Steve Vai: Steven Siro Vai (/va

Steve Vai
Steven Siro Vai (/vaɪ/; born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist,

composer, singer, songwriter, and producer. A three-time Grammy
Steve Vai
Award winner and fifteen-time nominee,[1] Vai started his music
career in 1978 at the age of eighteen as a transcriptionist for Frank
Zappa,[2] and played in Zappa's band from 1980 to 1983.[1] He
embarked on a solo career in 1983 and has released eight solo albums
to date.[3] He has recorded and toured with Alcatrazz, David Lee
Roth, and Whitesnake, as well as recording with artists such as Public
Image Ltd, Mary J. Blige, Spinal Tap, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Additionally, Vai has toured with live-only acts G3, Zappa Plays
Zappa, and the Experience Hendrix tour, as well as headlining
international tours.[4]
Vai has been described as a "highly individualistic player" and part of

a generation of "heavy rock and metal virtuosi who came to the fore
in the 1980s".[5] He released his first solo album Flex-Able in 1984,
while his most successful release, Passion and Warfare (1990), was
described as "the richest and best hard rock guitar-virtuoso album of
the '80s".[6] He was voted the "10th Greatest Guitarist" by Guitar
World magazine,[7] and has sold over 15 million records.[1][8] Vai in 2015
Background information
Birth name Steven Siro Vai
Contents Born June 6, 1960
Biography Carle Place,
Early life New York, U.S.
Early music career (1978–1986) Genres Instrumental
With David Lee Roth (1985–1989) rock · hard rock ·
1990s heavy metal ·
2000s glam metal ·
2010–present progressive rock
· progressive
Media appearances
Video games metal ·
experimental
Films
rock
Style and influence
Instruments Guitar, vocals
Notable contributions
Years active 1978–present
Work with Frank Zappa
JEM, PIA and Universe guitars Labels Favored Nations
Alien Guitar Secrets masterclasses · Relativity · Epic
Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer Associated acts Joe Satriani ·
DiMarzio pickups Eric Johnson ·
Carvin Legacy amplifier Paul Gilbert ·
Touring Frank Zappa ·
Alcatrazz · David
Equipment
Guitar rig and signal flow Lee Roth · Public
Image Ltd ·
Personal life Whitesnake ·
Band history Meat Loaf ·
Discography Zappa Plays
Zappa · Devin
Grammy awards
Townsend · Billy
See also
Sheehan · G3 ·
References 2Cellos
External links Website vai.com (http://v
ai.com)
Biography
Early life
Steve Vai, a descendant of Italian immigrants, was born in Carle Place, New York on June 6, 1960. He is the
fourth son of John and Theresa Vai.[9] He described his first experiences with music as, "at the age of five I
walked up to [a] piano, hit a note, and noticed that to the right the notes go higher and to the left the notes go
lower. In that very moment, I had a full-on epiphany. I was flooded with the instinctual realization of how
music was created and how it worked from a theoretical standpoint—the whole language of music was very
obvious. I also understood immediately, instinctually, and unequivocally something that has only deepened
through the years that the creation of music is an infinite personal expression. I realized that I could do this, I
could make music, and it could be whatever I want."[10][11][12]
It was a year later, at the age of six, that Vai experienced his first introduction to the guitar, remembering that,
"I saw this nine-year-old boy playing the guitar in my grade school auditorium, and that was another epiphany
that I had. It was my first recognition of the instrument. When I saw that guitar and I saw this kid playing it, I
knew instinctually that I was going to play the guitar someday, and that it would be my instrument. Don't ask
me how I knew, I just knew. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen."[10][12]
As a young child, Vai was influenced by the music his parents had listened to. One album in particular that he
cites as his "musical awakening" was the original motion picture soundtrack to the 1961 film West Side
Story.[13] At age eleven, Vai was introduced to the contemporary rock and progressive music of the era, and
after hearing the guitar solo to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" at age twelve, decided to begin playing the
guitar.
In 1973, Vai began to take guitar lessons from fellow New York native Joe Satriani, and played in local bands
(The Ohio Express, Circus, and Rayge) throughout his high school years.[14] Vai cites artists such as Jimmy
Page, Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, as well as jazz fusion guitarists Allan
Holdsworth and Al Di Meola as some of his major influences in that time period.[15] In 1978, to further pursue
his interest in music composition and theory, Vai attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
While at Berklee, Vai began working for Frank Zappa as a transcriptionist, and in the middle of his fourth
semester, moved to California to start his career as a session and touring artist for Zappa.[16] Also while at
Berklee, Vai met his future spouse Pia Maiocco, with whom he has been together since; they have two
children.[17] In 2003, Vai was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee. [18]
Early music career (1978–1986)
In 1978, Vai sent both a notated transcription of Frank Zappa's "The

Black Page", and a recording of his college band, Morning Thunder,
to Zappa.[19][20] Impressed by this, Zappa responded by putting Vai
on salary as a transcriptionist to transcribe his work, which included
pieces from the Joe's Garage and Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar
albums.[21] After leaving Berklee College of Music and moving to
California, Vai auditioned[22] for and became a full-time member of
Zappa's band, going on his first tour with Zappa in late 1980.[19] Steve Vai (on guitar in between the
Zappa often referred to Vai as his "little Italian virtuoso",[23] and Vai drums and keyboard, to the right),
is frequently listed in the liner notes of Zappa's albums as having Frank Zappa and band during a
performed "stunt" or "impossible" guitar parts.[24] concert at the Memorial Auditorium
in Buffalo, New York (October 25,
Vai was a featured artist on the 1993 release Zappa's Universe, and in 1980)
2006, Vai appeared as a special guest on Dweezil Zappa's Zappa
Plays Zappa tour; both projects won Vai a Grammy Award.[25]
After moving on from Zappa's employ in 1983, Vai bought a house in Sylmar, Los Angeles, where he built his
first professional studio.[26] During this period, Vai formed two bands (The Classified and 777)[27] as well as
writing and recording a large amount of music that was not originally intended for release. Out of this material,
Vai compiled his first studio album Flex-Able. He created his own record label, Akashic Records (later Light
Without Heat Records), which he used to take Flex-Able directly to distribution channels.[28] Flex-Able was
released in January 1984.
Vai began his rise to public acclaim in 1983 when, shortly before the release of Flex-Able, his composition
"The Attitude Song" was published in Guitar Player magazine.[24] The song centered itself on a main guitar
riff in the time signature 7/16, played over a rhythm section centered in 4/4. Each following section of the song
showcased a number of specialized techniques (such as two-handed tapping, whammy bar acrobatics, sweep
picking, alternate picking, multi-part harmonies, and odd phrasing) used in angular and exaggerated ways that
were unique to the song at the time.[24] Interest from the public eye grew more so when Vai's song "Blue
Powder" (a demonstration for the Carvin X100b amplifier) was published in Guitar Player as well, which
showed the virtuoso side of Vai's compositional process. Also in 1986, Vai was cast in the blockbuster film
Crossroads as the Devil's guitar player "Jack Butler". In the famous "duel scene" between Vai and Ralph
Macchio's character, Vai wrote and performed all guitar parts with the exception of the slide guitar, which was
performed by Ry Cooder.[29]
In between solo work, Vai replaced Yngwie Malmsteen in June 1984 as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz, with
whom he recorded the album Disturbing the Peace. Vai left shortly after the subsequent tour to join David Lee
Roth's band.
With David Lee Roth (1985–1989)
In 1985, Vai joined David Lee Roth's post-Van Halen band as lead guitarist, together with former Talas Bassist
Billy Sheehan on bass; and former Maynard Ferguson drummer Gregg Bissonette on drums. The foursome's
debut album Eat 'Em and Smile, released on July 7, 1986, was both a critical and commercial success,
reaching number four on the Billboard 200 albums chart and selling over two million copies. Guitar World
magazine editor Brad Tolinski commented on Vai's playing at the time, saying that "Steve Vai's guitar wizardry
is so profound that in earlier times he would have been burned as a witch."[30] Retrospectively, Eat 'Em and
Smile is frequently evaluated as one of the greatest rock albums of the 1980s.[31] The group's Eat 'Em and
Smile Tour began in August 1986 and continued through February 1987.
Roth's subsequent album Skyscraper, released in 1988, was produced by both Roth and Vai.[32] Like its
predecessor, the album was a commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 chart. In 1989,
following the successful Skyscraper Tour, Vai departed from the band.[33] He was replaced by Cacophony
guitarist Jason Becker.
In 1985, after having joined Roth's band, Vai designed the JEM guitar, a unique instrument that incorporated a
series of groundbreaking designs that have since become staples in feature throughout the guitar industry. Vai
began working with Ibanez in 1986 to develop the guitar, and the first production Ibanez JEM 777 guitars
were released in 1987.
1990s
From 1985-90, Vai recorded Passion and Warfare at his home studio, his
second studio solo album.[34][35] After leaving Roth's band in 1989, Vai
bought out of his Capitol Records contract and signed on with Relativity
Records for the release of Passion and Warfare, which was completed
shortly after he began recording the guitar parts for Whitesnake's Slip of the
Tongue album, where he replaced the injured Adrian Vandenberg.[35]
Upon its release in November 1989, Slip of the Tongue sold over three
million copies worldwide, reaching number 10 on the Billboard 200 while
Vai joined the band on their thirteen-month world tour.[35][36][37]
In May 1990, Vai released Passion and Warfare through Relativity

Records,[35][38] and following its release, the album had reached number 18
in the Billboard 200, selling over a million and a half copies
worldwide.[35][39][40] Passion and Warfare won Vai a number of awards
Vai playing a twin-necked
such as Guitar World and Guitar Player's "Best Album" and "Best Rock Ibanez, c. 1990s
Guitarist" awards.[41] Passion and Warfare has been cited as one of the most
pertinent instrumental albums released.[42][43]
1990 also saw the release of the Ibanez Universe seven-string guitar co-designed by Vai in conjunction with
Ibanez. Vai left Whitesnake in 1990 to pursue his own musical avenues, and formed a band that included
Devin Townsend on vocals, T. M. Stevens on bass, and Terry Bozzio on drums.[40] The group released Sex &
Religion on July 23, 1993, that was described as visceral in nature, combining a compositional and progressive
metal rhythm section with Devin Townsend's vocal arrangements.[44] After the following tour in support of
the album, the group disbanded.[40][44] Vai began working with Ozzy Osbourne in 1994, with whom he wrote
and recorded the Ozzmosis album. Due to conflicts, the album was re-written and recorded with Zakk Wylde
on guitar.[45] In 1994, Vai won a Grammy award for his performance of "Sofa", from Zappa's Universe.[46]
While recording his fourth studio album Fire Garden, Vai took time to record and release the stripped down
EP Alien Love Secrets.[47] A departure from the often highly compositional and heavily produced style of his
previous projects, the seven-track EP was recorded in four weeks and released through Relativity/Epic
Records on March 21, 1995.[40][48] Vai cites this record as one of his favorites, saying "The recording and
release of Alien Love Secrets marked another turning point in my personal evolution. I was more concerned
with making the record that I wanted to make, and not worry about what some others thought I should be
doing."[47]
On September 17, 1996, Vai released Fire Garden, 19-track double album, through Epic,[49] with the first half
being primarily instrumental while the second half featured Vai on vocals.[40] After the release of Fire Garden,
Vai joined his former teacher Joe Satriani, along with guitarist Eric Johnson, for the second installment of the
ongoing G3 concert tours. On each G3 tour, three guitar-centric headlining acts are chosen to perform their
own sets, and then collectively jam to fan favorite songs at the end of the show.[50] G3: Live in Concert, a
video of the 1996 tour was filmed in Columbus, Ohio and released on June 3, 1997.[51]
In 1998, Vai independently released a performance footage DVD of Alien Love Secrets.[52] Also in 1998, Vai
started the Make a Noise Foundation with his then-manager Ruta Sepetys. The goal of the foundation was to
provide funding for musical education to those otherwise unable to attain it. Today, Vai often auctions items in
his possession with proceeds going to the foundation.[53]
2000s
In December 2001, Vai recorded two performances at The Astoria in

London, with his band The Breed (composed of former David Lee Roth
bandmate Billy Sheehan, guitarist/pianist Tony MacAlpine, guitarist
Dave Weiner, and drummer Virgil Donati). This live show was released
independently in DVD format as Steve Vai: Live at the Astoria, London
in 2003, and was Vai's first of many successful live concert DVD
projects.[54] In 2004, Vai released twelve tracks from the DVD in an
online only release.[55]
2001 saw the limited release of The Secret Jewel Box, a conceptual ten-
CD box set containing unique material from various eras of Vai's career. Vai performing in 2001
Four compilation albums (The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1; Mystery
Tracks – Archives Vol. 3; Various Artists – Archives Vol. 4; and Vai:
Piano Reductions, Vol. 1) included as part of the box set, were released to the public both in 2001 and the
years following.[56] Also in 2001, Vai's record label Favored Nations released No Substitutions: Live in
Osaka. The release, which Vai himself produced and engineered, won him his second Grammy award for Best
Pop Instrumental Album in February 2002.[57]
While most widely recognized for his stature as a rock guitar player, Vai is also a musical composer fluent in
the composition and arranging of orchestral music. In May 2004, Vai premiered "The Aching Hunger", a
project commissioned by the Netherlands Programme Service and performed with the Netherlands' Metropole
Orchestra. "The Aching Hunger" performances consisted of two parts: the first showcasing Vai's original
contemporary orchestral compositions, and the second consisting of Vai (on guitar) playing newly arranged
material from his catalog with the orchestra.[58] This project yielded both the Visual Sound Theories DVD and
the Sound Theories Vol. I & II album, which were recorded in 2005 during multiple "Aching Hunger"
performances and released in June 2007.[59] While "The Aching Hunger" and its following releases started
Vai's public career as an orchestral composer, Vai had been composing since he began a music theory class
(taught by Bill Westcott) in high school. In speaking of Westcott, Vai says "He taught me how to write,
compose and appreciate music. There was no greater musical influence in my life."[60]
In 2005, Vai released Real Illusions: Reflections, the first installment in an ongoing three-part trilogy concept
album. Each of the three installments to the series contain material (songs, lyrics, and both spoken and written
narration) with particular relationships to the storyline, purposefully left out of order. Upon the release of the
third installment, Vai intends to complete a fourth album of material, which will then be released with the
previous three installments and completed storyline in order.[61][62] In speaking of the storyline, Vai says "It's a
human interest story, about the human condition. ... It's a story about this man who has a traumatic experience
in his life, and it drives him insane. We see the story through his eyes. It also involves the town he lives in and
this stranger that enters the town who's like a shaman; he builds this giant edifice, like a reflecting pond, and
when people come to it they see aspects of their personalities and identities and discover things about
themselves. There's some comedy involved, too, but it's pretty esoteric. It's about a lot of lofty principles, so it's
not a bad idea to dish this all out slowly."[63] The installments to the series will be released over periods of
time, with the second, The Story of Light, having been released in 2012.[64]
In 2006, Vai joined the Zappa Plays Zappa tour as a special guest, alongside additional Zappa band alumni
Terry Bozzio and Napoleon Murphy Brock. In 2008, for his performance of "Peaches en Regalia" from the
Zappa Plays Zappa tour, Vai won his third Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.[57]
Having always enjoyed the aspect of teaching and sharing his experiences in life and in the music business,
Vai began a series of "Alien Guitar Secrets" masterclasses in 2006- a touring masterclass in which Vai holds
open forum discussion about his own experiences in the music industry, explains the key principles to
understanding success, plays to backing tracks (often inviting class attendees to jam with him), answers
questions, articulates key points of guitar technique, and more importantly goes beyond the technique and into
the more profound esoteric principles at play (see Notable contributions for more on this).
In support of Sound Theories Vol. I & II and Visual Sound Theories, Vai put together a new band for a five-
month world tour of the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia.[65] While evaluating unique
options for the band (which included ideas for a horn section or percussion section), Vai began auditioning
violin players to complement the new lineup. This new band, known as the String Theories band, featured
previous The Breed members Jeremy Colson (drums) and Dave Weiner (guitar and sitar), along with new
members Bryan Beller (bass), Alex DePue (violin), and Ann Marie Calhoun (violin). During a month of
twelve- to fifteen-hour a day rehearsals, Vai and the band perfected the performance (which consisted of pieces
from Vai's catalog, arranged by Vai to include the two violins).[66] The tour began in June 2007 and ended in
December the same year.
Midway through the String Theories tour in 2007, Vai recorded a performance at the State Theatre in
Minneapolis, which yielded the acclaimed 2009 live concert DVD and Blu-ray release of Where the Wild
Things Are. Certified gold in the United States and Canada, Where the Wild Things Are showcased the diverse
musical range of the String Theories band, with pieces such as the visceral Grammy-nominated "Now We
Run", to the dynamic ballad "Angel Food".[67][68]
2007 also marked the 20th anniversary of the production of the Ibanez JEM guitar, a milestone which was
commemorated with the 20th anniversary JEM model. Made of an acrylic body with three-dimensional "swirl
painted" interior, this guitar can be seen in the beginning of the Where the Wild Things Are DVD. In 2008, Vai
announced the release of his signature Ibanez Jemini distortion pedal, a twin distortion pedal with both a
custom overdrive and lead distortion section.[69]
2010–present
2010 marked the twentieth anniversary of the production of the Ibanez Universe guitar, which was
commemorated with a twentieth anniversary Universe model. A reissue of the early 1990s Universe 77 MC
(multi-color swirl), the model included a new five-piece maple/bubinga Universe neck and original swirl-paint
job by Darren Johansen (the painter of the original Universe 77 MC guitars).[70]
In February 2010, Vai announced the introduction of "VaiTunes", a platform used to release digital-only
singles via iTunes and other digital media outlets.[71] In April, Vai performed with Mary J. Blige, Orianthi,
Randy Jackson, and Travis Barker for a rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic "Stairway to Heaven", on the hit
television show American Idol.[72]
October 2010 saw more movement from Vai as a composer, with the premiere of two original symphonies at
the Steve Vai Festival in Groningen, the Netherlands, and performed by the North Netherlands Orchestra.[73]
Shortly after the festival, Vai embarked on the Experience Hendrix tour (along with Eric Johnson, Kenny
Wayne Shepherd, Susan Tedeschi, Billy Cox, Vernon Reid, Robert
Randolph, Jonny Lang, Brad Whitford, and others) for a nationwide tour of
the United States.[74]
In March 2011, Vai (in conjunction with the online education division of
Berklee College of Music) set a Guinness World Record for the world's
largest online guitar lesson.[75] The lesson was held as a promotion for
Berklee's online "Steve Vai Guitar Techniques" course, which Vai helped to
construct.[76] In April 2011, Vai (along with music and technology
entrepreneur Andy Alt) announced the launch of GuitarTV, an online
streaming website dedicated to bringing free guitar-related content to the
community of guitar players around the world.
Vai's eighth studio album, The Story of Light, was released in August 2012 as
the second installment in the Real Illusions concept album trilogy.[77] The Vai performing with Led
Story of Light tour, which began on the month of the album's release, spanned Zeppelin tribute band
254 engagements in 52 different countries, ending in September 2014. This Zepparella, May 2017
tour yielded the 2015 release of Vai's fourth live DVD project Stillness in
Motion, filmed in October 2012 during his Story of Light tour at the Club
Nokia in Los Angeles. Released on April 7, the double-disc set contained a copy of the Stillness in Motion
concert footage and a special bonus feature disc called The Space Between the Notes. The latter is a complete
chronological timeline of the Story of Light tour, with a video or picture representation of each show of all of
the 254 engagements attended.[78]
2014 saw the announcement of a new, intensive guitar camp called the "Vai Academy", which was an
evolution of the Alien Guitar Secrets masterclass. Each year the camp is held, Vai creates a syllabus with a
particular theme and invites special guests to help him teach it. During the day, Vai and the special guests (of
whom have included Guthrie Govan, Jeff Baxter, Vernon Reid, Eric Johnson, Sonny Landreth, and others)
hold classes in which they add their insight and perspective to the theme. Each evening, Vai and the special
guests jam with the campers. The themes have included 2014's Vai Academy- Song Evolution Camp, and
2015's Vai Academy: All About the Guitar.[79]
Vai has announced an upcoming 2016 release commemorating the 25th anniversary of Passion and Warfare.
This release will contain remastered songs from the album, as well as the inclusion of a new album of material
written from the time between the recording of Passion and Warfare and his first solo album Flex-Able. After
the release, Vai will hold a world tour in which he will play the entire Passion and Warfare album, along with
material from the new release. The tour would continue during the first half of 2017.[80]
In 2016, Vai played an uncredited guitar solo on the track "Go!," from the album "Junk" by French electronic
band M83. In April an May of the same year, Vai took part in the Generation Axe tour, alongside Tosin Abasi,
Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Zakk Wylde. Starting in June, Vai embarked on the Passion and
Warfare 25th Anniversary World Tour, where he played the album in its entirety for the first time.[81]
Vai is a featured artist on the track "Do You Feel Love" from Jacob Collier's 2019 album Djesse Vol. 2.
Media appearances
Video games
"Juice", from Alien Love Secrets, was featured on the 1996 video game Formula One for the PlayStation.
Vai's guitar work also appeared in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. David Lee Roth's
"Yankee Rose" was featured on Vice City's soundtrack, as well as "God Blessed Video" by Alcatrazz, as part
of the Lazlow-led, 1980s rock/metal radio station "V-Rock." In 2004, Vai was featured on the soundtrack to
the Xbox video game Halo 2, performing a heavy rock guitar rendition of the "Halo theme", known as "Halo
Theme (MJOLNIR Mix)". He also performed on the track "Never Surrender". He later featured in the second
volume of the soundtrack, where he performed on the track "Reclaimer". Vai returned to re-record his Halo
work for the Halo 2 Anniversary Original Soundtrack, which was released in 2014 and included as part of the
anniversary edition of Halo 2. In an interview shot during the development of Halo 2 Anniversary, Vai reveals
that his part in the “MJOLNIR Mix” was a last minute inclusion in the song.
In 2008, Vai's song "For the Love of God" and "Halo Theme (MJOLNIR Mix)" were featured as
downloadable tracks for the game Guitar Hero 3. A live version of "For the Love of God" was also available
on the Rock Band Network service, as well as the song "Get the Hell Out of Here" from his 2002 compilation
album The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1 on March 4, 2010. "The Attitude Song" and a live version of "The
Crying Machine" were both also added to the Rock Band Network. A re-recording of "Speeding" is featured
in the 2010 video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock for Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3.
Films
In 1986, Vai was cast in director Walter Hill's film Crossroads as the Devil's guitar player "Jack Butler." In the
"cutting heads" scene between Vai's Jack Butler and Ralph Macchio's Eugene "Lightning" Martone, Vai wrote
and performed all guitar parts with the exception of the slide guitar (which was performed by Ry Cooder).[82]
The main body of the final piece performed in the duel scene (the fast-paced neoclassical track "Eugene's
Trick Bag") was based heavily on Niccolò Paganini's Capriccio number 5. The Crossroads duel appeared on
the 2002 album The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1.[83]
In 1987, Vai performed "Amazing Grace" in the film Dudes. In 1991, Vai performed on the film Bill & Ted's
Bogus Journey, as well as on 1992's Encino Man, PCU (1994), and John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars (where
he played on the tracks "Ghosts of Mars" and "Ghost Poppin'").
In 2010, Vai's record label Favored Nations produced and released the award-winning original motion picture
Crazy. An independent film, Crazy was inspired by the life and music of the guitarist Hank Garland.[84]
Style and influence

At the age of thirteen, after having purchased his first guitar and begun taking his first lessons from fellow
New York native Joe Satriani, Vai became obsessed with the discipline of practice. Vai's practice routine,
consisting of a rigid and structured regimen of ten-to-fifteen hour-a-day practice schedules, became the basis of
his work ethic for the rest of his career.[85] During his employment by Frank Zappa, Vai transcribed and
played very rhythmically complex music, believing that if started slow and perfected, any piece of music could
be played.[86]
Vai's first solo album, Flex-able, began his career as a solo artist in 1984. During the period of time that the
album was recorded, Vai was heavily influenced by his previous tenure in Frank Zappa's band.[87] Originally
not intended for release, Flex-able expressed a certain creative "quirky" and "angular" freedom in the eclectic
nature of Vai's writing style.[88] Passion and Warfare, Vai's second solo album, expressed a more mature and
evolved "signature" style but retained a certain freedom of unfettered inspiration that would continue to
influence Vai's future releases.[80] In speaking of his inspiration, Vai has said that it comes to him in many
forms (even from the flowers pushed up against a fence outside of his studio, which he transcribed and used in
the ninth track "Weeping China Doll", from The Story of Light).[89] While expressing that he is not
continuously inspired, Vai uses a concept he calls "musical meditation" to enter a state of consciousness that he
calls "The Ultra Zone".[90] When inside this un-critical frame of mind, Vai is able to achieve inspiration in the
form of musical ideas (often in forms of melody or rhythm).[91] For these moments of inspiration, Vai created
what he calls the "Infinity Shelf", a drive of thousands of snippets of song ideas that he has collected over his
entire career.[71][92] These esoteric principles are taught by Vai during his Alien Guitar Secrets masterclasses,
among a host of other information.
Vai's playing style utilizes specialized guitar techniques (such as two-handed tapping, alternate picking, legato,
hybrid picking, sweep picking, whammy bar acrobatics, and circular vibrato) in his music, as well as a wide
range of recording techniques.[93][94]
Notable contributions
Work with Frank Zappa
As a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa, Vai transcribed some of Zappa's most rhythmically complex music,
using a range of conceptualizations for the notation of rhythmic music. Vai says "While transcribing the
material, I was often confronted with situations that led me to reach into the intuitional areas of my imagination
to come up with various notational devices and constructions that I had never seen before. I soon discovered
that many contemporary composers were then (and are still) using these notations". These concepts can be
seen throughout the "Frank Zappa Guitar Book", which were composed of Vai's guitar and drum
transcriptions from various Zappa albums. Vai toured with Zappa from 1980 to 1983, performing selections of
this technically demanding music with Zappa's band at the time.[95]
JEM, PIA and Universe guitars
Vai designed the Ibanez JEM guitar, a unique instrument that incorporated a series of groundbreaking designs
that have since become staples in feature throughout the guitar industry, in 1985. In speaking of the
development of the guitar, Vai says, "Stratocasters had whammy bars—which were fantastic—but they were
very limited, were always going out of tune, and had single-coil pickups. Les Pauls had humbuckers—which
gave you that real scream in the bridge position—but no whammy bar, and I didn't like the way they sat.
Neither guitar had twenty-four frets. So I went to a guitar shop in Hollywood, where I had these elements
implemented into a guitar (what would have been considered a Superstrat at the time). The guitar was
designed with a sharper body shape, a large cutaway around the neck, twenty-four frets, a fully floating
tremolo system, a specially wired five-way pickup selector switch, and an output jack angled on the side of the
body (so that when you step on the cable, it doesn't pull out of your guitar). I knew of course that these
features would eventually be taken and used in other guitars, so I did something completely preposterous: I
said, 'Put a handle in it!' That way, during videos and photoshoots I could swing the guitar around."[7]
Vai had several custom prototypes of these guitars built (which were used on the Eat 'Em and Smile tour) by
Joe "Jem" Despagni, a custom guitar luthier and friend of Vai's. Due to Vai's highly coveted position in Roth's
band, many guitar companies were eager to propose endorsement opportunities. In response to these offers,
Vai sent out the specifications of the JEM guitar, detailing that the company that returned the best guitar would
be given the endorsement. Dissatisfied with the guitars returned and unwilling to compromise, Vai held out on
a guitar endorsement until Ibanez approached him, sending him an instrument superior to that of the other
companies and willing to follow his instructions. After the pre-production prototypes were perfected, the first
production Ibanez JEM 777 guitars were unveiled at the NAMM Show in 1987. Since its original 1987
release, the JEM has become one of the longest-running and most successful signature series guitars in history,
with its sister guitar, the Ibanez RG, being the second highest-selling guitar (behind the Fender Stratocaster) on
the market.
Another design by Vai was the Ibanez Universe, the first production seven-string guitar, which was released in
1989. The Universe incorporated many of the aspects that made the JEM a unique instrument (2 octave
fretboard, full floating tremolo, humbucker/single coil/humbucker pickup configuration, angled output jack
and deeper body cutaways), with an added low 'B' string, allowing for new low-range sonic possibilities. Used
by Vai on much of Passion and Warfare and all of Whitesnake's Slip of the Tongue, the Universe was a large
stepping stone for the burgeoning Nu-metal genre (with bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, Fear Factory and
Meshuggah having adopted the instrument and incorporating it into their signature sound).
In 2020 the Ibanez PIA was introduced, featuring an alder body and a 5-piece maple / walnut neck with 24
frets, rosewood fretboard with floral inlays. This model differs from the JEM for its softer body curves and a
Petal Grip handle replacing the original Monkey Grip cutout. It also sports DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups in an
HSH configuration, gold hardware and a Prestige locking vibrato unit.[96]
Alien Guitar Secrets masterclasses
Having always enjoyed the aspect of teaching and sharing his experiences in life and in the music business,
Vai began a series of "Alien Guitar Secrets" masterclasses in 2006- a touring masterclass in which Vai holds
open forum discussion about his own experiences in the music industry, explains the key principles to
understanding success, plays to backing tracks (often inviting class attendees to jam with him), answers
questions, articulates key points of guitar technique, and more importantly goes beyond the technique and into
the more profound esoteric principles at play. Vai details certain concepts he has discovered that have helped
him in all areas of his life and career, both in playing guitar/ musically as well as spiritually. Vai accessibly
shares these concepts with masterclass participants using examples from his own experiences, delving into the
ongoing process of identifying the self-critical nature of one’s own thoughts. Vai explains the techniques and
exercises he uses to circumnavigate one’s own insecurities and thoughts of self-doubt, and encourages
masterclass participants to use these tools in their own lives. Often embarking on masterclass tours through
Europe, South America, and Russia, Vai considers this ongoing series of classes as one of his most important
contributions.[97][98]
Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer
Guitar effects manufacturer Eventide approached Vai in the mid-1980s to contribute unique ideas for their
H3000 effects unit. Vai suggested many specific concepts, such as diatonic pitch change and multi-voice
harmony, that were used in the unit and have since become standard algorithms in guitar effects processors.[99]
DiMarzio pickups
In 1993, Vai's signature series high-output "Evolution" humbucker pickup set was released by DiMarzio. The
Evolution pickups use DiMarzio's patented "Dual-Resonance" design.[100] The "EVO 2" humbucker, a lower
output model, was released in 2004.[101]
Carvin Legacy amplifier
In 1997, Vai had begun working with the Carvin Corporation to design a signature series of Legacy amplifiers,
which were used on his 1999 Epic Records release The Ultra Zone.[40][102] The original Legacy I model was
released in 1999, with the most recent Legacy III being released in 2012.[103]
Touring
In the 1990s, Vai began touring in European and Asian countries (such as Russia and China) as well as South
America, often having been the first American rock act in history to have performed in these areas. In 2014,
Vai performed on the Chinese television station BTV's Spring Festival Global Gala, a program broadcast to
over two billion viewers. With the broadcasting of this event on January 26, 2014, Vai became the first rock
artist ever broadcast on a Chinese television program.[104][105]
Equipment
Vai's personal studio, The Harmony Hut, is a large edifice located in his
backyard equipped with a full control room and performance room.[106] The
studio, built in 2011, is where Vai currently produces, records, and mixes his
new material. Vai has two main signature series Ibanez JEM six-string guitars
(dubbed "EVO"[107] and "FLO III"[108]) that he uses live and in the studio.
"EVO", a prototype Ibanez JEM 7VWH, was received in 1993 while
developing Vai's signature DiMarzio Evolution pickups (hence the name of
the guitar), and "FLO III" is a basswood Ibanez Los Angeles Custom Shop
JEM 7VWH equipped with a Fernandes Sustainer system and a DiMarzio
PAF Pro pickup in bridge position.[109][110]
His other favourite guitars include "BO",[111] a JEM77BRMR prototype,

also equipped with Fernandes Sustainer system and blue LED dot inlays, Vai's FLO guitar in 2014
which was stolen in 2015, but recovered after; the original "FLO"[112] guitar,
a transformed original 77FP JEM to 7VWH specifications, also equipped
with Fernandes Sustainer System and EVO 2 bridge pickup; and "Bruno" aka "For the Love of God"[113]
Ibanez Universe UV77MC seven-string guitar with burnt finish and mirror pickguard (this guitar was used in
the For the Love of God music video). Vai uses his signature Carvin Legacy amplifier, as well as Morley
Pedals, with whom he has his signature Bad Horsie and Bad Horsie II wah pedals, and Little Alligator volume
pedal.[114][115] Vai uses the Ibanez Jemini distortion pedal, a signature twin distortion pedal with separate
overdrive and distortion sections.[116]
Before his endorsement with Ibanez, Vai was endorsed by Charvel guitars, most notably using a green and
black San Dimas model. In addition, over the course of his career, Vai has used guitars made by various other
companies, including Jackson, Fender, and Gavtone.
Guitar rig and signal flow
Vai's 2016 live guitar rig utilizes his signature Carvin Legacy amplifier (now on its third version), the Fractal
Audio Axe-Fx II XL, and an MFC-101 foot controller.
Depending on the location and venue, Vai will use either his Legacy I or Legacy III heads, and Carvin Legacy
4x12 speaker cabinets loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Vai uses EL-34 tubes by Groove Tubes in
his Legacy amps.
Vai uses the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II XL as the only modulation effects unit in his guitar rig. Generally for live
use he utilizes the unit for stereo effects such as delay, chorus, and phase, with a separate preset for the
parameters of each different song in his setlist. The Axe-Fx MFC-101 foot controller is set up in conjunction
with the unit, allowing Vai to switch effects on and off in a fashion reminiscent to that of standard stompboxes.
Vai's pedalboard consists of a wah-wah pedal (either his Morley Bad Horsie signature pedal, or a Dunlop Cry
Baby 95q), an Ibanez Jemini twin distortion pedal, and DigiTech Whammy DT pitch shifting pedal. The
centerpiece of the pedalboard is the Axe-Fx MFC-101 foot controller for the Axe-Fx II XL, which, as
previously mentioned, controls the effects in a manner similar to switching on and off stompboxes. There are
two expression pedals used for the Axe-Fx, one to act as a volume pedal, and the other to control the
harmonizer built into the Axe-Fx unit.
The signal from the guitar (usually one of the main guitars "EVO" or "FLO III") goes into either the Morley
Bad Horsie or Dunlop 95q wah pedal. From there, it goes directly into the Ibanez Jemini twin distortion pedal,
and then to the Digitech Whammy DT. From the output of the Whammy, the signal heads into the input of the
Carvin Legacy amplifier head. Out of the effects loop of the Legacy, the signal heads directly into the Axe-Fx
II XL, where it is split into stereo and the effects are applied (and controlled via the MFC-101 foot controller).
Out of the output of the Axe-Fx, one signal is sent back to the original Legacy head return, and a second is
sent to a second Carvin Legacy head return, bypassing the preamp stage completely and acting as a slave
power amp. Vai utilizes his stereo setup on effects like delay, where he sets up two separate delay times (one
slower and one faster) and allows them to alternate back and forth. The signal is then sent from the amp to the
4x12 Carvin Legacy speaker cabinets loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Vai uses AKG microphones
to mic his amps, and uses a separate Carvin power amp to power a direct guitar monitor cabinet instead of
relying on the PA.[117]
In 1997, Vai began working with the Carvin Corporation to design a signature series of Legacy amplifiers,
which were used on his 1999 album The Ultra Zone.[40][102] The original Legacy I model was released in
1999, with the most recent Legacy III model being released in 2012.[103]
Detailed gear diagrams of both Vai's 1999[118] and 2007 guitar rigs[119] are well-documented.
Personal life
Since the late 1990s, Vai has resided in Encino, Los Angeles with his family.
Vai is married to Pia Maiocco, former bassist of the band Vixen (who can be
seen in the 1984 film Hardbodies), with whom he has two children, Julian
and Fire Vai.[120][121] Vai is also a vegetarian[122] and a beekeeper, regularly
tending to the beehives kept on his Encino property.[123]
Band history
Not including guest appearances.[124]
Early bands
The Ohio Express (1971–1972)

Circus (circa 1973 to 1976) Vai in 2007
Ravge (circa 1973 to 1976)
Bold As Love (1977)
Berklee bands
Axis (1978–1979)
Morning Thunder (1979)
Professional bands
Frank Zappa (1980–1982)

The Out Band (Circa 1983)
The Classified (1984)
777 (1984)
Alcatrazz (1984–1985)
David Lee Roth (1985–1989)
Whitesnake (1989–1991)
Solo band (1992–94)
Sex & Religion album
Vocals: Devin Townsend

Guitar: Steve Vai
Bass: TM Stevens
Drums: Terry Bozzio
"Sex & Religion" tour
Vocals, Guitar: Devin Townsend

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
Bass: Scott Thunes
Keys: Will Riley
Drums: Abe Laboriel, Jr., then Toss Panos
1995
Guitar: Steve Vai

Bass: Tony Pimental, then Scott Thunes
Keys: Will Riley
Drums: Chris Frazier
This band toured Russia twice, South America and the US (opening for Bon Jovi).
1996–99

Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally
Fretted & Fretless Bass, Vocals: Philip Bynoe
Drums: Mike Mangini
2000

Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally
Guitar: Dave Weiner
Drums: Mike Mangini
Keyboards (South American Tour): Eric Goldberg
Drums (South American Tour): Chris Frazier
2001–02 – "The Breed"

Bass, Vocals: Billy Sheehan
Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally, then Tony MacAlpine
Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Sitar: Dave Weiner
Drums: Virgil Donati
2003–05 – "The Breed"

Bass, Vocals: Billy Sheehan
Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Tony MacAlpine
Acoustic & Electronic Drums & Percussion: Jeremy Colson
2007 – "String Theories"

Fretted & Fretless Bass: Bryan Beller (Philip Bynoe on the South American leg)
Violin and Keys: Ann Marie Calhoun
Violin and Keys: Alex DePue
2012 – "The Story of Light Band"

Acoustic & Electric Harp: Deborah Henson-Conant
2013 – "The Story of Light Band, Australia, New Zealand and Asian Leg" [125]

Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Dave Weiner
Keyboards: Michael Arrom
2015 – "Stillness in Motion: Live DVD Band" [126]

Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Dave Weiner
Sitar: Fire Vai
Discography
Vai started his recording career in 1980 with Frank Zappa, and has since recorded with a plethora of artists and
bands. In 1983, Vai began his career as a solo artist with his release of Flex-Able, and solidified his place as a
virtuoso rock guitarist with his acclaimed 1990 release of Passion and Warfare. His discography consists of
nine studio albums, two EPs, two special albums, eight live albums, twelve soundtracks, twenty compilation
albums, and six DVD releases.
Studio albums:
Flex-Able (1984)
Passion and Warfare (1990)
Sex & Religion (1993)
Fire Garden (1996)
Flex-Able Leftovers (1998)
The Ultra Zone (1999)
Real Illusions: Reflections (2005)
The Story of Light (2012)
Modern Primitive (2016)
Grammy awards
These are the three wins from Vai's 15 solo or collaborative nominations:
1993: Steve Vai - Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Sofa" from Zappa's Universe
2002: Steve Vai et al - Best Pop Instrumental Album for No Substitutions: Live in Osaka
2008: Steve Vai et al - Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Peaches en Regalia" single
from a Zappa Plays Zappa tour
See also
List of rock instrumentals
Steve Vai songs
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External links
Steve Vai's official homepage (http://www.vai.com)
Prato, Greg. Steve Vai biography (https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p5736/biography) at AllMusic
Audio Interview with Steve Vai on Guitar Jam Daily (https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234
408/http://www.guitarjamdaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=594&Itemid
=46)
Billboard.com discography of Steve Vai (https://www.billboard.com/music/steve-vai/chart-histor
y/)
Steve Vai at GuitarvideoChannel.com (http://guitarvideochannel.com/?s=steve+vai)
(http://www.stevelukather.com/news-articles/2012/08/reggie-boyle-talking-with-steve-vai.aspx)
(http://www.stevelukather.com/news-articles/2012/08/reggie-boyle-talking-with-steve-vai.aspx)
Steve Vai Interview (https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/steve-vai) NAMM Oral History Library

(2008)
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Steve Vai: Steven Siro Vai (/va

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Steve Vai

Steven Siro Vai (/vaɪ/; born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist,

Vai has been described as a "highly individualistic player" and part of

In 1978, Vai sent both a notated transcription of Frank Zappa's "The

With David Lee Roth (1985–1989)

In May 1990, Vai released Passion and Warfare through Relativity

In December 2001, Vai recorded two performances at The Astoria in

Style and influence

Work with Frank Zappa

JEM, PIA and Universe guitars

Alien Guitar Secrets masterclasses

Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer

Carvin Legacy amplifier

His other favourite guitars include "BO",[111] a JEM77BRMR prototype,

Guitar rig and signal flow

The Ohio Express (1971–1972)

Frank Zappa (1980–1982)

Solo band (1992–94)

Sex & Religion album

Vocals: Devin Townsend

"Sex & Religion" tour

Vocals, Guitar: Devin Townsend

Guitar: Steve Vai

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

2001–02 – "The Breed"

2003–05 – "The Breed"

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

2007 – "String Theories"

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

2012 – "The Story of Light Band"

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

2015 – "Stillness in Motion: Live DVD Band" [126]

Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai

Steve Vai Interview (https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/steve-vai) NAMM Oral History Library

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steve_Vai&oldid=980205305"

This page was last edited on 25 September 2020, at 05:48 (UTC).

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