This is hands down one of best songs of Steve Vai that I've heard in my 30+ years as his fan. Listening to it feels like a wonderful journey through his work over the years. It was already my favorite of his latest album and of the recent years before learning about the Hydra and watching his masterful play, which just brought this song on another level. Now I just need to see him playing this live.
When you get a chance, watch the video again but focus on his pick (right) hand. This usually isn't the hand people watch, but it's phenomenal to realize that every single movement of his pick hand is intentional and has a rhythmic or melodic purpose. The limb independence/coordination seems to mimic how one plays keyboard more so than traditional guitar techniques.
The Hydra is over 43 pounds. Steve had to record it with the guitar on a stand. The guitar is connected via cat 6 cable. The cable has the audio from all three necks plus the harp strings. The cable also carries the M.I.D.I. info from the guitar
As a lifelong musician and highly technical computer nerd... I was half expecting to see a bunch of thick PCIE style ribbon cables. 4 instruments (?) Plus buttons and volume and pick ups and tone... Gah what a wild world we live in. Dope song. Dope gear. Dope engineering and electronics.
Steve is amazing. Took lessons from Satriani, Wasn't his first gig was with Zappa ? What influences! And he never stopped evolving his music. Great analysis. Really glad I found your channel Geebz.Thank you for doing this.
I was going to mention Satriani tutoring Vai. In fact the number of guitarists who owe Satriani and eternal debt is insane. The guy want just a great guitarist but a phenomenal teacher and mentor.
He has two other 3 neck guitars that I know of. One he used live on "I know you're here" and the other was a heart shape with two necks on the left and one on the right.
Listening to this song is one thing...but watching him play it, is just mind blowing. Since his Zappa days, I've been a huge fan....and I'm a drummer! But this song hands down, is one of the most amazing pieces of music ever written....simply because he's playing all the parts simultaneously. The drum track is the only pre-recorded track in the tune. I do wanna see him pull it off live....I'm keeping an eye out for any footage.
This is an absolutely amazing composition, how do you even begin to imagine how to compose a piece of music on such an unconventional instrument? Leave it to little Stevie Vai though! 🔥
Still here! If you haven't heard a lot of post-90's Vai, I would be really curious to hear your take on the orchestral album he put out called Sound Theories. Disc 1 is a bunch of his older tracks reimagined for a full orchestra, and disc 2 is (I think) all new compositions (also for a full orchestra)
when he started promoting this album and talking about this wild guitar, I was pretty interested in it. Then I heard this song, and was kind of unimpressed. But then he put this video out. It's kind of impossible to understand without the video how he's playing all these parts on this instrument and how wildly coordinated it all is haha
As a fellow musician I can say it's great to hear what Steve can do with the guitar and music arrangement. I got to see him live in 2010. And it was a blast very interactive with the crowd. Not to mention he is a big inspiration to me and many other musicians.
I have to suggest his song "Weeping china doll". It's great, it's a good use of the 7 string guitar, and it has some seriously thick tones, both of those being on top of it being a great song with some nice emotion to it.
This sort of reminds me of Stanley Jordan playing 2 or 3 guitars at once (a bit jazzy for your channel but definitely worth checking out). You could do something by Mike Dawes if you haven't seen him. He's sort of considered one of if not the best acoustic players alive right now. He did a cover of "Jump" when Eddie Van Halen passed, and it was approved by Eddie's family. Anyway as a guitar player I'll say it's pretty amazing and really too hard to describe. I think your viewers would like it too.
Should get on some Consider the Source. Very amazing three piece instrumental band. Rock/metal with jazz fusion and some middle eastern vibes as well. Also said to have sone Sci-fi themes. Anyway, guitarist uses a very unique double neck guitar, one neck is fretless, he uses it for different sounding guitar/synth style stuff, and almost sounds like singing at times as well. Very large array of pedals for all of his different sounds and techniques. Bassist is absolutely insane with his playing and techniques, also plays one of those foot pedal floor piano type things at the same time(name of instrument is completely escaping me right now) Drummer is just so damn good and keeps the vibes no matter where the songs go, great chops too. They have some really great song names as well, and the songs all have their own flavor, while being distinctly them. They also have a "hybrid" album out now with a mixture of those instruments, and more acoustic instruments. Like the guitarist plays a lot of older traditional instruments on it from around Asia and I'd say probably northern Europe, which is where his style and influence come from. Drummer using tabla and other things outside of a trap kit. I know for certain you would ABSOLUTELY love it, for so many reasons. Such fun, yet complex, and just plain well done composition in the pieces/songs They've been around for quite a few years, but still seem to be almost niche, or at the least, not very well known, and they really do deserve to be heard and enjoyed by more people in my opinion
I just listened to this earlier, guess we were on the same guitar guy wave today. Also with the theatrics, I remember when I watched a live thing he did, he had a giant fan on the side of the stage so his hair was always blowing in the wind. Great video! Fun to hear you gush about someone who's had some influence you, and also obviously stills got the chops. Oh, and if you're on an instrumental kick I gotta bring up the band Long Distance Calling again, just because I like to.
Martin Carthy (a highly respected English folk rock guitarist) once said the art of playing guitar is the notes you DON'T play, Steve has truly mastered that art, this is an amzing track to show off a unique instrument. Been a huge Vai fan since his days with Zappa, and more so with DLR and solo
I don't know if you noticed the 13-strings harp on the bottom left of the Hydra. Steve is constantly modifying his tones and physical instruments. Super cool to see him constantly pushing the envelope!
Love your analysis as a de-composer…I’ve seen most of em…but I have a question, have you ever listened to anything that you did not care for or could not appreciate/ like?….
He has a video where he said, if I remember correctly, he doesn't want to talk badly about any artist's work. He will appreciate the musicianship, their effort, etc., even if the music itself doesn't connect with him.
He said that every piece of music he has listened to on the channel has a lot of interesting elements even if he wouldn't listen to the song on his freetime.
This was super cool!! Ok Geebz, next recommendation comin.... Sojourner - Perennial. This is an Atmospheric Metal Band. The band members don't live in the same area. They're all over Europe. New Zealand, Scotland, Italy, Sweden. They have 3 Albums out. But I think this is my favorite track. This takes VAST and throws more dark black metal vibes to a relaxing enjoyable sound. I can't describe it. But I'm hooked. You've got to check it out!
Steve's still very much pushing the envelope too, and he hasn't missed a beat. Check out "Candle Power". Just up and invented a new technique, and it's one with a whole lot of potential. Shows off several different ways it can be used to make really unconventional sounds, and how it can enhance some more familiar ones.
Hey man you really need to check out Burzum. A complete one man band project and a black metal legend. Some tracks I can suggest - Key To The Gate, Det som en gang var, En Ring Til Aa Herske, Inn i slottet fra droemmen, Glemselens Elv, Lost Wisdom, Jesu Død, Hvis Lyset Tar Oss, etc. Probably the most "interesting" black metal band to ever have existed.
While this is indeed a “music video”, the track was recorded live in the studio. Yes, broken down into sections, but all parts played at once. Then he had to learn how to play it in one shot…..
Oooh if you're on an instrumental kick then I'd love to see your thoughts on NZ band Jakob, 3 piece vocal-less atmospheric metal/postrock band that is all about loopy layery atmospheric vibe that is simultaneously heavy and relaxing (the kind of music that you can study to or get pumped working out to 😉 ) Either Malachite or Blind Them With Science would be initial recommendation.
Steve has gotten a lot of hate over the years. They feel he shows too much emotion, and that it may come off as fake. I can 100% say that after watching thousands of talented guitar players on UA-cam since YT was first launched, it is MUCH PREFERRED to have a musician with some life to him over a zombie player hitting all the right notes. That's why I also love SRV, Pat Metheny, etc. I want to see them feel their own music.
A suggestion for the next time you do World Music. The Japanese band Gesu no Kiwami Otome (“Girl at the height of rudeness”) and their song “Adult-ish.” ua-cam.com/video/AhbBT-pQPxk/v-deo.html
I think he needs a guitar with necks that go all the way around like a clock face and then he can just spin it around like a musical wheel of fortune
Don't give him any ideas!🤫
My head already exploded from THIS!!
I can visualize that..... 😆😂😆
You better copyright that shit!
@@victorcoburn2791 😂😆😂
Look up Michael Angelo Batio quad neck guitar. He did exactly what you're suggesting back in the 80ies/90ies.
This is hands down one of best songs of Steve Vai that I've heard in my 30+ years as his fan. Listening to it feels like a wonderful journey through his work over the years. It was already my favorite of his latest album and of the recent years before learning about the Hydra and watching his masterful play, which just brought this song on another level. Now I just need to see him playing this live.
He's on tour now.
When you get a chance, watch the video again but focus on his pick (right) hand. This usually isn't the hand people watch, but it's phenomenal to realize that every single movement of his pick hand is intentional and has a rhythmic or melodic purpose. The limb independence/coordination seems to mimic how one plays keyboard more so than traditional guitar techniques.
The Hydra is over 43 pounds. Steve had to record it with the guitar on a stand. The guitar is connected via cat 6 cable. The cable has the audio from all three necks plus the harp strings. The cable also carries the M.I.D.I. info from the guitar
As a lifelong musician and highly technical computer nerd... I was half expecting to see a bunch of thick PCIE style ribbon cables. 4 instruments (?) Plus buttons and volume and pick ups and tone...
Gah what a wild world we live in. Dope song. Dope gear. Dope engineering and electronics.
I'm still here!
I only really love a handful of his songs, but the guy is the best guitarist around and a complete musician.
I graduated from the same high school as Steve. He was a few years before me.
Steve is amazing. Took lessons from Satriani, Wasn't his first gig was with Zappa ? What influences! And he never stopped evolving his music. Great analysis. Really glad I found your channel Geebz.Thank you for doing this.
I was going to mention Satriani tutoring Vai. In fact the number of guitarists who owe Satriani and eternal debt is insane. The guy want just a great guitarist but a phenomenal teacher and mentor.
Steve Vai was actually the youngest guitarist to ever play in FZ's band. Vai was brought in partly to do transcription work for him.
That was so cool! And I'm still here lol!
He has two other 3 neck guitars that I know of. One he used live on "I know you're here" and the other was a heart shape with two necks on the left and one on the right.
I made it to the end! Love Steve Vai!! Always the GOAT for me!
Yes! I requested this like... 2 seconds after I watched it first. Thanks dude, great work as always. You the real goat ❤
Vai always has been and always will be the man. Obscenely talented.
Listening to this song is one thing...but watching him play it, is just mind blowing. Since his Zappa days, I've been a huge fan....and I'm a drummer! But this song hands down, is one of the most amazing pieces of music ever written....simply because he's playing all the parts simultaneously. The drum track is the only pre-recorded track in the tune. I do wanna see him pull it off live....I'm keeping an eye out for any footage.
This is an absolutely amazing composition, how do you even begin to imagine how to compose a piece of music on such an unconventional instrument? Leave it to little Stevie Vai though! 🔥
What a fun ride .
Gotta love Steve Via!
Thank You brother!!
Awwwright!!🤙
Goes without saying ,but,
IM STILL HERE
Still here!
If you haven't heard a lot of post-90's Vai, I would be really curious to hear your take on the orchestral album he put out called Sound Theories. Disc 1 is a bunch of his older tracks reimagined for a full orchestra, and disc 2 is (I think) all new compositions (also for a full orchestra)
So cool to hear some Steve Vai. Right on!
Haha, that coffee remark with the " Wrooon nan nan nan...' made me crack-up so hard!
Excellent analysis as usual, Geebz.
Top-notch! :)
when he started promoting this album and talking about this wild guitar, I was pretty interested in it. Then I heard this song, and was kind of unimpressed. But then he put this video out. It's kind of impossible to understand without the video how he's playing all these parts on this instrument and how wildly coordinated it all is haha
Vai is so good. A master.
Plini - Electric Sunrise \m/ \m/
"I'm still here" :)
The guy is amazing. This felt 3 guys playing live together, but those 3 are just all him
As a fellow musician I can say it's great to hear what Steve can do with the guitar and music arrangement. I got to see him live in 2010. And it was a blast very interactive with the crowd. Not to mention he is a big inspiration to me and many other musicians.
Always bringing such a positive vibe 💜
The part where he played the guitar was impressive!
Wow. Glad I passed by this. Such an amazing artist
Thank you Geebz
I love when he turned the fretless guitar neck into a sitar riff. And that set of piano wire on the bottom of the body gives a really cool atmosphere
“The guitar is his ventricle” is a great way to describe his relationship with the guitar at this point
Really cool performance! You might wanna check out dream theater - dance of eternity, another instrumental.
Amazing song
Aloha; Prems! Great reaction, as usual.
I have to suggest his song "Weeping china doll". It's great, it's a good use of the 7 string guitar, and it has some seriously thick tones, both of those being on top of it being a great song with some nice emotion to it.
vai has given me chills since i was 6 years old
This sort of reminds me of Stanley Jordan playing 2 or 3 guitars at once (a bit jazzy for your channel but definitely worth checking out). You could do something by Mike Dawes if you haven't seen him. He's sort of considered one of if not the best acoustic players alive right now. He did a cover of "Jump" when Eddie Van Halen passed, and it was approved by Eddie's family. Anyway as a guitar player I'll say it's pretty amazing and really too hard to describe. I think your viewers would like it too.
It's a trip how the bass is fretless for the top two strings but has frets for the bottom strings.
Steve's song Candle Power is such an innovative song as well, definitely one to check out
Should get on some Consider the Source. Very amazing three piece instrumental band. Rock/metal with jazz fusion and some middle eastern vibes as well. Also said to have sone Sci-fi themes.
Anyway, guitarist uses a very unique double neck guitar, one neck is fretless, he uses it for different sounding guitar/synth style stuff, and almost sounds like singing at times as well. Very large array of pedals for all of his different sounds and techniques.
Bassist is absolutely insane with his playing and techniques, also plays one of those foot pedal floor piano type things at the same time(name of instrument is completely escaping me right now)
Drummer is just so damn good and keeps the vibes no matter where the songs go, great chops too.
They have some really great song names as well, and the songs all have their own flavor, while being distinctly them. They also have a "hybrid" album out now with a mixture of those instruments, and more acoustic instruments. Like the guitarist plays a lot of older traditional instruments on it from around Asia and I'd say probably northern Europe, which is where his style and influence come from. Drummer using tabla and other things outside of a trap kit.
I know for certain you would ABSOLUTELY love it, for so many reasons. Such fun, yet complex, and just plain well done composition in the pieces/songs
They've been around for quite a few years, but still seem to be almost niche, or at the least, not very well known, and they really do deserve to be heard and enjoyed by more people in my opinion
I just listened to this earlier, guess we were on the same guitar guy wave today. Also with the theatrics, I remember when I watched a live thing he did, he had a giant fan on the side of the stage so his hair was always blowing in the wind. Great video! Fun to hear you gush about someone who's had some influence you, and also obviously stills got the chops.
Oh, and if you're on an instrumental kick I gotta bring up the band Long Distance Calling again, just because I like to.
Martin Carthy (a highly respected English folk rock guitarist) once said the art of playing guitar is the notes you DON'T play, Steve has truly mastered that art, this is an amzing track to show off a unique instrument. Been a huge Vai fan since his days with Zappa, and more so with DLR and solo
I don't know if you noticed the 13-strings harp on the bottom left of the Hydra. Steve is constantly modifying his tones and physical instruments. Super cool to see him constantly pushing the envelope!
Love your analysis as a de-composer…I’ve seen most of em…but I have a question, have you ever listened to anything that you did not care for or could not appreciate/ like?….
He has a video where he said, if I remember correctly, he doesn't want to talk badly about any artist's work. He will appreciate the musicianship, their effort, etc., even if the music itself doesn't connect with him.
He said that every piece of music he has listened to on the channel has a lot of interesting elements even if he wouldn't listen to the song on his freetime.
@@williamedmiston5164 politically correct answer…got it…
@@williamedmiston5164 political correct answer… got it…
@@jonnenne politically correct answer, got it…
This was super cool!!
Ok Geebz, next recommendation comin.... Sojourner - Perennial. This is an Atmospheric Metal Band. The band members don't live in the same area. They're all over Europe. New Zealand, Scotland, Italy, Sweden. They have 3 Albums out. But I think this is my favorite track. This takes VAST and throws more dark black metal vibes to a relaxing enjoyable sound. I can't describe it. But I'm hooked. You've got to check it out!
Thanks Adam!! :)
Steve's still very much pushing the envelope too, and he hasn't missed a beat. Check out "Candle Power". Just up and invented a new technique, and it's one with a whole lot of potential. Shows off several different ways it can be used to make really unconventional sounds, and how it can enhance some more familiar ones.
Hey man you really need to check out Burzum. A complete one man band project and a black metal legend. Some tracks I can suggest - Key To The Gate, Det som en gang var, En Ring Til Aa Herske, Inn i slottet fra droemmen, Glemselens Elv, Lost Wisdom, Jesu Død, Hvis Lyset Tar Oss, etc. Probably the most "interesting" black metal band to ever have existed.
While this is indeed a “music video”, the track was recorded live in the studio.
Yes, broken down into sections, but all parts played at once.
Then he had to learn how to play it in one shot…..
Oooh if you're on an instrumental kick then I'd love to see your thoughts on NZ band Jakob, 3 piece vocal-less atmospheric metal/postrock band that is all about loopy layery atmospheric vibe that is simultaneously heavy and relaxing (the kind of music that you can study to or get pumped working out to 😉 )
Either Malachite or Blind Them With Science would be initial recommendation.
The Vai/toy mashup at 6:15 is hilarious.
A modern take on Pat Metheney's Pikasso guitar
That was insane
Hey Man, strongly suggest reacting to Tesseract - Tourniquet off the Portals concert. Visuals and audio off the charts I think you’ll dig it
I'm still here
Steve has gotten a lot of hate over the years. They feel he shows too much emotion, and that it may come off as fake. I can 100% say that after watching thousands of talented guitar players on UA-cam since YT was first launched, it is MUCH PREFERRED to have a musician with some life to him over a zombie player hitting all the right notes. That's why I also love SRV, Pat Metheny, etc. I want to see them feel their own music.
I fully agree with you, Nick.
still here
Hi geebz, could you react to Dark Charades by Rishloo (or any song from living as ghosts with buildings as teeth album). i think you'll like it
Thank you sir!! Next one: K n a p p s a c k ! Please!!! :-)
Still here...
Ok. Bro. He started with Frank Zappa. He is a guitar God. He learned from the Master.
Check out Guthrie Govan. Another great instrumentalist
anyone notice Vai's face @4:00 ???🤣🤣🤣
Check out cytotoxin - radiophobia
A suggestion for the next time you do World Music. The Japanese band Gesu no Kiwami Otome (“Girl at the height of rudeness”) and their song “Adult-ish.” ua-cam.com/video/AhbBT-pQPxk/v-deo.html
Steve got bored... So he thought it would be somewhat of a challenge to play 3 instruments at once - No biggie :P
Unpopular opinion, i know...this just seems silly
I think Billy Gibbons summed it up best; "it's the spaces between the notes that speak loudest!"
3 guitars combined n still can’t play anything anyone wants to hear. No one likes lickey leads over 80’s metal drums…
There's no denial...Steve came to Earth after ET called home...this is the response to a REALLY long distance call...
If ya wanna bring more instrumental stuff to the channel ya need to check out the Ozric Tentacles.... definitely something different from the normal 😎
Heh...you'll need something stromger than coffee for the Ozrics 🤣
@@jpgduff definitely 🤣