Joe Satriani on Van Halen, Jagger & his star students | On The Record

▶ READ MORE: www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/...
Few musicians can claim to be more of an icon than Joe Satriani. Not only is he one the world's most virtuoso rockers to ever wield a guitar, he's also taught a jaw-dropping roster of talent, including Steve Vai, Charlie Hunter and Alex Skolnick. Satriani has toured with Mick Jagger and Deep Purple, and is the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time.
In this very special On The Record interview, Joe discusses the talents of his star-studded students, the importance of cultivating your musical brain, the time he met the legendary Eddie Van Halen and much, much more.
Dive into the whole interview and discover guitar tabs to your favorite Joe Satriani songs on the Ultimate Guitar site.
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▬▬▬▬▬▬ Contents ▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - G3 Reunion Tour, cruising and more
2:45 - On practicing vs resting
5:00 - On teaching Steve Vai
7:29 - On Kirk Hammett, Charlie Hunter, Alex Skolnick
10:01 - On musical brain vs dexterity
12:58 - How every cover is different
15:59 - Playing Van Halen songs
19:56 - Playing with Mick Jagger & Deep Purple
22:25 - Meeting Eddie Van Halen
25:13 - On new documentary & live album
28:23 - Outro
#joesatriani #rock #interview

[@Ei2iP]

Joe is a humble guy and a fine guitarist.. I've nothing bad to say about this guy, a genius when playing guitar 🎸

[@boxboxbox624]

With all the negative KZbinrs claiming he is a bad pick for Hagar's tour I think he'll be just fine and even silence some critics. He may not sound exactly like Eddie but he'll most definitely sound like Satch playing VH songs and that can never be a bad thing.

[@Kinger1625]

I agree, but I think the reason Sammy gave for hiring him was silly. Vic, who I’m not a big fan of has impressed me doing things like Summer Nights live….now Mean Street…he was very close for being put on the spot, and he will be fine. I don’t want Satch to sound like anyone but Satch. Eddie just has loyalists, and I guess some purists…but there is more than playing the parts to get gigs like this. Satch is a legend! He will rock his parts, and they’re tuned down a whole step atm.

[@blucat4]

I mean who else were they going to get? Wolf Van Halen wasn't going to do it, Satch has already played with Sammy and Michael Anthony.

[@daneph]

Van Halen is like Star Wars. you will never make everyone happy

[@GNR4Life355]

I moreso have a problem with Hagar and Mike Anthony milking and disgracing the Van Halen name and legacy. Hagar era VH was weak. The only true frontman of the band was Roth. This is all about greed and cash grabbing. It's not at all about paying tribute to Eddie. Let Eddie RIP.

[@blucat4]

​@@GNR4Life355 1 - It's your opinion that the Hagar era was weak. They had lots of hits, 5150 was a great album sales wise and the tours were the biggest the band ever did. Dreams was big with people who never even heard of Van Halen before, and Right Now was another big hit. *You* might not have liked Hagar, but the general fans and the sales did. 2 - Eddie kicked Roth out, so don't blame Sammy for filling in. 3 - Then he kicked Hagar and Anthony out, so don't blame them for teaming up with Satch. 4 - Alex and DLRoth asked Satch to tour with them and he said no. Wolf said they were dysfunctional and he wouldn't play with them either. 5 - No one said it was about paying tribute to Eddie. They will play songs from Hagar's VH time, + Montrose, + Hagar solo, + Chickenfoot. They aren't using the name Van Halen so it can't be disgraced. 6 - This doesn't stop Eddie from Resting In Peace, don't be stupid. If you don't like Hagar, don't go. Satch, Anthony, Hagar, and Wolfie won't play with Alex and Roth.

[@GregoryKisiel]

I've been listening to Joe for the last forty years and I never get bored. He always has a story to share. A wonderful musician, guitarist.

[@leandrodivera]

Joe speaks about Eddie with such respect. What a great insight into EVH's playing. Very humbling to watch this

[@terrylandess6072]

He mentions 'I'm the One' which I always considered VH's resume to the fans.

[@PedroMiguel-if3ll]

The fact that Satriani had a successful career as a solo artist doing instrumental music, it's pretty remarkable. Most other famous guitarists were also singers or part of a rock band.

[@Me-qp8vz]

He has rock band history too. Check out Greg Khin band. You might even know some of the songs, one of them was a big hit. Seeing Joe in his early 20's in that type of band is quite funny.

[@jeffgoh4934]

That's true. Satriani is a nice dude though, that goes a long way to being successful.

[@nyobunknown6983]

Eric Johnson too.

[@nyobunknown6983]

@@Me-qp8vz Khin's hits came before Satriani joined the band.

[@rogpitt211]

What an awesome interview. Joe is the bomb. And finally an interviewer with some listening skills. Great job 👏

[@geraldhartley]

Joe is such a humble yet brilliant soul. He deserves every good blessing he has received. I could listen to him all day!

[@cacornhusker2940]

Joe is so humble. He's articulate and explains things so clearly....I wish i could have taken some of those $5 lessons back in the day. Keep Rockin' and i'll keep listening.

[@leandrodivera]

11:22 That bit about the musical brain is gold

[@eric_in_florida]

What a cool down to earth guy. Proof that you can have a long and successful rock music career and avoid the usual pitfalls along the way.

[@elephantfootrisers]

Great interview. Joe's a great guy, very down to earth and humble. One of my favorite players.

[@cryptosecuritytools]

I love Joe because he is only too happy to take you on the ride with him. Such a wonderful guitarist and able to be a producer at the same time. I guess if I had to pick a mentor, he would be my first choice. Top shelf human.

[@PedroMiguel-if3ll]

No one makes beautiful emotional solo melodies like Satriani! 🤘

[@metricdeep8856]

He is so very unique. The older I get the more amazed I am at what he has done.

[@raingirlcat2245]

Michael Romeo

[@delusican1960]

Yes I could not agree more. I think of him as a guitar thinker/composer......

[@RJ-sy4yh]

He brings it to the people for sure

[@delusican1960]

@@RJ-sy4yh legato legend.....

[@aritikka5240]

I’m glad Joe mentioned ’I’m the one’. That’s the toughest one to nail from VH catalog ( says PhilX, Nuno and Satchel ). Takes some guts to have that in the VH tribute set list as every EVH fanatic is judging whether he has the proper swing or not.

[@frankrichards3089]

1st song I played when he died. Amazing

[@bilarion]

Warren DeMartini had also mentioned in an interview how he was "crazy about that shuffle in I'm the One". He also mentioned that he thought Eddie got some of that from listening to Eric Clapton, although he (Clapton) played much slower.

[@thewholeroll]

I haven't watched the interview yet, but what makes me think Joe will ace this gig is the fact he's so committed to his craft. I just know he'll be studying and practicing for hours and hours so he can do it justice. I'm sure he'll manage to capture some of that Eddie magic while adding a sprinkling of Satch too. That sounds great to me!

[@beachbarlouie7522]

I remember in music studies part of the curriculum was watching others playing and speaking, instead of just practicing all the time. What you learn from Joe here is why. Now I understand!

[@brucesporn8259]

I listen to "Always with me, always with you" at least once a week. Brilliant emotional guitar playing.

[@maxyemets8233]

Satch is such a class act and so humble.

[@its_not_nice]

What a lovely guy. Great interview!

[@RickDanner]

you just said something . Im 64 and my hands are F'd up i cant play like I used to , my hands cramp every gig now after 15 songs . I chill a lot this was such a nice interview

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

😊I had the honor of working with Mike Keneally on an album I did and a couple of months after the release he invited me to a Satriani show he was doing keyboards and backing guitars for. After the show he took me backstage to meet Joe. He really is all that humble and kind behind the scenes which is something you don’t always encounter, but what a joy it was to meet a real hero and find him to be an absolute wonderful person.

[@mikejamstonalspectrumstudi5339]

Joe, you have been a life-long inspiration for my guitar playing. And you’re a great human too! Thank you for everything and I can’t wait to see all three shows.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

I learned decades ago that I can spent 6-8 hrs a day (with short breaks) on visual activities, 2-3 hrs a day ( in several spurts) doing physical things. and 1-2 hrs a day creating and rehearsing musically. When I'm exercising visually I cannot think musically, When I'm working physically I can watch news segments. When I'm playing music I can only listen. I frequently awaken in the night with a musical arrangement in my head. I prepare or a musical performance by listening and thinking while playing. If I don't sense a connection(absorption) while playing I take a break and then "return". This rotation of activities helps prevent me from wearing our or burning out.

[@curbsidecritiqe2066]

Much respect sir! There will never be another Eddie Van Halen, but there will never be another Joe Satriani! Thanks for letting us enjoy EVH live once again!!

[@Arnoldcardon]

Absolutely love this interview, I love the interviewer as much as Joe too because he’s asking the right questions and is very respectful and sincere, this can be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if you don’t get to the point, with the correct questions, you won’t get good answers out of the artist that you would hope to get, he is sparking stuff in Joe that we would never know if he hadn’t asked the right question, thanks so much, awesome!

[@brandnewyou5254]

So well-spoken and humble.i think another of what ge played was about getting awesome tones and building a teaching technique.a teacher can not not teach. Everything he does is a lesson in life as much as guitar 🎸. I live vicariously as Joe when I sit down and play a few hours and get hot.My favorite.

[@jeffreyp1855]

Damn! I can't even convey how I felt as a kid, hearing Surfing With the Alien for the first time, back in the late 1980s! Thank you for all of the memories and awesome guitar playing, Joe!🤘

[@leanspo]

Love Joe! Always a pleasure to hear him on interviews 👌

[@karlschihl6655]

Joe - you are the "Joe Cool" Thanks for all the entertainment you have given my family over the years

[@steveymoon]

It's so amazing to see Joe without sunglasses on. Massive respect.

[@byronmcdonald6613]

Joes legend is about grow to another level after all this touring and recording gets into full swing

[@karmicselling4252]

"Always with Me, Always with You." is truly one of the great instrumental guitar pieces of all time.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Joe is so gracious and well spoken.

[@robfrasier9412]

Great interview Glad to see Joe so active!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I've seen Satriani 4 times, starting when he had long hair. I saw him with Vai and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (poor Kenny got smoked during the end jam) on a G3 tour. He never disappoints. Hopefully I'll be able to see the G3 reunion and the tour with Sammy. I'm not worried about him playing EVH parts, he'll be awesome.

[@timothywooten1884]

EVH is the most unique guitarist ever. Timing,swing,solos,rhythm. Truly the best. Joe is a great guitarist. He'll do fine

[@rastanz]

Thank you for this interview, Growing in my teens back in the 80's, Joe had the biggest impact and inspiration on me to want to learn guitar. Cheers and Merry Christmas! 😎😎🎸🎸🎅🏼🎅🏼🎄🎄❄❄

[@pizzatechproductions]

Can interviewers please stop asking him about him teaching Steve Vai and others from this point forward? He's been asked these questions 100s of times. I know it's never going to stop but I thought Ultimate Guitar out of all places would know. Like these are the same Howard Stern talking points from a couple weeks ago when they announced the Sammy Hagar tour. Ultimate Guitar should not be asking the same generic question that we've heard the answer to countless times from places as popular as the Howard Stern show.

[@thegoldenpanther6986]

I totally agree. He must be sick of hearing that question.

[@j.fisher4263]

I really love Joe's articulating ability. His level head and ability to be real is just refreshing. He doesn't do the who's better crap. Makes me want to get back in the studio and play.

[@user-ev2qo1hj1g]

What a good person Satriani is. I always liked what he has done and to be asked to cover the Eddie stuff they did well asking him.

[@rachelandryan]

Hey Joe. Talking about tapping with the pick, Steve Hackett was doing it on Voyage of the Acolyte in the 70s. I still remember hearing the pick tapping in Surfing With the Alien, and it blew my mind. It really sounds like an alien surfing the cosmos!

[@williammolina9792]

13:57 He's talking about Mean Street by Van Halen.

[@carlosruiz6271]

separate from being a guitar god and musical genius, Joe is so honest and humble. he seems to be a guy that i would love to hang with at a tailgate or have a few beers and see a ballgame. no music talk unless he wants to discuss anything. and i would enjoy his company just the same.

[@patricklennox9572]

Music is not just the notes, but the space (rests) between the notes. The same principle applies to life.

[@metricdeep8856]

I would love to hear Eddie play Joe's grooves.....and I can't wait to hear Joe play Eddie's. The greats playing the greats....can only be great.

[@RayMancha]

I don't care what ever negative opinions people have on Joe playing Van Halen songs. I like the fact that Mr. Satriani's wisdom shows us how we can learn to deal with something unpleasant or difficult in a calm and accepting way. I have so much respect for Joe Satriani. He doesn't lash out, nor does he quit. He just keeps moving forward without giving excuses for anything, while doing his best to pace himself and keeps on learning along the way. And keep in mind the "Greatest" tend to push themselves. I saw a video of Eddie Van Halen covering Led Zeppelin's Rock N Roll where he was just going for it on his guitar solo. And there were many comments criticizing his playing on that cover. But Eddie still went for it while improvising. I'm will to bet there's other videos of Eddie playing a much better cover of Rock N Roll. My point is that all the greatest will put themselves out there. And that's one huge thing I love about them all that have the courage to do what they do musically. To Eddie Rip. And to Joe, he'll do great.

[@JefAlanLong]

I first saw and heard of Satch when he was touring Australia with Jagger, he was amazing. And he fit himself into that band perfectly. It really surprised me a year or two later when he had the solo hits as a shredder.

[@shable1436]

I love Joe no matter what, he was a major influence, along with srv, Eddie, jimi

[@blucat4]

Great interview, great to hear everything he's doing, about his teaching Steve Vai and his own obstacles in learning (I had no idea), and about how Eddie plays and how he's approaching that show. I also was glad to hear him talk about how hip hop artists are late as I have always wondered about RATM with Zack being so late on the vocals. Just a great interview.

[@luigipati3815]

he was teaching Vai ONE YEAR after he started himself? whoa.

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

Amzing interview. Very cool story about Ediie dropping by the studio. Thanks!

[@Hassan_Omer]

Good interview, I like how he explained the things that he had to work on to play Eddies songs. Joe is a master melody creator and understands how not to overdo things when creating songs.

[@shorerocks]

Huge respect for Joe. I am not into everything he is doing, but just listen to the man. So educational, nice, to the point. Great takeaways in this interview.

[@TravisWhiteTribe]

Always great interviews and loved this one!! 2024 is going to be EPIC x Infinity and Beyond!!

[@eduardoallo8786]

A Joe and Steve album together is a MUST

[@Antony-qq1ob3bz3g]

allways appreciate you Joe sarhriani since the beginning motivation to the max

[@andyracksthecams]

Master.. You don't need to explain time to those that have no time for you. Screw those guys. Who are they any way. I am just getting round to re visiting YOU and do I want to sound like YOU. Can I sound like you.... No but I can learn from you. Master... Your first video was so informative and telling but revealing also. Anybody who knows you from the start knows you have integrity and can stand on your own two feet but also appeciate where you got your ideas from. (The humour and none fiction / fiction acting / narrative was epic, I will never forget the impact the video had on me besides the music. The honesty, the openness) You knew where you were going, who you were and who you respected from the start.

[@sorencin11]

Joe's my favorite, all time.. greatest composer!

[@caperbye474]

Joe says it perfectly. It about the musician being able to create the music, not about their ability to be technical or great. Joe is a amazing guitarist that I love. seems like a down to earth guy.

[@metricdeep8856]

Having Joe play Eddie is a gift. I would love for Joe to just dive in using his own sense of taste, style and groove because if Joe was to somehow become Eddie and pull off every nuance and almost fool the listeners....It would be a waste of an opportunity for Joe, the band and us.

[@interplanetarymusic7929]

🤙

[@dusty3913]

Really great interview, and interviewer. Fascinating to hear him break down the differences in players.

[@larrydj549]

I feel like this guy could have a future!

[@interplanetarymusic7929]

😂👌

[@THEtimguitartaylor]

One of my very favorite axe slingers. Dude isnt just another shredder, he is top of the heap, every time. Super nice guy too!

[@kibscott6096]

Excellent interview!!!

[@petrofsko]

Great interview with such a terrific guitar player totally unique love Joe Satriani, looking forward to his new album

[@gmill7911]

Hard to believe I've been following this guy for 37 years.

[@Bricklinsv1970]

Joe is the Yoda of Guitar period! Huge Alex Skolnick fanboy here ;)

[@johntiger5]

He has some pretty famous awesome guitarists who were his students. Guy is amazing at all facets related to guitar.

[@joecole8658]

Excellent interview! I subscribed. Keep them coming.

[@michaelrau7003]

As a Fan, Thank You too for this interview!!!!

[@PaulT08]

Great interview. Thank you so much!

[@nightly522]

joe is very intelligent and well spoken. gifted individual

[@nickkara468]

Remember people,its a tribute , not an exact copy of e v h . Joe will do an incredible job in the spotlight..if you'all think its easy getting on stage,playing and emulating someone like eddie you're a fool.

[@jamesdevine620]

hey mr satriani, in my book there is no best player, but there is a top level of players for the best of the best, you are on that level......have a good day !

[@toreropalido]

Thanks Joe for doing this! Really chill and insightful.

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

Great interview, loved it 🎼🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@VitorMachadoProf]

One of the my favorites. Good job. I subscribed the channel. Cheers.

[@cathycastadena6084]

Really enjoyed this interview very interesting loved everything that you have experienced!!! ❤❤❤❤ ❤ ❤

[@DarqNix]

Hey Joe your a true inspiration , thanks for doing this interview!

[@squatchy_J]

I'm still working on Satriani songs from...and since the 80s....so fun. Wish I had more talent

[@jfrockon]

Great interview. Lots of great info...

[@seabud6408]

Joe Satriani. As they say .. the best are the nicest. Saw him/band earlier in the year. Fantastic!

[@MrBarryWhyte]

Such a humble man. Love him! 😊

[@glennmichaelthompson4112]

Great interview!!!! Thanks!!

[@jamessmith5021]

This guy is just like all the greats… respectful…careful with words and by the way one of Van Halen’s favorites… I’ve seen him 5 times and he doesn’t play like Eddie or Sammy but they don’t want him to. They want Joe for the tour and he’s gonna rock every song!!!

[@scottmccloud4231]

Bravissimo sir! Thank-you so much for your inspiration, intellect, time and talent✌

[@theonlinedancer8308]

Such a great person…. And of course: guitar wizard! ❤

[@BasilHayden]

Great interview. The guy has so much insight. I really wouldn't have wanted him to play like Keith. They're both their own players.

[@johnpoertner1361]

Thank you 🙏 Joe for just being such an honest and real beautiful human seriously 🙏 Love your music and Love your take on trying to emulate somebody else. Have FUN. TY THAT'S IT.❤ MUCH LOVE KEEP US ENTERTAINED , THANKS 👍🙏

[@michaelrau7003]

It is Awesome you had your Son in your Music, without the drugs and booze like most. This is what I love most about you and Steve!!!!

[@AlanWade-vb5xb]

Fantastic interview, and great points on resting up

[@themoonman-4]

Awesome Thank You!

[@TempleOfTheMartyrs]

A TOTAL INSPIRATION IN OUR BAND

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

I wish every guitar hero was as humble as this man. Vai BTW is humble as well!

[@vegardyrnes1793]

Is that an oija board behind you?😄 Great interview! Tnx. Hope you have a great new year.

[@sorencin11]

The master speaks, I listen intently

[@pauljenkins68]

Love his comment on having to practice 45 minutes a day for 3 months with a metronome to get something down that Eddie did with his right hand and 'swing'. As a player that struggles with much on the guitar, knowing even people like Satriani have to really put in time to get things down makes my progress seem a bit more reasonable :)

[@ETERNALSOUL-ju7xn]

Absolute legend , great musician, and human being .

[@beachbarlouie7522]

Super Cool. Hi Joe. Good to see ya!

[@cicimbello]

Joe is a master ...so dont you worry ... He s gonna be great playin evh like he is great in playin anything