So true. His life lessons really helped me during the time i was practicing the most - much more than any actual guitar lesson going into depth about specific very specific things. There are a lot of guitar teaching videos out there which are really helpful, and many of those have inspired me, but each one only for a little while; on the other hand, stuff like this helps you all the way through the long process that learning to play an instrument requires :]
Jonathan Cotton Same. Steve is an actual living legend. He is truly what I would call a musical genius, and also happens to be a massively inspirational person at the same time.
"The technique is just your tool. It's the letters in the alphabet to a poet. It's not the poetry". The single most important piece of advice out of this video.
Steve Vai: “Music was always natural to me, but the guitar wasn’t. I’m not a natural player. I had to work really, really, really hard….I was a very slow learner, but I loved it.” Wow! Coming from someone as accomplished as Steve Vai, this statement made me believe anything is possible, and maybe it’s not too late for this old guy to learn to play as well as the great Mr Vai! Thanks for your candor. Time to practice!
There is always some guy on youtube that will show you the “top 10 tricks that every guitar player should know” or the “top 5 easy way to fake your way in a solo” and there is Steve Vai who show you how to live and feel your music. Love the man.
Love his honesty of how he told that it never came easy and he had to work extra hard..he connects you with himself..very real very odd! In a good way! Life is a struggle...for some.
"...It never feels like work when you're following your dream. Passion eliminates time. Passion puts you into a timeless dimension of now." That's beautiful!
My teacher taught me that there are four stages of learning: 1: Unconscious incompetence. You don't know what you're getting into. You don't know how to play and don't have a clue how much there is to learn. 2: Conscious incompetence. You have become aware of how much you don't know yet. 3: Conscious competence. You have learned something but you have to think about it. It's not effortless. You have to work at it. 4: Unconscious competence. It's become automatic. You don't have to think about it. You just do it. It's now a native language for you. Just as you don't have to think about how to move your lips and tongue to speak the words in your head, you don't have to think about the mechanics of playing.
He is asking us to become ourselves not copycats. Isn't that correct? And also he asked us to laugh at mistakes and correct them while enjoying, living for each moment. He is correct, isn't he?
Steve I understand. I just turned 61. I know deep down inside of me there’s something there. I’m going to have to put in the hours. But it’s something that I’ve always wanted to find out. Thank you for your explanation. I guess you’re never too old to keep learning. I’ve put it off for so long.
Thank you for your comment!! I`ve been on a hiatus with my guitar for 5 years. I`m 54, soon to be 55, and thought maybe my time has past. After reading so many inspirational comments, including your own, plus what Steve had to say, has given me new hope. I just need to find that final push to get me to pick up my guitar again, which seems so difficult for some reason. I`ve played for so many years, and loved it.
This is a great speech, at 52 I was wondering if I was a failier, but now I realise MY way of playing is ok. I've done the 2 hours plus per day from age of 10 to 21, but I hadn't felt satisfied. Now I realise I was trying to copy everybody and lost MY OWN VOICE. Thank you Steve your an inspirational individual. Damm wish you were my next door neighbour. Keep it up.
I'm 54. Played drums,guitar,bass in bands. I get more joy from sitting and playing an acoustic in my garage. Always something new to find on the instrument.
Man can I relate to what you just said. I felt like I needed to learn hand tapping, shredding, and could never get a grasp on it. I`m a blues player. After watching this video, it really made me think, as well as your comment. Instead of trying to be like everyone else, I should understand what my niche for guitar playing is. Being me, and playing the blues.
Your youtube channel doesn't have even one Guitar video. You are not good enough. But that is only from the point of view as a guitar magazine's critic, but as a man as a man, you're too good to put your guitar playing on line because you have not pursued that.
Wow... this hits home so hard. I'm self taught for 11 years now. Been playing consistently half my life. I never get tired of it. It is my love and passion. I can't wait till I get my technique up because the songs I make now are so beautiful. But no matter what, no matter how good you are. You can still get better. I will be playing guitar till the day I die and one day everyone's going to hear me play. I was told to give up and focus on school because of how smart I am but I'm miserable at work, at school. I'm home when I have my guitar. No matter where I am. Thomas Silva. Remember my name.
I am not even that much of a guitarist (vocal is my main instrument), yet I learn so much from this video. Steve Vai is truly an inspiration, not just as a virtuoso musician but as a human being as well.
Listening to Mr Steve Vai talking is as motivating and inspiring as hearing him play. I ALWAYS enjoy listening him talking. One of the greatest guitarists/musicians/human beings ever set foot on this planet. So much legacy for us the next generations.
Wow bro, you are an excelent guitarist too, I really like your covers, specially the sea of lies and altitudes ones and yeah Steve Vai is a great teacher!
he is like some ancient guitar sage, the content of his wisdom may not sound odd at first, but keeps secrets of greatness. His honesty is beautiful and very wise
I've never been a big fan of Vai's music-it just isn't to my personal tastes. But he is without a doubt dropping some huge wisdom bombs here that anyone can take to heart, fan or not.
agreed, his music is cold and never seems to really have any kind of emotional effect on me. always loved joe satriani. not of this earth has some cool songs. but vai always felt too studied to me. amazing musician, just never feel his playing
I'm a huge fan of his music but I can totally see someone not feeling it. Any musician can learn from his musical philosophies though, and apply them to what moves YOU.
I felt the same way for many years. And the same about hearing him divulge this insight - I think I was being close minded while trying to deviate from popular culture and he was in the crosshairs of Guitar culture for that (I ended up leaning toward Sonic Youth, but maintained my love of R Fripp & A Belew)
Kung Fu translation is Hard Work & Practice. So absolutely yes! Bruce Lee's discipline and dedication made him to be an amazing Martial Artist and Actor.
Put in the hard yards, reaped the benefits, been there, seen that, transcended it and morphed it all into wisdom. What a great Dude :-) Thanks +Steve Vai !
I'm a pretty serious guitarist but ever really progressed past just being quick. I've heard of Steve my whole life but never cared to check him out. When I hit the brick wall of not getting further and just being stuck I looked for some inspiration and thought fuck it I'll check him out. I've never heard someone speak so much truth about guitar before. I am truly inspired. It's been a year since I discovered him and Christ my entire life has changed. What I listen to. What I play and how I feel now I can play it. All thanks to him. And a bit me. But mainly him. Thanks for that Steve.
Good input. I burned a lot of hours concentrating on speed; the faster the better was my mantra. Then somewhere along my path I realized that it's not always the notes I play but the ones I don't that have the most impact. Rock on. MK
His talking is remarkable. No script, no cuts and editing, yet almost printable sentences with substantial content. Due to the force of Vai's charisma you simply got to keep listening.
yea, its pretty cool of him to do these videos. Im not a particularly huge Vai fan, but who wouldnt want to listen to what the grandmaster has to say ?
One of the most beautiful lessons I've heard... This... this actually gives a soul some light... you know... some hope. I've been playing guitar for over 40 years... and... I'm still trying to find myself... finding me... Thanks Steve Vai... your words are truly wonderful.
This ain't a guitar lesson. It is a LIFE lesson. I got so much more from this video than I expected to. I've got a whole new level of appreciation for Steve Vai.
Wow!! This guy is a born educator. I've spent 40 years trying to be "other players" - Jimmy Page, Yngvie, Steve Vai himself - and although bits of their playing have become bits of my playing I've come to realise that I don't want - or need - to BECOME these people. It's wonderful to admire these amazing players - but walk away and do something different! Steve's comments on technique and passion are absolutely spot-on, and delivered with real humility. He's not saying that he's a god, he's saying that we are ALL gods, we just need to pick up the instrument and find it. Thanks, Steve!!
Never really ‘got’ Vai’s music when I was younger. Yes, I appreciated his awesome skills, but it never hit me. However, a few years ago it got me BIG TIME. I just wasn’t ready for it!!! That’s what I think he’s talking about here; you get out what you put in!!! Cheers Steve!!!
Steve, you're absolutely right. It's only when the technique is no longer an issue and everything just flows that it becomes music. You're absolutely wonderful.
Less than a minute in and he's already dropped a massive pearl of wisdom. I love how Steve really thinks everything through and covers all the bases.. Really a very fantastic lesson here applicable to all guitarists.
Almost 12 minutes of video of world class songwriter and guitarist Steve Vai and not a single note on the guitar is played. AWESOME!! Steve is such a guitar guru and can inspire you to play just by giving you his insights on music and the instrument. Some guys like Paul Gilbert are incredible teachers and can break down scales and songs that make it seem achievable. I love that as well. But Steve can teach you just as much about playing without even striking a single note. That is awesome!
This short talk by Steve is so important, and he said it very well. There is a great book called “Peak” by Anders Ericsson that is a fascinating research study of how the top people in any field got there, and it focuses on deliberate practice. It makes several of the points Steve mentions here.
Not only is he one of the best guitar players, he's also one of the most humble. This was better than a actual " guitar " lesson. It's a great way to approach anything in life, including playing guitar.
As a musician I was so fortunate that my mother always imprinted this same advice on me growing up. She was always telling me that it's about the soul and the fire, to play from the heart, to bring the audience to tears. She never really cared much to mention technique because it wasn't important to her. All she ever wanted was for me to be able to truly express how I felt with my playing. I think it's an incredibly important lesson that Steve is imparting here. Really gets to the core of musicianship among other things.
I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, but I did not find a good teacher ... so far. This is the right way for someone to learn and love the guitar and to devote to it with love. This is more than love. This is life. Thanks Steve, you're the best
People like Vai don't become Presidents because they are too evolved to want to hold such an absurd position. They aren't interested in lording over people, to a great extent they have transcended their need for power. They work on bringing beauty to the world. They know the system would never allow their ideas to be implemented on a mass scale so they work to create from a deeper space within themselves using their art as a medium. Every once in a while a Lennon comes along and uses notoriety to try to better an aspect of humanity's madness - stop the war - for instance. Alice Tully, the great philanthropist , world socialite said that politics is a refuge for third rate minds. Yes, even though they go to the elite schools and have advanced intellects ,they really don't get it at deeper levels - you have been watching the campaign right? In the end we get the President we deserve ; a reflection of the consciousness of the people. It's sad how closed minded and vision challenged our leaders are; then again, we wait around for them to tell us what to do. Do we have a vision for ourselves, our family and friends, our nation , our world, that would be acceptable to Buddha, Jesus, Krsna, Moses, Gandhi etc. Or, are we so locked in our beliefs and fears that create mental confinement . "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery" , said Bob Marley,another guy who didn't run for president. Steve , Lennon and Marley would make great presidents for people that didn't need presidents because they had a beautiful vision for their lives and the world.
cara sou do Brasil. entendo pouco do inglês as presto uma atenção kkk. Tenho formação violão clássico e agora estou estudando guitarra solo. Parabéns pelo trabalho.
I saw him live in 1993. I "discovered" him when he was still playing with Zappa so seeing him live was a wow experience. I've followed him and his evolution and still look to him for inspiration.
So weird to have listened to Passion and Warfare as a teen in the early 90's and think of Steve as some esoteric alien guitar guru and see him in 2019 and just think "he seems like such a good guy"
Playing guitar all my life and I'm 46, Steve is telling the most honest and real lesson ever, he couldn't be more right, like Steve or not, hats off on him ! THANK YOU STEVE
To go deeper is to take the technique and use it to create the passionate sound your mind conjures up while playing the instrument. He is talking about inspired creativity. For example, the two hand tapping technique inspired Eddie Van Halen to create the "Eruption". This is why I love Steve Vai. Don't just learn the technique. Deploy it creatively. Technique is a tool. A means to an end.
There is always hope to everyone just avoid falling into a trap of becoming someone other. Yes, learn from all players and bands but design your style which suits you. Good wishes from India!
The very depth is then the magical moment where you play something, free, spontaneously created, it runs on its own, it comes out of you and then you feel that and you follow your fingers, EVERYWHERE are where you want ...Thank You so much for this video, Steve!!
its amazing that people like vai, eric johnson, wyngie, michealagelo batio are still teaching guitar today. its a slowely dying art. its sad, but the people who appreciate these guys are my friends. i love these artists and love how they keep at it :)
Mr. Vai, I am so glad and grateful that you’re doing this. I have the utmost respect for you as a guitar player and an artist. I admire your bravery and passion toward music, these Alien Guitar Secrets are awesome, thank you!
I wish I had a master like you 25 years ago when I discovered a passion for electric guitar and all the amazing things this instrument can do. The only instrument where truly I identify myself and express. Your words gave me commotion for how deep is your musical knowledge.
Interesting but that's not what his guitar teacher said. Satch said he was so quick and so gifted that he would teach Vai things he had only learnt himself weeks earlier. It's on Joe's video the satch tapes.
Every word in this video could be (and is) my own. From not being natural (that’s so refreshing to hear), learning how to learn, that slow burning passion that grows, taking so much joy in the tiniest gain, studying technique & theory purely in the interest of gaining the tools to express my ‘voice’ the way I want to. And he’s right, when you love something this much it’s never work, 8-12hrs a day I practice hard (not just guitar though although I could!) but it’s never work. So inspiring & so true.
This is the third video I have seen of Steve Vai this evening, and he hasn't played a note, despite having a guitar in his hands. Conversely, a lot of the other guitar gear video's I see are of guitarists spending excessive amounts of time indulging themselves in fast aimless riffs and solos, that have me trying to fast forward to the next speaking portion. Steve Vai's music is not a genre I particularly like musically, but I can appreciate his musical genius never-the-less, and I could listen to what he has to say all day long, so much of it rings true.
This isn't a guitar lesson, this a life lesson right here.
why not both?
True bro wolf
same same
Im glad
So true. His life lessons really helped me during the time i was practicing the most - much more than any actual guitar lesson going into depth about specific very specific things. There are a lot of guitar teaching videos out there which are really helpful, and many of those have inspired me, but each one only for a little while; on the other hand, stuff like this helps you all the way through the long process that learning to play an instrument requires :]
“Passion puts you into a timeless dimension of now”
Man.
*puff* yeah bro
I'm in peace now, all I need is to focus on what's important, search the information and practice, and I don't mean only to play the guitar
Timeless and now doesn’t work.
Beyond , pivot point now and beyond the dimension of time !
@Bjorn Ironsides holy words, bro.
I’ve never heard a negative word come out of this guy’s mouth. I love him.
Jonathan Cotton Same. Steve is an actual living legend. He is truly what I would call a musical genius, and also happens to be a massively inspirational person at the same time.
He lives and breathes music and he wants others to feel the same. He said once that if you feel the music in your heart then you are a musician.
You haven’t watched his interviews
The way he defined his exhaustion on the first Frank Zappa tour was priceless: 'by the time I turned to texas i was yellow' :D
😚💓
"The technique is just your tool. It's the letters in the alphabet to a poet. It's not the poetry". The single most important piece of advice out of this video.
Steve Vai: “Music was always natural to me, but the guitar wasn’t. I’m not a natural player. I had to work really, really, really hard….I was a very slow learner, but I loved it.”
Wow! Coming from someone as accomplished as Steve Vai, this statement made me believe anything is possible, and maybe it’s not too late for this old guy to learn to play as well as the great Mr Vai! Thanks for your candor. Time to practice!
really
@@johnjewell6113 That was very snide, but not unexpected. After all you are a guitar player.
There is always some guy on youtube that will show you the “top 10 tricks that every guitar player should know” or the “top 5 easy way to fake your way in a solo” and there is Steve Vai who show you how to live and feel your music. Love the man.
Love his honesty of how he told that it never came easy and he had to work extra hard..he connects you with himself..very real very odd! In a good way!
Life is a struggle...for some.
"...It never feels like work when you're following your dream. Passion eliminates time. Passion puts you into a timeless dimension of now." That's beautiful!
music comes from feelings
profound!
My teacher taught me that there are four stages of learning: 1: Unconscious incompetence. You don't know what you're getting into. You don't know how to play and don't have a clue how much there is to learn. 2: Conscious incompetence. You have become aware of how much you don't know yet. 3: Conscious competence. You have learned something but you have to think about it. It's not effortless. You have to work at it. 4: Unconscious competence. It's become automatic. You don't have to think about it. You just do it. It's now a native language for you. Just as you don't have to think about how to move your lips and tongue to speak the words in your head, you don't have to think about the mechanics of playing.
BEST GUITAR/MUSIC LESSON ON THE INTERNET AND NOT A SINGLE NOTE WAS PLAYED
mmowoa
Agreed
mmowoa 4.15 several notes played
He is asking us to become ourselves not copycats. Isn't that correct? And also he asked us to laugh at mistakes and correct them while enjoying, living for each moment. He is correct, isn't he?
At 4:03 "Passion eliminates time"
One of the most succinct truisms I've ever heard in my life.
"Passion eliminates time" Yes!
I could easily spend the same amount of time listen to this man playing as I could listen to this man talking!! Amazing human this guy is!
he is talking more like a psychologist than a guitarist
it's just good to hear him talking so humbly and genuinely
he wouldn't like it, if he became a president, he couldn't play guitar as much
right
Ikram Maududi he’s very careful to not come across as an ego case, that’s for sure.
I couldn’t agree more.
excellent observation/comment, can`t refrain.. :)
Steve I understand. I just turned 61. I know deep down inside of me there’s something there. I’m going to have to put in the hours. But it’s something that I’ve always wanted to find out. Thank you for your explanation. I guess you’re never too old to keep learning. I’ve put it off for so long.
Thank you for your comment!! I`ve been on a hiatus with my guitar for 5 years. I`m 54, soon to be 55, and thought maybe my time has past. After reading so many inspirational comments, including your own, plus what Steve had to say, has given me new hope. I just need to find that final push to get me to pick up my guitar again, which seems so difficult for some reason. I`ve played for so many years, and loved it.
This is a great speech, at 52 I was wondering if I was a failier, but now I realise MY way of playing is ok. I've done the 2 hours plus per day from age of 10 to 21, but I hadn't felt satisfied. Now I realise I was trying to copy everybody and lost MY OWN VOICE. Thank you Steve your an inspirational individual. Damm wish you were my next door neighbour.
Keep it up.
Anthony Price you can copy no one like they can’t copy you brother 😉 no two leaves alike 😉
I'm 54. Played drums,guitar,bass in bands. I get more joy from sitting and playing an acoustic in my garage. Always something new to find on the instrument.
Man can I relate to what you just said. I felt like I needed to learn hand tapping, shredding, and could never get a grasp on it. I`m a blues player. After watching this video, it really made me think, as well as your comment. Instead of trying to be like everyone else, I should understand what my niche for guitar playing is. Being me, and playing the blues.
Your youtube channel doesn't have even one Guitar video. You are not good enough. But that is only from the point of view as a guitar magazine's critic, but as a man as a man, you're too good to put your guitar playing on line because you have not pursued that.
"I can't play like X" is the reason my guitar stayed in the closet for almost 15 years.
Wow... this hits home so hard. I'm self taught for 11 years now. Been playing consistently half my life. I never get tired of it. It is my love and passion. I can't wait till I get my technique up because the songs I make now are so beautiful. But no matter what, no matter how good you are. You can still get better. I will be playing guitar till the day I die and one day everyone's going to hear me play. I was told to give up and focus on school because of how smart I am but I'm miserable at work, at school. I'm home when I have my guitar. No matter where I am. Thomas Silva. Remember my name.
wow...what an intelligent and insightful person.
sooo true....and yet so humble
Todd Lavigne he really is. His google hangouts are great too
I am not even that much of a guitarist (vocal is my main instrument), yet I learn so much from this video. Steve Vai is truly an inspiration, not just as a virtuoso musician but as a human being as well.
Listening to Mr Steve Vai talking is as motivating and inspiring as hearing him play. I ALWAYS enjoy listening him talking.
One of the greatest guitarists/musicians/human beings ever set foot on this planet. So much legacy for us the next generations.
Wow bro, you are an excelent guitarist too, I really like your covers, specially the sea of lies and altitudes ones and yeah Steve Vai is a great teacher!
The Wolverine app
Gus, you are a great Guitarist. keep it up.
i agree man, so many song will come with him inspiration i think
So well said Mr Gus Drax, we think the same you're also awesome to think that way :) So cool Mr Vai shares his unreal talent.
I am humbled by how eloquently this man delivers his lessons! A wake-up call to educators everywhere...
he is like some ancient guitar sage, the content of his wisdom may not sound odd at first, but keeps secrets of greatness. His honesty is beautiful and very wise
Thanks! 4:00---"Passion eliminates time." Man is that true! Get lost in your joy of learning and a 10 hour session goes like 5 minutes...
I've never been a big fan of Vai's music-it just isn't to my personal tastes. But he is without a doubt dropping some huge wisdom bombs here that anyone can take to heart, fan or not.
Mark Lambert If there's something you should hear, that would be Whispering a Prayer and For the Love of God.
Sp Wr or bad horsie
agreed, his music is cold and never seems to really have any kind of emotional effect on me. always loved joe satriani. not of this earth has some cool songs. but vai always felt too studied to me. amazing musician, just never feel his playing
I'm a huge fan of his music but I can totally see someone not feeling it. Any musician can learn from his musical philosophies though, and apply them to what moves YOU.
I felt the same way for many years. And the same about hearing him divulge this insight - I think I was being close minded while trying to deviate from popular culture and he was in the crosshairs of Guitar culture for that (I ended up leaning toward Sonic Youth, but maintained my love of R Fripp & A Belew)
The way he talks about guitar playing sounds like the way Bruce Lee talks about martial art.
Cobra Vai
he does and that's best way
Kung Fu translation is Hard Work & Practice. So absolutely yes! Bruce Lee's discipline and dedication made him to be an amazing Martial Artist and Actor.
Be water my friend.
Bruce Lee never fought, Steve Vai actually plays guitar.
I love Steve not only for his guitar skills but also for the way he talks, he's such a gentle soul... Hugs Steve.
Agree with you..👍👍👍
Fora de Cena i want steve to whisper dirty things about passion into my ear at night
I know you do, Trixx, i know you do...
a gentle shredder
How all legends become humble when they got older, look at this legend how modest he is, that is because he is great, if that makes sense.
Put in the hard yards, reaped the benefits, been there, seen that, transcended it and morphed it all into wisdom. What a great Dude :-) Thanks +Steve Vai !
He realizes how much he doesn’t know.
@@dustinslease8307 Agree
I'm a pretty serious guitarist but ever really progressed past just being quick. I've heard of Steve my whole life but never cared to check him out.
When I hit the brick wall of not getting further and just being stuck I looked for some inspiration and thought fuck it I'll check him out.
I've never heard someone speak so much truth about guitar before. I am truly inspired.
It's been a year since I discovered him and Christ my entire life has changed.
What I listen to. What I play and how I feel now I can play it. All thanks to him.
And a bit me. But mainly him.
Thanks for that Steve.
I thought you discovered him and Christ.
..so your life changed because of Christ =)
Sorry.
Good input. I burned a lot of hours concentrating on speed; the faster the better was my mantra. Then somewhere along my path I realized that it's not always the notes I play but the ones I don't that have the most impact.
Rock on.
MK
David Jackson I bet you're super serious...like really.
Thats awesome
His talking is remarkable. No script, no cuts and editing, yet almost printable sentences with substantial content. Due to the force of Vai's charisma you simply got to keep listening.
He did not play a single note but it taugth me a lot nevertheless. Great lesson
This was more of a life lesson than a guitar lesson, which would benefit even non-guitar players.
I love the way he explains things, it's way deeper than playing music, but also down to earth relatable, and sincerely inspiring.
Steve Vai, is just amazing. I love watching these videos. It's such a pleasure to hear his insight, on the instrument.
yea, its pretty cool of him to do these videos. Im not a particularly huge Vai fan, but who wouldnt want to listen to what the grandmaster has to say ?
+TrancoTechnizer well said
+TrancoTechnizer it is a pleasure listen to him how to explain what he loves to do
Oscar González Muñoz and its very helpful too for those who want to learn to play the guitar
+TrancoTechnizer I agree!
"Professor Steve Vai giving a valuable lesson."
The guy is hot shot rockstar yet his demeanor is so sophisticated, gentle, and humble.
It seems to be common at the very top - I think it's a function of how serious and disciplined they have been to reach those heights.
i cant find tabs on his speech on your website :(
LOLLL how did no one upvote this comment....
Darude - Sandstorm
I love to improvise on Darude LOL! :)
is this porn?
..Yes.
One of the most beautiful lessons I've heard... This... this actually gives a soul some light... you know... some hope. I've been playing guitar for over 40 years... and... I'm still trying to find myself... finding me... Thanks Steve Vai... your words are truly wonderful.
When Steve Vai talks, I listen.
take it easy Hulk
I think everyone who has a brain must do it
this is not a guitar lesson, this is a lesson of universal wisdom
What a humble down to earth guy. I'm not even super into his style but he's incredibly good and so worldly. Lots to learn from.
Humble genius....
He was a slow learner....and became a rock guitar legend. 🙏🎸❤❤❤
After watching this I feel like I love this man. What a great guy!!!!! I'm really moved, you don't see people speaking like this very often.
This ain't a guitar lesson. It is a LIFE lesson. I got so much more from this video than I expected to. I've got a whole new level of appreciation for Steve Vai.
I think this can be applied to so many things in life, wise words
Wow!! This guy is a born educator. I've spent 40 years trying to be "other players" - Jimmy Page, Yngvie, Steve Vai himself - and although bits of their playing have become bits of my playing I've come to realise that I don't want - or need - to BECOME these people. It's wonderful to admire these amazing players - but walk away and do something different!
Steve's comments on technique and passion are absolutely spot-on, and delivered with real humility. He's not saying that he's a god, he's saying that we are ALL gods, we just need to pick up the instrument and find it.
Thanks, Steve!!
The voice of knowledge and inspiration a living leyend of Rock and Roll, God bless you Mr Steve Vai you rule man!
I came here to hear him playing guitar and finally It was so inspiring ! It is what I needed!
Never really ‘got’ Vai’s music when I was younger. Yes, I appreciated his awesome skills, but it never hit me. However, a few years ago it got me BIG TIME. I just wasn’t ready for it!!! That’s what I think he’s talking about here; you get out what you put in!!! Cheers Steve!!!
Steve, you're absolutely right. It's only when the technique is no longer an issue and everything just flows that it becomes music. You're absolutely wonderful.
I love how Steve gets behind what is happening. Very calming, I find . Thanks Steve, for your wisdom. ✌️
Less than a minute in and he's already dropped a massive pearl of wisdom. I love how Steve really thinks everything through and covers all the bases.. Really a very fantastic lesson here applicable to all guitarists.
This really hit me hard. Such a beautiful way of saying this. So easy to relate. Excellently chosen words.
Wooow Steve. You just teach one of the greatest lessons in music without playing a single note. My total respect
Almost 12 minutes of video of world class songwriter and guitarist Steve Vai and not a single note on the guitar is played. AWESOME!! Steve is such a guitar guru and can inspire you to play just by giving you his insights on music and the instrument. Some guys like Paul Gilbert are incredible teachers and can break down scales and songs that make it seem achievable. I love that as well. But Steve can teach you just as much about playing without even striking a single note. That is awesome!
Thanks for the inspiration. I'm 28 and just picked up a guitar, your line " Rejoice in every accomplishment", has brought me joys even in my failures.
Is it dumb that listening to him speak literally brings tears into my eyes?
Probably he is the biggest virtuoso alive and he teaches the basic techniques for beginners... What a modesty... A true artist
This short talk by Steve is so important, and he said it very well. There is a great book called “Peak” by Anders Ericsson that is a fascinating research study of how the top people in any field got there, and it focuses on deliberate practice. It makes several of the points Steve mentions here.
Vai is not just a player, or a teacher, he is a mentor to those with a passion for music. That makes him one of my favorites.
Steve Vai for President
Not only is he one of the best guitar players, he's also one of the most humble. This was better than a actual " guitar " lesson. It's a great way to approach anything in life, including playing guitar.
I could listen to Vai explaining stuff literally for weeks on end.
As a musician I was so fortunate that my mother always imprinted this same advice on me growing up. She was always telling me that it's about the soul and the fire, to play from the heart, to bring the audience to tears. She never really cared much to mention technique because it wasn't important to her. All she ever wanted was for me to be able to truly express how I felt with my playing. I think it's an incredibly important lesson that Steve is imparting here. Really gets to the core of musicianship among other things.
I freaking love this guy. He was and still is one of my biggest inspiration!
I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, but I did not find a good teacher ... so far. This is the right way for someone to learn and love the guitar and to devote to it with love. This is more than love. This is life. Thanks Steve, you're the best
"Passion eliminates Time. Passion puts you in a timeless dimension of now." - Steve Vai
That and Ten thousand hours!
Das war das beste Gitarrenvideo, das ich gesehen habe. Unkonventionell, verständnisvoll und Mut machend. Danke Steve.
Wise words.
People like Vai don't become Presidents because they are too evolved to want to hold such an absurd position. They aren't interested in lording over people, to a great extent they have transcended their need for power. They work on bringing beauty to the world. They know the system would never allow their ideas to be implemented on a mass scale so they work to create from a deeper space within themselves using their art as a medium. Every once in a while a Lennon comes along and uses notoriety to try to better an aspect of humanity's madness - stop the war - for instance. Alice Tully, the great philanthropist , world socialite said that politics is a refuge for third rate minds. Yes, even though they go to the elite schools and have advanced intellects ,they really don't get it at deeper levels - you have been watching the campaign right? In the end we get the President we deserve ; a reflection of the consciousness of the people. It's sad how closed minded and vision challenged our leaders are; then again, we wait around for them to tell us what to do. Do we have a vision for ourselves, our family and friends, our nation , our world, that would be acceptable to Buddha, Jesus, Krsna, Moses, Gandhi etc. Or, are we so locked in our beliefs and fears that create mental confinement . "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery" , said Bob Marley,another guy who didn't run for president. Steve , Lennon and Marley would make great presidents for people that didn't need presidents because they had a beautiful vision for their lives and the world.
cara sou do Brasil. entendo pouco do inglês as presto uma atenção kkk.
Tenho formação violão clássico e agora estou estudando guitarra solo.
Parabéns pelo trabalho.
that was amazing man
Indeed... In other words.... The more you do something....
I saw him live in 1993. I "discovered" him when he was still playing with Zappa so seeing him live was a wow experience. I've followed him and his evolution and still look to him for inspiration.
So weird to have listened to Passion and Warfare as a teen in the early 90's and think of Steve as some esoteric alien guitar guru and see him in 2019 and just think "he seems like such a good guy"
Always remember - even the greatest of the great are still just people... never be discouraged by the distance to reach your own dreams. Do the Work.
Playing guitar all my life and I'm 46, Steve is telling the most honest and real lesson ever, he couldn't be more right, like Steve or not, hats off on him ! THANK YOU STEVE
To go deeper is to take the technique and use it to create the passionate sound your mind conjures up while playing the instrument. He is talking about inspired creativity. For example, the two hand tapping technique inspired Eddie Van Halen to create the "Eruption". This is why I love Steve Vai. Don't just learn the technique. Deploy it creatively. Technique is a tool. A means to an end.
"Passion eliminates time" what a great man.ty for existing.
he is spreading wisdom he is throwing it at us
Didn't expect to hear business advises from a guitarist but it sounds so right. He just answered questions about my life.
So inspiring Steve.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
I feel like there's hope for me. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
There’s not
There is always hope to everyone just avoid falling into a trap of becoming someone other. Yes, learn from all players and bands but design your style which suits you. Good wishes from India!
Yep..makes sense what he saying...having the right attitude and being in the right state of mind
There's hope for me too, Ilia. Lots of us female guitarists out there, believe me!! Steve Vai is right on the money about this stuff.
Steve I love your soul and how you continually inspire us players.
“Passion eliminates time”, wow.
"Preparing your vessel" -- Amazed by this amazing expression.
"the intoxication of the fragrance.." I love that!
The very depth is then the magical moment where you play something, free, spontaneously created, it runs on its own, it comes out of you and then you feel that and you follow your fingers, EVERYWHERE are where you want ...Thank You so much for this video, Steve!!
Thank you for this lesson on life..not just guitar..
image of purerity
love you Steve! your truly an inspiration to me. Thank you so much for sharing your music/life experience
This is so true, Steve’s words here is as brilliant as his playing, his example of the poet and the words is passion itself!! Thank you Steve!!!
what a great man...
"Passion eliminates time". Words of wisdom, thanks Steve !
Came for a guitar lesson, left with a new psychologist. Great therapy here.
I think I just had one of the greatest life lessons, by chance. His definition of passion is what I always have been looking for.
Anyone still find this inspiring in 2018? I know I do!
This is amazing AF. This is is something that everyone (non-guitar players included) need to hear.
its amazing that people like vai, eric johnson, wyngie, michealagelo batio are still teaching guitar today. its a slowely dying art. its sad, but the people who appreciate these guys are my friends. i love these artists and love how they keep at it :)
Yes👌
Yup!
Yes !!!
Mr. Vai, I am so glad and grateful that you’re doing this. I have the utmost respect for you as a guitar player and an artist. I admire your bravery and passion toward music, these Alien Guitar Secrets are awesome, thank you!
Great insight from a true master.
yea but why ruin his music career by making him President...vote Trump
+ruthietreselan WTF Trump?? are you racist?
After Obama's bullshit.....A hell of a lot of people are a tad bit "racist".......
I wish I had a master like you 25 years ago when I discovered a passion for electric guitar and all the amazing things this instrument can do. The only instrument where truly I identify myself and express. Your words gave me commotion for how deep is your musical knowledge.
The "Tender Surrender" move @11:16.
Faraz Abbas 😂😂😂😂
I was so confused and I just started cracking up
Steve dropped some big real truths about how to live life. Great video
Some of the best advice I have heard for players
Priceless.His analogy to smelling a rose (passion) and letters not being poetry although necessary is spot on
i love this guy
I could listen to Vai all day long... He is so humble and seems a very genuine person.
"I was a very slow learner but I loved it"
Interesting but that's not what his guitar teacher said. Satch said he was so quick and so gifted that he would teach Vai things he had only learnt himself weeks earlier.
It's on Joe's video the satch tapes.
Every word in this video could be (and is) my own. From not being natural (that’s so refreshing to hear), learning how to learn, that slow burning passion that grows, taking so much joy in the tiniest gain, studying technique & theory purely in the interest of gaining the tools to express my ‘voice’ the way I want to. And he’s right, when you love something this much it’s never work, 8-12hrs a day I practice hard (not just guitar though although I could!) but it’s never work. So inspiring & so true.
I’m pleasantly surprised at the wisdom he’s expressing here.
Pay attention!
This video brought tears to my eyes. How insightful, what a legend
he's right.. Thanks again and again and again Papa Steve:)
This is the third video I have seen of Steve Vai this evening, and he hasn't played a note, despite having a guitar in his hands. Conversely, a lot of the other guitar gear video's I see are of guitarists spending excessive amounts of time indulging themselves in fast aimless riffs and solos, that have me trying to fast forward to the next speaking portion.
Steve Vai's music is not a genre I particularly like musically, but I can appreciate his musical genius never-the-less, and I could listen to what he has to say all day long, so much of it rings true.