Playing Guitar Like Steve Vai: His Guitars, Style and Techniques

Steve Vai is regarded as a guitar virtuoso who has left his mark on rock music with his unique sound. Are you a beginner guitarist who wants to know more about how to get closer to his tone? Then read on!

Which guitar should I choose?

The guitars of Steve Vai are among the most iconic models in the world. In the 1980s, he designed the Ibanez Jem: a guitar that fully meets his own high standards. These models are still praised for their craftsmanship and versatility. In 1990, the Universe was born: a seven-string version of his Jem, without the ‘Monkey-Grip’ handle. The ‘Tree of Life’ inlay on the fretboard and the ‘Lion’s Claw’ by the tremolo bridge are also typical design elements. His most recognisable model is without a doubt the Jem 7WH.

Can it be cheaper?

The Jem and Universe models now come in many variants and price ranges. With one of these shred machines, you’re already a long way in the right direction. If you don’t have the budget for these top-tier models, there are fortunately alternatives. For example, the Ibanez RG series offers various more affordable guitars in similar styles. If you’re happy with how your current guitar plays but not with the tone, then replacing the pickups can also be a good option to get more out of your instrument. Vai is an avid user of the DiMarzio Evolution and Blaze.

Which guitar techniques are important?

Vai is a true master of technique and theory. Every note he plays, he chooses for a specific reason. For beginner musicians, it can feel like an insurmountable wall to reach that level. The key is to expand your skills step by step and have fun playing. There are a number of techniques you can use to get closer to Steve Vai’s sound. For instance, he’s known for his legato playing. This means making notes flow into each other as smoothly as possible. In tablature, this is often indicated with a slur. You can achieve this by practising the hammer-on and pull-off techniques.

Another technique Vai makes eager use of is tapping. This is a kind of variation on hammer-ons and pull-offs, because you use your right hand to fret (tap) a note on the fingerboard. This makes it possible to play fast legato licks with a wide note range. It also allows you to grab an extra high note in an arpeggio. It’s a relatively simple technique with an exceptionally big effect, so it’s definitely worth putting practice time into.

Guitar tip: Use delay~ay~ay

Steve Vai uses lots of guitar effects; from modulation right through to wah. However, one of the most important pedals for recreating Vai’s sound is probably delay. He uses two delays set to different delay times: one short and one a bit longer. By sending both signals to two different amps, you get an incredibly rich, wide and playful tone. A cheaper and simpler way to get this effect is to use a stereo delay. You won’t have different delay times, but you can enjoy a panning stereo sound. That way, you can easily fill the whole room with your music.

Are you also a diehard Steve Vai fan, or do you have another guitar hero? Let us know below!