Steve Vai - "Knappsack"

New song "Knappsack" is out now! Stream/download it here: smarturl.it/knappsack
On Dec 29, 2020, Steve had corrective surgery on his right shoulder. He believes that sitting while playing the guitar and hunching his shoulder for close to 50 years may have compromised the tendons, and then doing chest flies (work out exercise) and overextending did it in. He had two tendons that were torn all the way through, and a bicep tendon torn from the bone and shredded. Then he found Dr. Thomas Knapp, (Santa Monica) perhaps the leading cuff surgeon in the USA. Dr. Knapp fixed Steve up really nice and set him up in a sling that Dr. Knapp created called “The Knappsack.” Steve wore his Knappsack for 4 weeks, and it can be seen being worn in this video.
Months before the shoulder surgery, Steve developed trigger finger in his left thumb. This is a condition that is a form of carpal tunnel. His thumb eventually froze, and he was in need of corrective surgery. In January 2021, Steve underwent this surgery that was performed by Dr. David Kulber (Beverly Hills) for which Steve says, “After all of the research I did, I believe he is considered the top hand surgeon out there.”
Both surgeries were successful and Steve was on the mend. But during the recuperation process, while wearing his “Knappsack” and not able to use his right hand, he felt compelled to write and record this track and name it “Knappsack.” Because of Steve’s legato hammering style, performing with one hand was not so alien of an idea to him and when he set out to write and record this track, it flowed beautifully.
"This piece of music was written in a stream of consciousness type approach. The idea hit me and I knew I could do it. The guitar part was written/recorded and filmed first to a click track. I built the melody and chord structures and jotted them down, then I did perhaps 4-5 takes. When this was finished, I had the guitar part and a click. I then set out to decorate the track with all of the other instruments, and I really enjoyed doing this. Hearing a song come to life like this is my favorite aspect of being a musician.
For the most part, perhaps 80-90% of the song, I did not seem to need anything to dampen the strings, but there were a few riffs where I did. I placed a small but dense piece of cloth under the strings at the nut and this helped with some of the unwanted vibration. When editing the final take, the majority of the audio is in sync with the video, but there are some lines that came from alternate takes.
Jumping into something with blind faith will always result in the peak of inspiration when the faith is strong enough. You just have to not make any excuses in your head and all your inspirations will be met beautifully."
Enjoy
#SteveVai #Knappsack

[@ArendtMusic]

Do you think he ever wakes up and is like: "Damn... i'm actually Steve Vai"?

[@tyshred9251]

Hahahahaha

[@samaldaig]

Hahahaha

[@yardy88]

Even with one hand he's still the best

[@devolve42]

What I want to know is whether he has days where he thinks everything he plays sounds like shit and he gets irritated and doesn't feel like playing the rest of the day.

[@d4rk785]

@@devolve42 I've always wondered that to lol

[@LoNeroMusic]

Doctor: Steve, this would be a great time for you to take a break from the guitar. Steve Vai: 😎

[@fisch723]

Hold my pick...

[@rlbfly80]

Vai: Hold my strumming arm.

[@profoundsamurai745]

Most accurate comment here. Steve Vai just asserted his musical dominance for the next decade in pure style.

[@TK0808]

He plays better with one hand than 99.99% of all people do with two.

[@andyhuwe8462]

as if a mofo like you would know

[@skymarbles7953]

@@druidsedge i'm dead😂😂😂😂

[@davidmike549]

99.999999999

[@mikedenkinger9570]

Makes me want to take up kazoo instead....

[@judasjudas-fj4fx]

Batio be like ohhhh yeaaah

[@roba1899]

His circular vibrato technique is absolutely one-of-a-kind ..

[@ivankyselov2030]

Something that Kirk has to learn... Dear God... Why does his vibrato sound like mosquitos flying???

[@shuruff904]

Yeah I'm sure he learned that from...eh hm..."playing with" women...

[@hazardeur]

nah, that's basic technique on a fretless bass

[@kristenc777]

It's his thing! Everyone else copies tjay tries

[@jkmerio]

Doctor: You can't play guitar anymore. Vai: Hold my hand.

[@arkaacharjee11]

Underrated.

[@RockandGameUSA]

LOL!

[@reggiesoundbox4923]

Vai: actually, let me hold my own guitar, you can hold my coffee...

[@TheNick358]

Lol

[@jeffreyquinonez8964]

Lol 😂

[@denisfilming]

They should use this as a promo for Steve Vai signature picks. -- "These picks last forever !"

[@jay3398]

Still manages to lose them into the Vai dimension

[@greyravendreamwalker]

lmfao

[@chrisjory8595]

😂 wow this is what a lifetime of dedication to a craft looks like .

[@decapinated5003]

Only someone who is in love with their instrument could pull this off. Always evolving…the incredible Steve Vai!

[@lelandgaunt7130]

Or a DISHONEST turd that records a solo and then fakes it. I suppose Vai is the only guitar player on earth that uses tons of distortion and doesn't need to mute the strings. Yeah, ok! You have to be the world's most gullible person or someone that has never plugged in an electric guitar to fall for this crap.

[@isucktoesmomdealwithit1396]

I’ve always loved the facial expressions he makes while playing, as if he uses his guitar to have full conversations instead of talking with his mouth. But it always looks like he’s talking to either a child or someone super blazed because he honestly looks as if his guitar is his musical mouth but keeps the proper facial expressions to appear to be in an intense conversation

[@TheBlackWaltz]

I make the same faces when I play sometimes. People would make fun of me. I saw vai do it once. And I stopped caring.

[@silviupanait8861]

Next thing on Steve's list: playing with no hands, just by looking at the guitar

[@martinraad8957]

That's Jason Becker dear

[@hyramjackson]

I'm sorry bro, that place is already taken

[@Kadu188]

Lol

[@inspectorbudget]

Now that would be some devilish shit there...

[@claudevieaul1465]

He's done that. He played a show with an orchestra in Holland and honestly all he did was play, and hold, one single note. Held it, and watched it. It takes being Steve Vai to pull that off.

[@jesustostado7175]

PLEASE PLEASE GOD.... GIVE THIS MAN ANOTHER THOUSAND YEARS TO LIVE

[@beasz1974]

yass

[@dog3156]

@@beasz1974 yass.

[@zakhughes6999]

tf you mean he is god

[@rorykennedy2767]

Missed opportunity to say "for the love of god"

[@Bobcatspiritdude]

Shouldn't be hard . Steve is immortal anyways !!!

[@peterdonnell3784]

I don't know what's more amazing, the clarity of the notes you can hear, or the muting of the ones you can't.

[@paulstirk4964]

Have to agree. Coming up 50 years playing guitar, still intermediate at best, can't understand why I can't hear anything except the note Steve wants us to hear. I'm thinking, apart from insane skills, noise gates, compressors who knows what some sort of noise supressor in the signal chain. Not an effects guy. Can anyone help me out?

[@peterdonnell3784]

@@paulstirk4964 He's got a few things going on for sure, but just look at his fretting hand he's able to use his fingers and palm to mute while also using it to play, pretty amazing stuff. Certainly a few pedals in play too, he has a complex effects chain almost always, but effects don't hide mistakes.

[@johnfestich5008]

Mr Vai, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you for the music. I'm 55 so it's been a long journey. I was at the show in ventura during light without heat. You got up on stage and gave us all the songs that I was hoping to hear. Thank you sir for a lifetime of good music

[@kikoloureiroofficial]

Master!! So awesome!! Get well soon

[@iworshipbaal9514]

❤️

[@nicklevi5537]

Angels and demons 🤟

[@antney6745]

Hey Kiko

[@delia8181]

Wow...master meet master...😷😷😷🙏🙏

[@TheJazzyBecker]

Wow my idol

[@ColeRolland]

That guitar is BEAUTIFUL.

[@jssome7835]

It give similar vibes to the midnight guitar

[@spunkytheozinho]

its like the tim signature but on steroids

[@annerhoads8491]

I bougnt one its okay ⛦⛦⛦⛦

[@kindart2774]

Also the lamp

[@commentfreely5443]

when you lose an arm in a wood chipper...

[@NickNeblo]

I know few guitarists who keep improving after they've reached such an enormous success. Steve's one of them

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

He seems to get better with every album he releases

[@lunantix]

Being a musician is one of the only professions that you will continue to improve on no matter how old you get.

[@jeffreyp1855]

This Vai dude is going to be famous someday! 🤘

[@mikedrake9506]

You know how to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!

[@entropica]

Yes, but not before the resurrection of Frank Z.

[@jeffreyp1855]

@@entropica , hail Lord Zappa!

[@belpack8989]

Nah, guitars are on their way out

[@CycloneJack]

Maybe. If he puts in some more time. ;)

[@savannahmanhattan9237]

“What is the sound of one hand playing?”-ancient Steve Vai proverb

[@mmmicroplastics]

awesome apparently

[@Kevin-uz6sv]

Legato

[@MikhailLiakhovskiy]

Hello. Will you come to my date today?

[@stevevai1113]

I want to Specially appreciate you for being a big fan. Thanks for your nice comment on my post, it means a lot to me. I want you to send me a direct message via hangouts using my personal email or you can as well add me up on WhatsApp through my mobile number that will be indicated below. Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don’t reply unnecessary messages. Hangouts mail: [e-mail]

[@ivantabares7429]

"My right hand was just holding me back".... - Steve Vai.

[@fahadjavaid7336]

Steve vai is holding me back- right hand

[@emanuelemazzoni782]

Great technique and control of the instrument. But honestly what leaves me literally astounded is the choice of notes and the quality of the phrasing. I don't know, but every time I listen to Vai I get emotional.Giant among giants.

[@zihanwang4078]

I am a classical pianist who doesn’t know anything about rock music, but after hearing this guy, I must now refer to him as “maestro.”

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

I’m a multi-genre electric violinist but be warned; I follow the guitar community religiously and the title “maestro” is frequently given to a fella called Yngwie Malmsteen. Lightning fast neoclassical shredder but not a nice man. And his fans basically make excuses for every shit thing he’s said. Even though the evidence here is that Vai can literally play better than him with an arm chopped off. I know it’s just a torn tendon or something, but seriously, the analogy applies here.

[@zihanwang4078]

@@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316 Out of curiosity I listened to this person play, I don’t know if it is because I just don’t know enough about rock music to appreciate it or he is just kinda… bad? Definitely did not sound musical to me from a classical musician’s point of view, but again, could be just because I am not knowledgeable enough about rock music. But Steve Vai definitely sounded musical to my ears so maybe he is just bad… Edit: also I don’t understand why he is considered “neoclassical.” I was expecting something like Stravinsky when you said “neoclassical” but all I heard was him running up and down scales…

[@CycloneJack]

@@zihanwang4078 I think people in rock use the term "neoclassical" incorrectly, for the most part. I am not a classical musician, but I play guitar and listen to classical music regularly. And there is no comparison between Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Malmsteen plays notes in succession very fast. Vai is an artist.

[@zihanwang4078]

@@CycloneJack I have to agree with you on that last point.

[@117degreess]

Other artists: I'm gonna spend a million dollars to make a music video to promote my new song Steve Vai: I'm just gonna record myself playing in my studio with one hand

[@MrJujubies1]

hahahaha for reals

[@drewjohnson4794]

@@TFT-bp8zk Ah yeah they are. Except now they make videos for every song on an album. Music video Productions are bigger than ever and that's not free. There's a whole world out their besides what you watch you know.

[@montymcclellen1918]

Average guitarist: "check out this solo" Steve Vai: "dont hold my beer"

[@DominicAirola]

Best comment here

[@eriklarson9137]

*I'll hold my own beer. Lol.

[@lenoguitars]

Give an oscar to this legend

[@Crowbar11115]

Average guitarist: "check out this solo" Steve Vai: "I'll hold your beer" ;)

[@thedearjohns]

Ill just hold my chai latte with my right hand and play with my left.

[@rrs2648]

I really love his right hand technique on this piece. His right hand looked effortless 😉

[@davidsanderson5918]

Imagine though if he only used his right instead for nine minutes or so. How shite would that be? Ha ha.

[@tomd.7325]

@I M no those are hammerons you can tell by the plunk sound to every note plus to the pickups on that guitar are super sensitive

[@robinmabbott7334]

Every now and them a musician comes along who just blows youir mind Steve Vai no 1

[@dag5479]

finally, after two weeks, i learned the pattern of the right hand. im proud of myself

[@jimih7811]

hahaha outrageous...

[@zevil1005]

im still struggling... any tips?

[@josesouza7681]

LOLOLOL

[@dmoises]

tabs please!

[@buatt]

You're at a good point. just a little more effort and you'll make it.

[@purrr_guitars]

Guitarists: I broke my arm, I can't play. Vai: Hold me a beer.

[@volkanaltin9588]

He doesn't need it. He can hold beer himself, and can play guitar with it.

[@ricardotorres5524]

Hold my cast

[@louisjamin7195]

Next time he might broke his left arm... and still record new songs...

[@erickcaceres2652]

Hold my LSD......*

[@MrBass233]

Sounds like a level off Dynasty Warriors. From the moment my mum passed me a tape recording of his album "passion and warfare" when i was 13, he's always been a legend to me.

[@nauglefest]

I got to attend a Steve Vai concert in Louisville Kentucky two days ago on the evening of Sunday November 13th 2022 and it was a great experience. It was so calm, everyone got along, no trash left on the floor, no one got hurt, nothing was broken, and it leaves you at peace. It's probably at least in part because of Steve's philosophy. I enjoy listening to him speak about life. I got to meet his son Fire at the concert as I was buying Steve Vai merchandise. It was a great experience. I'm looking forward to seeing Steve Vai in concert again.

[@happycanayjian1582]

*Ralph Macchio finally concedes defeat.

[@victorc.a.5458]

Lol! That’s what I was exactly thinking: Jack Butler’s revenge!!

[@nemo8416]

Legba...or Scratch ...did choose the right one 😉

[@planezero]

Wow only took 35 years too 👻

[@Kristobal84]

Best comment ever😂

[@Anamoly_]

Him and his speed up photography guitar solo.

[@thetruestein2530]

So much for that whole, "I might be able to play as well as Steve Vai if he had one hand tied behind his back" bit... heal quickly, Steve!

[@stealingtomorrowband]

haha that is great!!!!

[@elijahsegler7343]

Maybe his other hand

[@jeffreyquinonez8964]

Lol 😂

[@bwall615]

Yea, I just told my wife, it sucks when a guy using one hand plays better than me with two.

[@nonektoad]

As a long time Steve Vai fan, I’d moved on in the last decade or so as my tastes changed. This song with the technique showcased reminds me why I love Vai so much and is as relevant today in the guitar community as he’s ever been. You’ve reeled me back in Mr Vai!

[@holypat777man5]

That just blew my mind! The best thing about all of this is he's really, really, just enjoy what he's doing. And he most definitely knows what he's doing. Very inspirational. :)

[@MartinMillerGuitar]

C'mon, that ain't fair! :D

[@arpitadutta4073]

Maaan! Martin! I'm such a huge fan of yours! Keep up the good work👍

[@Sebster85]

I’d love to see you do a best of DLR & White Snake featuring Steve Vai 😜

[@SwapnenduKar]

@@arpitadutta4073 Really, we all are.

[@TheLegend-yb4ok]

look who is talking lol

[@FinnGamble]

That was my initial feeling, as well. And then, sadly, I realized, that it is. :(

[@AlRomo19]

Guitar pick factories be like : aight, shut it down boys.

LMAO

[@stephencosta1599]

lol

[@cyrilletissier6366]

Je l'adore depuis l'adolescence, cet homme est un génie. C'est un plaisir de le voir jouer. 🌈

[@HECTORRODRIGUEZ-py6gt]

Steve Vai is unique and there's no other like him, as simple as that... thanks for all your music

[@MusicisWin]

A glorious feat of guitar greatness.

[@abasak007]

Notice me senpai 😂

[@Idan_the_guitarist2603]

Hello Tyler!

[@masterchanakinskywalker5335]

Indeed, Mr. Larson... Indeed...

[@jhunlimited_llc]

Lovin' Mr Vai!!!!!

[@lamsonian]

Hey! Don't say "feat"! Or his next video, he'll be whoopin a$$ with his FEET!

[@FlankinspanK]

Dave Grohl: "I broke my ankle but we are going to keep playing!" Vai: "Hold my pick."

[@scrappyny7432]

Outstanding!

[@arjunjsatheesh8899]

😂😂

[@diannehogan7605]

Steve should get together with Rick Allen from Def Leppard.

[@dennismenace4087]

@@diannehogan7605 You “ain’t” right. 🤣🤣🤣

[@dennismenace4087]

Appears he’s had recent surgery. Tendonitis maybe? IDK Anyone?

[@jimphilidor9031]

Jesus Christ, impressive! With Steve it's never about just technique, but musicality and sense of style. I loved the ending, lol.

[@aristheodorou871]

He is playing with 1 hand and he's still 100 times better than me

[@DojimaLmao]

He could play with one pinky and still be better than me lmao. He’s amazing.

[@pacheco2506]

kind of like Django Reinhardt

[@GDMartin]

and no thum

[@thecentralscrutinizer304]

I'd be willing to say a million times better....

[@Alkatross]

1/100th Steve Vai's is still a really high rating.

[@careerminorleaguer]

The band: what key is it in? Steve: All of them

[@matt69cp]

HAHAHA!! Love this comment!

[@careerminorleaguer]

Yeah he definitely takes us on a trip around the block

[@douglasboon3587]

Lol!! 😂 Love it!! Lol

[@matthewmalt7361]

I imagine Mrs tweedy from chicken run when he says this 🤣 "Just play in key" "Play in key, ok but which ones?" "ALL OF THEM!"

[@yrockerboy]

I think it’s because of the focus on modal than diatonic harmony

[@lucasgaliano9108]

"-You only need one hand to rock." Stevie GOD Vai

[@cb314]

Did you have any doubts that he is god?

[@lucasgaliano9108]

@@cb314 I knew it already

[@1QuadControl]

Just unreal... with one hand plays better than 99% of all the others. Love you Steve! Get well soon!

[@MorroBikes]

You put a smile on my face today! Thank you, Steve!!

[@dzarmindra]

In 1990 I was 16, I couldn't figure you out. Passion and Warfare was just some crazy guitar wizardry happening I guess. Fast forward to 2021 at the age of 47 as I am almost about to understand a small bit, then suddenly today you struck me back with the same feeling I felt in 1990..... this time, single handedly!

[@wojciechgrochowski82]

I was about to write the same thoughts here! :D

[@back2vinyl493]

Same age here and exact same thought.

[@JoakimVirtanenX]

Creepy.. 3rd one here now - same age here and exact the same thought... Sitting here playing my black and green 7 string UV777 Universe, (first batch, serial nr 0000499) that I bought in 1990, my first "real" guitar (after Fame Hondo etc), just because of being blown away by Passion and Warfare.. Kind of a strange feeling to have the same guitar in my hands now, 30 years later, getting the same wow-sensation by Mr Steve Vai... It´s like a time machine back to 1990...

[@Birdkokane]

well wriitten. you just explained me how i felt then and now. thanks!

[@svenkaahedgerg3425]

Same age and very similar experience here.

[@nathanieldamarelos]

What’s funny is this is some of the best work of his

[@reanimator9]

I agree

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

The man just keeps improving. There's no limit to his creativity, a well of infinite depth. I'm so astonished when people only talk about his early 90s stuff and ignore the absolutely amazing albums that came after. Even the last one, Modern Primitive was such a classic (at least in my opinion), candle power amazed many guitarists and now this... Can't wait for his future albums!

[@MetalRenard]

Adversity breeds creativity, same for the most creative of us... I guess?

[@nathanieljohnjuanani4548]

If there is a tears of joy, there is also a tears of amazement. The most incrediblle guitar player alive! Thank you Steve.

[@ralphhumphrey445]

So inspiring on so many different levels. Thanks Steve for your tenacity, will and musicianship.

[@greekfreak1980]

Steve Vai: suffers a serious hand injury. Also Steve Vai: No seriously, get well soon Steve.

[@ricardotijerina886]

What happened to him?

[@noahschenck6715]

@@ricardotijerina886 Read the description.

[@petrucciboi]

Also Steve Vai: 3:03.

[@ricardotijerina886]

@@noahschenck6715 👍

[@StriderPictures]

3:03 when you go to bed but your girlfiend is already sleeping

[@kebras_pato]

Best comment ever ahahaha

[@peik5569]

in my case it's just when I go to bed :DDDD

[@cmhavner]

Underrated comment

[@user-ki8ye1kx7c]

I cried when I saw that...KZbin comment section deserves a Grammy! Well done...

[@Stonefalconetti]

Lol

[@felipeescosteguy]

Well, it's done. Master Vai has proven to the world that he holds more talent in only one hand than anyone else out there.

[@alexramalho86]

AMAZING STEVE VAI, KING OF GUITAR. ONE HAND, SPECIAL TECNIC

[@siddhantraju4708]

steve's next song - scares the guitar shitless into playing a song on its own out of pure fear and respect for steve

[@nathangabrielmusician]

Made me feel like I was experiencing Steve Vai for the first time again.

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

Just like Candle Power... and And We Are One... and Gravity Storm... and many others, haha. The man just keeps improving and reinventing himself, just imagine what we're going to witness in his next studio album and the ones that'll come after that one. What an absolute legend! (Number 1 guitarist of all time, if you ask me)🤘

[@allanlimaverde6201]

Exactly how I felt too

[@Yadandadandandaa]

Though I don't really listen to more than a couple of his songs regularly, since his scales, effects and his whole style don't appeal to me that much, I always keep coming back to get inspired by his flawless technique and ability to push boundaries. I'll probably never listen to this on spotify, but I find it very entertaining to watch him play this song, and the guitar is beyond beautiful!

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

Dude same. Not the biggest Van fan in terms of his songs and songwriting, more of a satriani guy myself, but I love watching him play and talk

[@LOOSEbowelz]

@@GeorgeZimmermen you do realize Joe Satriani taught Vai and are close friends, have you ever heard of G3? duh 🙄 and it's Vai not Van lmao

[@GeorgeZimmermen]

@@LOOSEbowelz uhhh i know all about vai and satrianis history and i got into them both with a live g3 concert dvd my dad bought like 20 years ago. Satriani is a much much better songwriter. Seen then both live as well. You are preaching to the choir kid. I know all about that

[@josephbes3567]

Probably my biggest inspiration because my right hand has been broken for last 13-14 years. Steve you are absolutely ballistic. 💙

[@irmasil3]

When one hand of Vai is outclassing your whole musical career in 5 minutes....

[@DavidAddis]

Steve technically could have held his own beer.

[@MarkSmith-hq4rr]

Underrated comment! You win

[@seanbrennan5192]

LMAO

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Weeell, I can play all of that using only my right hand while holding a beer AND a pick

[@Rhamsody]

👍🏾👍🏾😂😂😂

[@VilleKuitunen6]

This is something that humanity will stare in wonder even after centuries have passed. Such glorious music and incredible playing. What a time to be alive.

[@jesussonofgod6256]

Every time I have bad days, I come back to this. This song, and Vai in general, is so soothing to my soul. I really wish my parents were more like his music and I could really use a hug rn.

[@blase1856]

Is Nobody going to talk about how beautiful that guitar looks?

[@20cmusic]

Cole Roland did 2 months ago.

[@adrianbaez2860]

Truly!

[@sci_ent_ificsui_neg9236]

I will. Despite me having his signature white jem7v for over a decade? I do agree the pia is better looking than the jem even. Those PICKUPS!!! Stunning. I'm not sure it sounds better than the evo's in the jem but it certainly looks better ... Slightly anyway. Brautiful guitar, fuck Les Pauls, fuck prs, fuck strats .... Give me a jem or a pia ANYDAY.

[@tomahawk4131]

Ibanez Pia.

[@sci_ent_ificsui_neg9236]

@@tomahawk4131 Thanks, we weren't sure about the guitars moniker ... Thanks for your insight ...

[@MulletHead87]

"Good news your gonna be fine"...."Bad news, I recommend NO SHREDDING for a few weeks" "But doc...Im Steve F**king VAI!!

[@GregoryKisiel]

The guitar genius is in action. I love the music and style of Steve Vai. He is an incomparable musician, one of a kind.

[@brianweiss9958]

Glad to see that the MASTER ha not lost a step - TRUELY GENIOUS harmonic lines, incredible timing, tempo and fluid delivery by the one and only SV!!!!

[@jaketaz2848]

Separate from the playing: This is one of his most creative and interesting songs in years, makes me excited for the next album

[@toreneighdough8345]

For real though, played with one hand or not (as incredible as it is) the song itself is incredible. Truly captures all of his unique sound from over the years in a single 6 minute masterpiece.

[@seldon7]

Aside from his guitar playing, which is phenomenal, the bass playing starting from 1:40 is simply incredible.

[@handmadehearts]

Teeth Of The Hydra!!

[@laribasilio_]

Incredible!!!

[@pastorlyndon]

Me: practice for 2 decades and feel like I'm a decent guitarist. Lari Basilio: Puts out one video and I'm back to practicing 3 hours a day because I realize how much I stink. Steve Vai: Puts out one video playing one handed and I sell my guitar and buy a sewing machine.

[@marcusviny1000]

Top né

[@mariodriessen9740]

Not unlike yourself ❤️

[@andersonferreira3856]

Esse é um fenômeno parece que é um único timbre vindo de um mundo diferente. Incrível

[@theyxxxx]

eai dona Larissa, manda muito também hein? Abraço!

[@chrisminarich0817]

One handed Steve Vai is still the best to ever grace the instrument!! I don’t say that lightly either- SOOO MANY greats, BUT, Steve is the master of the masters. And, For The Love Of God will make me cry every time I hear it. God Bless

[@leopoldovasquez935]

Vai is just one of a kind, always evolving, amazing

[@elmerfudd2402]

"So, that covers my left hand warm-up routine."

[@omorzocactaceo9251]

This is a song also call: "no excuse"

[@BlutigeTranen]

I have an excuse: I'm not Steve Vai

[@omorzocactaceo9251]

@@BlutigeTranen 😅😅 me neither!!!

[@DekkarJr]

The pickups and the effects and the guitar quality REALLY help you able to legato and hammer on and pull off like this tho tbh. 18 years playing myself

[@medmusic7977]

Called*

[@jemubk]

As always, incredible performance!

[@marianohidalgo]

How many years listening to you and every day you surprise me again. Thanks, teacher.

[@Rafaelguitarplayer]

When you think your legato technique is strong. Steve vai: "Hold my broken arm!"

[@UR2Compliant]

lol...best comment

[@sudeephembrom325]

Hahahaha

[@TurbulentJuice]

Someone told me during a conversation that "some things just get better with age" and I believe Steve's a living example of that.

[@keebaeklim]

He should see if he could come up with a wine. The 'Vai' logo would look cool as hell on a wine bottle

[@TurbulentJuice]

@@keebaeklim Haha that too would improve as it aged. Clever, very clever.

[@loukasphilippidis5944]

This just shows how motivated Steve is he will always find a way

[@tyrannictoy6184]

je ne sais pas quoi dire tellement je suis abasourdie devant tant de virtusosité , de simplicité , de puissance et de créativité ...d'humour et de sacralité tout en même temps...UNBELIeVABLE

[@Giggiyygoo]

Man, this is one of those things that non guitar players have no idea how difficult it is.

[@sunilv148]

i totally agree with your comment man!!! all the shit ppl in my apartments dont event know how to play guitar but joke about rock!! i feel like smacking their faces with the same guitar i use!!

[@herwindhomukty331]

@@sunilv148 don't. your guitar is way more precious than those people faces

[@JustinMcVicar]

I can't play for shit and I know how insanely skilled this is.

[@sunilv148]

@@herwindhomukty331 yes man!! you are 100% true

[@joerensh8463]

I'm fucking brilliant.

[@stackedfat]

Steve Vai taking the "I'm better than you with one hand behind my back" to a whole new level.

[@dwhizzledizzle3538]

1:40 I LOVE this run!!! Fantastic bass line behind it and I love his facial expressions too!

[@elehnez5732]

Just listening with your eyes shut to his music it's incredible with his unique style, harmonies and tone. After seeing how he does play it, it's even more incredible. This is what I found out after seeing him playing live in Germany in the 90s. ...and he still proves this today.

[@Petersorg]

Doctor: Mr. Vai, you just broke your arm. Please, rest e don't play guitar for a month. Steve Vai: Go dreaming. This is just what I needed to work my legato to Alien levels of awesomeness.

[@dog3156]

rest e

[@felixthefearless1886]

Literally, we will be showing this to our grandkids and saying “this is what the GOAT looks like”

[@muffevans5667]

Yeah, I did that already. My granddaughter now wants a pink PIA.

[@ianjones2731]

Grandkids reply : 'but poppy... the GOAT was Eddie Van Halen'!

[@stevenpilling5388]

I can't see jimi hendrix!

[@laurajane4541]

His guitars are so very gorgeous! What a contribution to the electric guitar 🎸 !!

[@vinny5004]

@SteveVaiHimself Steve, this is such inspiration. I had a bike accident two months ago and tore the UCL in my left thumb, which required surgery to repair. I had the surgery about 5 weeks ago, but I have not been able to pick up a guitar for the past two months. I am now finally getting enough strength and mobility to add guitar into my physical therapy, and playing my Onyx PIA has become so "instrumental" to my recovery and finding joy again! It's light and easy to play and just so great. And brings me back to watching you so amazingly go through shoulder recovery using the same guitar in Knappsack. Thanks so much!

[@chassegardee7694]

It's like he has never played this good in his life. Holy hell that's unbelievable.

[@mixmixture7049]

He's play style never change. combine with another pieces improvement, that's makes him free to play.

[@mikegrossguitar]

when Vai plays better than the rest of the world......WITH ONE HAND........................

[@dafretz]

Steve's picking is better in his fret hand than my pick hand.

[@KnightSwan]

Yup, uhuh

[@donaldconfalone2410]

He might play better than a third of the world with his pinkie also I would imagine...🤔🧐

[@leoeditor]

TOTALLY AGREE!!!

[@ericamccool345]

Pretty much.

[@steelpantha4845]

Beautiful guitar, beautiful performance and new album is phenomenal! Was blown away seeing him live for the first time last year...just surreal!

[@onurandsena9429]

I was at his concert yesterday in Alexandria VA. If you have not seen him live, you are missing out the real deal! He is amazing and really connects with his audience!

[@CaioCMO]

Oh my God! This performance brings a smile to my face. Steve Vai is awesome!

[@freedomination2]

I broke out laughing a couple of time! Just amazing talent!

[@tomm7769]

One handed and still is a better musician than anyone on the Grammys...lol

[@TehQSAclan]

Thundercat won a Grammy tho

[@omarvalenzuela4957]

Jacob Collier too

[@r.c.christian1198]

@@TehQSAclan lol

[@iwoszymczak4002]

@@omarvalenzuela4957 ​ @kjbkhjl Steve Vai too

[@Roxanneredpanda]

@MERKABA987 are you fucking sure about that one

[@RobbyPedrica]

I find a lot of guitarists reach some sort of plateau and don't move on from there, even some great ones. This proves beyond doubt that SV is still evolving ... Brilliant

[@handmadehearts]

Since this masterpiece, we now have "Teeth Of The Hydra"... WOW!! Constant evolution. Bless Steve Vai.

[@owenbruce4120]

Django did it with two fingers, Steve did it with one hand, these guys won't be stopped...spirit of legends...feel beyond the beyond

[@ravingraven4598]

I will say this once again: Steve Vai is THE biggest master of the electric guitar ever!

[@chassegardee7694]

I'd say chemist, or painter. Something doing with matter, organic...

[@br-br-deng]

One of them, with all respect. I will say this once again, music is not a competition, there can be not the only one

[@BeingFantasy]

Don’t forget about the masters teacher, joe satriani, or Michael Angelo batio

[@mcfa4644]

There's absolutely no need to compare musicians. Of course except if you want to be a dick We have so many genres of music, why should we spitting on other people taste.

[@BeingFantasy]

I don’t know if this is directed at me, but I will assume it is, your comment is counter-Intuitive to the point I think you’re making, you’re also creating a straw man argument which is small minded thing to do, there was absolutely no hate in anything anyone, including me, have said, there wasn’t even any SORT of name calling. Don’t be hypocritical, pay attention to the words being said.

[@slashmaster84]

Someone: "Steve, you can't play with just one hand!" Steve: "Hold my pick... Actually, don't, just throw it, I don't need it anymore."

[@Skog-Troll]

What a great guitarist you are Steve! And no matter which video I see you in: Sympathetic, sympathetic and sympathetic again! You and your musical work are a great gift! Thanks Steve!

[@RichBarlow70]

I don't even have the words . . . Mr. Vai you are an amazing person and an inspiration!

[@sceptict]

Normal man: " I cant practice for awhile . I broke my hand" Steve Vai: 8)

[@christineayres5339]

He actually learned to play better with 1 hand ✋ you God just met his maker in Steve Vai lol 🤣

[@robaxl3088]

Too bad you need a state of the art guitar to do this ..you won’t see this done on any guitar under $500 bucks.,.brilliant non the less

[@krissmith1986]

@@robaxl3088 False

[@Klangstimmen]

Kommt drauf an welche.........................

[@nicosimioni7363]

"I can't learn guitar, my fingers are too big". Yeah, because that's a problem... heard it a hundred times.

[@dantanadingo]

I can't wait to see this live. The visuals of what I am imagining him doing with his picking hand while playing this are killing me. Juggling, shadow puppets, sign language lyrics. Brushing his teeth?

[@lugiblast4101]

Fixing his hair the whole time. Tender surrender style

[@UR2Compliant]

Even today, this brings tears to my eye's...just beautiful, inspiring and out of this world...

[@kellyelrington5663]

STUNNER of a guitar Mister Vai. Hope you are fully recovered. Peace, love & good happiness stuff to you.