When I first saw the "guitar" I thought it was cool, but gimmicky. Steve being Steve, turned a gimmick into something special. So damn impressive. I can't play on one regular 6-string neck to save my life and Steve plays on this thing so effortlessly. Truly a master of his craft.
He screwed up his wrist last year and then made a song with just one hand and it also sounded incredible. Steve Vai is just incredible. I think it was called knapsack.
I am an old grouch and don’t get impressed by much anymore. I haven’t been blown away by a performance like this one in a long time. This video was just awesome. Vai is just something else
I usually see this type of thing as putting the gimmick before the composition, but Vai is a master of performance art and I gotta love him for that. And it sure is amazing!
Love it so fucking much myself and I'm happy you do too, Mike! Joint shifting in 2020, an injured steve vai with a completely Legato driven track in 2021 and, now, this monster in 2022. He's 61 years old and just doesn't seem to stop! My fav artist as well, totally with ya on that one. He's planning on releasing an acoustic and vocals only album next year and God only knows what he's gonna do on that one to push himself, extremely pumped for that one! Another album with an orchestra coming, 2 sequels to the Real Illusions and some other stuff that I'm forgetting that he has planned for the future, what a beast! Hope he comes to India and I get a chance to see him live, finally...
The second I found out Vai was gonna play Dublin here in Ireland, I HAD to get a ticket! Ive NEVER seen Vai live before and I cant wait to see him play the Hydra Guitar live!!!! Its gonna be SICK!!! ;)
I thought the three necked heart guitar was crazy but he's out done that. saw him play Fever Dream on it live in 2000, it was amazing. I hope he tours Australia again, it's been 9 years since I saw him live and he played the Ultra Zone guitar on that tour, super cool. how many times have you seen Vai live Mike?
It's spectacular. My only issue is that the bass has no headstock. Guitars without them look fucking ugly, and on a guitar like this, there's every reason to have a crazy headstock.
I can see you are the guitarist that is so into the guitar and its role in music that it's impossible for you to comprehend the guitar and its role in art. Of course, the guitarists you make known your distaste for aren't anywhere near the skilled technicians of guitarists you fall to your knees and lick the ball sweat of on your vids, but you fall directly into the category of guitar player and not the coveted category of artist. To make an impact not just on the instrument you play or it's tone but to the impact you make with what you present to the masses. Vai with all his 40+ years of killer chops, triple neck machines and masterful tone never will come close to the impact Cobain with his 3 years, 3 little albums, sloppy chops and overall insouciance to technique and tone made on the world. Prove me wrong, my friend. Keep doing what you do.
I legitimately made some of these same points at the end when I showed this to my brother. I've never really been into Steve Vai. I think this might've even been the first thing I have heard from him, but I was like "yeah, that makes sense"
I always considered "Die to Live" his best composition. The way he handles both the rhythm and lead guitars at the same time is really cool. This is that idea taken to a whole new level.
Great video. Just wish there was a complete play through or longer chunks. Your explanations are so detailed while sharing examples of music theory/knowledge and experience.
I try to be in compliance with fair use and it's spirit. I make every effort to use as little of the work as possible. If you want to watch/listen to a long form version please watch the video on the artist's channel 🤘 I appreciate the good vibes.
Was looking forward to your reaction. I too as only relatively impressed by the song sonically, only to be completely blown away seeing him actually play it.
I don't know any musicians these days so it's fun to hear thoughts from someone like you on this, and see how this performance gives us all such amazement
Thanks for reminding me to order a ticket to see Steve Vai live in 2 months. :) Only saw him once so far 2012 on the G3 tour with Satriani and Steve Morse, so it's really time for a proper Steve Vai experience inlcuding this new monster of his.
I’ve always loved Vai’s sound, feel, and the essence he seeps into anything he does. So much atmosphere. I love it. I love dorian scaled fantasy jazz metal. That’s what it sounds like. Erotic.
Maybe I have the same thoughts you have. It's amazing what he done in this song, all the things he had to think about, it's just like he splited his brain in 4 to think about every instrument in the song.
Haven't watched a video of yours in a while, the lighting looks great! Hope all is well Mike. Also thanks for getting me to listen to prog, it's not my favourite genre but when I do listen to it I enjoy it thoroughly.
Personally Jason Richardson is my favorite guitarist because He takes guitar Half seriously and half for fun, Like his song “Hos Down” how in the middle of the metal song he puts on a clean tone and starts shredding country/banjo style I think Once you learn to take guitar Half Seriously and Half for fun, that’s when you can count yourself as a musician, That’s what makes Steve Vai so good for me, He does stuff like this, Absolutely shredding on a Monstrosity, and doing all these tricks. I very highly Respect Steve Vai
There's a reason Frank took him in, he understood his appreciation for the sound of music and for how its formula could be toyed and tinkered with. He's my favorite guitarist for his technical, eccentric, wise, multicultural inspired unique sound which can leave you enlightened or in tears, excited or feeling "what the fuck". His sound is his and can only be delivered by one Stevie Vai. Plus you get those Frankisms and the sense of silliness Vai naturally posseses, that frankly Satriani or Yngwie and several musicians never get.
Same thing happened to me, I remember listening to this song when the album came out and I was like "meh, sounds ok" and theeeeeeeen he dropped the video and showed this is a 1-man band song and all that management he had to do to make it sound cool, and totally changed my appreciation towards that song and I think it's fucking great.
Love your take on this...I love what he is doing here, and at the same time, it's a bit over the top. I am glad he is capable of doing this and has done it, yet....I kind of want to see it take 5 people to pull off. Again....im still very OK with what he has done here.
There is no wasted space, Steve saw an empty space on the body and said "put a harp here because it can be" imagine the beast of a case this thing is stored in
Is it one of the most technical displays of skill, talent and mastery you'll ever see... yes. Did I feel anything and will I ever watch it again... Eh.
Maybe now he'll make the top 10 guitar players of all time? Steve's style of music isn't always my flavour, but he's just so damn talented, skilled and likeable you can't not love the guy. Sad that he's getting older, hope he's around for many years to come.
To be honest, I'm not shocked that Vai could play like this. Hell few decades ago he was playing his triple Heart Shaped guitar in DLR so this just seems natural for him :)
You should check out Jeff Healey, a blind guitarist from Canada who played the guitar flat on his lap while his left hand moved like a spider on the fretboard
Clever choice of tempo too. It gives him just enough time and space, but it it just impressive all of it. Just to hop between the necks, strings, melody alone… If i tried this i would probably just shit my pants from frustration😅👊 Cool vid👌
that guitar is an absolute anally fucking beast. I've seen people say michaelangelo has done that and more but i doubt he could ever reach vai's level with his just sheer wankiness. That being said, love both the guitarists.
This reminds me of a story I heard about Neil Peart once, when someone bet him that he couldn't hit every piece of his kit live, and he ends up doing it.
Mike, you're right about it being MIDI - you can see a fishman MIDI pickup wedged between the bridge pickup and the floyd rose of the 7 string. Interestingly enough, it's a 6 string, not 7 string, midi pickup that is only covering his top 6 strings.
Due to rising fuel prices, Steve has found a way to not have to hire as many people
Learn about innovation first.
Just eat this free service.. He spend hours even days or years to think about this stuff..
quick note - the intro teaser to the video cost vai $90000 for 90 seconds! That's $1000 PER SECOND!!!! Nutz!!!!
@@kacka966 ye the guy is a legend in the absolute most literal sense maybe the greatest technique in a guitar player ever
Spare a thought for the roadie
That guitar looks like something you’d see in a Mad Max movie,pretty badass 😳
It was actually inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road. Vai saw the crazy guitar in the movie and decided to try and make something just as crazy.
@@bakarenibsheut12 just brilliant 😆
This guitar gets a plus sign from David Fields!
@@Biozene actually 3,one for each guitar lol
Geeks and gamers, critical Drinker, itsagundam subscribers, nice to see
When I first saw the "guitar" I thought it was cool, but gimmicky. Steve being Steve, turned a gimmick into something special. So damn impressive. I can't play on one regular 6-string neck to save my life and Steve plays on this thing so effortlessly. Truly a master of his craft.
He screwed up his wrist last year and then made a song with just one hand and it also sounded incredible. Steve Vai is just incredible. I think it was called knapsack.
@@draetonalimoffatt8780 He had surgery on his right shoulder & his left thumb before Knapsack was written
@@TheNightOwl11683 thanks for clearing that up I was fuzzy on the details.
Steve’s so good at guitar he just has to invent some difficult unnecessary shit to master just to not be bored.
Also RIP Steve's back lol.
I am an old grouch and don’t get impressed by much anymore. I haven’t been blown away by a performance like this one in a long time. This video was just awesome. Vai is just something else
Ibanez: How weird do you want this guitar
Steve: Yes
Oh, no problem Mike, its okay to interrupt the Doors😂
I'm here to hear Mike talking about Steve Vai's knob.
Honestly, Steve never ceases to amaze me with his playing. Like, no matter what he does is so damn impressive and I fucking love it
I usually see this type of thing as putting the gimmick before the composition, but Vai is a master of performance art and I gotta love him for that. And it sure is amazing!
This is something that I always wanted.
But I just wanted a guitar and bass in one instrument.
So this is even more than I could've even imagined.
Look up a rickenbacker 4080
What i love from Mr.Vai is He always push himself to break the limit, he always try to be different from other guys....He has Frank Zappa's spirit 😎🤘
I have nothing to say just boosting the algorithm
Going to see Vai in November for the first time. No doubt it’s going to be an amazing show. Best believe he’s bringing that bad boy.
Steve and his band always put on a good show, you won't be disappointed
Love it so fucking much myself and I'm happy you do too, Mike! Joint shifting in 2020, an injured steve vai with a completely Legato driven track in 2021 and, now, this monster in 2022. He's 61 years old and just doesn't seem to stop! My fav artist as well, totally with ya on that one.
He's planning on releasing an acoustic and vocals only album next year and God only knows what he's gonna do on that one to push himself, extremely pumped for that one! Another album with an orchestra coming, 2 sequels to the Real Illusions and some other stuff that I'm forgetting that he has planned for the future, what a beast! Hope he comes to India and I get a chance to see him live, finally...
Finally, an instrument that you can properly play “smoke on the water” on
Before i knew this channel i never knew steve vai, thank you mike for introducing us for steve
The second I found out Vai was gonna play Dublin here in Ireland, I HAD to get a ticket! Ive NEVER seen Vai live before and I cant wait to see him play the Hydra Guitar live!!!! Its gonna be SICK!!! ;)
The fact that he released this on april 1st makes this even better
@@theedgera2877 I'm talking about the original from Steve.
I thought the three necked heart guitar was crazy but he's out done that. saw him play Fever Dream on it live in 2000, it was amazing. I hope he tours Australia again, it's been 9 years since I saw him live and he played the Ultra Zone guitar on that tour, super cool. how many times have you seen Vai live Mike?
a lot of people say steve vai is overrated but they dont look at how god damn talented and legendary he is
That guitar looks fucking awesome
It's spectacular. My only issue is that the bass has no headstock. Guitars without them look fucking ugly, and on a guitar like this, there's every reason to have a crazy headstock.
I'm guessing it doesn't have a headstock so you can put it on the floor like he leaves it at the end
I personally disagree
@@danielcoldwell9137 I thought it was to either reduce weight or to better balance the guitar.
I thought it was an artistic choice, because you know in the greek mythology when you cut off a hydra's head it grows two new heads
@@milanmilacic9311 Perhaps. Still ugly, lol. Still looks tremendous over all tho, don't get me wrong!
I can see you are the guitarist that is so into the guitar and its role in music that it's impossible for you to comprehend the guitar and its role in art. Of course, the guitarists you make known your distaste for aren't anywhere near the skilled technicians of guitarists you fall to your knees and lick the ball sweat of on your vids, but you fall directly into the category of guitar player and not the coveted category of artist. To make an impact not just on the instrument you play or it's tone but to the impact you make with what you present to the masses. Vai with all his 40+ years of killer chops, triple neck machines and masterful tone never will come close to the impact Cobain with his 3 years, 3 little albums, sloppy chops and overall insouciance to technique and tone made on the world. Prove me wrong, my friend. Keep doing what you do.
I legitimately made some of these same points at the end when I showed this to my brother. I've never really been into Steve Vai. I think this might've even been the first thing I have heard from him, but I was like "yeah, that makes sense"
I always considered "Die to Live" his best composition. The way he handles both the rhythm and lead guitars at the same time is really cool. This is that idea taken to a whole new level.
Leaving a comment to help Mike "massage his algorithm."
This song is badass! Steve's new album is killer!
The only thing I love more than listening to Steve Vai is watching him perform.
Best analysis yet. Just things like picking up on open string notes, etc. excellent. Thanks for posting
Steve Vai is 61! What other music artist at that age continues to blow the minds of music fans and guitarist? Who else is raising the bar like that?
Great video. Just wish there was a complete play through or longer chunks. Your explanations are so detailed while sharing examples of music theory/knowledge and experience.
I try to be in compliance with fair use and it's spirit. I make every effort to use as little of the work as possible. If you want to watch/listen to a long form version please watch the video on the artist's channel 🤘 I appreciate the good vibes.
Reminds me of Pat Metheny's Pikasso guitar, which is a similar concept but with a crazy looking acoustic guitar.
Was looking forward to your reaction. I too as only relatively impressed by the song sonically, only to be completely blown away seeing him actually play it.
Yes, I thought this was a gimmick at first but after seeing Steves composition; it blew my mind… very impressive.
I don't know any musicians these days so it's fun to hear thoughts from someone like you on this, and see how this performance gives us all such amazement
Thanks for reminding me to order a ticket to see Steve Vai live in 2 months. :) Only saw him once so far 2012 on the G3 tour with Satriani and Steve Morse, so it's really time for a proper Steve Vai experience inlcuding this new monster of his.
chugg chugg chugg! love the channel
"What are you playing tonight, Steve?"
"EVERYTHING!"
I like it, I also like Luca Stricagnoli's 3 neck acoustic guitar but I think he only does cover songs.
Yes pop off Mike! Pop it like Cardi 💅
Steve Vai is both a mad scientist and a wizard.
Some people go god mode
Steve Vai goes Steve Vai
I have been a fan since "For the love of God ". This is a level beyond other levels and he is at an advanced age .....G O D....Damn!
Just wanted to ask, what about, Break on Through, Light My Fire, Roadhouse Blues (New Stereo Mix), and Riders on the Storm?
It's like thinking like an engineer with multiple tracks and yet play all the instruments simultaneously! With one brain and only two hands!
Everything about Steve is so effortless and cool. He is THE GOAT. 😎🤘
i love ho you crack yourself up and then perfectly cut the laugh 😂 gets e everytime
Well, time to buy his new album.
I had to resubscribe to your channel...wtf?!
I'm so sorry I missed so many videos.
Viele Grüße (greetings) from Deutschland :)
I have been waiting for this video.
I’ve always loved Vai’s sound, feel, and the essence he seeps into anything he does. So much atmosphere. I love it. I love dorian scaled fantasy jazz metal. That’s what it sounds like. Erotic.
Steve´s the kind of guy who makes me wanna practice my guitar and set it on fire at the same time. This is some fucking insane
Maybe I have the same thoughts you have. It's amazing what he done in this song, all the things he had to think about, it's just like he splited his brain in 4 to think about every instrument in the song.
Haven't watched a video of yours in a while, the lighting looks great! Hope all is well Mike. Also thanks for getting me to listen to prog, it's not my favourite genre but when I do listen to it I enjoy it thoroughly.
Personally Jason Richardson is my favorite guitarist because He takes guitar Half seriously and half for fun, Like his song “Hos Down” how in the middle of the metal song he puts on a clean tone and starts shredding country/banjo style
I think Once you learn to take guitar Half Seriously and Half for fun, that’s when you can count yourself as a musician, That’s what makes Steve Vai so good for me, He does stuff like this, Absolutely shredding on a Monstrosity, and doing all these tricks. I very highly Respect Steve Vai
A legend for a reason. What a beast!
I can't imagine how heavy that thing is
There's a reason Frank took him in, he understood his appreciation for the sound of music and for how its formula could be toyed and tinkered with.
He's my favorite guitarist for his technical, eccentric, wise, multicultural inspired unique sound which can leave you enlightened or in tears, excited or feeling "what the fuck".
His sound is his and can only be delivered by one Stevie Vai.
Plus you get those Frankisms and the sense of silliness Vai naturally posseses, that frankly Satriani or Yngwie and several musicians never get.
Same thing happened to me, I remember listening to this song when the album came out and I was like "meh, sounds ok" and theeeeeeeen he dropped the video and showed this is a 1-man band song and all that management he had to do to make it sound cool, and totally changed my appreciation towards that song and I think it's fucking great.
"So he starts being Steve Vai on the seven string"... great line. :)
Love your take on this...I love what he is doing here, and at the same time, it's a bit over the top. I am glad he is capable of doing this and has done it, yet....I kind of want to see it take 5 people to pull off. Again....im still very OK with what he has done here.
There is no wasted space, Steve saw an empty space on the body and said "put a harp here because it can be" imagine the beast of a case this thing is stored in
Im really liking the barrage of content... keep it up. Thanks! 👊🎸🕺
I think Steve would definitely win that Head-cuttin' duel now.
I got notified for this video!!
Is it one of the most technical displays of skill, talent and mastery you'll ever see... yes.
Did I feel anything and will I ever watch it again...
Eh.
Maybe now he'll make the top 10 guitar players of all time? Steve's style of music isn't always my flavour, but he's just so damn talented, skilled and likeable you can't not love the guy. Sad that he's getting older, hope he's around for many years to come.
I swear… you prog guys
ok, what the fuck
You guy's do know that this is a music video not a live performance, right?
That chuggin really works. Saw your vid on the MGK sh*t show, got a new bell ringer here
That Sitar part was sick.
You are correct , it's MIDI equipped .👍
Steve and Michael Angelo Batio need to collaborate together after seeing both of them with their monstrous guitars they built
To be honest, I'm not shocked that Vai could play like this. Hell few decades ago he was playing his triple Heart Shaped guitar in DLR so this just seems natural for him :)
Steve is on a mission to become THE guitar player. Like, this song is gonna make all of us collectively quit.
His fu man chu gets me every time. Make Vai Clean Shaven Again.
To reinvent himself at this age is truly impressive. Most people just do the same shit they've been doing for years when they turn 50.
Mike I would love to see you do this for a video. It’ll be fun to watch 😂
You should check out Jeff Healey, a blind guitarist from Canada who played the guitar flat on his lap while his left hand moved like a spider on the fretboard
Clever choice of tempo too. It gives him just enough time and space, but it it just impressive all of it. Just to hop between the necks, strings, melody alone… If i tried this i would probably just shit my pants from frustration😅👊 Cool vid👌
Steve Vai is the man. Could you do 5 favorite Gojira songs?
Bet you Ibanez will be releasing signature models probably next year
Looks like the shit KG plays in the master exploder dream sequence.
Steve Vai is awesome. That guitar it ridiculous
Need MGK to 'just jam this and see what happens'
Yup! It's fucking great! Gotta love Steve Vai! He's nuts but he's amazing!
Goodness gracious I'm gonna erupt.
this something an oath of glory paladin/collage of glamour bard mulitieclass would play
that guitar is an absolute anally fucking beast. I've seen people say michaelangelo has done that and more but i doubt he could ever reach vai's level with his just sheer wankiness.
That being said, love both the guitarists.
I’m going to see him in the fall…I can’t wait to see him hopefully use that thing….lol
You should definitely do a video on some of Jon Gomm’s work, unbelievable musician.
Ewan Dobson as well.
This reminds me of a story I heard about Neil Peart once, when someone bet him that he couldn't hit every piece of his kit live, and he ends up doing it.
Mike, you're right about it being MIDI - you can see a fishman MIDI pickup wedged between the bridge pickup and the floyd rose of the 7 string. Interestingly enough, it's a 6 string, not 7 string, midi pickup that is only covering his top 6 strings.
I completely missed that lol! Good catch!
This seems like something that Rob Scallon would make
Dude that was insane haha
All hail master Steve, overlord of Bees 🐝
I want a whole-ass Doug Demuro video on that guitar. I want to know every single quirk and feature!