Should You Buy? Vaideology - Steve Vai's Music Theory Book
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
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Perhaps it has escaped the notice of many of those who detract from Vai's book (and other books and their authors of similar methodology) that some people think and communicate through a process more akin to poetic metaphor. This is especially true for people of strong artistic temperament. Such people who happen to be guitarists don't see the guitar as an end; they see it as the means to an end. That end is music in its most absolute sense. The guitar is, in their view, a tool with mystic qualities - but it is still a tool.
I'm reminded of a personal epiphany I had many years ago. Allow me to share it.
I'm a multi-instrumentalist, and have been playing guitar for almost 50 years. During that time, I went through many changes. One of these was a period of almost 8 years where I concentrated on the sitar. One day, it occurred to me that I hadn't touched guitar for years. I had actually burned out on guitar, and needed to explore something else (I'd actually bought my first sitar on my 18th birthday - but that's another story). Now, I was worried that I had abandoned the guitar, an instrument I'd invested a lot of money, sweat, and time in. One day, I watched the video of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock (the VHS had just come out - which gives you an idea of how long ago this was). When I was very young, I put a lot of effort into playing like Hendrix, and I was good at it. But it dawned upon me that I had to walk away from that. Why? Because Hendrix' music belonged to Hendrix. It didn't belong to me. And I remembered something Bruce Lee once said; "Do not waste time perfecting what has already been perfected."
This solidified something I'd already known and practiced: forging your own musical path. What good is it to study the music of others if it does not lead to you developing your own musical voice? What use is copying someone else's method if it does not inspire you to develop your own method? Personally, I cannot imagine anything more horribly futile than living my life as a copy of someone else - even musicians I hold in high esteem (like Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, Ravi Shankar, Ludwig Van Beethoven, etc). And it's even worse if you one is simply connecting the dots and executing mathematical equations with no spirit, meaning, or musical essence behind them. An AI could do better, and be equally as meaningless.
Steve Vai is a unique guitarist. His method of teaching will also be unique. There should be no surprise in this, and it is useless to throw invective on him for being who he is. At least he had the courage and dedication to be who he is, and his accomplishments speak for themselves. Be honest: how many of you can say the same? And this schoolyard faux-alpha-male swinging it around to assert one's own imagined superiority over the man is nothing more than a symptom of one's own insecurity and fear of inferiority (and NOBODY will be offended by this unless they subconsciously recognize themselves in these words).
Take what is useful and inspiring from what he offers, and forge your own music.
BTW, Mr. Clay; while I disagree with much of what you said, please don't take this as a personal attack. I did not mean it as such.
He didn't graduate Berklee. He dropped out to play with Zappa. Berklee gave him an honorary doctorate.
good reason to drop out though...
Bullsh* He graduated 1979
www.berklee.edu/people/steve-vai
Very common to hear from industry veterans; the best drop out from Berklee.
Music school in general is a waste of time if you aren't networking. The entire point is to network with people who might 'breakout' or 'make it" and you're in good graces with them and then get a gig from it. It's a social club with glorified wankery classes. @@shawnvstaden
This is a basic theory book for guitar players with a little fluff. I just got this book a few days ago and no there is nothing profound. Some of his methods for moving from “intellectual understanding to experiential knowing” may not be your thing but he has a point. There is a huge difference between the two. I spend a considerable amount of time working on the same process and find it very rewarding. I’d say it’s a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn theory. Definitely worth adding to my collection but I’m an information nut. If I get a book that opens my mind to one simple concept where others have failed it’s worth the extra 1/4 inch of shelf space.
The section on chord symbols is also a good reference for chord construction theory. By far not complete but a really good starting point and more than many will ever need.
All this being said I hope Vai continues this and makes a comprehensive theory book or series of books.
Does he talk about what fan setting you should put your fan on to blow your hair back while playing?
Cut the man some slack. Of course he also included a few piano elements, as well as those other clefs which are (apparently) not relevant to guitarists. You need to remember, in addition to being a guitar player, he also a composer. Clearly he wants to impart that aspect to his readers as well.
What book would you recommend?
Steve Vai is a wonderful human and a fantastic world class musician. Thanks for the video! I am going to buy it to support him if for no other reason. I am sure its fine.
Good man .
Hi Levy. I’m looking for a introductory music theory book for guitar players. Which one would you recommend.
Thanks.
Hey levi, Is there a book you would recommend? I purchased the beato book, and was pretty turned off by it just listing theory facts with no practical application. susre i can read paragraphs on things liek the circle of 5ths and understand them, but Im looking for a softly sofltly catchy monkey aproach that is heavy on giving exercises that have practical use and gradually evolves and expands my skill set for jamming or song writing.
thanks for the review, very informative and critical. I like that. What books would you recommend? I'm interested in learning more theory. Thanks!
Loved him with Roth, 2 fools a minute is epic
Djh 69 I thought he missed DLR in the band list, plus he produced Skyscraper. Designed Eventide factory standard patches, and actually was a good bit into teaching. He does a class annually has a 10 hour workout that is well known.
Hi! What is best Steve Vai book? What´s the bests books for who is playing guitar? Thanks for your video.
So what book u recommend? Besides the beato one
Great video! very detailed.
You had to to expect his book would be at least a little crazy coming from Vai.
Vai is very spiritual,most people wouldn't even have a clue.
What?
@john cash correct based on what metric?
@john cash what's your point? Nice false equivalence by the way.
@john cash I'm not your therapist. You did make a false equivalence. You're implying spirituality = good in all instances which is demonstrably false. I'm not reading the rest of your rambling word salad.
Nice video. What book would you recommend instead?
What would you recommend for absolute music theory noobs who are also relatively new to playing guitar (1year or so in)? Again, with a focus specifically on guitar.
osi I recommend Steve Stine on UA-cam he’s a great teacher for beginners
It’s decent but yeah fairly basic. I’m happy for the inclusion of early modal applications more than is typical for an entry-intermediate book. It’s definitely a more flavorful entry that many of my younger students will appreciate. It’s always good to have something else in the bag of tricks to help them grasp a concept, and a different type of package like this is always welcome.
I really didn’t learn anything new. But as a huge Vai fan I’m happy to add this to my collection of books.
Very good review mate. Un-bias and straight to the point. Saved me some time and energy. Good video bro!
I might have missed it in the "books you must own collection", but got a great, comprehensive theory book you would put your stamp of approval on?
You mentioned the great music theory books. Which ones are these? I have an abrsm grade 5 understanding of music theory, but only a beginner's self taught understanding of guitar technique/theory. Could you point me in the right direction of a concise compendium of rock/shred guitar please?
So that’s VERY classical in nature, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not going to be comprehensive.
A classic would be the Mark Levine theory book. A modern masterpiece would be The Beato book. And if you want video Frank Gambale’s Peace and Harmony is also great.
Many thanks for the reply
4.16 this is definitely some synesthesia. Many people do not have this ability
I recon that if you want to become a musician, steering away from theory books centered around guitar, or any other instrument is probably the best thing you can do. Because we might be guitar players, but if you want to be a proper guitar player, you need to be a musician first. And music theory doesn't care about the instrument you play. The only guitar centered theory I know is the one I've developed for myself. And think that's the best way to do it because if you learn someone else's guitar centered theory you end up sounding like them.
I don't know if I'm coming across like I intend to here. But I'm basically talking about individuality and personality. So go ahead, learn theory. But don't let an instrument be a crutch on which you rest that theory. Let it be a foundation on which you build your own. And by your own theory I mean style, note selection, how you approach music personally and all that jazz. Become a strong musical individual.
Btw: Using your instrument to learn basic theory isn't bad at all, that's not what I mean. I hope that came across.
Just my opinion though.
I agree completely
Can you recommend the best book for improvisation using modern techniques of guitar/theory?
Can highly recommend 2 books but they're for chords. Tim lerch's melodic chord dictionary and then when you've a few nice voicing under your fingers, eddie arkin's creative chord substitution for jazz guitar, but it's really not just for jazz although it excels at that. There really is no magic bullet, learn as much as you can my friend.
a huge thanks Levi for talking about the Vpick medium pointed...I said why not: bought one, and i really enjoyed this pick, sound, speed improvement. just, thank you
Ted Greene: Chord Chemistry is a great book !
@Master Exploder different strokes for different folks.
Good morning from FL, USA Levi
Please do a review on the beato book. Thanks
I was going to ask the same. I am intrigued!
beatobook is genius. get it.
I have it. Combined with his videos, very good 👍
What are the best ways to get into music theory
Thanks for the honesty.
I purchased the book expecting most of what you said here. I was really hoping to get some insight to the "METHOD" of Steve Vai. How he looks at music, his approach, what he views as important over other things. With that I thought it was an interesting read although I got the feeling there were some outside hands involved in a lot of it which was a bit disappointing. If you are a fan of his work and art why not keep it?. I mean we have waited eons for an instructional manual from this guy, why not give it a shot? As a teacher I find I can never learn too many approaches. There will be that one student you can't quite connect with till you talk about emotional connections with notes and bam, he's hooked.. ha You never know.
Very good review.
So what else would make a great beginners book?
Imho, beginners should get a teacher. Getting lessons each week will discipline and motivate you. And it's easy to misinterpret things from a book, a good teacher will intervene immediately if you're acquiring bad habits. And will make sure you get the basics right (play in time, in tune, use proper fretting technique, know the fretboard) before you dive into more advanced stuff and get in over your head. Which will only lead to frustration.
@@MrTubularBalls Music theory beginner?
Check out Music Theory for Guitarists by Tom Kolb www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Guitarists-Everything-Wanted/dp/063406651X
Rather on the concise side of things with just 100 pages. Covers basic general music theory, harmony, scales, intervals etc. Well written, has tabs. Very good as reference material.
But my favorite beginner-friendly book is The Infinite Guitar by Chris Juergensen (www.lulu.com/shop/chris-juergensen/the-infinite-guitar/ebook/product-17478918.html
Somewhat of a hidden gem in todays oversaturated guitar tuition market. Great chord construction and application section (almost 100 pages alone), very well presented functional harmony and composition basics, cool pentatonics tips. It kind of starts off where Kolb's book ends. Kolb is more dry and cerebral, Juergensen is more player friendly, if that makes sense.
+Lukas Schmidt I remember a free e-book by a jazz guitarist. Covered pretty much everything you'll ever need to know, damn I forget the name. I found it 15 years ago.I had it printed out somewhere, I'll see if I can find it and let you know.Btw there's a lot of great stuff on YT. I recommend Rick Beato, Jens larsen, but that's not for beginners. For technique, esp rock, there's Rowan J parker. Helped me out a lot. Juan Antonio has great videos, esp when he covers fusion. Robert Baker for blues-rock licks, with a healthy dose of Van Halen style and even a bit of Paul Gilbert.
I would’ve previously agreed with you re: too artsy fartsy as it pertains to that line you quoted about learning how each note makes you feel. However, after watching a Guthrie Govan vid, I think there’s more to this than I had thought. Govan recommended using a looper to put a single chord on repeat and then play each note of a given scale to see how it feels over the chord. I’m a rank novice on theory but this concept really was an eye opener for me, as I had gone from knowing all the positions on the minor and major pentatonic scales to suddenly feeling how the notes relate to each other. I highly recommend this for anyone out there who’s getting started on soloing over a backing track or a loop and wants to develop a better “vocabulary”, for lack of a better word.
The difference is that Guthrie is talking about context - note over a chord. You create an interval and every interval sounds a certain way, you could associate a feeling with this.
Unless you have perfect pitch, a B and Bb are essentially the same... Steve would encourage you to learn to feel the difference.
Guthrie would play an Amaj7 and then get you to listen to each... this makes a HUGE difference. Bb is awful here, B is bliss.
That doesn’t mean that Bb is awful... or that B is bliss.
Play them over a C7
Bb is great... B is awful
See?
Levi Clay agreed! I don’t know Vai well enough to know if this is the case, but it almost seems like he’s describing the notes from the perspective of synesthesia. A mere mortal such as myself definitely needs that context. Appreciate the reply, man. Keep up the good work.
I don’t personally think you were near as objective as you should have been. You gave way more personal opinions than objectively giving your thoughts. If you don’t see why adding color is helpful, especially to someone brand new to learning notes, you clearly don’t remember being new to the information and trying to learn it. Adding color to notes on the fretboard creates a MUCH stronger mental connection than all of the books out there with only black and white. It’s about how our brains learn and associate. Steve’s point about meditation is obvious to those of us who meditate and know that creativity comes from within. If you couple the information in his book with being able to go inside using meditation and tap into the primordial part of us where everything resides, including true creativity and clarity, you would have the tools, or at least the basics you need to become a guitar guru. Which is exactly what Steve Vai has proven to be and is trying to pass on. I’m glad he wrote a book on theory.
man! we just spoke about the 'modal chord progessions' section on the podcast. considering this has been talked about for... 20 years or so. i expected something more. no disrespect to the man or his music. but if you were expecting a deep insight into the theory and method behind his playing and compositional process its way off. most guys would buy this book expecting a look into Vai's 'Vaideology' but instead get an impersonal and incomplete book that won't get you closer to any tangible pathway to understanding the guitar to being able to apply the knowledge on the instrument,
Can’t love this enough
"but if you were expecting a deep insight into the theory and method behind his playing and compositional process its way off" Ummm..."BASIC Music Theory for Guitar Players"... How and WHY would even expect "deep insight" with the BASIC right in the title?
@@aztex5194 I agree... so do you think that's all this book covers? Surely if there's ANYTHING in there beyond "BASIC Music theory for guitar players" then it's a waste of ink? I mean, you can't criticize someone for pointing out how the book isn't advanced enough... then ignore all the advanced stuff that's irrelevant.
@@LeviClay Beyond basic and deep insights suggest different goals to me. Being poor student of music theory I'd be hard pressed what to definitively declare what is basic is. I suppose successful instructors like Levi are in a better position with real world experience of teaching what is basic and foundational to add yet another loaded term! :D
Gee the guys following this channel must be stupid or some thing . It clearly says " BASIC" In the title . If you guys cannot read then how would you even understand any thing more advanced . Beyond stupidity . Its like picking up a encyclopedia in A and wondering why there is nothing on bananas in it . ( sadly you guys wont even get that one ).
@4:14 might be hard to comprehend but Steve has synthesia so notes have colours, tastes, images etc, and this is what Vai is trying to articulate
Hence the illustrations throughout the book...they’re probably what Steve sees when composing or playing
Oh I fully get that - I understand it well... but as someone who’s taught a LONG time, I also know you teach based on the ability of your student, not your own capabilities.
Tombstone Harry Studios Where is your evidence for this? As a long time fan, I've never heard of him having synesthesia.
@@LeviClay Ai, but an altruistic teacher should at least let his students know this possibility exists, so they may develop some kind of relationship with pitch colour early on in their training. Too many guitarists want to play as fast as possible as soon as possible and don't pay due attention to internalizing pitch colour and hearing pitch "horizontally". Once they can play fast they can NEVER slow down enough to develop a connection with pitch colour, and deceive themselves, believing it doesn't exist or it's something magical reserved only for other gifted players..etc.
Hi there what are the music theory books you would recommend I am an amateur musician and would love to discover music theory. Can you guys recommend me music theory books ?
Check out the Fundamental Changes in Guitar theory book :)
@@LeviClay umm could you provide me a link of the book 😅
@@AradhyaAbrol www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Modern-Theory-Guitarists-ebook/dp/B00CLNXGH8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2Y53U74631BRB&keywords=joseph+alexander+theory&qid=1567788348&s=gateway&sprefix=joseph+ale%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-4
@@LeviClay thank you so much... I also wanted to learn about songwriting... Could you recommend something for me
Steve never finished his studies at Berklee and moved to LA to with Zappa a few semesters in I believe!
I had that in the back of my mind as I said it, but was unsure.
www.berklee.edu/people/steve-vai. “The 1979 Berklee College of Music graduate”. First result on google search.
@@cbeserra "His first album, Flex-Able (1983), was a success" that album sucked ass
Honest review.... though i personally love Steve, i agree with your comments.
I think the note thing is really cool, music is emotion so
ear training should be implemented early on :) it works
That front cover would make great tattoo on your left arm Levi to match your other
Maybe better on his neck . Nothing says genius like a neck tattoo .
Why not include French lute tablature when including soprano, mezzo-soprano and tenor clef? :D
I've seen neither clef in music after the 17th century or music theory books after the 19th century. Also, French violin clef is quite the rarity anyway, it was only used by a couple of French publishers in the 19th century from what I remember.
Perfect in a guitar book then!
@@LeviClay Question is, if this was just filler material to get a page more or an attempt at looking erudite. Though, not having meditated on clefs I may be missing subtleties :D
That’s a short sight if he’s relying on HL notation methods as a standard, sorry to hear that. Some people will still think of that text as s treatise. We all will still look up to him though.
I read this then the jazz theory book when I finished Steve book
So which books should be avoided?
some of the info is inaccurate here... Steve recommended meditation naked for 5 years not 4
The greatest guitar player that has ever walked the earth makes a book to help people - whether the content is already out there is irrelevant, he's giving you his perspective on the way he
approaches the instrument and that can only be a thing of wonder. I dont care if the circle of fifths is in there, or showing mode patterns i already know personally. There will be something in that book you can take away that isnt in any other book out there and thats his vision on how he gets down with that filthy axe of his.
Thats what this review is missing so make your own minds up what it is you want, theory from just another guitar player or a personal insight from a guitar god given to you for £15. Either way if you come out the other side sounding 0.2% like Vai I'll take that myself.
“The greatest guitar player that has ever walked the earth” .... and I stopped reading 😂
@@LeviClay you can not talk about something you don't know . about content ? hiper relative bro, its for people who really interest this info. that info is on the net in many ways, there is nothing new about that but if you don't know why is that on your hands....despite de commerce that involves it, well , i have to reply that your review is bad, not only for the business in music, a business, by the way ,that give you something to talk about, and inspires others...
be careful the milk does not come from a plastic bottle...comes from cows... same thing you should know before talk about it...saludos
naiko massidda are you also telling me how to write a book despite not being able to write a structured sentence?
@@naikotraffic2 Just stop doing drugs!
My favorite book is FretBoard Logic II
Well, not sure. I'm still having problems learning Alien Water Kiss from his passion and warfare book.
Absolute classic 😂😂😂
pmsl yes that was some serious wtf is this tab?
Like your Honesty, I know it is not popular characteristics but it is 1st on my list of positive characteristics one person can have. I hope one day people will realize that honesty is good not bad. Thank you for great insight regarding the book. I know for 3 books that are in color and they are OK actually one is partially in color, another covers all from start to scale and chords and unfortunately it is not popular, 3rd is by Chad Johnson ''visual guitar theory'' and 4th is from legend Pat Martino's The Nature of Guitar it is method but have PDF's and some small color charts geometrical (he is such amazing mind and his perception of guitar was wow for me) ..Ups i mention 4 ☺ better to stop now ☺.Sorry Levi simply you make me write long comments due to quality of your videos. When you will write theory book Levi? Would like to buy it and i hope you will do some new beyond basic blues as book you know maybe published by you, i don't mind about printing quality etc as long as content is good. Also those chords you did for LL would be uber cool there is option with charts (if it is then sorry ☺)..I also never understood why authors use piano to explain guitar. Take care, best wishes from good old Europe.
Why write a theory book when Rick has one? 😂
I MAY be working on a beyond blues one though... 😉
@@LeviClay acool ☺ MHO you can do it better far far far better then Rick...Of course you have the god point there for reason why..Take care , honestly the best wishes from old Europe.
That is one book I'm happy not to have wasted money on.
I get his artsy fartsy intention with learning the notes with a meditative and experiential approach. Really if you strip away all the artiness of his words of instruction in that area but just do what he says you are still just working with your own neuroplasticity and learning in a Mr. Miagi "wax on wax off" kind of way.
Haha! First off I find Levi's books THE best all around. I have advanced more by reading Levi's books than all my others combined! That said I tend to disagree with his reviews of other books! If he loves it; I hate it and vice versa! His complaints about Vaideology are from some one up high in the class of learning I I think he forgets which were the "swiss cheese" holes in understanding in a guitarists who learns on their own. Vai's book is doing more than any I have in filling the voids in my understanding. Of course this is just the way it puzzle piece fits with me. YMMV. $15 it's a steal! Thanks Levi!
I appreciate the input and kind words.
I disagree with me forgetting. You complimented my books and they're good because I care so damn much about education and I don't like there to be holes in my teaching. So when I look at Vai's stuff, there are holes that tons of other books don't have. There's nothing new in this book.
Now, if you're enjoying it - that's awesome! Nothing wrong with that!.... BUT.... don't convince yourself that the first book that caters to your needs came out in 2019 hahaha
At the end of the day, if you enjoy it, and it moves you forward - then it's a great book! I'm really happy it worked for you :)
@@LeviClay It all depends upon where one's at in their learning and desire to progress. Just happened to be hankering for a simple book to lay out the foundations, as I said fill the holes. While there are LOTS of books like this, Vai's hits on all cylinders for me like none other! Jesse Gress' book comes to mind as one that has TONS of information yet is impenetrable for me fro some reason. Have you reviewed that one? What is it "Guitar Cookbook" I think... it's in my storage...
The title of the video is not, "Guitar Books You MUST Own". I could kinda tell where this was headed.
Haha fair - but I had to review it before recommending it
Music theory should be a general musical education a knowledge of all clefs, keys ,scales ,modes cord structure ,voicing 4 part harmony on the keyboard is taught to allmusic students because it is visualy easier to comprohend on a keyboard than any other insturment .In music study - eduxation it is better to gave a broad base of skill and to push your knowledge and understanding to the limits . Steve Vai has studied musuc theory ,form composition and analasys, that is what gives him the edge on creativity ,Frank Zappa was the same ,both are genius musicians ,sadly lacking in the Rock and metal worlds.
You missed out Dave Lee Roth 😂
Tombstone Harry Studios was kicking myself as soon as I finished recording 😂😂😂 why on earth did Whitesnake and Alcatraz come to mind before DLR 😂😂😂
Don't forget Crossroads 😀
He’s actually a great teacher...he’s written tons of content in guitar magazines, videos, etc
More books, we need more books videos! Good, bad, mediocre, whatever.
Levi, thankyou for breaking this down (won't buy it) there are too many "books" out there that will never be studied
I recommend the Beato Book !!!
Oh yes 👍
Dude if I base my opinion on his video (Beato music theory for beginners) I’m fucked since I was lost in the first minute.
I will certainly not be buying this. Thanks for informing us, Levi!
is...is that a binding of isaac tattoo xD
If a student new to music theory pick up this book,he would be terribly lost. Sounded like u where holding back on ur true opinion.
It’s funny how some blokes here actually think they know better than Steve. But, what’s even more funny is when this Levi guy said that he DOESN’t AGREE with Vai on some or most of the content of the book. I was like, “Dude, really??? WTF! C’mon now! lol! What most of you guys are missing is the fact that this book may not be as comprehensive as the other theory books out there, but, is enough to transform any guitar player into a better musician. That, I believe, is the book’s ultimate purpose.
well I'm glad you BELIEVE that
actually.... allow me to break this down a little bit further...
You seem to believe that it's impossible to know better than Steve - this obviously isn't true, unless Steve has some sort of blessing (other than how much you love him) that means he cannot be wrong.
You literally then go on to point out that I "don't agree" with him (even when presenting reasons) and that I must be wrong.
We can only assume this is because Steve is more famous than me? Or more successful? I don't know... there's SOME reason why my points seem to be discardable to you because of who I am and who Steve is...
cool....
so WHATEVER that point is... apply the same to you vs me. Whatever reason I MUST be wrong for explaining why I disagree with Steve, then by your own logic... you MUST be wrong in trying to explain why I'm wrong....
Isn't logic fun?
Levi Clay Of course, Steve is not perfect. No one is infallible. Not even Vai himslef. But, that doesn’t mean we actually know any better than a guy who has been around playing since 1973 and began his professional music career as a transcriptionist for no other than Frank Zappa when he was just 18. He is a 1979 Berklee College of Music graduate, a 3-time Grammy winner and an absolute guitar legend. He is a very, very knowledgeable man. And knowing how meticulous Steve Vai is when it comes to his music, playing and art, and how very detailed and passionate he is with the things and knowledge he imparts to people and fans alike, there’s just no way the book would have faults and fail its purpose. The content of the book is enough to get the job done, so to speak. It need not contain all the theories there is to know and it need not have a thousand plus pages. What Steve is telling us is this book is enough to get you to where you wanna be as a guitar player. Analogy-wise, what you did was like disagree with your teacher who, obviously, knows better and with tons of mileage and experience under his belt. That’s my only gripe. :)
agavalence the thing is... I have more experience. Steve is a player, a composer, an artist.
I am a writer. A teacher. I have qualifications in both music and teaching. 15 years of experience. I have 12 instructional DVDs from one of the biggest producers of guitar instructional material. I have 7 books, all amazon best sellers. I’ve worked in the magazine world and ghost written for people like Steve. I’m one of the go to experts on transcription and provide work for more people than I can possibly list...
How arrogant are you to ignore what you’re being told by an expert in the field? Do you tell you mechanic how to fix you car? Or your plumber how to fix your pipes?
Stop talking and listen.
Listen to what I say and tell me why I’m wrong. And use a reason other than “Steve can’t be wrong”. You sound stupid.
Levi Clay Ha! You have more experience? In what department? You’re a writer? In what sense? You have qualifications both in music and teaching? Sure. But, guess what? So does Steve! :) And he’ll always be more qualified than you’ll ever be. That’s a fact. We can ask every person who bought your “best selling” book on Amazon who they’d want to be taught or mentored by- you or Steve Vai. Trust me, the result will not be in yer favor. 15 years of experience VS 46 years of experience. Guess who wins? :) You have provided work for more folks you can possibly list, but, Steve has worked more with and for A-list artists and personalities. I am not, in any way, downplaying what you have achieved as a guitar player. I honestly think they’re cool. But, to actually suggest that you have more experience and that you know better than Steve himself is downright ridiculous. I’m arrogant? Just because I called you out for disagreeing and somewhat disrespecting the work of an absolute guitar legend and a top-tier in the guitar world/community? Are you not the obnoxious and the arrogant one? You’re actually competing with Steve Vai? Are you insinuating that you actually are better than him? lol! Do I tell a mechanic how to fix a car? No. Of course, not. Do you tell STEVE VAI what should and what should not be in his book? HELL, NO!
does steve not realise that we don’t all have perfect pitch.
Neither does he, although I am certain he described himself as having perfect "relative pitch".
You have given me a good reason to ignore your pompous and arrogant views and opinions of the book and purchase it. Thanks, Levi! Never heard of you before today. Seems that this video is a great reason why I haven't.
#triggered
Well sleep easy knowing I have several books higher on the Amazon charts right now than this one. Enjoy it. You won’t learn anything, but evidently you take great pride in not knowing stuff 😂
So what if Steve’s book has colors, or it isn’t long enough or he used piano keys to explain something. The man is an incredible player. Just because he writes something a little different doesn’t mean you should blow it off... I’ve studied theory both in high school and college and would love to check this book out
Thumbnail is a little over the top and corny. Come on man
If you are a Vai fan purchase it and enjoy it for what it is.
Is that how that works? I was a Metallica fan and purchased St Anger... was I obligated to enjoy it?
I am a big Arnold Schwarzenegger fan, I watched killing Gunther and hated it. Again, am I obligated to enjoy it?
Listen to how stupid you sound
Why don`t you write your amazing book?
You know I have 7 books right? 😂
Get the Beato Book instead.
Solid advice
Definitely not for me.
Do you disagree??!! 😂😂😂😂😂
I guess Levi has no idea how to review books :/
Obviously not… it’s not like he’s made a living in it… or got multiple Amazon best sellers himself…
This guy reviewing a book written by Steve Vai...good one
this guy with more experience writing books and teaching than Steve Vai... yep...
@@LeviClay just by seeing examples you chose from the book, the way you approached his approach.. tells a lot about you and how narrow your views on music are. Sad for a guy who "gave a lot more guitar lessons than Vai". jeez
That's Steve's approach to inspire beginners not formal study from Barclay. I think you have made a mistake, publicly diminishing Steve's book doesn't help your business.
And some nobody on the internet being upset doesn’t make me any less right...
@@LeviClay ... lose your arrogance man and I might buy your CD in the future and put it into shelf next to "Passion and Warfare" ... Question was "Should you buy?". You wouldn't neither do I but I am certain it would be excellent book for beginner. Tell me Levi, why do you think guitarist like Vai would release a book like this one ...
hovadopekelne see how you’ve displayed your cognitive dissonance? I don’t want you to by my CD. Literally couldn’t care less. But even if I did... what does it have to do with the book? Steve made an album you like... so therefore it’s impossible for him to do something not worth your money? How does this book compare to the Beato book? (Another one I’m sure you also won’t buy).
The thing people struggle with is that while everyone is entitled to an opinion... not all opinions have the same worth. You’re upset because you know full well my opinion on this subject means a lot more than yours. I graduated from my music school with honours, I’ve taught for 15 years and sold literally thousands of books and DVDs all over the world... millions of people have read my opinions and learned from my teaching in magazines etc... that’s not arrogance. That’s the truth.
You on the other hand are a nobody on the internet upset that I have reasons why I don’t like a book you neither have read or own...
Now who looks arrogant?
@Master Exploder ... 'lol' and 'arrogant dick' in one sentence ? Have you ever seen Beato or Vai or anyone else doing this shit to promote their own stuff ...
@@LeviClay ... I'm not upset, your ego doesn't allow you see that. Have you written something for beginners ...
So now you think you know better than Vai.. lol pull your head in mate, your ego and call outs are out of control. What have you actually composed again?
Yes.... as someone with qualifications in both music and education, and a successful writer... I do think I'm in a position to make comment on someone doing those things...
Take a step back and listen to how stupid you sound. "hey Levi, Steve Vai told me I need to put water in my car instead of gas... I know you're telling me that's a bad idea, but what have you composed again?"
One's ability to compose has absolutely no bearing on their ability to write a book teaching theory... a medium that's pretty well covered by some pretty well respected educators.
I also note that your only argument seems to be to praise Steve rather than... you know... refute any of my actual points.
Oh... also... I put out two albums, they were crowd funded and made money. I re-released them as a complete collection a couple of months back and currently 100% of all money made on those (handled by Distrokid) goes directly to Black Lives Matter...
Jack Butler's not gonna like you
Like you're some kind of famous critic or something NOT!!!! Steve made it big and is a millionaire..but you dare criticize whatever bro
Molly… I’m literally a famous critic… and right now on the Amazon best sellers list I have multiple books higher in ranking than Steve. I’m literally more qualified and experienced in this area than Steve AND you… and you dare criticize? Whatever bro.