Had a special harness built to have the weight on his hips but had mobility problems. anyway, excited to actually see him play with it... even on a stand.

[@soundmojo]

@Robert Tiongson Just nuts when you think about it! Can't wait to see him perform live with it!

[@hksoundpro]

If you enjoy multi-neck performances and composition, you simply MUST watch & listen to Michael Hedges performing "Because it's There". I shudder to think what might have happened, had Steve managed to collaborate with Hedges. Two of the absolute greatest.....

[@soundmojo]

@Kevin Catalano I would have paid good money to see that! 👍

[@peteloomis8456]

Rush was doing steam punk years ago so I am sure that influenced him ! Rest in piece Neil Peart ! I don't mean to take away from this because I see what he does and have seen him many years ago with Satch and Ingway Malmstein and Eric Johnson on the G3 tours back then as I am a guitar player since the early 70s ! I am really hyped on this & possibly Satches CD coming out so let's see what happens !

[@soundmojo]

@Pete Loomis I'm looking forward to Satch's new album as well.

[@DerekHundik]

is Satches Joe Satriani ?

[@soundmojo]

@@DerekHundik Yes!

[@mirage5164]

Never thought I would hear Steve Vai say 13” prick. I feel free now.

[@kellyford8832]

my thoughts when i seen that BEAUTYFULL monstrosity was that "OH MY GOD STEVE VAI HAS BECOME EVEN BETTER HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??" I was and STILL am BLOWEN AWAY by the music and the work from this instrument. and it was never about weather or not Mr Vai COULD play it, it was HOW SUBLIME will it be when he does lol YOU ARE UNBELEAVABLEY AWESOME STEVE GOD BLESS YA AND EVERYONE YA KNOW

[@adamcogan211]

I honestly thought it was going to sound gimmicky too and HOLY SHIT WAS I WRONG WHEN I HEAR THE SONG THIS WEEK!!! 🤯🤯🤯

[@soundmojo]

@Adam Cogan I had the same reaction when I 1st heard the song. I immediately loved it and I hadn't even seen the Hydra yet.

[@christianwilliamson9752]

Right. Steve is the fckng man!

[@zeus-bx9xw]

Best guitar player on the planet...

[@JesseLeeKing]

Steve Vai is like you're gonna actually build that? The luthier is like you're gonna actually play it?

[@Marta1Buck]

Mad scientist by day, a wizard by night

[@jacksmodelcargarage9165]

Buckethead needs to come up with something like that,and maybe he could call it Godzilla🐲

[@robote7679]

Steve is soooooo cooool!

[@erictripton]

Regardless of the Michael Hedges approach.. the Chorus riff is too too cool!! Teeth of the Hydra is more direct rock music.. I hope Steve expands on that part of music. Despite his hydra gimmick, just more creative ventures similar would really bring it home. Just epic sounding stuff

[@coin777]

Why is Steve Vai wearing this funny glasses, nose and mustache mask?

[@TheodorusRex]

Metheny's PIcasso guitar is quite amazing as well.

[@soundmojo]

@Theodorus Rex 👍 It's incredible and so is his performance on it!

[@patricelarose283]

Cool to notice Pat on Picasso Guitar

[@soundmojo]

@Patrice Larose 💯 Huge Pat Metheny fan here 😉

[@JohnCardona]

@@soundmojo Another HUGE Metheny (and VAI) fan here! My top 2 favorite (modern instrumental) musician/composer/guitarist have always been Pat and Steve! I absolutely love hearing Steve talk and all the stories. That "prick" comment though, OMG, LOL, HAHAHA! I was really surprised, with both being Ibanez artists, that he wasn't aware of the "Pikasso guitar". Anyway, first time seeing Steve and Pat mentioned in a video together, that made me smile ! Thanks!

[@soundmojo]

@John Cardona Thank you! I was surprised he hadn't seen Pat's video as it's on KZbin for ages. Pat is my favorite improvisational guitarist. I was lucky to catch him on the The Way Up & Orchestriom tours in Montreal. Standing ovation as he walked on stage! People absolutely love him here.

[@Frances1937eighty]

how tf they get wifi in a guitar 😳

[@soundmojo]

@outkasted07 It's madness!

[@stormyandcold]

That guitar would be perfect for a Chaos noise marine.

[@blakebrumby6775]

Dope

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

SO SHWEEEETTT...much love Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO.[the music worldwide} AND SOOO COOL..!!!

[@v4v819]

Steve Vai's Hydra guitar doesn't just have an ethernet port. But also, a "direct upload to the Mothership" button!

[@selfactualizer2099]

I think the hydra is vastly important, I don't like the idea of "standardization" in music, I don't like the idea of "genres" you can use it as a tool to classify music, but I don't like to classify music, even if two songs are in the same exact subgenre, I would always treat them as two completley different pieces of music. however, this goes for the design of instruments too. I'm always looking for something exotic to play, guitars and other standard instruments are always exactly the same, (and people will shell out thousands for a guitar that "sounds very slightly different") their all the same, but all instruments could be completley different, we can get so creative and just keep inventing new instruments, or take old instruments and reimagine them, who's to say all guitars can't have different versions of half fretless or different amounts of strings or different shapes and sizes, I'm just obsessed with niche interesting ideas, and I just really love looking for new instruments to learn, especially string instruments (bass, guitar, banjo, violin, slide guitars, are all under my belt right now.) anyways, I respect artists like Steve vai, frank zappa, buckethead, les Claypool, etc, these guys didn't seem to ever care about what genre they were playing. they just had fun. this is what music should be, creation. not replication.

[@soundmojo]

@Self Actualizer 👍

[@XXIII_89]

That really didn't explain anything about the Hydra itself though.. what about all the amenities, like the dragonizer, seducer, and climax regulators!!???

[@XXIII_89]

Was hoping that since the thumbnail of the video was him holding the guitar, it was gonna be him breaking down and explaining what all of it was for.. just gotta keep waiting I guees...

[@joeblechl7736]

howe is the hydra worn

[@soundmojo]

I've seen Steve using a type of body harness. Definitely a crazy setup!

[@PooNinja]

VAI🤘🏽 4:18 😂

[@soundmojo]

What a champ!!

[@lestergreen9524]

LOL at Steve explaining why he needed to prove he could play the Hydra: "It's kinda like having a 13 inch prick...its nice to impress your friends, but what are you gonna do with it?!"

[@mrstock7986]

Nice Interview guys. Thanks for sharing! 5:25 Could that have been Luca Stricagnoli? He's amazing (too)! kzbin.info Very impressed with what he calls the 'Reversed Slide Neck' invention. Some very excellent outside-the-box thinking went into that one. 🤔🤯

[@joshweigel1131]

Steve Vai is cool

[@sandormiglecz1186]

Any plans on a left handed version? :D

[@soundmojo]

@Sándor Miglécz lol! Can you imagine restringing that thing?!

[@sandormiglecz1186]

​@@soundmojo Haha, true. A torture.

[@soundmojo]

@@sandormiglecz1186 I feel for his guitar tech when he tours!

[@twigsagan3857]

Singing and playing guitar (on expert level) is not a joke. It really is difficult, and if you can do it you actually will have a career.

[@sabnisga]

A true Virtuoso and inventor of sorts.....

[@deadbrain6801]

Nito is the next step

[@soundmojo]

@Deadbrain Good point! 👍

[@robinjohnsonpropheticeagle3733]

I thought the Flux-capacitor was awesome on the DeLorean. But on a guitar is the best !!!

[@soundmojo]

@Robin Johnson Prophetic Eagles Ministries lol. 👍

[@RolandDuke]

“They say Steampunk is the most healthy way to prepare Punk” NM.

[@madastrota]

I'm honestly surprised that Steve hadn't seen or heard any of Pat Metheny's Picasso guitar performances. Maybe he needs to get out more.

[@soundmojo]

@Tony Rey I was surprised when I mentioned it as well. Had I known, I'd have had the video ready and got him to react to it.

[@madastrota]

@@soundmojo Ha, a Steve Vai reacting to Pat Metheny video would be dope!

[@kevincognito3575]

It's kind of weird that you bring up Pat Metheny and the Picasso guitar cuz that kind of plays right into what Steve I was saying about the pieces aren't really that moving I don't know I guess that's just me it is an opinion when it comes to music

[@soundmojo]

@kevin cognito yeah for sure, to each their own. I'm a huge Pat Metheny fan, so I'm biased when it comes to his music. When I saw the Hydra , it made me think of Pat's Pikasso guitar.

[@kevincognito3575]

@@soundmojo oh for sure there is a parallel there and I haven't heard all of Pat Metheny when it comes to his Picasso guitar so it has only a quick thought

[@dhanus010]

A sorcerer among men

[@soundmojo]

💯

[@JesseLeeKing]

Wait until Steve Vai uses a looper with it or layers his parts

[@soundmojo]

@JesseLeeKing Oh man that would be sick!

[@mr.bojangles9589]

Steve: Pat? Pat who?

[@anthonysilva5312]

Jesus Steve! You haven’t seen Pat play the Picasso guitar??! WTF? Lol

[@soundmojo]

@anthony silva I'm sure he's been a little occipied 😂

[@andyleather3014]

He just seems like an all round nice chap. Do find some of his music weird. But there at ho

[@MetalHeart8787]

it's Cool & he plays it well, but geez $7.500 Dollars. Hopefully someone with the Money & Talent buys one & does a Video & uploads it on You tube

[@soundmojo]

@MetalHeart8787 The price kind of makes sense when you think of the work that goes into making one. Did he announce they were selling these?

[@Marinopena]

What happened to the video???? I did not see or hear the Hydra, nothing at all

[@soundmojo]

We recorded this before any footage / music was released. It's a one on one with Steve sharing the 5 year period from conception to completion.

[@miiiiiikey]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5bLeHqKiJ1mo5I

[@joeshumo9457]

Steve DOESN’T break down the Hydra. Just talks about it a lil bit. There, I fixed the title for you.

[@soundmojo]

@Joe Shumo 👏🏼

[@johnbraucher1499]

This is why we should appreciate people like James Hetfield, Dave mustaine and others while they're still around. Not too many bands around that sing and play at the same time, especially any kind of intricacy.

[@toddself5838]

Liar... no gift for coordination????? Love the Vai

[@soundmojo]

@Todd Self I know, I was shocked when he said that. His whole ive performance is gymnastics!

[@toddself5838]

@@soundmojo dude I play guitar. But watching him makes me want to set all 4 of mine on fire, and go spend the rest of my days living the woods.

[@soundmojo]

@Todd Self Been there! many times lol

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

The next George Miller's *"MAD MAX"* film should definitely feature this atrocious monstrosity.

[@soundmojo]

@Nipulkrad Msinatagras It would definitely work in that film!

[@HighVybeTribe]

DNA. Are the Moderna jab’s tentacled creatures ‘immortal’ hydra experiments? Madej believes the tentacled entity she found in the Moderna jabs has a connection with the organism hydra vulgaris. “It is one of the model organisms that the transhumanists like to study and look at. They feel that this is an amazing organism for humanity,”

[@loudizon7123]

I wanted to like the video so bad because of Steve Vai. I'm a huge fan. However, the interviewers are nowhere near ready to give a good interview. The wow reactions are pretty close to cringe.

[@soundmojo]

@Lou Dizon Thanks for watching. Big Fans here as well. Hopefully we'll do better by you next time 👍

[@JesseLeeKing]

MAB will be saying he came up with that idea lol joke

[@insanity4224]

Steve Vai has no special gift of coordination…OK 😂

[@soundmojo]

@insanity4224 lol, I know right?

[@christianwilliamson9752]

And he makes it look elegant....those sweeping arm movements...graceful

[@EbeG-tr1jq]

Ebe🎉😂

[@owlperchedsilo3745]

Steve Vai is very, very weird

[@soundmojo]

@Owlperchedsilo yes but very very awesome!

[@axeandraxe]

Stricagnoli did it first sorry you are late! the band on your eyes let us know which side you are!

[@justinkasey1088]

great guitar player but kinda hard to listen to

[@gsauce132able]

Credit Pat Metheny for doing something similar on acoustic guitar years ago.

[@soundmojo]

@Gsauce132 🙏🏽 Pat is Legendary!

[@fredlister5077]

Never thought much of Mr. Vai. He is just a replacement for EVH. Half as good and only plays shitty gear. Nobody uses Carvin crap. Come on.

[@soundmojo]

@Fred Lister No one could ever replace EVH, it's impossible! Steve is a whole other monster! I always wanted to try Carvin gear way back but it was never available in my area. Looked good though. Thanks for watching!

[@arnyarny77]

silly, nothing personal but just silly

[@soundmojo]

@septemberfire I respect that! 👍

[@zpguitar]

THE MOST CORNY, LAME GUITAR EVER MADE IN HISTORY

[@soundmojo]

@C.Nash No worries, Steve's traditional guitar playing days ain't going anywhere!

[@birdeater2848]

Autism