Steve Vai: Evolution of an Icon

[@lucianradusart]

He is not a guitar player...he is an artist.

[@ShredHeadJHJ]

Steve Vai is a treasure to the guitar community.

[@richiegrohs9137]

You got that right and so am I.

[@richiegrohs9137]

He looks like HOWARD STERN HERE BUT HOWARD STERN IS KOOL ONCE HE REALIZED BIDEN SUCKS..

[@relaxationmusicsanctuary3664]

He’s a great: as a musician, as an artist, as a teacher. It’s always a pleasure to hear him talking and showing things

[@vincentl.9469]

there's a touch of eastern music influence here

[@BeatsAndGuitars]

The details that Steve gives us about his journey playing guitar are incredibly relatable and deeply intimate. Thank you Sweetwater for hosting...thank you Steve for being completely transparent with us.

[@rickdeckard1075]

my thought was "jeez gary oldman can play anyone"

[@KauffeyBean]

"How can I fail if I don't give up" Thanks Steve - you have been a valuable inspiration for decades 💙

[@Fervillasmil]

Love you Steve! And my children (25, 9 and 7) know you now.

[@kspocketngroove3973]

that little “nod” to EVH, was humble, respectful and pure admiration !

[@AdamSpade]

And real. EVH was a big deal.

[@kspocketngroove3973]

@@AdamSpade like Steve said, “game changer”

[@josem2558]

EVH........STEVE VAI.EVOLUTION.🤘🇺🇸

[@cindyinnew]

He adores EVH

[@DrMurdercock]

Vai's videos have been popping up all the time lately. The advice he gives, is one information that people would've sold their souls for and I'm not even joking. To the youngsters whom may see this....Back in the day, people would travel STATES away to try and see a player live or try to get lessons from him. INformation like this wasn't common knowledge yet to the average player and this kind of information wasn't just kicked around lightly. Appreciate this completely because this is priceless information.

[@KRayxKodessA]

There will never be another Steve Vai. I had the pleasure of hosting a meet and greet with him years back, and he's an absolute gentleman. I love how he continues to push the boundaries of what the guitar can do after so long, while still maintaining his humility.

[@xiyx9748]

Richie Allan already is

[@dancame2517]

The "warm up" was breathtaking! What a wonderful human being. Such an inspiration, both as a musician and a human being.

[@geraldt7052]

I often wish FZ was still around shaking the earth & maybe Mr. Vai & FZ would cross paths again for one more tune that would surely shake the universe! --Thank You, Steve!

[@BobGuido]

I never imagined as a kid that one day I would get to have a music lesson with Steve Vai, especially one on the most important aspect of being a musician - Finding Your Artistic Voice. FYAV as I like to call it. Takk-Grazie Steve!

[@imoffendedthatyouareoffended]

We truly live in a fantastic time. Where our legends have connected with us and have tried sharing their techniques and how they attack things or new methods that simplify things.

[@BobGuido]

@@imoffendedthatyouareoffended Indeed. I don't play anything like Steve after years of developing my own style of music but I really appreciate hearing from him and also finding out what a great person he is. You often imagine all people in Steve's position to be complete ego maniacs who believe that the entire world revolves around them. I suppose Steve's parents did something right when they raised him to be a nice person who tries to be authentic and generous. I think Steve really tried to help Yngwie Malmsteen get off his high horse but I'm not sure how well Yngwie has received Steve's gift. Steve can be quite silly and corny but he's always been that way and I appreciate his honesty. I'm sure his children adore him and that's something that is likely paramount to Steve's happiness and his continued growth as an artist. I would love to hear an album of Steve's where he only played slow. I think it would be so creative and very interesting melodically. He has an ear unlike anyone else and hears things in a unique way and I often imagine what that would be like if it were removed from the kinetic guitar maneuvering he's prone to. It seems possible that Steve could reduce his note count and be more interesting as an artist.

[@COTG666]

I could listen to him warm up all day long. Friggin amazing.

[@steveg219]

Mr Vai’s tones are even better than before, this rig sounds really smooth with great sustain

[@davez7616]

Good grief...such greatness and humility combined! Who wouldn't want to hang with Steve for a beer or two? What a great video! And yes, I had to look up "mellifluous"... thanks Steve!

[@larryrock11]

it just doesn't get any better than steve vai!

[@tamirkeren6750]

Had the pleasure to see him play live twice . He's my all time guitar hero.

[@tylersmith4078]

Me too bout to see him a third time in march already got my tickets my favorite guitarist of all time hope he's coming through your area so you can see him a third time too.

[@JbfMusicGuitar]

40 minutes of Vai chatting about guitar stuff??? Yes please!

[@alejozuluaga]

What a sweat human being. Thanks for sharing this with the world and greetings from Colombia - South America

[@laufonseca4444]

Steve Vai is pure gold.

[@kevinklampe2350]

When Steve goes Low it's like no other. When Steve goes high, it's unparallel!!!

[@NeilTurnbull007]

Steve has been a huge inspiration to me since the mid 80`s not just for his incredible technical ability and his sheer creativity and sense of melody ,but also his wisdom and humility add another level to what can be learned from this true star.

[@MrClassicmetal]

It's quite remarkable that he's been at the forefront for so long. That's quite unique.

[@43captrexkramer]

This is so true, met him once after a show backstage and he was quite reserved and humble, as nice and friendly a megastar of his stature you could meet.

[@Bigboybooya666]

I think the thing I love the most about Vai is how humble he is

[@8evolutions]

Thank you, Steve, once again for the reminder of following our joy, enthusiasm and excitement to more effortlessly create/manifest our preferred reality! Always inspiring and encouraging! I know we’re reminded of these things from others, but it’s great to hear it from someone in my chosen field. Thanks, Sweetwater, for hosting this presentation!

[@kevinklampe2350]

I gave up on cover tunes when my friend learned Eruption at 15 note for note. I was so frustrated but Shane being the cinsumate guitar player found a way to encourage me. I'm sure I told him that I was quitting but he always encouraged me to never give up. He said would be better at creating originals one day & he was right.

[@73challenger5031]

I think Steve's comment about every time you pick up a guitar, it's like Christmas day, says it all!

[@kevinklampe2350]

Note precision efficiency at its finest. Every note carefully selected by this mad man I know so well.

[@TheWilliamHoganExperience]

Loved the outro, and everything that came before it. What really comes through here is Stevie's sense of humanity and humility before this magnificent instrument called the guitar. Just like with love itself, no one ever truly masters it. The reward is in the journey. Thanks for the inspiration Mr. Vai.

[@russell_szabados]

Very well said.

[@michaelscaccia1454]

What I love most about his playing is the circular vibrato. It looks and sounds so cool

[@crossroads900]

The man has most definitely paid his dues to get where he is currently...and we're all benefiting 🤩 Thanks for all the great work 😊

[@orroworld]

The wisdom that shines through Steve's words is universal and can be applied onto life itself. Thank you!

[@bradotto2251]

Thank you, Mr. Vai!. Thanks, sweetwater.

[@azwris]

I have seen Steve in Greece once. He played 3 hours that day. Unbelievable artist.

[@Mr.D34]

Great video Sweetwater, thanks a lot! Steve Vai doesn't stop his evolution. Every album and every tour it's always fresh and new. A true artist and a genius.

[@ledhendrix5054]

Steve is bang on right about really wanting something so bad , I wanted to play real good and spent alot of my time practicing playing listening and reading about guitar , 35 years later im still learning and progressing

[@karl1949]

So generous thanks so very much Steve for sharing your journey, wow. Sweetwater team thank you all too eh' What a fantastic community to be a part of, all the great comments also gotta say. Good vibrations 🎼🎵🎸🎶🎙📻🔌🔊🪨🌋✴🚀

[@panavisionnot7180]

Steve Vai's focusing on ( music ) task is what a black hole is to a Galaxy..

[@jeremythornton433]

You're also allowed to dream as an adult. I do it all the time. Thank you, Steve for all the great music! I've seen you play multiple times and always leave happy!

[@Tyldenfilm]

Vai is such an inspiration. Been playing guitar for almost 30 years and have never been into that whole solo virtuoso thing, can't play it either, but I love listening to him talking about the guitar as a vessel for you inner self.

[@kendallivy8922]

Steve is so intense, passionate and controlled that he did this entire video with just a few edits! A guitar player’s guitar player. Loved this so much because our journey of discovery is layered with so many discoveries, milestones and experiences mixed with visions and dreams, but to us it’s all one thing and he conveys that so well. Great story. Great guitar player. One of the GOATS. Thanks Steve for being so,……You! lol ❤️

[@Fervillasmil]

This is so beautiful. I wish there was a pill of this content to give to my kids, not to play like Stevie, but to get THE WAY.

[@fabiofmetal]

Supreme Master OF ALL!!! Steve Vai Ladies and Gentleman!!! Art, Philosophy, Music and precision in everything that he THINKS AND DOES! Brasil Loves you Master!!!

[@sweetwater]

🤘🤘🤘

[@kevinklampe2350]

The Choice of notes that Steve Chooses, irregardless of sequence, are incredibly superp & far superior then apmost anyone. It makes me curious as to how much of an influence Zappa was & is on Steve Today. No matter how many times I hear this I never cease to be in awe. The trippy thing is, it has nothing to do with speed. It's more about choice of notes, feel, & practice. The man is amazing. Looking forward to sitting down & watching full documentary & Sweetwater!

[@diego2246]

Great talent and hard work. But also great luck of having an incredible teacher that oriented him in the right direction.

[@rtaylor1105]

thank you for a lifetime of inspiration...and sore fingers

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Awesome, I remember first being introduced to Steve Vai in the early 80's when my friend who passed a few years ago let me borrow his Flexible Album. Been a fan ever since.

[@randymartin3575]

Thank you Steve for being so inspirational ,you hit it so dead on

[@billtilghman2232]

Thank you Steve. Too late for me but hope some youngsters will watch.

[@rijosigns]

my fave guitar players ... satch,,vai ,,, and gilbert..of that era.

[@RGMofED]

the coolest man alive!!!! and humble! so so awesome!

[@scotthull6732]

Thanks so much Steve for sharing this incredible journey you’ve been on! Thanks also to Sweetwater, one of my city Fort Wayne’s great places and where my son works! Thanks Chuck, Sweetwater founder!! One thing from this video that hit me right upside the head was when you said the following: if you never give up, how could you possibly fail? Even starting today, if you take that comment to heart, how could whatever your doing not get better?? Thank you Steve Vai

[@doctoribanez]

Steve's such a great guy

[@ignisraendl3721]

such a great mind you have mr Vai. feel privileged to have Passion and Warfare hit when i was a teenager. thanks for enhancing my ears and my mind.

[@sweetwater]

The Audience Is Listening 🤘

[@RonnieVaiArovo]

@@sweetwater For The Love Of God, I agree 👌👌👌

[@sweetwater]

@@RonnieVaiArovo This guy has the Answers 👆

[@markberkovics4542]

If Steve ever decides to become a life coach, I'll be the first to sign up :) This talk is so motivational, so full of wisdom and inspiration. Thank you so much, Steve.

[@melodiejones7100]

Go to KZbin and check out his Under It All series. I believe there are a couple not on there but only on Patreon, but most are on YT for free.

[@Sean88850]

Hi Steve ive been playing drums since i was 15yrs only got back into playing 6 yrs ago im 56 now i saw you once in Brisbane Qld at the roxy club loved that show awesome your explanations and love for playing i really appreciate i love playing my drums with guys that play like you and joe i grew up listening to 80s metal and loved zappa and Hendrix so good to hear your history and approach to learning your instrument may you have many more yrs of playing shalom shalom From Sean warwick Qld Australia

[@atomicpunk4450]

pure creative expression never ceases to amaze me

[@tranquilitybase6417]

I'm drooling over all the Eventides. Can NEVER have enough Eventides!

[@automan1223]

Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson made the 1990's into the 2000's pure electric !! Nothing but respect for these incredible musicians !!! "Little Stevie Vai.... What a nice little boy" .....

[@mattmclean1306]

You sir, are in a big line of guitar demigods. You have inspired me since the first time I saw crossroads and heard flexible on a turntable. Thank you for the new grand hurdles you gave, throwing my playing to the next realm. My creativity went into overdrive after your example. Thank you for that. You are one of my top 5 zen masters & will always be. So glad you are here with us on this planet. You help make the stay here worth while. 🎸🎸🎸

[@arthurallsopp9344]

Mr Vai with his Pia. So cool !!!

[@wiseguy9202]

He plays so odd yet it works on so many levels. Amazing!

[@billburns5293]

I bought my first "Real" guitar from Matthew's Music in Roosevelt Field Mall... A 1980 Ibanez AR-100 Artist. Guitar. Still have it today.

[@Billfish57]

I don't play guitar but I love music and used to play drums so I have more interest than the average person I guess but every time I hear Steve talk, I love to listen because he has so much to teach about music and life, he is of course one of the greatest players ever but more than that, he's one of the greatest humans. The man can help anyone if they just listen to him and think about what he's saying.

[@RogerSullivanNOLA]

When he talks about how your fretting and picking affect tone, and how all the parts of the guitar affect it, it makes me wish he'd done this video back in the day when I was arguing relentlessly over this on guitar forms. Tone is in the fingers...and the guitar, and the amp.

[@alwaysopen7970]

Tone is between the ears.

[@vincentl.9469]

I've often been told long fingers or short fingers -it don't matter, but watching him here , I think it does

[@psychofunksoldier02]

So glad I was inspired to play guitar as a kid thanks to Steve Vai because I appreciate him as a person as adult. Great guy and inspirational musician. :-)

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I was 16 in1985 and Motley Crue just released Shout at the Devil. The little town I lived in had a music store that was a BC Rich authorized dealer. And there was the Warlock that Mick Mars played! But when I took it off the rack and plucked the strings, I remember thinking “that sounds nothing like what’s on the record. The salesman told me I needed a distortion pedal. He hooked it up and showed me how to play power chords. I had that same reaction that Steve had when he played that Zeppelin lick. I CAN DO THAT! So I had my mom buy that Warlock, a Tube Screamer, a Fender Twin. She agreed to co-sign the financing as long as I made the monthly payments. Back then it was $30/month. Oh, and tuning forks were still the way to tune, so the salesman agreed to throw in a Korg digital tuner. That and all the cables. I sat in my room with the vinyl record and learned every song on that album by ear.

[@aptosdrone5273]

Unbelievable intro!! Way to go Steve!

[@robertgmerek]

"How can I fail if I don't give up"...it's that simple. Thanks Steve

[@RobConstantine]

I saw Steve, Stu Hamm..and Chris Frazier in june1985 at the spirit club in San Diego..right before he joined david lee roth..there were three warm up bands before Steve and I remember several of those musicians in the audience looking stunned by Steve's group.. The tour bus was a station wagon and a u haul trailer..

[@lucasgm03]

Steve sweet and humble dude god bless him!! keep rocking!

[@elimakowski1469]

Ah Yes!!! Once again we are fortunate enough to be enlightened by an Icon! The first Icon to take my attention, and breath away, when Eat em and Smile was unleashed upon the world! Thanks again Steve for reminding me that every note means something.

[@jamesfarrington9030]

I was at Berklee when Steve was there. There was a guitar player - Lorn Leber - who blew everyone away, including Steve.

[@DadRockProject]

You sir, are an inspiration and a legend.

[@odgeUK]

To me. Vai's tone and attack changed significantly after Fire Garden. Wish he'd spoken more about how he evolved from the Rock sound of DLR and Passion & Warfare, to today's tone which I think has elements of a modern synth sound in it.

[@russell_szabados]

I remember buying Flexable in 1988. I was going into senior year of college and just got a job teaching piano at a recording studio with a music school. I was finally working & playing with all the monster players from my area, the ones I grew up wanting to emulate, and they all held Steve Vai up on a pedestal. That record still blows my mind, and The Attitude Song introduced me to 7/16. Those guys weren’t wrong about Steve, he is and always will be an icon.

[@truescotsman4103]

i just purchased the JEM7VP Alder body with ebony fingerboard. Thank you Steve!!!! Can't wait!!

[@loucifer8009]

Franks tone was in his head. Hendrix's tone was in his heart and soul and that is really where it ultimately comes from.

[@abfranklin8492]

As a child Steve was seeing into the future and he still doesn’t realize it. He’s way beyond most humans in his musicianship and clairvoyance.

[@Herfinnur]

This solo at the beginning is, at least right now, my favourite guitar solo in the whole world

[@murraywebster1228]

Great personality, didn’t think anything much about it before but what a straight, downright , feet on the floor guy 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jukruhar94]

I remember buying a random guitar magazine back in early 2010 when I was just a teenager. The cover had Steve Vai presenting his Carvin Legacy 2 amps, and his aesthetic called my atention; he presented himself always very uniquely..... and boy, that changed my life! He has been an inspiration ever since

[@susancorgi]

What a legend! Playability is one thing. And tone is another thing, once i realized that after playing for 20 years lol it's a new rabbit hole.

[@Charlie_Chicago]

I feel like he's telling this story in real time

[@spricy3374]

That was amazing! I loved guitar as a kid. When I first hear Yankee Rose, that was it. I got a guitar.

[@kevinklampe2350]

Steve is a dedicated scientist in terms of his philosophy & approach!!

[@professorkarlholmescrowthe6945]

It's a wonderful feeling to have so much to learn from a true master..

[@wolfgang4136]

I love hearing him talk. Everything he advises can not just be for the guitar or music…. You can apply it to all aspects of existence. I’m convinced he was a psychologist in a past life

[@meerkat7406]

Alcatrazz's album with Steve is an amazing all around entertaining hard rock gem of an album.

[@Jaden48108]

There are such things as "good" addictions. What I most like about the guitar is the creative process which you've described many times before. It's a connection to the universe. When you think about the word "universe" UNI = ONE VERSE = SOUND then it makes even more sense.

[@kevinklampe2350]

Incredible Testimony Steve.

[@FluffiFeel]

hey steve...for sure u was know be one of my mentors ...all love and best wishes ...

[@mikedtubey]

Love it! Your story really resonates with me! Mathews Music Roosevelt Field Mail!!! I loved and frequented that store, myself, as well as Sam Ash when it was in Hempstead and Focus II Guitar Centers. I idolized you! I was lucky enough to meet You and Joe Despagni after the backstage Whitesnake, Jones Beach Boardwalk Restaurant. Thanks for talking to me at the bar. I was so in Awe!!! I also was lucky enough to grow up with Larry Mitchell, the same way you grew up with Joe Satriani. Larry Mitchell used to teach me in his apartment in Far Rockaway. Thanks for all you do Steve!!! Actually when i used to go to Focus II I remember they had to tom shultz rockman guitar rack effects. and Joe Despagni Jem Guitars. I just remember playing throught that equipt and i imagined I was you on the eat and smile tour. lLoking back, to me, the the sound was dead on for the live tour sound of eat em and smile. I remember that rack either said Vai on it or eat em and smile. Do you remember if you actually programmed the Rockman equiptment at Focus II? Thanks again!

[@joshuam2154]

SO MUCH NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MusicMikeRay]

Thank you Steve Vai and Sweetwater ✌

[@kitemanmusic]

Great visualisation! And dedication! Love the tapping demo @21:00! I have the CD Flexable! (Correct spelling!) And many other of Steve's recordings.

[@michaeloberly6129]

I'm several years younger than Steve, but grew up in the '70s/'80s like he did. I never cared for the type of guitar playing he's known for -- no offense meant, we all like different things, and he's certainly great at it. I really enjoyed this video, though. It is quite personal and honest, and endearing, even. There is a lot of wisdom in it. Really was worth the time. Rock on, Steve.

[@loubadabin420]

Nice guy, interesting music journey to his tone awakening.

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

Omg that tone on that new guitar is incredibly good

[@mannyfragoza9652]

Not many people can compare to Steve Vai Hes like a Buddha who can also play guitar amazingly. Bless you Mr. Vai

[@LukeA1223]

I saw the video where you talked about not being able to hold onto your pick and it would fly across the room, thanks... you let me know it wasn't just myself that had this problem. It inspired me to make a pick that i could hold onto (for reasons inexplicable to me the photo won't link) consisting of a regular shaped pick, carved out some pieces of thick leather that I use for saddle making, so that it was thin enough in the center that I could feel the pick and thick enough around the edges of where my thumb and forefinger naturally rest and it keeps the pick in the general vicinity of where it's most useful. And I don't have to chase it around or grab for another pick (which is conveniently not located anywhere near where I'm playing) anymore. And it looks cool, otherworldly, even. I'm enjoying your videos.