A man with 60 years old playing the guitar like him doesn't needs to worry about anything. Same as Satriani, Lukather, Schon and many others. I wonder if new generations of players will pass the test of time. He's untouchable.
Wow my problem would be my back. How heavy is that instrument. I would have to sit with that thing on my lap or have a high stand for it. Steve vai is ever evolving and aging like fine wine.
Don’t forget, he is not only playing the guitar, bass, sitar there is also a harp type of instrument that he strums towards the bottom of the Hydra, plus all the effects switches and what not. So in effect he is actually playing 5 instruments here.
When Steve had surgery and still played, using only his left had, I think it pushed his technique even further past the rest of the chasers. Forever, hands down, the GOAT.
Wait what Michael angelo batio played a quad guitar both right handed and left handed at the same exact time and playing completely two different melodies with each hand now thats some serious insane talent.. if you already dont know who he is i suggest you look him up and then see if you still think steve vai is the goat.
@@ramcisvillarey5816 i loved nirvana not a huge fan of dave grohl or foo fighters though. There first album was okay it was catchy. I think dave as a person is cool just not my taste of music.. but nirvana too me was epic. I dont know why all the hate on them. Furthermore i dont think Michael angelo batio is the Goat either i just wanted people to discover his talent if they haven't already.
@@cryptonator1988 the most difficult masterpiece to create is the simplest the "Simplest" that can attract billions of billions of people and that is Kurt Cobain
@@firstname5556 I highly doubt they would not play the sh*t out of this thing. I doubt they would use something like this in their music, but they would be ALL OVER this thing if/when they get their hands on it.
he mostly only played the center guitar. It's more of a gimmick than anything else... check out luca stricagnoli if you want to see someone actually making use of a 3-necked guitar.
Steve did not only learn a new instrument, he invented it. I read that he left it alone quite a while after it was delivered, before he got the courage to play it, he said.
Probably because it looks like it weighs a ton and the instrument itself doesn't seem as interesting to play to me, but it looks cool as fuck from a distance.
I feel like Steve playing with just his left hand for months (when he had that surgery) would've helped him a lot preparing to play this thing. Pretty amazing. 🤘
I was at that same gig and I'll never forget Steve holding out his arms like the guitar Jesus and doing those feedback notes over the sustained synth chord outro of 'love of god' or 'blue powder'..each step he took pulling out another overtone that fit the next chord perfectly..a master musician.
I didn’t think they’re very relevant either but I saw my favorite guitarist (John Petrucci) walk up there and accept a Grammy on behalf of Dream Theater and my whole world was shook.
@@andrewdelprete I saw that presentation. Few people in the audience even knew who was walking up to the stage, let alone clap for an award winner. Such a shame. But well-earned though. Could tell John was very happy with the award!
Grammy is totally irrelevant, because if Tool released a new album, grammy don't care about who's best. Grammy is a LAME and irrelevant as Rock and Roll Hall of LAME.
There is only one word to describe Steve Vai, and that is "innovative." The problem is, that word is wholly inadequate to describe what he does. And to be innovative for over 40 years is an amazing thing. Hats off to the man - he is incredible.
I like that Vai is finding ways to still be a legend even though he knows he isn't the fastest or even the most innovative tapper anymore. I've seen him leave encouraging posts on TH-cam channels like Gottardo or Ostro... a genuinely cool human being still pushing himself to his own personal limits while enjoying and appreciating the next generation of guitar wizardry. Long live Steve Vai.
It's the thing many people can't put into their limited world view: there is room for MORE THAN ONE on stage and not just for the one that is THE best ATM. Steve Vai is an amazing artist; and just because there's going to be 1... 2... 3... 25 generations of "guitar wizardry" after him, nobody is going to "forget" about him. Just like nobody forgot Keith Richards or Jimi Hendrix once Vai, Malmsten, Satriani, Petrucci... came to town. And if you're wondering, that's because "artistic content" surpasses "level of technical skill on an instrument (or whatever)". A quality artist "talks" to the audience on many levels, "technical skill" being just one of them. That's why bands like Black Sabbath are still relevant and widely listened to even if the level of the displayed instrumental skill can't hold a candle to modern metal. They MADE something that deserves to be heard.
@T Dub, well bummer. I have seen him make comments in person notably about Gottardo... the more recent Ostro TH-cam comment does fit what you're saying, though. I stand partially corrected.
@T Dub you know this because you once shook his hand and said hi Steve I'm a big fan in 1997. Comon man. There is no way you have any knowledge whatsoever of what Steve does
Tell me, who's innovative anymore? Everyone new is a copy of someone else before him. Everything that was to be done on guitar has been done. Now it's about who likes what. I, for example am reversing everything I've ever listened to. I'm increasingly listening to older, honest stuff. That's not to say Vai isn't an honest guitar player. He is phenomenal
@@mitsanut5869 It's kind of always been like that. Everything new is just a version of what's been done before. That hasn't changed in 1000s of years. And yet, there are still new things being done on guitar, or the potential of old things that were abandoned too soon being explored more fully nov. Maybe it's stuff you don't like, but it's new nonetheless.
I saw a video of him playing this song on stage with the guitar mounted on a custom stand. He is an artist worthy of paying to see and hear at least once in your lifetime.
He's an amazing player who has played in many bands and for decades. Good music is all that matters. Relevance is a personal view. Someone can see something relevant to their tastes and someone else not like it at all. Steve is a legend, not a fade. And anyone out there to be compared to him, needs to earn it.
Steve Vai was is and always was about taking it to another level. And I can't see him becoming irrelevant for as long as he can keep doing that. And the way he plays is like he is dancing with or having sex with the instrument for lack of any other way to explain it. He created a niche and continues to master it. I for one would never consider a guitar like that just so I could play bass, rhythm and lead all at once. And I bet he will use that guitar to pull this song off live just because he can.
I’ve seen him live 3hree times , and it’s always memorable! Tender surrender is a making love song completely ! I have always thought that was the approach to that song was just like the lead up with two humans enjoying each other in many more ways than one
The hours and hours that went into this are unimaginable. Designing the guitar, testing it to see what can actually be played compared to what was imagined before it was built, writing and arranging the piece, and then rehearsing, and rehearsing, and rehearsing, and rehearsing.
I've watched Steve play that thing 50 times now, Every time is just as impressive. With Steve the tone is coming from his body, not just his fingers and his touch. The way he moves with the note values. Most people use facial expression to fake or give the impression of note value, tone, vibrato etc, but with Steve, it literally flows from within his body and how he moves, when he moves, what he moves and where he moves. I just can't get enough. Next level badassery right there. Like fine wine, getting better with age.
I think it is dangerous to jump on bandwagons of what is “relevant”, as that tendency pushes away unsung heroes and talent. So what if he isn’t Polyphia or Tosin. We can brach out and realize the many ways of conveying emotion in music.
Agreed! I appreciate that we still get bands that play straight instrumentals. My absolute favorite is angel vivaldi! And ofcourse Steve Vai is one of his biggest inspirations! Same emotions different generation \m/
Polyphia is great but Vai dwarfs them in depth, emotion and making moving music. Polyphia is more of technical sounding band. I saw a Jam at Namm that had Vai and polyphia guitarists and a hand of other guitarists jamming to My Guitar wants to Kill you Mama and the Polyphia lads totally lack depth of chops by all the other players. Polyphia doing their own stuff is brilliant but not in the league of Vai, not even close. btw I love Polyphia
@@chopholtz4950, agreed. Another example is Mike Dawes playing multiple lines on an acoustic. Herman tried to explain it: the moment you try to focus too hard on one element, the others get lost. I like to say that you can only think about the _coordination_ of elements, which after much practice are each sort of happening on their own.
there's something about him that that never really clicked with me. Amazing talent, this video breakdown really shows it, but he doesn't keep me interested like many other (arguably less skilled) artists.
my favorite song of his is tender surrender. but I agree as talented as someone is they still need to play nice with others, I'd rather listen to something that has groove on every instrument.
I'm the same, something about the tune or style of play I've always just been very "meh" about. Plus majority of times I see G3 he's usually in there with two guitarists I prefer especially Satriani. Even with a video like this I can appreciate what he's trying, on the flip side I'm thinking about what a player like MAB could play on it. Ironically I'm not even a big fan of his stuff either but it's usually at least interesting regardless.
I never met Steve but where I grew up in NY I was friends with his bass player from Alcatraz (Randy Coven). Steve also played some solos on Randys Albums. Anyhoo he taught me to play bass and changed my life and my understanding of guitar and bass. Instead of thinking in "boxes", think of the entire neck as the "box". Granted I am a rocker and not so into progressive or the jazz/fusion thing it made me stand out as a bass player and I was able to land almost any gig I auditioned for. Moved to LA and did the touring thing and basically was a pro musician all over for years. A funny story is I had given Steve's guitar builder at the time (Joe Despagni of JEM guitars) before the whole Ibanez thing a Warmouth neck and body to build me a bass. Well somehow Randy talked him into making it into a flame bass like the flame guitar he cut for Steve. Ended up it was too delicate to use for gigging so Randy kept it and gave me an old Gibson bass to make up for it. Years later I find the flame bass on some blog because it ended up on ebay. I asked Randy and he denied ebaying it but ends up it was that bass and the current owner is willing to let me have it back if I build him a tribute Strat as I am a builder now. Thing is the bass was routed for a Kahler tremolo which Randy use on all his basses but that is missing now and they hacked a normal bridge on it. Having trouble finding the correct Kahler to get it back to its original form. Not to mention is has a ton of lacquer checking and some of the flame tips had cracked off and just glued back on. But still.. just for sentimental reasons I really want it back. And I have a picture of Randy playing it in Joe Despagnis garage which you can't get any better authentication then that.
Oh, and it also has dual output jacks. Not sure why as Randy did not use a Billy Sheehan type setup but until I get it and dissect it I won't know what is going on. As well it has been so many years I procrastinated which means there is a chance I might not be able to contact the guy anymore. I was just glad I had found it and it is essentially just a wall hanging for the guy and he was not looking to flip it. Meaning if I can contact him again the chances are pretty good he still has it.
Steve has been trolling EARTH since he hit the scene. You see him live...and your mind is melted on how in the "Zone" he is ALL the time. He can zone at will...in fact I don't think he is ever NOT in the zone. You may not like his music, but you can not deny the Vai!!
I love the fact that Herman is such a awesome guitarist in his on sense and is still so humble to give credit to Steve Vai on such a completely awesome song,that speaks volumes for Herman as a simply great guy that admires such awesome talent
I'm surprised that he had a knob and switches at the top of the guitar body that would take a note and then pitch the note up and down. So many components on that thing.
Am I the only one that finds Polyphia a little repetitive? I mean the band is technically amazing, no denying that. But their music feels more like ambient music without a melody line, and always relying on the same guitar picking, harmonics, drum lines, etc. They for sure sound amazing but you listen to 2 songs and you’ve listened to everything they have. Steve Vai on the other hand.. he is a guitar god.
Still relevant? Look this way: If you learn guitar, you NEED to listen to Steve Vai. I would listen Steve any day over polyphia.. I mean, Polyphia ios amazing but in my humble opinion sounds like techniques thrown for the purpose of technique, while Steve sounds like everything have a real (feeling) purpose, It´s just genius and he still and maybe always be the guitar god.
Not only do I also suggest watching Steve Vai live at least once in your lifetime, I also think it’s important to take a younger member of your family or something like that. A young person. We need more people to take up the instrument and if anybody can inspire somebody to pick it up, it’s Steve.
I was busking the underpass outside the tube station the night Steve played that Hammy Odeon gig. I remember thinking when I saw who was playing "Oh F. The punters for this one won't want to hear me, this is gonna be a lean pitch...." Boy was I ever wrong. Generous bunch. Maybe it was the contrast - Acoustic folk outside, Steve's miracles unfoldng inside :D
I cant believe Modern Fanboys especially of Tim, Mateus and Ichika are talking down to Rock/Metal and to other soloists like Steve, Joe, Marty Nuno and Etc. Can't stand those fanboys. Yea those first 3 guys ive mentioned are indeed Gods, but please dont disrespect our Guitar Heroes from our early days.
They're all very good but we have to recognize that the players today wouldn't exist without the old players. Nothing exists in a vacuum and modern players are standing on the shoulders of giants. Look at Tosin Abasi , he's a guitar God himself but he always acknowledges his heroes. In a interview recently he even fanboyed over meshuggah's use of nine strings on the 2022 Album "Immutable." That to me is humbling and inspiring. There's always something new to learn.
steve has just created the hardest thing done on guitar, he keeps doing stuff that is never done before and he respects everyone else but he knows he does not need to prove his talent to be considered a god he just is woah
Steve Vai along with Joe Satriani are the reason I started taking guitar seriously. If it wasn't for them I would have probably stopped playing a long time ago.
Absolutely incredible... just to think in those 4 instruments in one, thinking at the same time in actually play those notes in all of them and all sounding really great.. wow man... he is the real guitar God, ths choosen one
@@nolanplayer564 Great show, said it was his first in over 3 years. Didn't bring the 3 neck sadly, maybe it was too difficult to take it to Scotland. At least we got "For the love of God", "Bad Horsie", "Liberty" and a bunch of other classics along with new material.
before you watch another video you've got to watch the best music video of 2022, POLYPHIA-EGO DEATH feat STEVE VAI official music video, WOW! AN UNBELIEVABLE MASTERPIECE. best wishes from the north east coast of England.
Steve has been the greatest on the guitar for 40 years straight... and to be innovative at 60+ years old is so fucking legendary. It's ridiculously good, so clean also.
Saw Vai at the wilma last year. He played hydra live! So sick! And family watched you at the same venue. And hydra is 12/7/bass with a harp cuz why not
Musically, it’s not really captivating. It’s visually captivating seeing him play it…But, if you close your eyes and just listen, it’s just ok. Doesn’t sound “new”.
This song is more memorable than any shredder stuff and takes me places Shredder's can't ,I appreciate technical prowess but they can't write songs that sound like anything but a yankfest
Ya cant even really react to this vid unless you wanna watch it closely 3 times a day and do a new reaction at the end of each day. Because each time you watch and listen, you see something you didn't notice last time. It takes quite a few "views and listens" before you can even get a basic overall idea of whats happening moment to moment. I saw this three nights ago live and was not disappointed in the least.
As you get older, some facets of your playing might start to deteriorate (speed, accuracy, etc...), but the really great part about music is you don't have to send a million notes in one song for it to be great and innovative. this certainly wasn't Steve's most note-heavy song, but the fact that he's able to play three separate parts on one instrument proves that he still has the creativity and musical mindset to make great and interesting songs. So, I think Steve will be more than relevant for a very long time.
It is actually a legit composition. Elevator? yes that's the point. He knows to elevate his music, he understand his branding/personality and knows what to do with that.
This song is an incredible display of skill and dedication with fantastic accuracy, however, as a stand along song without the visual of what is happening, I unfortunately feel the sound is a bit dated and not super interesting. I love Steve Vai but this to me does not hold the same relevance as some of the other new music coming out pushing new boundaries (such as polyphia)
As a bass player, learning rythem guitar and easy solos to improve my bass playing, what he did is pure banana sauce. Not just the multi hand hammering, but the technique has to be pure discovery. The groove mechanics alone....I can't make a coherent comment because I know what I just watched.
It's because Tim can't bend strings. If he did I bet they sound out of tune. that's why he does those slides so much. Don't be cringe tim. Im not a boomer and I can bend the string to hit the right notes.
You are the ONLY person who pointed out the muscle memory / new instrument perspective. That's why you're the man ! Steve should call the harp the fly swatter. It looks like he's swatting flies or mosquitoes.
Herman, I had seen this freaking amazing video before, but watching your reaction and your analysis and your respect for Vai really took it to the next level. Thank you!~
Well thats not new, there was some videos of Steve around 2003 or less i think using a 3 neck guitar in a live concert. so its not his first time doing that. Check out here in youtube u could find it.
@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 found it !! search: Steve Vai - "I Know You're Here" i think that was the first stages of practice, that lead him to the actual hydra
I went and saw Steve about a week ago on the Inviolate Tour!! Best show ever! And of course he did break the hydra out and start shredding on it. It was so surreal as a 14 year old guitar player. Steve is one of if not my biggest inspiration. I would go see him again in a heartbeat!! It was simply epic.
Saw Vai on the "Sex and Religion" tour, as well. Grand Emporium in Kansas City. Scott Thunes on bass. Mike Keneally on keys and additional guitars (I think I remember that). The show was scary good! Saw him again "solo" in a bar with about 500 (former; all seemed to have the "God, we suck" reaction but love it anyway) guitarists. A very niche audience but mind blowing.
That's because Steve Vai isn't just a guitarist, he is also an ARTIST! (I mean not only is Steve playing all these instruments, but if you notice he is also "artistically performance acting" PHYSICALLY (aka "showmanship") - what a Boss!
We shouldn't be surprised of what he's doing now. He's been doing this before most of you were born. I keep hear the phrase" at he's age". 😁 I guess because you are supposed to lose your creativity at age 30 or something. He has released instrumental metal music since the 80's. This is no rock band with a lead singer we are talking about here. This means the lead guitar, like a lead singer carries the weight the the melody as well as the harmony when need be. Reminds me of a jazz album. Probably more like jazz than we care to acknowledge. Jazz artists seem to use a different brand of creativity not usually found in other genres of music. Prince was an improvisational jazz artist in his own right ( yup) and is one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived. They look at notes differently. That's why their music is so unique in both cases. Both made innovative (there goes that word again) music even in their older stages of life. A creative side that never stops creating. Guitarsist out there are still trying to learn Steve's music. That alone should tell you something. And the fact that all you youngsters are tuning in makes you realize that he is just as relevant today as he was during 'The audience is listening '. Little Stevie is still killing it. Like the teacher said," Love it!"
He is relevant enough to get million of views on a video he released at the age of 61. The man is a legend.
A great performer never becomes irrelevant 🤟
I think he is the Paganini of our century.
age is just a number...
Agree, he will always be relevant, just like the Blues guitarists from 80 years ago. Pure genius.
Just like this reviewer
It's like steve vai saw all these crazy younger youtube 'stunt' guitarists coming out over the last several years and said 'hold my beer'
A man with 60 years old playing the guitar like him doesn't needs to worry about anything. Same as Satriani, Lukather, Schon and many others. I wonder if new generations of players will pass the test of time. He's untouchable.
I like how it’s super high tech to the point that it defies gravity and doesn’t even need a guitar strap yet it still uses an old fashioned cable.
Favorite guitarist playing the most bad ass guitar ever made 🥹
Wow my problem would be my back. How heavy is that instrument. I would have to sit with that thing on my lap or have a high stand for it. Steve vai is ever evolving and aging like fine wine.
the case for that guitar is where vai has his harmony hut. yeah, its that big!
Don’t forget, he is not only playing the guitar, bass, sitar there is also a harp type of instrument that he strums towards the bottom of the Hydra, plus all the effects switches and what not. So in effect he is actually playing 5 instruments here.
How does all the signal go through one cable? Obviously the signal is split to different amps. What kind of cable can handle this?
Steve Vai should have been playing at Glastonbury.
Steve Vai had to play for Zappa. There is NOTHING this man can't do.
He have performed it live. Sounds 98% same like studio version..legendary
His work on Halo 2 was legendary. So glad Bungie brought him on.
Facts. Soundtrack to our childhood man
wtf cool seeing you here!
Wow had no idea he collabed with them.
I had no idea it was him. That's why it was so great
@@DARRENC910 I just welled up thinking about it, man..
When Steve had surgery and still played, using only his left had, I think it pushed his technique even further past the rest of the chasers.
Forever, hands down, the GOAT.
His teacher is the GOAT
Wait what Michael angelo batio played a quad guitar both right handed and left handed at the same exact time and playing completely two different melodies with each hand now thats some serious insane talent.. if you already dont know who he is i suggest you look him up and then see if you still think steve vai is the goat.
Kurt Cobain guitar is the best of them all from a simple Punk Rocker
@@ramcisvillarey5816 i loved nirvana not a huge fan of dave grohl or foo fighters though. There first album was okay it was catchy. I think dave as a person is cool just not my taste of music.. but nirvana too me was epic. I dont know why all the hate on them.
Furthermore i dont think Michael angelo batio is the Goat either i just wanted people to discover his talent if they haven't already.
@@cryptonator1988 the most difficult masterpiece to create is the simplest the "Simplest" that can attract billions of billions of people and that is Kurt Cobain
An insane creation of a guitar, and only Steve Vai himself could prove that it really is a completely functional instrument.
I'd bet Michael Angelo Batio could pull some stuff off with it, it's like 1 guitar neck down from his rig.
It depends on the personalty of the guitarist as well. I bet the likes of Satriani and Petrucci are not interested in this type of machine.
@@firstname5556 I highly doubt they would not play the sh*t out of this thing. I doubt they would use something like this in their music, but they would be ALL OVER this thing if/when they get their hands on it.
he mostly only played the center guitar. It's more of a gimmick than anything else... check out luca stricagnoli if you want to see someone actually making use of a 3-necked guitar.
@@ebreshea1337 you calling this a gimmick says a lot about what you know
Steve did not only learn a new instrument, he invented it. I read that he left it alone quite a while after it was delivered, before he got the courage to play it, he said.
😧😧😧😧it's like anime story
Probably because it looks like it weighs a ton and the instrument itself doesn't seem as interesting to play to me, but it looks cool as fuck from a distance.
Vai is a true artist. A musical genius.
I mean watching him and Satch at a few G3 concerts was completely mesmerizing. Although I do prefer JS.
I feel like Steve playing with just his left hand for months (when he had that surgery) would've helped him a lot preparing to play this thing. Pretty amazing. 🤘
Yeah nothing but legato for months lol. I bet even tho he's 60 years old his hands move like they are brand new
I was at that same gig and I'll never forget Steve holding out his arms like the guitar Jesus and doing those feedback notes over the sustained synth chord outro of 'love of god' or 'blue powder'..each step he took pulling out another overtone that fit the next chord perfectly..a master musician.
I feel that song deserves a Grammy for Best Rock Performance. Just not sure if the Grammy's are relevant anymore.
Ya kinda like rock and roll hall of lame.
Grammy, like all awards ceremonies, are too political and mainstream sadly.
I didn’t think they’re very relevant either but I saw my favorite guitarist (John Petrucci) walk up there and accept a Grammy on behalf of Dream Theater and my whole world was shook.
@@andrewdelprete I saw that presentation. Few people in the audience even knew who was walking up to the stage, let alone clap for an award winner. Such a shame.
But well-earned though. Could tell John was very happy with the award!
Grammy is totally irrelevant, because if Tool released a new album, grammy don't care about who's best.
Grammy is a LAME and irrelevant as Rock and Roll Hall of LAME.
There is only one word to describe Steve Vai, and that is "innovative." The problem is, that word is wholly inadequate to describe what he does. And to be innovative for over 40 years is an amazing thing. Hats off to the man - he is incredible.
Skinny, the word skinny describes him pretty well too.
It's incredible that he's managed to stay legitimately creative for this long.
They should put a picture of Steve Vai onto the dictionary for 'innovative'.
@@s.willis8426 yes. Skinny and flamboyant
Hes just unique, no one does Steve Vai quite like him and i dont think anyone ever will. Hes like what Freddy Mercury once was to vocals, to me.
I like that Vai is finding ways to still be a legend even though he knows he isn't the fastest or even the most innovative tapper anymore. I've seen him leave encouraging posts on TH-cam channels like Gottardo or Ostro... a genuinely cool human being still pushing himself to his own personal limits while enjoying and appreciating the next generation of guitar wizardry. Long live Steve Vai.
It's the thing many people can't put into their limited world view: there is room for MORE THAN ONE on stage and not just for the one that is THE best ATM. Steve Vai is an amazing artist; and just because there's going to be 1... 2... 3... 25 generations of "guitar wizardry" after him, nobody is going to "forget" about him. Just like nobody forgot Keith Richards or Jimi Hendrix once Vai, Malmsten, Satriani, Petrucci... came to town.
And if you're wondering, that's because "artistic content" surpasses "level of technical skill on an instrument (or whatever)". A quality artist "talks" to the audience on many levels, "technical skill" being just one of them. That's why bands like Black Sabbath are still relevant and widely listened to even if the level of the displayed instrumental skill can't hold a candle to modern metal. They MADE something that deserves to be heard.
@T Dub, well bummer. I have seen him make comments in person notably about Gottardo... the more recent Ostro TH-cam comment does fit what you're saying, though. I stand partially corrected.
@T Dub you know this because you once shook his hand and said hi Steve I'm a big fan in 1997. Comon man. There is no way you have any knowledge whatsoever of what Steve does
Tell me, who's innovative anymore?
Everyone new is a copy of someone else before him.
Everything that was to be done on guitar has been done.
Now it's about who likes what.
I, for example am reversing everything I've ever listened to. I'm increasingly listening to older, honest stuff.
That's not to say Vai isn't an honest guitar player. He is phenomenal
@@mitsanut5869 It's kind of always been like that. Everything new is just a version of what's been done before. That hasn't changed in 1000s of years. And yet, there are still new things being done on guitar, or the potential of old things that were abandoned too soon being explored more fully nov. Maybe it's stuff you don't like, but it's new nonetheless.
I saw a video of him playing this song on stage with the guitar mounted on a custom stand. He is an artist worthy of paying to see and hear at least once in your lifetime.
Steve vai impressed Frank Zappa, That alone puts him on another level IMHO
He's an amazing player who has played in many bands and for decades. Good music is all that matters. Relevance is a personal view. Someone can see something relevant to their tastes and someone else not like it at all. Steve is a legend, not a fade. And anyone out there to be compared to him, needs to earn it.
Steve Vai was is and always was about taking it to another level. And I can't see him becoming irrelevant for as long as he can keep doing that. And the way he plays is like he is dancing with or having sex with the instrument for lack of any other way to explain it. He created a niche and continues to master it. I for one would never consider a guitar like that just so I could play bass, rhythm and lead all at once. And I bet he will use that guitar to pull this song off live just because he can.
I’ve seen him live 3hree times , and it’s always memorable!
Tender surrender is a making love song completely !
I have always thought that was the approach to that song was just like the lead up with two humans enjoying each other in many more ways than one
The hours and hours that went into this are unimaginable. Designing the guitar, testing it to see what can actually be played compared to what was imagined before it was built, writing and arranging the piece, and then rehearsing, and rehearsing, and rehearsing, and rehearsing.
Steve Vai, continue to surprise us with incredible performance.
I appreciate you man. So authentic and personable with us as you interpret the genius of unique character’s of inspiration. Thank you !
I've watched Steve play that thing 50 times now, Every time is just as impressive. With Steve the tone is coming from his body, not just his fingers and his touch. The way he moves with the note values. Most people use facial expression to fake or give the impression of note value, tone, vibrato etc, but with Steve, it literally flows from within his body and how he moves, when he moves, what he moves and where he moves. I just can't get enough.
Next level badassery right there. Like fine wine, getting better with age.
dumb question, is Dragon force relevant? never listen to it so....
Herman has a collection of everyone's Ibanez signature model including his own
I think it is dangerous to jump on bandwagons of what is “relevant”, as that tendency pushes away unsung heroes and talent. So what if he isn’t Polyphia or Tosin. We can brach out and realize the many ways of conveying emotion in music.
Some people think million notes per minute is relevant others think making notes sing is.
Agreed! I appreciate that we still get bands that play straight instrumentals. My absolute favorite is angel vivaldi! And ofcourse Steve Vai is one of his biggest inspirations! Same emotions different generation \m/
Polyphia is great but Vai dwarfs them in depth, emotion and making moving music. Polyphia is more of technical sounding band. I saw a Jam at Namm that had Vai and polyphia guitarists and a hand of other guitarists jamming to My Guitar wants to Kill you Mama and the Polyphia lads totally lack depth of chops by all the other players. Polyphia doing their own stuff is brilliant but not in the league of Vai, not even close. btw I love Polyphia
Me: Who the fuck are Polyphia and Tosin...
@@DekkarJr haha me too
The Harp! No mention of the Harp on the back? He's playing 4 instruments not 3🤗
Yes, that's what I was thinking too! No one noticed that!! 4 instruments in one!
The hardest part is keeping the coordination between different instruments while staying on rhythm
@@chopholtz4950, agreed. Another example is Mike Dawes playing multiple lines on an acoustic. Herman tried to explain it: the moment you try to focus too hard on one element, the others get lost. I like to say that you can only think about the _coordination_ of elements, which after much practice are each sort of happening on their own.
The hardest part is ... all of it.
I think he'll always be relevant as a teacher who everyone can learn a lot from, but you don't have to like all his music.
there's something about him that that never really clicked with me. Amazing talent, this video breakdown really shows it, but he doesn't keep me interested like many other (arguably less skilled) artists.
my favorite song of his is tender surrender. but I agree as talented as someone is they still need to play nice with others, I'd rather listen to something that has groove on every instrument.
i feel this too... I love steve, but after some old cds, he begun just making music with weird none strong understandable melody kkk
I'm the same, something about the tune or style of play I've always just been very "meh" about. Plus majority of times I see G3 he's usually in there with two guitarists I prefer especially Satriani.
Even with a video like this I can appreciate what he's trying, on the flip side I'm thinking about what a player like MAB could play on it. Ironically I'm not even a big fan of his stuff either but it's usually at least interesting regardless.
I never met Steve but where I grew up in NY I was friends with his bass player from Alcatraz (Randy Coven). Steve also played some solos on Randys Albums. Anyhoo he taught me to play bass and changed my life and my understanding of guitar and bass. Instead of thinking in "boxes", think of the entire neck as the "box". Granted I am a rocker and not so into progressive or the jazz/fusion thing it made me stand out as a bass player and I was able to land almost any gig I auditioned for. Moved to LA and did the touring thing and basically was a pro musician all over for years.
A funny story is I had given Steve's guitar builder at the time (Joe Despagni of JEM guitars) before the whole Ibanez thing a Warmouth neck and body to build me a bass. Well somehow Randy talked him into making it into a flame bass like the flame guitar he cut for Steve. Ended up it was too delicate to use for gigging so Randy kept it and gave me an old Gibson bass to make up for it.
Years later I find the flame bass on some blog because it ended up on ebay. I asked Randy and he denied ebaying it but ends up it was that bass and the current owner is willing to let me have it back if I build him a tribute Strat as I am a builder now.
Thing is the bass was routed for a Kahler tremolo which Randy use on all his basses but that is missing now and they hacked a normal bridge on it. Having trouble finding the correct Kahler to get it back to its original form. Not to mention is has a ton of lacquer checking and some of the flame tips had cracked off and just glued back on. But still.. just for sentimental reasons I really want it back. And I have a picture of Randy playing it in Joe Despagnis garage which you can't get any better authentication then that.
Oh, and it also has dual output jacks. Not sure why as Randy did not use a Billy Sheehan type setup but until I get it and dissect it I won't know what is going on. As well it has been so many years I procrastinated which means there is a chance I might not be able to contact the guy anymore. I was just glad I had found it and it is essentially just a wall hanging for the guy and he was not looking to flip it. Meaning if I can contact him again the chances are pretty good he still has it.
Steve has been trolling EARTH since he hit the scene. You see him live...and your mind is melted on how in the "Zone" he is ALL the time. He can zone at will...in fact I don't think he is ever NOT in the zone. You may not like his music, but you can not deny the Vai!!
I love the fact that Herman is such a awesome guitarist in his on sense and is still so humble to give credit to Steve Vai on such a completely awesome song,that speaks volumes for Herman as a simply great guy that admires such awesome talent
I'm surprised that he had a knob and switches at the top of the guitar body that would take a note and then pitch the note up and down. So many components on that thing.
Am I the only one that finds Polyphia a little repetitive? I mean the band is technically amazing, no denying that. But their music feels more like ambient music without a melody line, and always relying on the same guitar picking, harmonics, drum lines, etc. They for sure sound amazing but you listen to 2 songs and you’ve listened to everything they have.
Steve Vai on the other hand.. he is a guitar god.
I do agree but I like to keep that stuff irrelevant. I can't listen to it and don't bother bringing it into attention.
@@notyetskeletal4809 I agree. My comment came after having seen a million videos of people praising Polyphia.
Still relevant? Look this way: If you learn guitar, you NEED to listen to Steve Vai.
I would listen Steve any day over polyphia.. I mean, Polyphia ios amazing but in my humble opinion sounds like techniques thrown for the purpose of technique, while Steve sounds like everything have a real (feeling) purpose, It´s just genius and he still and maybe always be the guitar god.
Not only do I also suggest watching Steve Vai live at least once in your lifetime, I also think it’s important to take a younger member of your family or something like that. A young person. We need more people to take up the instrument and if anybody can inspire somebody to pick it up, it’s Steve.
I was busking the underpass outside the tube station the night Steve played that Hammy Odeon gig. I remember thinking when I saw who was playing "Oh F. The punters for this one won't want to hear me, this is gonna be a lean pitch...."
Boy was I ever wrong. Generous bunch. Maybe it was the contrast - Acoustic folk outside, Steve's miracles unfoldng inside :D
I cant believe Modern Fanboys especially of Tim, Mateus and Ichika are talking down to Rock/Metal and to other soloists like Steve, Joe, Marty Nuno and Etc. Can't stand those fanboys. Yea those first 3 guys ive mentioned are indeed Gods, but please dont disrespect our Guitar Heroes from our early days.
They're all very good but we have to recognize that the players today wouldn't exist without the old players. Nothing exists in a vacuum and modern players are standing on the shoulders of giants.
Look at Tosin Abasi , he's a guitar God himself but he always acknowledges his heroes. In a interview recently he even fanboyed over meshuggah's use of nine strings on the 2022 Album "Immutable." That to me is humbling and inspiring. There's always something new to learn.
I cant even begin to comprehend that guitar haha
steve has just created the hardest thing done on guitar, he keeps doing stuff that is never done before and he respects everyone else but he knows he does not need to prove his talent to be considered a god he just is woah
Steve Vai along with Joe Satriani are the reason I started taking guitar seriously. If it wasn't for them I would have probably stopped playing a long time ago.
Steve Vai is one of the greatest. guitar players ever, and that guitar is not just an instrument, it's a piece of art.
strange talking about how relevant Vai still is, yet you use polyphia+henson hashtags w/ no Vai tags lol
Absolutely incredible... just to think in those 4 instruments in one, thinking at the same time in actually play those notes in all of them and all sounding really great.. wow man... he is the real guitar God, ths choosen one
There is only one Steve Vai.
troll? misleading title or you dont understand what troll means?
Going to see him tomorrow night (technically tonight I guess since it's after midnight). Hope he brings out the 3 neck guitar live 😄
i need an update
@@nolanplayer564 Great show, said it was his first in over 3 years. Didn't bring the 3 neck sadly, maybe it was too difficult to take it to Scotland. At least we got "For the love of God", "Bad Horsie", "Liberty" and a bunch of other classics along with new material.
before you watch another video you've got to watch the best music video of 2022, POLYPHIA-EGO DEATH feat STEVE VAI official music video, WOW! AN UNBELIEVABLE MASTERPIECE. best wishes from the north east coast of England.
Steve has been the greatest on the guitar for 40 years straight... and to be innovative at 60+ years old is so fucking legendary. It's ridiculously good, so clean also.
Got to love the way Steve keeps everything in the pocket.
Saw Vai at the wilma last year. He played hydra live! So sick! And family watched you at the same venue. And hydra is 12/7/bass with a harp cuz why not
Musically, it’s not really captivating. It’s visually captivating seeing him play it…But, if you close your eyes and just listen, it’s just ok. Doesn’t sound “new”.
Oh no, totally disagree. This is also a great song.
Can you react to Abim Finger - Flow (Official Music Video)? Id love to see your reaction to this prodigy....
Kudos to the legend who has to keep the strings fresh, tune, intonate and carry that monster to Mr Vai
If you really want to do something constructive, maybe comment on yvngwie malmsteen's behaviour on youtube . (Copyright abuse)
I'd also love to see what MAB would do with this guitar. Not a competition or to 'one up' Steve, but just to see his style on this hydra guitar.
Yes! I can already imagine him doing that over under thingy, tapping with criss-crossed hands, and deploying epic amounts of distortion!
@@fernandozegada3768 Right?! 🔥
Is Steve Vai still relevant ? between him and Satch they are the only ones Relevant and still producing music ;)
This song is more memorable than any shredder stuff and takes me places Shredder's can't ,I appreciate technical prowess but they can't write songs that sound like anything but a yankfest
Tina s. Cover of “ for the love of god” is pretty amazing. She shows her impeccable skills of the whammy bar and timing.
Poor timing, wrong notes, trying too hard to sound like the original.
It's an 8/10
Ya cant even really react to this vid unless you wanna watch it closely 3 times a day and do a new reaction at the end of each day. Because each time you watch and listen, you see something you didn't notice last time. It takes quite a few "views and listens" before you can even get a basic overall idea of whats happening moment to moment. I saw this three nights ago live and was not disappointed in the least.
To answer the Question i think Steve Vai is more relevant then Ever before. he got to a Level as a composer that he didnt have in 1991
Vai's final level of ascendency will be to integrate his consciousness into the ultimate guitar,
so that after he dies, his AI existence will live on.
As you get older, some facets of your playing might start to deteriorate (speed, accuracy, etc...), but the really great part about music is you don't have to send a million notes in one song for it to be great and innovative. this certainly wasn't Steve's most note-heavy song, but the fact that he's able to play three separate parts on one instrument proves that he still has the creativity and musical mindset to make great and interesting songs. So, I think Steve will be more than relevant for a very long time.
he can still play incredibly fast with perfect accuracy
Would be better if he had a bass and a rhythm guitarist while Via played lead. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
The whole song is basically very gimmicky elevator music... If you forget about the freaky guitar for a minute... It's pretty boring stuff.
It is actually a legit composition. Elevator? yes that's the point. He knows to elevate his music, he understand his branding/personality and knows what to do with that.
"I was looking at him and going how the hell do you do that?"
- Everyone since Vai started playing
This song is an incredible display of skill and dedication with fantastic accuracy, however, as a stand along song without the visual of what is happening, I unfortunately feel the sound is a bit dated and not super interesting. I love Steve Vai but this to me does not hold the same relevance as some of the other new music coming out pushing new boundaries (such as polyphia)
As a bass player, learning rythem guitar and easy solos to improve my bass playing, what he did is pure banana sauce. Not just the multi hand hammering, but the technique has to be pure discovery. The groove mechanics alone....I can't make a coherent comment because I know what I just watched.
Steve Vai is a legend no matter what. His unique sounds are out of this world
Is Steve Vai still relevant give me a hell yeah Rock On Herman 😎🎆🎆🤘
There is a lot of what Tim called "Boomer bends" still Steve is god level though..
It's because Tim can't bend strings. If he did I bet they sound out of tune. that's why he does those slides so much. Don't be cringe tim. Im not a boomer and I can bend the string to hit the right notes.
@@geostack4470 you actually think that? lmao
@@Marta1Buck why does he never bend? conspiracy?
Bruh no fkn contest. Goat and 40oz r 🔥 but Vai g3 performance of I know you're here. Is the benchmark 🤠🖖
@@geostack4470 he will eventually, its just a gimmick
You are the ONLY person who pointed out the muscle memory / new instrument perspective. That's why you're the man !
Steve should call the harp the fly swatter. It looks like he's swatting flies or mosquitoes.
Herman, I had seen this freaking amazing video before, but watching your reaction and your analysis and your respect for Vai really took it to the next level. Thank you!~
I live in Florence and I went to his live. he didn’t play teeth of the hydra but I played with him😁
This is the point you come to after years of putting up with unreliable musicians.
😆
Well thats not new, there was some videos of Steve around 2003 or less i think using a 3 neck guitar in a live concert. so its not his first time doing that. Check out here in youtube u could find it.
Are you talking about that Heart shaped guitar?
@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 found it !! search: Steve Vai - "I Know You're Here" i think that was the first stages of practice, that lead him to the actual hydra
I went and saw Steve about a week ago on the Inviolate Tour!! Best show ever! And of course he did break the hydra out and start shredding on it. It was so surreal as a 14 year old guitar player. Steve is one of if not my biggest inspiration. I would go see him again in a heartbeat!! It was simply epic.
He's actually playing 4 instruments guitar bass sitar and harp and use of inverted vacum tube effects .
Are you auditioning for lead, rhythm, or bass?
"Yes"
When the backup guitarist and bass player didn't show up to the gig
Saw Vai on the "Sex and Religion" tour, as well. Grand Emporium in Kansas City. Scott Thunes on bass. Mike Keneally on keys and additional guitars (I think I remember that). The show was scary good! Saw him again "solo" in a bar with about 500 (former; all seemed to have the "God, we suck" reaction but love it anyway) guitarists. A very niche audience but mind blowing.
Steve Vai; Lord of ALL guitar! 👍🤟😂
My first live show was Joe Satriani.
Not bad either
Do you notice the harp at the back of guitar also reminds me of passion and warfare
I'm guessing the guitar weighs 13kg.
Anyone else?
Saw the Sex and Religion tour also.
Devin Townsend is a God
That's because Steve Vai isn't just a guitarist, he is also an ARTIST! (I mean not only is Steve playing all these instruments, but if you notice he is also "artistically performance acting" PHYSICALLY (aka "showmanship") - what a Boss!
Herman knows what Steve Vai is capable of
He is probablt the top player in the world. The GOAT. He will always be relevant. So will Satriani.
We shouldn't be surprised of what he's doing now. He's been doing this before most of you were born. I keep hear the phrase" at he's age". 😁 I guess because you are supposed to lose your creativity at age 30 or something. He has released instrumental metal music since the 80's. This is no rock band with a lead singer we are talking about here. This means the lead guitar, like a lead singer carries the weight the the melody as well as the harmony when need be. Reminds me of a jazz album. Probably more like jazz than we care to acknowledge. Jazz artists seem to use a different brand of creativity not usually found in other genres of music. Prince was an improvisational jazz artist in his own right ( yup) and is one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived. They look at notes differently. That's why their music is so unique in both cases. Both made innovative (there goes that word again) music even in their older stages of life. A creative side that never stops creating. Guitarsist out there are still trying to learn Steve's music. That alone should tell you something. And the fact that all you youngsters are tuning in makes you realize that he is just as relevant today as he was during 'The audience is listening '. Little Stevie is still killing it. Like the teacher said," Love it!"
" always constant. Accurate. Intense." He tried to tell you all those many moons ago...
That guitar must weigh slightly less than a Norlin Gibson
Dissapointing .....Steve didn t played also the drums ....😂
Its Steve Vai, he can do whatever the fak he wants
Steve Vai will always be relevant