Vai and Satch have all that cool flashiness, but EJ’s the one who really blows my mind. The way he actually targets specific chord tones in his lines and implies very sophisticated changes even under a simple progression, like he could be a jazz guy easily, his chord knowledge is a cut above the other two. And to display such virtuosity on vintage gear which can be very unforgiving, his playing just blows my mind.
Absolutely. He almost plays like a piano player, laying into the chord tones and creating lines that are much more interesting than than linear scale stuff. Also, his tone is killer!
They’re talking about how it’s no competition, but I think Vai definitely felt a bit of competition when standing next to Guthrie Govan in the last G3. You can tell in the amateur phone footage. Guthrie is just frighteningly good.
Eric 69, Satriani 67, Vai 63 These guys been playing for so long, and like them i still remember when there was no internet or mobile phones. Shows were much more enjoyable without all people filming and block the view!
@@TheRealAlexSkolnickyour stuff with Testament and then with the Alex Skolnick Trio is some of my favorites growing up. Got you to sign my Alex Skolnick Trio CD many years ago at NAMM. A prized possession for me 🙏🙏
Lol. Eric just sat there listening the whole time pretty much. Just so humble & doesn't want to overstep anyone. Would have love to have seen them engage with him
44:50 Discussion of setup 49:16 Joe gets into the nitty gritty of scale length and string gauge 49:43 Joe (and Steve) on why 9-42 sounds great for standard tuning
Wow ❤what a welcome surprise to catch this on Ytube! So many Thank you's for sharing your time & thoughts with us gentlemen 💥🎸💥👋🖤🦋🖤( I can't wait to share this with my teacher!!!!)
Joe played acoustic on a very early episode of MTV Unplugged. It was a double bill with Stevie Ray Vaughn. Joe seemed very nervous and Stevie was on it! From what I recall.
Thank you, Alex, and all of you, for the esoteric insights and personal perspectives into the artistry of your amazing and very diverse works, that blend so beautifully into this harmony! My impression over the years of enjoying these expressions is that you all have elements of almost childlike playfulness combined with the intensity of skilled experience that leads into a "flow" state approaching some wonderful kind of auditory enlightenment. You stand and play in the light! And your audience is pulled along into it as well! I am ever grateful for and appreciative of these gifts! Awe-inspiring!
I love all these guys. Send them all over the last 25 years - though never been to a G-3. So stoked to see them here and catch their collective excitement. God bless them one and all.
Saw Eric Johnson perform in Cinci a minute ago (i.e. many years). As amazing as his tone sounds on the albums, it's even better live. I've played through much of the same gear he uses throughout the years. I've never gotten tones as sweet as his. In the end, it's in the hands of the musician. Eric's hands are amazing. I don't think gear matters as much as experience, technique, and personal touch. That's where the magic happens. Gear is secondary. Great interview, thanks for so much. 👍✌
Thanks Alex, that was great, been a big fan since your, 'Guitar For The Practicing Musician' column. I was representing Cookes Band Instruments at a mid 90's Ibanez distribution dealer show in Birmingham U.K., where Steve made a personal appearance (cheers for signing my, 'Eat 'Em and Smile', cassette box inlay) and announced the first G3 tour. Andy Timmons played a set too and blew my mind!
@@quoilluminentur2981 😂😂 Lack of Knowledge? I have of been a fan of Satch and Vai since the 80s and have every single one of their albums and have been to at least 10-12 concerts of both as solo artists and G3. 💤💤💤
@@merlin5420 If so, then you would know you can't dismiss them as mere "shredders". Satriani and Vai can be every bit as musical as EJ. It's always been a question of what they choose to do, not whether they're capable.
@@quoilluminentur2981 Where did I dismiss any of those mentioned, they are predominantly renown for ‘shredding’ I’ve heard them play ‘Boy from Seattle’ ‘New Blues’ Jazz and Blues infused songs but that’s not what they’re known for
i have to say eric is above the all others. his technical genius is incomparable. his CLEAN playing and sound is like no other. he's a freakn master guitarist. and...he's my fellow TEXAN!
I saw the first G3 tour, and a few through the years. The jams at the end of the night were the highlight for my tastes. Before that, i always fantasized “how cool would it be if this player jammed with that player?” What a treat.
what i love about these 4 players is they could play fast over everything if they wanted yet they come up with a memorable melody and unique progression
I got to meet Vai after a show. A couple of us fans missed the meet and greet, and he made time for us, to just shoot the breeze for a few minutes after his show He is a very gracious dude.
I wore my G3 VHS out back in the day. Alex thanks for the interview I've been a fan of yours ever since I read an old interview of yours and you talked about learning sax solos on guitar to come up with new ideas and ways to look at the fretboard.
the thing with light strings is they vibrate faster so the distortion will sound tighter . like using single space humbucker pick ups . you need to pre amp the guitar more to get the sound
Great video Alex. I had the privilege of attending the G3 show at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis in 1996 that was I believe was recorded for the live album. Still amazing all these years later.
First ,thanks Alex ! and wow ,this is one great interview.Playing music,,creating music,reflecting and living the dreams.Right on.50 yrs.ago I used a 1959 Gibson SG 3 pickup /wth tremlo bar,cherry finish through a Regal 10 or 15 watt amp.Out in the garage with the boys playing But it's all over now.To be 15 again just happened,thanks again men.All the best to the best inovators of our time.Peace + love will change the world A.M.
I was lucky to see one of the first G3 shows with Joe and Steve (Eric wasn't there for the UK dates - but there was a great UK player called Adrien Legg). Being into heavy / thrash metal Alex has always been one of my favourite players because of how much 'flavour' he brought to the genre. I remember when the internet and email was taking off - I sent email a lot of my thrash guitar heroes including Metallica, Megadeth etc just for fun and never expecting a response. I couldn't believe it when Alex actually took the time to reply to me - and it was obvious he'd read my message, it was a personal response and he was so kind and encouraging towards me. I'll never forget that email and it just shows how Alex is not just a guitar legend, but an amazingly gracious and humble person. Thank you Alex.
Thanks for all the great comments on this! Be sure to subscribe to Moods & Modes here podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moods-modes/id1523323475 or wherever you get pods 📱
I did not know about this channel until just now, insta-subbed! I have been a musician all my life and Alex, you were my favorite metal guitarist for a long time. The four of you chatting is a huge nostalgia rush. I have been playing a lot again lately, and even developing new chops, this is further inspiration to keep picking.
I would normally say that's 3 of my favorite guitarists in one show but??? there are 4 of them. Alex you are also one of my favorites. Ever since I heard the Practice album long time ago. Keep up the good work Brother.
I recall the 1996 G3 tour I saw in Portland, OR. It was epic. That was the only time I’ve seen Eric live. Also saw Joe on the Flying in a Blue Dream tour with Stu Hamm. That was such a cool show. Have seen Steve Vai numerous times since, I think starting with the Sex & Religion tour and a couple more after that. Always enjoyable shows.
Wow, great lineup! Saw G3 back in the day at Jones Beach Theater with Joe, Steve and Kenny Wayne Shepard. Met Steve's dad in the bathroom - he was so proud of Steve. He was asking me if I was enjoying the show while I'm holding my johnson in my hand. You never forget something like that. The show I mean. ;-)
I’ve always viewed Eric’s guitar tones and the ways that he achieves them as the gold standard for what’s achievable. Joe and Steve are great, don’t get me wrong, but I truly believe that 100 years from now it will be Eric’s contributions to the guitar world that will stand the test of time.
Eric is so classic that for the longest of times his idol was Clapton. This in terms of the tone which he used in the early days inspired from Cream and then he Was also inspired by Bill Connors.
@@AlexSkolnick-ok4ubYes. I cannot put in words how exquisite you're playing is. In my eyes Alex skolnick is the quintessential guitar hero. Thank you again for replying. Your music has helped me navigate through troubled times with a courageous heart. Keep on rocking. 🤟
@@sinnerorsavior Well I just wanna appreciate you for your support and say a big thank you and remind you that I appreciate your support and wish to reciprocate the love
@@AlexSkolnick-ok4ub I liked the ritual. The song was my gateway into thrash. I also like acoustic version of musical death, also the solo you played in the first edition of shredders of metal. Also long ago I saw a video of you playing the rain song on an acoustic guitar.
Good lord.. I love all of these guys so much but please throw Alex a bone... His solos on The Ritual are the things of legend. How humble can you be. Love seeing this.
Yo Alex long time fan of your playing , I just had this pop up on my suggested vids and I'm now subbed . Love the conversation and all you guys I've seen you numerous times with Testament but never Joe Via or Eric but I'm happy to say I got my tickets tonight for Jersey show April 10th so I can scratch those guys off my bucket list too, love ya and God Bless all u guys. I just realized after listening at the end that it will just be Satch and Vai I will be seeing apparently Eric won't be there that's a bummer but I guess he will still be on my list along with Andy Timmons.
Love all four of these amazing musicians but Alex is my favorite. I've followed his career through Testament, Savatage and all of his side projects. Just a wonderful player.
Vai and Satch have all that cool flashiness, but EJ’s the one who really blows my mind. The way he actually targets specific chord tones in his lines and implies very sophisticated changes even under a simple progression, like he could be a jazz guy easily, his chord knowledge is a cut above the other two. And to display such virtuosity on vintage gear which can be very unforgiving, his playing just blows my mind.
yes...Johnson's approach to playing is very melodic and full of mood...
Absolutely. He almost plays like a piano player, laying into the chord tones and creating lines that are much more interesting than than linear scale stuff. Also, his tone is killer!
They’re talking about how it’s no competition, but I think Vai definitely felt a bit of competition when standing next to Guthrie Govan in the last G3. You can tell in the amateur phone footage. Guthrie is just frighteningly good.
@@stratosaurusrex3399Nah.
Steve has admitted multiple times he feels like he is not a good improviser.
They all blow my mind lol
Eric 69, Satriani 67, Vai 63
These guys been playing for so long, and like them i still remember when there was no internet or mobile phones. Shows were much more enjoyable without all people filming and block the view!
wow did'nt know they were already in their 60's..i thought they would be younger maybe 50s..
@@daydreamhero1374 OLDER & WISER increases the talented musician's nuances in playing~
@@brachashighhopeshomestead226 - i'm just talkin about their age..
Wow,it's like a broadcast from mount olympus. 4 gods of music looking down on me from guitar heaven.
Mount Shredmore, the Deep Purple, 'In Rock' album cover reconfigured.
Seriously, it's almost just too much greatness in one call. I want all them to respond at the same time and somehow absorb it all simultaneously.
Wow. Literally ALL of my favorite guitarists on one podcast. I’m all in!!! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
😊thanks. Humbled just to be in this space. Much appreciated 🙌🎶🎸
@@TheRealAlexSkolnickyour stuff with Testament and then with the Alex Skolnick Trio is some of my favorites growing up. Got you to sign my Alex Skolnick Trio CD many years ago at NAMM. A prized possession for me 🙏🙏
Instrumental rock guitar music is the love of my life! Thank you guys for the inspiration, you have so much to say! ❤
Lol. Eric just sat there listening the whole time pretty much. Just so humble & doesn't want to overstep anyone. Would have love to have seen them engage with him
EJ's sense of humour "I'm using 6's actually..." HAHAH
So much modesty & mutual respect from these supreme talents. Well done Alex, for bringing these fine gentlemen together...
44:50 Discussion of setup
49:16 Joe gets into the nitty gritty of scale length and string gauge
49:43 Joe (and Steve) on why 9-42 sounds great for standard tuning
Wow ❤what a welcome surprise to catch this on Ytube! So many Thank you's for sharing your time & thoughts with us gentlemen 💥🎸💥👋🖤🦋🖤( I can't wait to share this with my teacher!!!!)
Joe played acoustic on a very early episode of MTV Unplugged. It was a double bill with Stevie Ray Vaughn. Joe seemed very nervous and Stevie was on it! From what I recall.
th-cam.com/video/nrZ-83GZbz0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Morski
I remember it...fantastic!!
th-cam.com/video/6hTueqP4c6c/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=VHFOOT
Thank you, Alex, and all of you, for the esoteric insights and personal perspectives into the artistry of your amazing and very diverse works, that blend so beautifully into this harmony! My impression over the years of enjoying these expressions is that you all have elements of almost childlike playfulness combined with the intensity of skilled experience that leads into a "flow" state approaching some wonderful kind of auditory enlightenment. You stand and play in the light! And your audience is pulled along into it as well! I am ever grateful for and appreciative of these gifts! Awe-inspiring!
I love all these guys. Send them all over the last 25 years - though never been to a G-3. So stoked to see them here and catch their collective excitement. God bless them one and all.
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
WOW, what an ensemble of talent!
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
Saw Eric Johnson perform in Cinci a minute ago (i.e. many years). As amazing as his tone sounds on the albums, it's even better live. I've played through much of the same gear he uses throughout the years. I've never gotten tones as sweet as his. In the end, it's in the hands of the musician. Eric's hands are amazing. I don't think gear matters as much as experience, technique, and personal touch. That's where the magic happens. Gear is secondary. Great interview, thanks for so much. 👍✌
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
ALL 3 in the same podcast ? ...MAGNIFICENT !
.. it's fantastic :)
Not just 3 of the greatest players alive, also 3 of the coolest, nicest most down to earth dudes in the music industry. Always a pleasure to hear.
Thanks Alex, that was great, been a big fan since your, 'Guitar For The Practicing Musician' column. I was representing Cookes Band Instruments at a mid 90's Ibanez distribution dealer show in Birmingham U.K., where Steve made a personal appearance (cheers for signing my, 'Eat 'Em and Smile', cassette box inlay) and announced the first G3 tour. Andy Timmons played a set too and blew my mind!
Eric really is the unsung hero here, I’ve always been a shred head Satch, Vai, Yngwie, Becker and Nuno fan but Eric can do it all. Long live G3 🎸🔥🔥🔥
His music is so perfect and beautiful
So can the other two. To dismiss Joe and Steve as mere "shredders" puts your lack of knowledge on full display.
@@quoilluminentur2981 😂😂 Lack of Knowledge? I have of been a fan of Satch and Vai since the 80s and have every single one of their albums and have been to at least 10-12 concerts of both as solo artists and G3. 💤💤💤
@@merlin5420 If so, then you would know you can't dismiss them as mere "shredders". Satriani and Vai can be every bit as musical as EJ. It's always been a question of what they choose to do, not whether they're capable.
@@quoilluminentur2981 Where did I dismiss any of those mentioned, they are predominantly renown for ‘shredding’ I’ve heard them play ‘Boy from Seattle’ ‘New Blues’ Jazz and Blues infused songs but that’s not what they’re known for
Great job, Alex! Love this roundtable, just great! 👏👏👏
So much respect for these guys - every one is a hero to me.
GREAT INTERVIEW ALEX! LOVE ALL THREE GUESTS!!❤ INCREDIBLE GUITARISTS!!! ❤ RESPECT!!!
Literally my four biggest inspirations for picking up the guitar almost 40 years ago! Great podcast Alex. Looking forward to seeing this G3 reunion.
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
Great chat, well done Alex!
This was so awesome! Loved it!
Beautiful interview. Thanks Alex...
This is awesome! Guitar geek's dream come true. You guys are all a great inspiration.
i have to say eric is above the all others. his technical genius is incomparable. his CLEAN playing and sound is like no other. he's a freakn master guitarist. and...he's my fellow TEXAN!
I saw the first G3 tour, and a few through the years. The jams at the end of the night were the highlight for my tastes. Before that, i always fantasized “how cool would it be if this player jammed with that player?” What a treat.
Well, this is a stacked table. I could listen to a week of this.
Awesome video Alex, and thanks for all the thoughts, ideas, and inspiration!!!
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
what i love about these 4 players is they could play fast over everything if they wanted yet they come up with a memorable melody and unique progression
Saw the first G3 in Vancouver. Blew my mind!
@TheRealAlexSkolnick please please please join the tour!
The greatest interview EVA!! I really really hope that Joe and Steve do an original album together!! I've been hoping for years this would happen! :D
🙌🎸🎶
Joe and Steve playing together “dropped down to Eb with 10-46 strings
@ 4-40 tuning” 😂
Alex did a very good job.
This was incredibly interesting and inspiring. Thank you!!
Thanks Alex, it was amazing to have all of you guys on this podcast.
This is Awesome! Thank you so much Alex! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
These 4 guitarists are legends and deserve the highest respect for what they've contributed to music
I saw Alex in the early ‘90s at a little club in Phoenix (the Mason Jar). He had Stu Hamm on bass. It was great seeing that side of him at that time.
Thanks Mike. Check out our 2023 album together (finally!), Stu’s “Hold Fast”
Liked and subscribed based purely on the fact that the four of YOU are in a conversation together about this topic....wow....
Good to see auntie Eric doing well.
I got to meet Vai after a show. A couple of us fans missed the meet and greet, and he made time for us, to just shoot the breeze for a few minutes after his show He is a very gracious dude.
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
I wore my G3 VHS out back in the day. Alex thanks for the interview I've been a fan of yours ever since I read an old interview of yours and you talked about learning sax solos on guitar to come up with new ideas and ways to look at the fretboard.
This is a great interview, thank you.
Fantastic! Lest we not forget Alex is shred monster too!!!!
Hands down top pick in the conversation for best guitar podcast this century! 🤘
Love this one!!!! AS is the friggin man.
the thing with light strings is they vibrate faster so the distortion will sound tighter .
like using single space humbucker pick ups . you need to pre amp the guitar more to get the sound
wow what a lineup
Great interview Alex! Thank you for doing these interviews! 🤘
Great watch Alex! Thank you!
Grew up with my guitar in my hands and all of your music in my ears! Thanks for this Alex!
Great video Alex. I had the privilege of attending the G3 show at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis in 1996 that was I believe was recorded for the live album. Still amazing all these years later.
Whoa! Thanks for sharing some time with us mere mortals. Thanks, fellas!
Health, Happiness and safe travels!!!
First ,thanks Alex ! and wow ,this is one great interview.Playing music,,creating music,reflecting and living the dreams.Right on.50 yrs.ago I used a 1959 Gibson SG 3 pickup /wth tremlo bar,cherry finish through a Regal 10 or 15 watt amp.Out in the garage with the boys playing But it's all over now.To be 15 again just happened,thanks again men.All the best to the best inovators of our time.Peace + love will change the world A.M.
i love these guys.......they are the reason why i fell in love with the guitar!!!!...and SRV.... trilogy of awesome!!!
Talent oooozing off the screen
Amazing trio here. Much respect.
My goodness what a fantastic trio of players to have on your show. I couldn’t click through fast enough! EJ, Steve and Joe S. Wow.
Wow! Talk about cosmic alignment. Kudos to all involved who made this possible.
My Gawd that's a lot of talent in one space!
Wish i could play like these 4 snd had their knowledge. Good video
Thankx alex for this interview...hare krishna
My top four guitarists right here! 😎👏👏
Love this! Thank you 🙏🏼
I saw the very 1st G3 tour at the Beacon Theater in NYC! Looking forward to seeing Joe & Steve in Tampa in March. \m/
Alex, please continue doing such interviews, you are pleasant to listen to. Thanks very much and thank towards you all!
Ive heard em all alex but you vai and marty friedman have the smoothest exotic "sultry" solos and riffs in all of metaldom.
Vintage fingers! Lol!
He sure does!
This is great listening to these legends!
I was lucky to see one of the first G3 shows with Joe and Steve (Eric wasn't there for the UK dates - but there was a great UK player called Adrien Legg). Being into heavy / thrash metal Alex has always been one of my favourite players because of how much 'flavour' he brought to the genre. I remember when the internet and email was taking off - I sent email a lot of my thrash guitar heroes including Metallica, Megadeth etc just for fun and never expecting a response. I couldn't believe it when Alex actually took the time to reply to me - and it was obvious he'd read my message, it was a personal response and he was so kind and encouraging towards me. I'll never forget that email and it just shows how Alex is not just a guitar legend, but an amazingly gracious and humble person. Thank you Alex.
Thanks for all the great comments on this! Be sure to subscribe to Moods & Modes here podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moods-modes/id1523323475 or wherever you get pods 📱
Thank you Alex for doing this interview!! Super classy !
Alex, can’t wait to see you on the 18th at Foxwoods! 🎸💪🏻
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
Wowzers, what an incredible lineup!
I did not know about this channel until just now, insta-subbed! I have been a musician all my life and Alex, you were my favorite metal guitarist for a long time. The four of you chatting is a huge nostalgia rush. I have been playing a lot again lately, and even developing new chops, this is further inspiration to keep picking.
Thanks for this Alex. Great conversation between legends of guitar!
Thanks Alex!!!!
I would normally say that's 3 of my favorite guitarists in one show but??? there are 4 of them. Alex you are also one of my favorites. Ever since I heard the Practice album long time ago. Keep up the good work Brother.
Eric Johnson has always been on the edge of my radar and I should really dive into his playing soon.
I saw the intial G3 tour when they came to Vegas at the Hard Rock. It was pretty epic!
I recall the 1996 G3 tour I saw in Portland, OR. It was epic. That was the only time I’ve seen Eric live. Also saw Joe on the Flying in a Blue Dream tour with Stu Hamm. That was such a cool show. Have seen Steve Vai numerous times since, I think starting with the Sex & Religion tour and a couple more after that. Always enjoyable shows.
Awesome!
Would love to see Eric play Pavilion or Lonely in the Night!!
Eric is so wholesome.. how can you say no to that face
Amazing talent 😂
Most respected in the business. In a League of their own
Man, these legends are aging fast, great interview btw! Hey Alex, I grew up listening to TESTAMENT 😊and you know who's my absolute favorite here 🤩
Satch, EJ and Vai! Ugh! GODS!
Wow, great lineup! Saw G3 back in the day at Jones Beach Theater with Joe, Steve and Kenny Wayne Shepard. Met Steve's dad in the bathroom - he was so proud of Steve. He was asking me if I was enjoying the show while I'm holding my johnson in my hand. You never forget something like that. The show I mean. ;-)
thank you for this. ❤️
I’ve always viewed Eric’s guitar tones and the ways that he achieves them as the gold standard for what’s achievable. Joe and Steve are great, don’t get me wrong, but I truly believe that 100 years from now it will be Eric’s contributions to the guitar world that will stand the test of time.
Eric is so classic that for the longest of times his idol was Clapton. This in terms of the tone which he used in the early days inspired from Cream and then he Was also inspired by Bill Connors.
Hello are you also one of my fans/supporters out there?
@@AlexSkolnick-ok4ubYes. I cannot put in words how exquisite you're playing is. In my eyes Alex skolnick is the quintessential guitar hero. Thank you again for replying. Your music has helped me navigate through troubled times with a courageous heart. Keep on rocking. 🤟
@@sinnerorsavior Well I just wanna appreciate you for your support and say a big thank you and remind you that I appreciate your support and wish to reciprocate the love
@@sinnerorsaviorNow tell me how long have you been supporting me and which of my music is your favourite so far?
@@AlexSkolnick-ok4ub I liked the ritual. The song was my gateway into thrash. I also like acoustic version of musical death, also the solo you played in the first edition of shredders of metal. Also long ago I saw a video of you playing the rain song on an acoustic guitar.
Good lord.. I love all of these guys so much but please throw Alex a bone... His solos on The Ritual are the things of legend. How humble can you be. Love seeing this.
🙏🏼🎸🎶
I grew up, listening to these guys G3 solidified these players in my heart for life.
I remember the 80s coliseum shows no cameras but there still was
Live álbum? Amazingggg!!!
Yo Alex long time fan of your playing , I just had this pop up on my suggested vids and I'm now subbed . Love the conversation and all you guys I've seen you numerous times with Testament but never Joe Via or Eric but I'm happy to say I got my tickets tonight for Jersey show April 10th so I can scratch those guys off my bucket list too, love ya and God Bless all u guys. I just realized after listening at the end that it will just be Satch and Vai I will be seeing apparently Eric won't be there that's a bummer but I guess he will still be on my list along with Andy Timmons.
Love all four of these amazing musicians but Alex is my favorite. I've followed his career through Testament, Savatage and all of his side projects. Just a wonderful player.
Good stuff