The Steve Vai Interview

[@MrUltraworld]

Steve is being way too modest here. Mark Pinske, an engineer for Frank Zappa told me that Steve was transcribing Frank's music for like $25 a page. But Steve got so deep, he notated everything he heard on the tapes even background noises. When Frank saw the transcriptions he said: "This kid makes me look like a genius, get him out here". Steve went out to the URMK and Frank handed him the transcribed page and told him to play it. Steve played it and Mark played Steve's part in one channel and Frank's on the other. Mark said it was the only time he ever saw Frank's jaw drop, it was perfect. Steve was hired on the spot.

[@dirtyrottensinnermusic3212]

Fred Garvin thank you for the insight! 😇👍

[@AvanToor]

You thought he was a man...

[@Anty7]

Source please?

[@johnhendricks8140]

Steve Vai can do it all.

[@muttleygutierrez108]

Steve has mentioned in interviews that he used to cram the staffs of the manuscripts so that Frank wouldn't think that he (Vai) wasn't ripping him off. LOL!!!

[@Shmalentine]

What? A host who does not interrupt his guest every 2 minutes with an annoying story about themselves? That's a new one... :) Excellent job, Rick! Easily one of the best interviews of a musical talent I've seen. Please have Guthrie Govan on. Cheers.

[@Newzchspy]

Shmalentine Love Guthrie.......great interview of Steve. Give him a " lead " and let him go ;) literally and figuratively.

[@grahamjarman]

right, the interviewee actually speaks and is listened to. wow. good job RB

[@CharlesMeriot]

its because he is a good musician, he knows how to LISTEN

[@evandixon5990]

Guthrie is coming to my town for $25 a ticket 😀

[@akul8572]

Gosh! You said it... One of the best persons to ever interview musicians

[@kammak2922]

An eye opener for me personally... Steve is so intelligent, articulate & analytical and that's before he starts talking about his guitar playing. Fascinating fellow. Respect!

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

I prefer him speaking than playing to be honest. Although, I read somewhere that he became a freemason. If that's the case, he doesn't need protection from the music industry anymore.

[@reallyreallyryan]

Holy crap! When world's collide! Thrilled to see this in my feed.

[@maxaprixas1]

I don't know how. I'm scared I could die.

[@juanmaidana8185]

This is pure gold, Rick. What you're doing with this channel is amazing.

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Let Steve have a few more hours to discuss polyrhythms. Harmony, melody, and guitar playing can be covered in other separate lectures.

[@lasse1106]

I absolutely loved to hear Steve Vai say that out of all the interviews he's done, nobody's asked him about polyrhythms. This is exactly the kinds of things I want these musicians to be asked about. So I love that we can get these kinds of interviews from you Rick. Keep that mindset for the future, and dig into the details!

[@jeddak]

Isn't it great when musicians discuss /music/? :)

[@aidanfourie8321]

lasse y

[@JayTheLane]

Love Rick. Vai is such a wonderful musician and human being.

[@michaelledford4751]

lasse The reason all previous interviews of Steve are lacking any deep musical information is due to the interviewer just wanting selatious stories about Frank Zappa and David Lee Roth .

[@Deromusic]

Rick I don't know if you will ever see this but hope you do. I am a 65 year old musician playing and making a living with music since 14. I know all kinds of musicians and have played with a ton of people. As far as the net is concerned I have to say I fell upon your site and think it is the most perfectly put together site on the net, Your knowledge shows thru in everything you do. For the young players coming up, here is where they should stop by more often then not. In closing the main reason i wanted to leave this post is this. So many musicians who think they are composed in their thoughts and musical ideas do not have a clue. Steve Vai is one of the most unique in how a real person and real musician explains him self. Your time with him was so clear and to the point. Only letting me further believe in this, For a musician to be great he has to be well spoken and well read. So many believe music theory is not important. These are the 90% of the weak players of the world. Being well rounded as a person is the first step in becoming a great player. Steve Vai is that person. You also my friend are in this class. Keep up your work and even at my age with all kinds of musical back ground you bring a smile to my face with your art. And I rarely find people today who can keep me me entertained.

[@garrykingmusic]

Real nice positive comment on this channel Ray, well done and congrats for keeping the faith in music, thumbs up !

[@bronson1392]

Music theory takes the soul out of the music..99% of the time.

[@damianocrozzoli6388]

Ray Dero

[@scrappyny7432]

Rick and Steve in my opinion are true teachers at heart.

[@AvanToor]

@@bronson1392 Hahaha, what!?! So you think Beethoven said to musicians, 'so here's what I want you to play: tiddleleee teedleliddeee'?

[@b_tang]

The recent interview with Vai and Satriani brought me here

[@Aaron-Qman]

Same here!!

[@lexmaemacabuhay7252]

me too

[@billmomentum]

Me as well!

[@juancpgo]

Steve is a badass with a very sweet, kind, and generous soul. I love how he cares about explaining things till they seem approachable to any of us. That's inspiring.

[@fransenmusic]

I would love to see Rick and Steve do several interviews a year. So thoughtful and inspired.

[@probusexcogitatoris736]

I loved this interview.... EXACTLY because you did not really discuss his guitar playing. There are so many interviews out there with Steve Vai, and you can only tell the same story so many times without going into autopilot mode. It was super refreshing to watch another side of Steve Vai, and how much he knows about transcribing.

[@scottsaulters]

Quite possibly the most splendid Vai interview ever... obviously because he spends 42 mins whippin' out Zappa stories.... bliss.

[@iggyfritz7150]

Being a musician for over 40 yrs this was the most informative, intellectual interview EVER!!! My God Vai has such a positive Genius intellectual process that has shaken me to my core. This interview will change my life. Thank you Mr Vai and Rick for allowing us musicians to get such informative knowledge and insight. I am forever grateful and hope someday to meet you both for since I could say ga ga I have been passionate about Music. Music is my life blood. Thank you and God bless.

[@derrylgabel]

Fantastic interview! Steve's advice is golden. His work ethic when he describes all the transcribing he did for Frank is staggering. This is very inspirational guys. Again, this has got to be one of, if not THE best youtube channel for musicians and Rick's just getting warmed up! BTW, if you haven't heard Steve's "Passion and Warfare" album go buy it. It's one of my all time favorite must have albums.

[@chrishaughey648]

Hey Derryl, your not so shabby yourself, I've learned alot about legato from you (though I've since swayed down the path of the pick haha) All the best.

[@MikeGilroyMusic]

Passion and Warfare is legend.

[@ducamuk]

Steve Vai is a very wise business man who is very business savvy. On top of all that, the guy is a musical genius who isn’t afraid to take new and unusual leaps and bounds musically. I greatly respect him for that.

[@foxontherun4754]

Everytime i listen to Steve Vais music i dont touch my guitar for days. But when i hear him speak about music i always pick up the guitar.

[@Addamo]

Brilliant interview. Steve is so generous with his knowledge and so open to sharing his inner light. So modest too

[@ornleifs]

Love Zappa and Vai so this was real Treat for me - Thanks. The Zappas should release a Zappa Real Book using those lead sheets that Vai worked on - that would be a true Music Heaven for me.

[@twocsies]

Do you mean like the Frank Zappa Guitar Book (Transcriptions by Steve Vai)? Here's the start of that book: "Introduction by Steve Vai The works in this book were transcribed between January, 1979, and August, 1981, whenever I wasn't touring with Frank. From "Jazz Discharge Party Hats" by Frank Zappa The songs were first taken off the album and put onto cassettes. The songs from Joe's Garage were transcribed off a small Sony tape machine. The stuff from the guitar albums were bounced to a four-track tape deck, and some were done at half speed."

[@ornleifs]

No Vai says in this interview that one of his jobs with Zappa was to write down Zappa's past catalog. Just the basic melody and chords which is what in Jazz is called A Real Book and since this obviously exists it would be a real treat for Zappa fans who can read music to have a kind of Zappa Real Book.

[@twocsies]

Örn Leifsson With the volume of Zapa transcription Vai had, there must be some incredible unpublished work!

[@MrJadePinwheel]

Örn Leifsson "the Frank Zappa songbook" has a bunch of lead sheets done by ian Underwood

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Örn Leifsson That’s not really how The Real Book exists, in reality. The Real Book is an ubiquitous sick sad joke, in a certain way. It is a guideline for jazz newbies without mentors. But I would love to purchase those transcriptions Vai did, as well. I would pay real money for some of those charts. I have the FZ Guitar Book, it is easily one of my most prized possessions.

[@Trinity4me]

Steve is one solid, humble, interesting, intelligent, songwriting , master guitar virtuoso dude. Great interview Rick. Thank you.

[@dockaiser]

Steve Vai, Not only great guitar player, great teacher as well

[@charlescrook5249]

One of the most enjoyable interviews i've ever seen. Two cool, talented guys who genuinely love music.

[@lpgoog]

When Vai discussed his challenging high school music teacher and then having Satch as guitar teacher it reminded me of the concepts discussed in the book PEAK: HOW TO MASTER ANYTHING by Anders Ericsson. As modest as he is, I wouldn't underestimate Steve's natural talent, but having good teachers give extensive training and very early on to boot matters A LOT! Deliberate practice the right way by good teachers can make a big difference. His high school music teacher sounded more challenging than most. I suspect Beato probably has a similar background. In general, I'm blown away by the breadth of knowledge from both. These guys are very mindful dudes that probably don't waste much time watching the boob tube :-)

[@rickrickles4071]

This channel is quickly becoming a university.

[@beefwallet]

Everything is Rick.

[@dnch]

an

[@maninthecrowd5076]

@@dnch a. starts with u sounds like u has an a. Be an educated grammar Nazi.

[@brianloher7617]

@@maninthecrowd5076 ... ty

[@FilBack]

I thank that’s Rick’s intention and may one day become his legacy.

[@paullucas4846]

Amazing, possibly the best and most valuable inside the industry interviews I've seen. Thanks so much.

[@davidnelson7972]

Just re-watched this brilliant interview, and all you can say, at least all I can say is WOW. I know nothing about music theory, but listening to this, even at the age of 74, just brought a new appreciation for what is happening, when a trained, reach-for-the-stars individual can imagine and accomplish. Thanks again Rick, love ya brother.

[@billdemeter8801]

What a gentleman! Totally honest, unpretentious and generous. Great story teller as well. The total joy that comes across Ricks face listening to him (i.e., 43:40) is heart warming. I'm a used to be, mediocre drummer, and I enjoyed every moment of this video! Thanks Rick and Steve.

[@MrPercussionPete]

I could listen for hours to Steve. He's such a clever guy, and he's willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. That's so cool. I guess most people would want to keep things like that to themselves. But not Steve. He's honest and just tells it like it is. That's really something to appreciate. And thanx to Rick for this great interview.

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

Steve said the same thing my dad told me years ago, live a little bit below your means and you'll be fine. Always been my watchword.

[@Guithulhu]

Steve Vai absolutely is one of the greatest guitarists EVER. And such an awesome person, too. Your channel keeps getting better and better Rick.

[@broggsey]

When I first started playing I knew vai was something special, the way he could just do everything so perfectly and then I got into Zappa without realising how technical it all was, I don't know why but finding out vai played with Zappa blew my mind

[@wxxxbattle]

"if i don't know something i call someone" best advice ever.

[@JS45678]

I have never realized that Steve Vai does so much more than just blow through a billion notes a second on his guitar. Admittedly, I was completely lost through the entire section on music theory and polyrhythms but how neat that you both know that stuff so well. I’m not sure what any of it means or if there really is any useful purpose to it but it sounds very difficult nonetheless. What a fabulous interview, Thank You for being a great interviewer too allowing Steve to articulate all of his thoughts without interruption, excellent job Sir!

[@frederickthorne2496]

I cant believe that was an hour! The interview went by so fast. Polyrhythms - mind blown. Great Stuff. Thanks, Rick, and Steve. Loved this!!

[@Chris-zc9bp]

I love Steve. Not only one of the best guitarists ever. He seems to be an amazing person too. He been an inspiration for me since I first heard him with Zappa and Flexable. He's stepped into no win situations, "replacing" Malmsteen with Alcatraz and then Edward when he joined Roth. He's earned his Legendary status, with grace. And he's always full of positive advice. Thank you for another great interview.

[@dolcevita9531]

I can hear Steve all the time and never go bored... thanks for the great interview Rick!

[@brandonlewisguitar]

That was a serious deep dive into becoming a sustainable musician. Amazing knowledge.

[@paulgibby6932]

Great edition, Rick. Steve Vai is so well-spoken and down to earth. Thanks for all the info/insights.

[@wendys7285]

I like Steve more and more each time I see him!! Just an amazing musician and person! Great wit too!!

[@dosgos]

What a great interview. Learned a lot about how to transcribe and how to imagine complex rhythms. Also liked the fact that interviewer let the Guest talk and run with his stream of consciousness...

[@mrstrypes]

Rick, you are one of the most respectful interviewers I've ever seen. You know how to ask the perfect open-ended questions, how to listen until the person is finished without just waiting to jump in with your next question or insertion... Great!

[@guitari-guitartuition1369]

Your interviewing technique is fantastic Rick, I love the way you let your subject talk. Really enjoyed this!

[@ophiriantv7349]

Wow! Steve Vai the Businessman!! My respect for my guitar hero just soared even higher!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH RICK!! More success to you and this channel!!

[@distantstorm3808]

Wow! One thing I've always liked about this channel is the fact you never know what you're going to get, but you really outdid yourself here.

[@sudan47]

Steve is not only the guitar virtuoso, he’s also a great inspirational speaker!!

[@JayAyers]

You tend to forget that the musicians you see on tv and the web are just as interested in what music is as the rest of us musician. Steve seemed a little worried that how he explained his interpretation wasn't clear, but for me it was very clear. Awesome interview!

[@dannoyes4493]

How the hell did I miss this until today? Gotta say, some of the Beato interviews have been other-worldly... This was in a different universe! Thank you Rick so much for this, and the depth of discussion.

[@jamesplasencia]

probably one the best Steve Vai interviews! thank you!

[@larsickenroth7169]

When I started playing guitar my science teacher (metalhead) gave me the ‘Fire Garden Suite’ and ‘Passion and Warfare’. I’ve been hooked since. Steve’s humanity, obsessive nature, strive for perfection but also playfulness in exploring creativity and bringing on others is so inspiring. Always pushing. Seriously: I couldn’t name you a ‘Vai’ album that is not amazing. And even though I love all the solo-stuff, the ‘Sex & Religion’ album with Devin (I think I read somewhere that was a difficult process) is absolutely amazing. He has worked with our Dutch ‘Metropole Orchestra’ to create that orchestrated live performance with electric guitar. And then there’s the columns (no longer online?) of that series he did about the self-development of identity as a guitar player. I’ve yet to find a more thorough and comprehensive set of lessons... Seeing his video with Dweezil - where they discuss his early guitar lessons - it is clear that both have a healthy (though different) dose of Frank. The way Steve has pushed himself to use these methods of working to establish himself with original material and continuous creativity is just awe inspiring and human at the same time. Still, I find myself getting defensive of Steve often, as - even amongst guitarists - many think of him as a ‘shredder’, which always tells me: they haven’t really heard his work. Anyways; great great episode mr. Beato!

[@skylintott1186]

Thank you Rick, instead of movies I now mostly watch this on-line!

[@yoannhappe9281]

This interview went far beyond all my expectations, like I've been waiting for something like this all my life, now I can get some relief. FZ left us 25 years ago but his legacy will last forever, thank both of you so much for those priceless 51' of time value!

[@Geerladenlad]

The first interview.😊

[@steixeira60]

FASCINATING. Sitting on the edge of my seat listening to the Zappa stories...awesome stuff.

[@eisenyeo]

Best Steve Vai's interview ever! A pot's gold of knowledge.

[@silentfuryjazzrock]

Thank you Rick thank you Steve . I know we are on the right track. I am glued to this channel for all things music like white on rice . Love it ❤️🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@cortical1]

This was really cool, Rick. Any topics with Steve Vai would be great, but THESE topics were particularly valuable. Thanks to you and Steve for this!

[@zefdin101]

Great dissertation on the business end of the music business by Mr Vai. He is paying it forward and giving todays young musicians the same gift of his experience and knowledge that Frank gave him many years ago.. and that is wonderful. Great guy right there!

[@abfranklin8492]

Steve Vai is a gem. Great interview. Well done.

[@rdb9936]

AB Franklin An (Ibanez) Jem? :P

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Great interview Rick. Wow so much info that any young musician is so lucky to receive.

[@Erikvinje65]

Fantastic! I am a Zappa freak so this is awesome! Would love a video on some of Franks music too! Thanks Rick!!

[@JariSatta]

Zappa!

[@mcb3865]

Thank you so much for this Mr.Beato!!!!!

[@lordaeron15]

This is gold! Thanks a lot Rick for making this possible and making all those very interesting questions and thank you Steve for sharing your knowledge with us and giving us such a good insight on the music business and your career! Amazing I love this new series!

[@leomonster1973]

Rick Beato is my favorite KZbin. The Beato book interactive is fantastic… Thank you Rick. Thank you Mr. Via for all the beautiful music.

[@gbarrancos1]

Outstanding conversation. Really enjoyed how it reached such interesting corners like Steve's transcription work routine, Polyrhytyms and Vinnie Colaiuta traveling to Venus with Frank :)

[@Rowenband]

Steve Vai seems to be such a simple and kind guy. Thanks to Steve and Rick for ths great moment.

[@mnorris777]

I think 'Instrumentation and Orchestration' by Alfred Blatter is the book Steve is trying to remember at around the 32 minute mark. I bought this during my composition degree in the late 1990s and it has been my bible for orchestral writing ever since. Amazing reference for modern orchestral music and way way better than that awful Walter Piston book everyone seems to end up with.

[@RickBeato]

Michael Norris You're correct about that.

[@mnorris777]

I'm being a bit harsh. It's more that it's just quite outdated depending on the style you write. It's concerned mostly with the orchestra as it was pre 1900. It doesn't cover much of the extended techniques that were prevalent in 20th century orchestral writing and is particularly weak for percussion. Whereas the Blatter book is a much more modern reference. For me personally, my interest in orchestral music starts around Stravinsky.

[@mnorris777]

And thanks for doing this Rick. I don't think i've ever heard Steve go into such detail on the rhythmic stuff, not since those Tempo Mental articles he wrote way back in the 80s. Fascinating stuff.

[@tobiaskarlsson1635]

Michael No

[@TheseAreMyHooves]

haha I tried searching "bladder" with orchestration and modern principles... didn´t find much except for medical journals. Thanks! :)

[@andomikel1]

I have enjoyed many of Rick’s videos but this is another level. What a brilliant Musician Vai is , besides being really articulate and a great story teller. A treasure for the world!

[@kiyuemadkick]

This interview had me scream with inspiration I have got to do something immediately.

[@claytonchaney9171]

best interview of vai I ever saw.....so refreshing when the interviewer knows what .......shuts up...asks the right questions....

[@franciscordon9230]

It amazes me how clearly Mr. Vai explains everything here - that's a tremendous skill (explaining complex things in simple terms) and I did not know this aspect about him! Incredible interview, Rick!

[@marklewis5033]

I really love how steve tells stories. I could just sit there and listen to him ramble on forever

[@stevenwilliams9997]

Great interview! Like he says its nice to see a musician being able to talk about the technical side of music in detail in an interview, I guess its normally a turn off for a general audience. Really enjoying the diverse range of topics on this channel, keep it the great work Rick!!

[@tomdellinger3710]

Wow! Just Wow! In the past week I've seen your interview with Eric Johnson, Robben Ford and now, with Steve Vai. And they are simply the best!

[@giacomocastellano-official]

I'm a Big fan of Frank and Steve, this is definitely the best interview to Mr. Vai in a long time!

[@jimhamby]

Rick, thank you for being a key part in rekindling my passion for music! I have been in a funq for the last couple of years. Betweem you and Babka (youtube guy, wonderfully helpful dude), I have a renewed sense of urgency and reverent awe to express my thoughts and feelings in music again! This channel is to music as Athleanx is to fitness. God bless you, sir :)

[@Billywagner22]

My favorite KZbin channel. keep up the amazing work!!!!

[@notspecified2092]

Just subscribed to this channel because I was fascinated by the content and that the interviewer mostly shut up and let the guest speak, but he still managed to keep the conversation moving. Really refreshing.

[@mrnan014]

this is gooold, thanks a lot

[@StringTips-gr2ig]

Love the way Beato just lets a master speak and express themselves freely without cutting them off every couple of minutes like so many hosts do

[@yuccatree4298]

Rick, you're amazing, with your white hair and your side chops and your voice on Apple crappiness. Big love from a fan in Dublin xx 🌻

[@nsandor72]

What a nice, wise person! Thanks you Steve

[@karenshiny]

best YT channel hands down! Rick rules!

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Karen!

[@kmmkmm7499]

2 well spoken men in conversation, throw in talent as hell as well....it's refreshing

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Best Vai interview ever.

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

Phenomenal interview, Rick! The question about polyrhythms has made clear how influential the Vinnie/Frank experience must have been for Steve. You can practically hear those concepts on his records, especially the early ones. Thank you so much for that!

[@LuckySinghMusic]

Of course I have the upmost respect for Steve, he along with Joe Satriani are 2 of the biggest influences on my musical Journey. I do find it patronising whenever I hear Steve talk about “keeping your publishing” in interviews as if it’s easy in this day and age. When you have someone like Zappa who you work for telling you this then of course... off the the back of that success the wheels of your career are rolling, you can start your own publishing company and know that you won’t need to put the work in yourself as a publisher to sell yourself and your songs to the world. As an unsigned, unknown artist in this day and age I think it’s near impossible to focus 100% on the music if you are your own publisher. I’m really upside down about starting my own publishing after research and think for me as an unsigned artist i would make more money giving up a percentage to a publishing company, instead of earning nothing I would earn something even if I’m giving some away. I would like to know... if an artist becomes successful, could they start their own publishing company somewhere down the line once they are more successful and have the hype, marketing and promotion in full swing?

[@brianloher7617]

Hey man good question I was hoping somebody with the knowledge would answer you but like I said good question I myself am curious about that

[@JonoRicher]

Such a dope video, can't believe you got Steve Vai on the show! Thanks Rick

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

I can't pretend to understand a lot of the stuff Steve said, but it was still fascinating

[@kevmet84]

Steve is such a inspirational interview in every one I've seen with him discussing playing guitar in general and his upstart/bio and regarding approaching the music business.

[@christianmatthews5141]

I'm a little late to this party, but ... Fantastic Interview!

[@varmintvittles]

One of the best musician interviews I’ve ever seen... kudos!

[@danielgalletti3590]

WOW. What a way to start your new show!

[@rooguitar]

Steve is so great to listen at! Thank you Rick!

[@joehernandez5600]

I'd give anything to have been in the room when Satriani was teaching Vai. Holy cow.

[@leonidaspapanikolaou3165]

I saw Steve yesterday live in Thessaloniki, Greece. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

[@aferreyrola]

Thx for this!

[@timgainnes5534]

It’s not often you see a musician perform who’s so at ease that it doesn’t matter what they say or what they play. To me that’s Steve Vai. Brilliant, intellectual, nerdy, creative, experimental and, what an incredible performer. He has the flow or the mojo or whatever you want to call it. He’s got it. Catch him if you can. Rick is a great listener and what a terrific interview.

[@SalCelli]

just out of curiosity: "Vai Beato" in Italian means "Go Blessed"

[@nancreations]

Man, this is pure gold. Thank you both!

[@florencep2209]

I know this is far unlikely, but I'd love to see Ron Jarzombek on this. Could be an interesting talk, about the "film scoring"-tech death on their EP The Animation Of Entomology and potential future records, aswell as his composing methods. The whole 12 tone circle approach does have some parallels to 12 tone serialism and is somewhat a more simplified version of it. Nice video btw, I think the format has a lot of potential.

[@guillotinedeath]

Dr. Florence yes ron is a momster player!

[@AChadWardenProduction]

Dr. Florence I love you Ron's an alien

[@liquidvideotube]

I used to practice in a band and watchtower would practice in the shed a few rows over. I remember sitting out there listening to ron thinking to myself. WTF? Then Rick Caluca and him would bust into a jam. they were such monster musicians. Man i miss those days. But don't come to Austin please. It sucks and its not what it used to be.

[@nylonsteel]

This was better than any guitar lesson he could have given and I love Vai. Appreciated his insight into the business music ,marketing ,publishing,transcribing etc.. Great interview !