Steve Vai: Evolution of an Icon

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  • Опубликовано: 24 июн 2021
  • After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com/gearfest for incredible deals, artist appearances, workshops, and amazing performances, June 25 and 26, 2021! 👉 imp.i114863.net/Jry1Z2
    World-renowned guitarist Steve Vai shares insights on his technique, how his style has evolved over the years, his signature Ibanez guitars, the high Synergy preamp system, and much more.
    Check out more videos from GearFest Online 2021 👉 • GearFest ONLINE 2021 a...
    #Sweetwater #GearFestOnline
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Комментарии • 386

  • @lucianradusart
    @lucianradusart 2 года назад +6

    He is not a guitar player...he is an artist.

  • @ShredHeadJHJ
    @ShredHeadJHJ 3 года назад +23

    Steve Vai is a treasure to the guitar community.

    • @richiegrohs9137
      @richiegrohs9137 Год назад

      You got that right and so am I.

    • @richiegrohs9137
      @richiegrohs9137 Год назад

      He looks like HOWARD STERN HERE BUT HOWARD STERN IS KOOL ONCE HE REALIZED BIDEN SUCKS..

  • @relaxationmusicsanctuary3664
    @relaxationmusicsanctuary3664 3 года назад +62

    He’s a great: as a musician, as an artist, as a teacher. It’s always a pleasure to hear him talking and showing things

    • @vincentl.9469
      @vincentl.9469 2 года назад

      there's a touch of eastern music influence here

  • @kspocketngroove3973
    @kspocketngroove3973 3 года назад +65

    that little “nod” to EVH, was humble, respectful and pure admiration !

    • @AdamSpade
      @AdamSpade 3 года назад +2

      And real. EVH was a big deal.

    • @kspocketngroove3973
      @kspocketngroove3973 3 года назад +2

      @@AdamSpade like Steve said, “game changer”

    • @josem2558
      @josem2558 3 года назад +3

      EVH........STEVE VAI.EVOLUTION.🤘🇺🇸

    • @cindyinnew
      @cindyinnew 2 года назад

      He adores EVH

  • @JbfMusicGuitar
    @JbfMusicGuitar 3 года назад +8

    40 minutes of Vai chatting about guitar stuff??? Yes please!

  • @BeatsAndGuitars
    @BeatsAndGuitars 3 года назад +93

    The details that Steve gives us about his journey playing guitar are incredibly relatable and deeply intimate. Thank you Sweetwater for hosting...thank you Steve for being completely transparent with us.

    • @rickdeckard1075
      @rickdeckard1075 2 года назад

      my thought was "jeez gary oldman can play anyone"

  • @KauffeyBean
    @KauffeyBean 3 года назад +8

    "How can I fail if I don't give up" Thanks Steve - you have been a valuable inspiration for decades 💙

  • @DrMurdercock
    @DrMurdercock Год назад +1

    Vai's videos have been popping up all the time lately. The advice he gives, is one information that people would've sold their souls for and I'm not even joking.
    To the youngsters whom may see this....Back in the day, people would travel STATES away to try and see a player live or try to get lessons from him.
    INformation like this wasn't common knowledge yet to the average player and this kind of information wasn't just kicked around lightly. Appreciate this completely because this is priceless information.

  • @geraldt7052
    @geraldt7052 2 года назад +1

    I often wish FZ was still around shaking the earth & maybe Mr. Vai & FZ would cross paths again for one more tune that would surely shake the universe! --Thank You, Steve!

  • @BobGuido
    @BobGuido 2 года назад +1

    I never imagined as a kid that one day I would get to have a music lesson with Steve Vai, especially one on the most important aspect of being a musician - Finding Your Artistic Voice. FYAV as I like to call it. Takk-Grazie Steve!

    • @imoffendedthatyouareoffended
      @imoffendedthatyouareoffended 2 года назад +1

      We truly live in a fantastic time. Where our legends have connected with us and have tried sharing their techniques and how they attack things or new methods that simplify things.

    • @BobGuido
      @BobGuido 2 года назад +1

      @@imoffendedthatyouareoffended Indeed. I don't play anything like Steve after years of developing my own style of music but I really appreciate hearing from him and also finding out what a great person he is. You often imagine all people in Steve's position to be complete ego maniacs who believe that the entire world revolves around them. I suppose Steve's parents did something right when they raised him to be a nice person who tries to be authentic and generous. I think Steve really tried to help Yngwie Malmsteen get off his high horse but I'm not sure how well Yngwie has received Steve's gift. Steve can be quite silly and corny but he's always been that way and I appreciate his honesty. I'm sure his children adore him and that's something that is likely paramount to Steve's happiness and his continued growth as an artist. I would love to hear an album of Steve's where he only played slow. I think it would be so creative and very interesting melodically. He has an ear unlike anyone else and hears things in a unique way and I often imagine what that would be like if it were removed from the kinetic guitar maneuvering he's prone to. It seems possible that Steve could reduce his note count and be more interesting as an artist.

  • @dancame2517
    @dancame2517 9 месяцев назад +1

    The "warm up" was breathtaking! What a wonderful human being. Such an inspiration, both as a musician and a human being.

  • @steveg219
    @steveg219 3 года назад +9

    Mr Vai’s tones are even better than before, this rig sounds really smooth with great sustain

  • @tamirkeren6750
    @tamirkeren6750 3 года назад +9

    Had the pleasure to see him play live twice . He's my all time guitar hero.

    • @tylersmith4078
      @tylersmith4078 2 года назад +2

      Me too bout to see him a third time in march already got my tickets my favorite guitarist of all time hope he's coming through your area so you can see him a third time too.

  • @KRayxKodessA
    @KRayxKodessA 3 года назад +2

    There will never be another Steve Vai. I had the pleasure of hosting a meet and greet with him years back, and he's an absolute gentleman. I love how he continues to push the boundaries of what the guitar can do after so long, while still maintaining his humility.

    • @xiyx9748
      @xiyx9748 3 года назад

      Richie Allan already is

  • @COTG666
    @COTG666 Год назад +1

    I could listen to him warm up all day long. Friggin amazing.

  • @NeilTurnbull007
    @NeilTurnbull007 3 года назад +11

    Steve has been a huge inspiration to me since the mid 80`s not just for his incredible technical ability and his sheer creativity and sense of melody ,but also his wisdom and humility add another level to what can be learned from this true star.

    • @MrClassicmetal
      @MrClassicmetal 2 года назад +1

      It's quite remarkable that he's been at the forefront for so long. That's quite unique.

    • @43captrexkramer
      @43captrexkramer 2 года назад +1

      This is so true, met him once after a show backstage and he was quite reserved and humble, as nice and friendly a megastar of his stature you could meet.

  • @Mr.D34
    @Mr.D34 3 года назад +6

    Great video Sweetwater, thanks a lot! Steve Vai doesn't stop his evolution. Every album and every tour it's always fresh and new. A true artist and a genius.

  • @kevinklampe2350
    @kevinklampe2350 2 года назад

    Note precision efficiency at its finest. Every note carefully selected by this mad man I know so well.

  • @8evolutions
    @8evolutions 3 года назад +9

    Thank you, Steve, once again for the reminder of following our joy, enthusiasm and excitement to more effortlessly create/manifest our preferred reality! Always inspiring and encouraging! I know we’re reminded of these things from others, but it’s great to hear it from someone in my chosen field. Thanks, Sweetwater, for hosting this presentation!

  • @davez7616
    @davez7616 3 года назад +2

    Good grief...such greatness and humility combined! Who wouldn't want to hang with Steve for a beer or two? What a great video! And yes, I had to look up "mellifluous"... thanks Steve!

  • @scotthull6732
    @scotthull6732 3 года назад

    Thanks so much Steve for sharing this incredible journey you’ve been on! Thanks also to Sweetwater, one of my city Fort Wayne’s great places and where my son works! Thanks Chuck, Sweetwater founder!!
    One thing from this video that hit me right upside the head was when you said the following: if you never give up, how could you possibly fail? Even starting today, if you take that comment to heart, how could whatever your doing not get better?? Thank you Steve Vai

  • @TheWilliamHoganExperience
    @TheWilliamHoganExperience 3 года назад +9

    Loved the outro, and everything that came before it. What really comes through here is Stevie's sense of humanity and humility before this magnificent instrument called the guitar. Just like with love itself, no one ever truly masters it. The reward is in the journey. Thanks for the inspiration Mr. Vai.

  • @michaelscaccia1454
    @michaelscaccia1454 2 года назад +2

    What I love most about his playing is the circular vibrato. It looks and sounds so cool

  • @bradotto2251
    @bradotto2251 3 года назад +4

    Thank you, Mr. Vai!.
    Thanks, sweetwater.

  • @laufonseca4444
    @laufonseca4444 3 года назад +1

    Steve Vai is pure gold.

  • @panavisionnot7180
    @panavisionnot7180 3 года назад +1

    Steve Vai's focusing on ( music ) task is what a black hole is to a Galaxy..

  • @fabiofmetal
    @fabiofmetal 3 года назад +1

    Supreme Master OF ALL!!! Steve Vai Ladies and Gentleman!!! Art, Philosophy, Music and precision in everything that he THINKS AND DOES! Brasil Loves you Master!!!

  • @Fervillasmil
    @Fervillasmil 3 года назад

    Love you Steve! And my children (25, 9 and 7) know you now.

  • @73challenger5031
    @73challenger5031 Год назад

    I think Steve's comment about every time you pick up a guitar, it's like Christmas day, says it all!

  • @crossroads900
    @crossroads900 2 года назад +1

    The man has most definitely paid his dues to get where he is currently...and we're all benefiting 🤩 Thanks for all the great work 😊

  • @orroworld
    @orroworld 2 года назад +1

    The wisdom that shines through Steve's words is universal and can be applied onto life itself. Thank you!

  • @Tyldenfilm
    @Tyldenfilm 3 года назад +1

    Vai is such an inspiration. Been playing guitar for almost 30 years and have never been into that whole solo virtuoso thing, can't play it either, but I love listening to him talking about the guitar as a vessel for you inner self.

  • @randymartin3575
    @randymartin3575 2 года назад +1

    Thank you Steve for being so inspirational ,you hit it so dead on

  • @charlesidler4321
    @charlesidler4321 3 года назад

    Good to see you doing great again!

  • @MusicMikeRay
    @MusicMikeRay 3 года назад

    Thank you Steve Vai and Sweetwater ✌

  • @rtaylor1105
    @rtaylor1105 3 года назад +2

    thank you for a lifetime of inspiration...and sore fingers

  • @ledhendrix5054
    @ledhendrix5054 Год назад +1

    Steve is bang on right about really wanting something so bad , I wanted to play real good and spent alot of my time practicing playing listening and reading about guitar , 35 years later im still learning and progressing

  • @kendallivy8922
    @kendallivy8922 2 года назад +2

    Steve is so intense, passionate and controlled that he did this entire video with just a few edits! A guitar player’s guitar player. Loved this so much because our journey of discovery is layered with so many discoveries, milestones and experiences mixed with visions and dreams, but to us it’s all one thing and he conveys that so well. Great story. Great guitar player. One of the GOATS. Thanks Steve for being so,……You! lol ❤️

  • @mattmclean1306
    @mattmclean1306 3 года назад +1

    You sir, are in a big line of guitar demigods. You have inspired me since the first time I saw crossroads and heard flexible on a turntable. Thank you for the new grand hurdles you gave, throwing my playing to the next realm. My creativity went into overdrive after your example. Thank you for that. You are one of my top 5 zen masters & will always be. So glad you are here with us on this planet. You help make the stay here worth while. 🎸🎸🎸

  • @jamesmarciniec4787
    @jamesmarciniec4787 3 года назад +1

    Awesome, I remember first being introduced to Steve Vai in the early 80's when my friend who passed a few years ago let me borrow his Flexible Album.
    Been a fan ever since.

  • @professorkarlholmescrowthe6945
    @professorkarlholmescrowthe6945 3 года назад

    It's a wonderful feeling to have so much to learn from a true master..

  • @automan1223
    @automan1223 3 года назад +5

    Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson made the 1990's into the 2000's pure electric !! Nothing but respect for these incredible musicians !!! "Little Stevie Vai.... What a nice little boy" .....

  • @Peterplayingguitar
    @Peterplayingguitar 3 года назад

    What a great video! Thanks Steve!

  • @nicktunk6773
    @nicktunk6773 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for sharing your great great experiences Steve..
    God bless u.

  • @DadRockProject
    @DadRockProject 3 года назад +2

    You sir, are an inspiration and a legend.

  • @alejozuluaga
    @alejozuluaga Год назад

    What a sweat human being. Thanks for sharing this with the world and greetings from Colombia - South America

  • @elimakowski1469
    @elimakowski1469 3 года назад +1

    Ah Yes!!! Once again we are fortunate enough to be enlightened by an Icon! The first Icon to take my attention, and breath away, when Eat em and Smile was unleashed upon the world! Thanks again Steve for reminding me that every note means something.

  • @antoniocorsere5675
    @antoniocorsere5675 3 года назад

    Steve, you are amazing! You inspire so many players. Keep rocking. 🤘🎸🎶

  • @jeremythornton433
    @jeremythornton433 3 года назад +1

    You're also allowed to dream as an adult. I do it all the time. Thank you, Steve for all the great music! I've seen you play multiple times and always leave happy!

  • @Sean88850
    @Sean88850 3 года назад

    Hi Steve ive been playing drums since i was 15yrs only got back into playing 6 yrs ago im 56 now i saw you once in Brisbane Qld at the roxy club loved that show awesome
    your explanations and love for playing i really appreciate i love playing my drums with guys that play like you and joe i grew up listening to 80s metal and loved zappa and Hendrix so good to hear your history and approach to learning your instrument may you have many more yrs of playing shalom shalom
    From Sean warwick Qld Australia

  • @aptosdrone5273
    @aptosdrone5273 3 года назад +1

    Unbelievable intro!! Way to go Steve!

  • @truescotsman4103
    @truescotsman4103 2 года назад

    i just purchased the JEM7VP Alder body with ebony fingerboard. Thank you Steve!!!! Can't wait!!

  • @kevinklampe2350
    @kevinklampe2350 Год назад +1

    The Choice of notes that Steve Chooses, irregardless of sequence, are incredibly superp & far superior then apmost anyone. It makes me curious as to how much of an influence Zappa was & is on Steve Today. No matter how many times I hear this I never cease to be in awe. The trippy thing is, it has nothing to do with speed. It's more about choice of notes, feel, & practice. The man is amazing. Looking forward to sitting down & watching full documentary & Sweetwater!

  • @diego2246
    @diego2246 2 года назад

    Great talent and hard work. But also great luck of having an incredible teacher that oriented him in the right direction.

  • @joshuam2154
    @joshuam2154 2 года назад

    SO MUCH NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Fervillasmil
    @Fervillasmil 3 года назад

    This is so beautiful. I wish there was a pill of this content to give to my kids, not to play like Stevie, but to get THE WAY.

  • @leandrogodinho
    @leandrogodinho Год назад +1

    Steve is a real master for me !!! Simply amazing guy and musician

  • @lucasgm03
    @lucasgm03 3 года назад +1

    Steve sweet and humble dude god bless him!! keep rocking!

  • @psychofunksoldier02
    @psychofunksoldier02 2 года назад

    So glad I was inspired to play guitar as a kid thanks to Steve Vai because I appreciate him as a person as adult. Great guy and inspirational musician. :-)

  • @JDavidChilders
    @JDavidChilders 3 года назад

    So good! Thank you for sharing Mr. Vai!

  • @joellane7438
    @joellane7438 3 года назад

    Such an inspiration ♥️ Great video, thanks for sharing with us 🙏

  • @doctoribanez
    @doctoribanez 3 года назад +4

    Steve's such a great guy

  • @karl1949
    @karl1949 Год назад

    So generous thanks so very much Steve for sharing your journey, wow. Sweetwater team thank you all too eh' What a fantastic community to be a part of, all the great comments also gotta say. Good vibrations 🎼🎵🎸🎶🎙📻🔌🔊🪨🌋✴🚀

  • @RGMofED
    @RGMofED Год назад

    the coolest man alive!!!! and humble! so so awesome!

  • @tranquilitybase6417
    @tranquilitybase6417 3 года назад +3

    I'm drooling over all the Eventides. Can NEVER have enough Eventides!

  • @RollieFingers59
    @RollieFingers59 3 года назад

    Incredible insight. Thanks so much for this.

  • @danielmcguinness3497
    @danielmcguinness3497 3 года назад +1

    Thanks Steve, enjoyed your insights on tone… gave me a new perspective.

  • @billtilghman2232
    @billtilghman2232 3 года назад +2

    Thank you Steve. Too late for me but hope some youngsters will watch.

  • @jukruhar94
    @jukruhar94 3 года назад

    I remember buying a random guitar magazine back in early 2010 when I was just a teenager. The cover had Steve Vai presenting his Carvin Legacy 2 amps, and his aesthetic called my atention; he presented himself always very uniquely..... and boy, that changed my life! He has been an inspiration ever since

  • @azwris
    @azwris 2 года назад +1

    I have seen Steve in Greece once. He played 3 hours that day. Unbelievable artist.

  • @RayC234
    @RayC234 3 года назад +11

    That seals it! My new band name is gonna be "Electric Ham Sandwich"

    • @georgeohwell7428
      @georgeohwell7428 3 года назад +1

      Al Bundy needs to be on the cover of your first album.

    • @RayC234
      @RayC234 3 года назад +1

      @@georgeohwell7428 Yes indeed!

    • @dannyhood7433
      @dannyhood7433 3 года назад

      That idea reminds me of BLT jack Bruce, bill lordan, robin trower. Good idea. There's another reference too frank Zappa , when he says 'everyday is just like christmas' was something frank used too do with tape recording I forget? I think was like sampling? I could be wrong. Somewhere on RUclips Steve is at a pulpit telling Zappa stories to the audiance

  • @tommyfunk693
    @tommyfunk693 3 года назад

    VERY informative. I took notes on this. I MUST apply.

  • @patrickkane3228
    @patrickkane3228 3 года назад

    Great job as always! Good to hear about your youth. Loved your story about your first guitar. Pat K. from Matthew's!

  • @robertgmerek
    @robertgmerek 3 года назад +2

    "How can I fail if I don't give up"...it's that simple. Thanks Steve

  • @kevinklampe2350
    @kevinklampe2350 2 года назад

    When Steve goes Low it's like no other. When Steve goes high, it's unparallel!!!

  • @wiseguy9202
    @wiseguy9202 3 года назад +1

    He plays so odd yet it works on so many levels. Amazing!

  • @mikedtubey
    @mikedtubey 3 года назад

    Love it!
    Your story really resonates with me!
    Mathews Music Roosevelt Field Mail!!! I loved and frequented that store, myself, as well as Sam Ash when it was in Hempstead and Focus II Guitar Centers.
    I idolized you!
    I was lucky enough to meet You and Joe Despagni after the backstage Whitesnake, Jones Beach Boardwalk Restaurant. Thanks for talking to me at the bar. I was so in Awe!!!
    I also was lucky enough to grow up with Larry Mitchell, the same way you grew up with Joe Satriani.
    Larry Mitchell used to teach me in his apartment in Far Rockaway.
    Thanks for all you do Steve!!!
    Actually when i used to go to Focus II I remember they had to tom shultz rockman guitar rack effects. and Joe Despagni Jem Guitars. I just remember playing throught that equipt and i imagined I was you on the eat and smile tour. lLoking back, to me, the the sound was dead on for the live tour sound of eat em and smile. I remember that rack either said Vai on it or eat em and smile. Do you remember if you actually programmed the Rockman equiptment at Focus II?
    Thanks again!

  • @kevinklampe2350
    @kevinklampe2350 Год назад

    I gave up on cover tunes when my friend learned Eruption at 15 note for note. I was so frustrated but Shane being the cinsumate guitar player found a way to encourage me. I'm sure I told him that I was quitting but he always encouraged me to never give up. He said would be better at creating originals one day & he was right.

  • @spricy3374
    @spricy3374 3 года назад +2

    That was amazing! I loved guitar as a kid. When I first hear Yankee Rose, that was it. I got a guitar.

  • @perrywoods1057
    @perrywoods1057 3 года назад

    Thank You for this Insight!!!

  • @octavarium008
    @octavarium008 3 года назад +14

    It's nice to see that after all these years, he still uses the ubiquitous DS-1.

    • @voxpathfinder15r
      @voxpathfinder15r 3 года назад +1

      Why not? I own several modded DS-1s, a Japanese made one - but one I am using now is a bone stock Taiwan model. You can certainly push the tone knob into disgusting screeching territory. But if people got away from the paradigms of everything at noon or guitar volume and tone knob on 10…they might discover that the DS1 can be an awesome pedal!

  • @geraldpasion3378
    @geraldpasion3378 3 года назад

    That legendary backtrack loop. 😍

  • @nxesr
    @nxesr 3 года назад +2

    It's like he is going into the sounds of randomness and making music from this, pretty awesome 🔥

  • @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849
    @russellszabadosaka5-pindin849 3 года назад +2

    I remember buying Flexable in 1988. I was going into senior year of college and just got a job teaching piano at a recording studio with a music school. I was finally working & playing with all the monster players from my area, the ones I grew up wanting to emulate, and they all held Steve Vai up on a pedestal. That record still blows my mind, and The Attitude Song introduced me to 7/16. Those guys weren’t wrong about Steve, he is and always will be an icon.

  • @rijosigns
    @rijosigns 3 года назад

    my fave guitar players ... satch,,vai ,,, and gilbert..of that era.

  • @atomicpunk4450
    @atomicpunk4450 2 года назад

    pure creative expression never ceases to amaze me

  • @jamesfarrington9030
    @jamesfarrington9030 Год назад

    I was at Berklee when Steve was there. There was a guitar player - Lorn Leber - who blew everyone away, including Steve.

  • @markberkovics4542
    @markberkovics4542 3 года назад +2

    If Steve ever decides to become a life coach, I'll be the first to sign up :)
    This talk is so motivational, so full of wisdom and inspiration.
    Thank you so much, Steve.

    • @melodiejones7100
      @melodiejones7100 2 года назад

      Go to RUclips and check out his Under It All series. I believe there are a couple not on there but only on Patreon, but most are on YT for free.

  • @miloogorman2310
    @miloogorman2310 3 года назад

    Wonderful Steve...

  • @franckgauthier1978
    @franckgauthier1978 3 года назад

    thank you Steve

  • @murraywebster1228
    @murraywebster1228 3 года назад

    Great personality, didn’t think anything much about it before but what a straight, downright , feet on the floor guy 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @larryrock11
    @larryrock11 2 года назад

    it just doesn't get any better than steve vai!

  • @emmanuelwolf6568
    @emmanuelwolf6568 3 года назад

    Omg that tone on that new guitar is incredibly good

  • @markvalentino8422
    @markvalentino8422 Год назад

    When he mentioned Matthew Music in Roosevelt Field on Long Island, I almost jumped out of my chair!!...I worked at that store in 1986 and met Steve for the first time when he stopped by to say hi to Bob Forte' who owned the store!...

  • @MrBossei
    @MrBossei 3 года назад

    Really interesting! Thanks a lot!

  • @kitemanmusic
    @kitemanmusic 3 года назад

    Great visualisation! And dedication! Love the tapping demo @21:00! I have the CD Flexable! (Correct spelling!) And many other of Steve's recordings.

  • @michaeloberly6129
    @michaeloberly6129 3 года назад

    I'm several years younger than Steve, but grew up in the '70s/'80s like he did. I never cared for the type of guitar playing he's known for -- no offense meant, we all like different things, and he's certainly great at it. I really enjoyed this video, though. It is quite personal and honest, and endearing, even. There is a lot of wisdom in it. Really was worth the time. Rock on, Steve.

  • @aptosdrone5273
    @aptosdrone5273 3 года назад +1

    What a great story, I hung on to every word!

  • @odgeUK
    @odgeUK 3 года назад +2

    To me. Vai's tone and attack changed significantly after Fire Garden. Wish he'd spoken more about how he evolved from the Rock sound of DLR and Passion & Warfare, to today's tone which I think has elements of a modern synth sound in it.

  • @LukeA1223
    @LukeA1223 3 года назад

    I saw the video where you talked about not being able to hold onto your pick and it would fly across the room, thanks... you let me know it wasn't just myself that had this problem. It inspired me to make a pick that i could hold onto (for reasons inexplicable to me the photo won't link) consisting of a regular shaped pick, carved out some pieces of thick leather that I use for saddle making, so that it was thin enough in the center that I could feel the pick and thick enough around the edges of where my thumb and forefinger naturally rest and it keeps the pick in the general vicinity of where it's most useful. And I don't have to chase it around or grab for another pick (which is conveniently not located anywhere near where I'm playing) anymore. And it looks cool, otherworldly, even. I'm enjoying your videos.